Food Farms & Chefs Radio Show

In episode 232 of Food, Farms, & Chefs Radio Show you'll hear:

0:20~Chef-Owner Adam Diltz is not a stranger when it comes to hard work, and is leading the way as he brings back some of the delectable meals made popular via the Pennsylvania Dutch.  His Fishtown-based restaurant, Elwood offers a tasting experience that few Chefs provide: On his menu, you can enjoy items like his Gobbler's Ridge Farm Rabbit, Pork Tenderloin, and Sturgeon served family-style with seasonal accompaniments.  Or you can enjoy an evening out when he offers a tasting event in collaboration with an author or fellow chef.  No matter when you go, you'll feel sated with not only his plated cuisines--you'll feel filled with an exquisite encounter like no other.

16:18~Our next guest, Matthew Hendricks, takes gaming to another level. When you visit Thirsty Dice in the Fairmont region of Philadelphia, or Twenty One Pips in Ardmore, PA, you'll enter into a space that is geared to having fun!  If you're curious as to what we are speaking of, we're referring to Hendricks' 800+ board games that you can play when you visit either of his locations, and at Twenty One Pips you can play Skee Ball and other throw-back arcade games--all while indulging your palates with foods and beverages to help keep the fun going!

36:00~Then Co-Owner Vince D'Amico of Off the Rail in Media, PA joined us to discuss how he and his fellow co-owners, Tara Duke and Ron Kennedy began the venture, taking over the space which was previously known as Jocelyn's.  An opportunity to take over ownership presented itself, and Duke, Kennedy, and D'Amico seized the chance.  After an unfortunate launch date due to the pandemic, the trio utilized the shut-down to renovate the space.  Now, the area's only roof-top deck provides endless entertainment and opportunities to watch the big game, movies, and more on an enormous projection wall.  If that weren't already enough to draw you in, then perhaps their participation during the summer-long Dining Under the Stars, Karaoke, or Open Mic nights are more your vibe.  Whatever you decide, you'll surely have a great time with good food, great drinks, and endless entertainment!

This week's Food Farms & Chefs show is shore to be fun as we take you to some of the best beachy spots in NJ!

We first introduced you to the owner of Vagabond, Elvis Cadavid.  Elvis and his business partner took over the local restaurant in 2013, after hurricane Sandy hit the NJ shore.  After years of experience in the hospitality business, both Cadavid and Tom Harris rebuilt and renovated Vagabond, turning it into a spot that everyone wanted to hang out at--including Food Network's Guy Fieri.  Years later and having weathered numerous storms and an epidemic, they are still going strong and offering a delicious array of menu and cocktail options.

Speaking of options, we next spoke with Donna & Kevin McCarthy who own and operate Hannah G's in Ventnor, NJ.  This breakfast and lunch spot has been around since 2001, offering hearty meals including a large selection of vegan, gluten-free, and organic choices.  Hannah-G's serves up their delightful breakfasts and lunches all year round, and when you visit, you'll feel like part of the family.

In our last few moments of this week's show, we wanted to show our gratitude to the individuals who have valiantly served our country.  In honor of their memory, co-host Gene Blum spoke about the history of Memorial Day.  After discussing the history of Memorial Day, Co-Hosts Gene Blum and Amaris Pollock discussed what they bring to the table for Memorial Day celebrations.

0:26~Our first guest, Chef-Owner Dominic Piperno, began his culinary journey as a youth.  Guided at a young age by his Grandparents who immigrated to the USA from Germany & Italy, Chef Piperno gained a lifetime of knowledge on how to cook with zero food-waste, using the freshest ingredients, and balancing his passion as a chef with personal time.  With those seeds planted, it is no wonder that he circled back to those habits ingrained in him from his upbringing.  This is why he chose to switch from an a la carte menu at Hearthside in Collingswood to the more efficient tasting menu.  You can visit Hearthside to experience an elevated menu, curated with the best ingredients that Chef Piperno obtained, for an exquisite dinner for two via making a reservation.

17:16~Commercial Break

17:40~We next spoke with Joey Ward, whose passion to bring fine dining to Georgia stems from years of experience beginning as a young man.  At 16 years old, he began his career while working at a local country club.  After earning an AA Degree at the Culinary Institute of America in 2005, he continued his education while working as the Sous Chef at Woodfire Grill in Atlanta under Season 6's Top Chef's Kevin Gillespie, and later as Gillespie's Executive Chef inside Gunshow.  Armed with the knowledge, skills, and sophistication to create a successful Chef's Tasting experience, Ward opened the joint ventures, Southern Belle and Georgia Boy.

37:35~Commercial Break

37:49~To say that our last guest, Chef Steve Chu, is humble, warm-hearted, and hard-working would be an understatement: His desire to ensure you enjoy the foods he creates seemed to outweigh any proclivity to brag about himself or the impressive achievements he has founded. In fact, his energy is practically palpable; Chu's passion for food and ensuring you have a positive experience was at the forefront of what he expressed.  I only hope that you can visit one of his locations and taste for yourselves the passion he expresses through his culinary creations.  

Guests:
 

Monica Mannion, Carlos Raba, and Jesus Reyes

Synopsis:

We're celebrating a lot during this week's Food, Farms, and Chefs Radio Show, including the history behind Cinco de Mayo.  We began this week's show with Personal Chef, Monica Mannion, then Carlos Raba who is the Chef and Owner of Clavel Mezcaleria in MD, and we ended our show with Jesus Reyes who owns Luna y Sol in NJ.

One resounding (and very meaningful) fact regarding each guest is their closeness to family.  More specifically: They discussed how they learned from, and were inspired by, their family.  Throughout the years, those same close-knit relationships blossomed into co-founding business ventures; traveling the globe; learning new cuisines and culinary techniques, and creating meals together in family-owned restaurants.  

This week, we celebrate not only their individual achievements, we're celebrating their heritage, accomplishments, and continuing endeavors as a whole.

We began our show with the booming restaurant chain, Kura Sushi with their Philadelphia store's Manager, Taylor Hopkins. Hopkins joined Kura Sushi when she wanted to transition from Sushi Chef to FOH (Front Of House) responsibilities, and found her perfect opportunity when Kura Sushi opened in Philadelphia's University City. The fast-paced environment was a challenge at first, but Hopkins soon learned the pace and moved up in her position there. But we're here for the love of food, so we further discussed how this energetic environment, coupled with tech-forward ordering systems, offers its rotating conveyor of plated sushi favorites right to your table! And there's even a sweet reward when you dine-in: For every 15 plates, you receive a reward (like stickers, a lanyard, etc.).

We next spoke with owners Jessica and Justin Minchak, whose love of cooking led them to meet and eventually open Two Birds Cafe. Although Jessica's love for learning began in Anthropology and Writing, she was drawn to the art of cooking. Which is how they met--inside the kitchen while working for a local restaurant. Jessica's desire to continue learning drove her to attend the Academy of Culinary Arts, which is also where Justin graduated from, and the pair later opened Two Birds Cafe in West Chester, PA. Now, they have a strong focus of creating foods they love with locally-sourced ingredients, creating meals that are deliciously comforting to eat!

Jessica's Cafe also offers comforting foods to eat, lending itself to authentic European cuisines. Ermelin "Armen" Saqe, who was born in Albania, emigrated to the US with his family. After many years, and numerous visits with his grandmother, he learned the arduous (yet loving) task of creating everything they consumed from scratch. This process instilled the importance of using fresh, quality ingredients in every dish that he creates. Although he uses as many locally-sourced ingredients as he can, some items (like 00 flour and San Marzano Tomatoes from Italy) need to be imported to obtain the highest quality products for his guests to enjoy. Don't believe our word for it, check it out for yourselves--and while you're at it, be sure to check out his reviews on Yelp; Jessica's Cafe ranked in 2023's Top 100 Restaurants!

We began by speaking with Jonathan Anolik, who co-owns Four Humours Distilling with his father in Philadelphia's Fishtown neighborhood.  After searching for the perfect location, the father and son team opened Four Humours Distilling in the midst of the pandemic, and under the litany of rules and regulations of PA.  Also of note: All good things take time--especially when it comes to a good whiskey.  So, while their own branded labels continue to mature, visitors will be delighted to encounter other philly-born libations along with Four Humours' three-year aged Bourbon. Although Jonathan suggests your tasting includes a 'neat' pour, there are a plethora of cocktails to choose from, as well as lite bites to compliment your tasting.

Speaking of tasting experiences, our next guest jumped from the corporate world to owning and operating Modern Classical Chefs, an in-home dining experience that will elevate your next gathering.  Dan Ninerell, who was inspired to start his company during the pandemic, increased his knowledge of cooking via watching culinary shows and through other independent research.  With Modern Classical Chefs, Ninerell curates menu options based on your dining preferences via an initial consultation. Then, Dan and his team get to work.  They do all the shopping; cooking; plating and cleaning up, allowing you to enjoy your party without the hassles of hosting.

Lastly, our very own co-host, Gene Blum, let us know the exciting news happening at Tranquility Brewing Company inside The Fuge!  This Bucks County, PA business has a deep history in our country--they trained astronauts in the world's largest (and most powerful) centrifuge ever built! That's right, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked these very same halls, experiencing simulated gravitational forces during flight inside The Fuge. Today, you can walk in the footsteps echoed by America's legends when you visit Tranquility Brewing.  They offer a variety of beers on tap, cocktails curated from PA Distillers, and  a food menu the whole family can enjoy!  And if you are looking to host an event, feel free to book The Fuge for a unique experience that will leave a lasting impression for your guests!

Guests:

Kevin Meeker, Bill Elmer, Mike Dalewitz, Jesse Bongiovi

Synopsis:

This week we're focused on all the greatest hits--meaning some amazing restaurateurs who have adapted their venues (and menus) to come up with delightful dining options that everyone can enjoy!  And we love to wet your appetite, so we're plating up those heavenly dishes with a rosé that everyone's raving over!

We first spoke with Keg & Kitchen's Chef Bill Elmer and Owner, Kevin Meeker.  Although the two have known one another for years, this is the first time Elmer has worked for Meeker. These two friends have years of experience and familiarity with one another, which lends itself to scrumptious results that patrons of Keg & Kitchen can enjoy.  Chef Elmer, who is familiar with Owner Meeker's famed Philadelphia Fish Company, designed specials based on the former PFC's menu. Those specials are currently available throughout Lent, Easter, and some will be integrated into their Spring & Summer seasonal menu too.  Look for those specials, along with daily Happy Hour options (including General Manager Matthew Marks inventive cocktails and mocktails), and other exciting events happening at Keg & Kitchen!

Afterwards, we had an in-depth discussion with Attorney turned Restaurateur, Mike Dalewitz.  Dalewitz, who is the Founder of 618 Hospitality Group and Co-Owner of The Borscht Belt, joined us on Food, Farms, & Chefs to chew over how his career path ventured into the hospitality business.  The highly driven, and self-motivated entrepreneur had a knack to fish out a niche; one of which led him to meet Co-Owner and Chef, Nick Liberato.  And a love of all things delicatessen bloomed, opening The Borscht Belt in Stockton, NJ.  Due to certain circumstances the former location of the Borscht Belt needed to be closed, but the pair are excited to announce the launch of The Borscht Belt in Newtown, PA this coming April, and The Borscht Belt Museum will be launching this month in Ellenville, NY along with hosting the first Borscht Belt Fest this summer!

Lastly, we hear from Jesse Bongiovi--yes, that name should sound familiar--who invited all of us to spring into rosé season with his latest vintage of Hampton Water.  Creative minds must think alike, seeing as Co-Owners Jesse, his father Jon Bon Jovi, and long-time friend Ali Thomas joined forces to create a Rosé with Vintner Gerard Bertrand.  Their 'pink juice' was inspired after years of traveling with Jesse's father and indulging in Rosé, oftentimes during visits to the Hampton's.  And this is not some insipid label being brandished by someone famous; the Rosé has been awarded 90-Points for every vintage produced since its inception.  Hampton Water Rosé is a blend of 60% Grenache; 15% Cinsault; 15% Mourvèdre and 10% Syrah which is then fermented inside French Oak barrels--it tastes wonderful on your palate, or feel free to create cocktail using Hampton Water Rosé as your base.