Food Farms & Chefs Radio Show

Food Farms & Chefs Radio Show

By Amaris PollockHealth & FitnessNutritionArtsFood
Download on the App Store

Food Farms & Chefs Radio Show episodes

  • James Beard Award winning Restaurant, then Top Chef Competitor Jen Carroll's Executive Chef joins us to talk about Spice Finch and Center City District's Restaurant Week

    We began our episode by serving up the freshest meals in Camden County as we spoke with the co-owner and Chef of Corinne's Place.  Originally born from a small catering business, the Founder Corinne Bradley-Powers grew her business into a beloved neighborhood spot; offering scratch-made foods that visitors from all over would travel to enjoy. Eventually word spread and her meals became so enticing that even celebrities and food critics became repeat customers.  Mrs. Bradley-Powers eventually sold her business to Trevor Vaughan & his partner, Craig Sawyer, but not without Corinne's blessing; Corinne's new role within her famed restaurant is being the new owner's consultant.  After ownership of the restaurant changed hands in 2019, Corinne's Place was nominated (and won) the James Beard Foundation's "America's Classics" Award, which is given to establishments that have remained open for at least 10 years, and reflect the character of its community.  We touch on all of this and more, so stay tuned to hear about Corinne's Place's mouth-watering foods made with a whole lot of heart.


     

    Speaking of heart, we take you into the heart of Philadelphia's dining scene as we speak with Michelle Shannon who is the Vice President of Market and Communications for Center City District's Restaurant Week.  Michelle and Gene had an enlightening discussion regarding the origins of Restaurant Week and the role it plays within the community.  The two-week long event not only highlights some of the most prestigious restaurants within center city, it benefits all of you by providing the opportunity to taste the flavors of Philadelphia's vibrant dining scene at a set price.  If you are looking to experience a restaurant that you've not heard of before, or perhaps one that is on your date-night bucket list, Center City Districts Restaurant Week is the perfect time to get a taste of what you're craving!


     

    Now if what you're craving is a delicious Mediterranean meal, then our next guest will surely tempt your taste buds!  Spice Finch's Executive Chef, Michael Brenfleck, joined us to discuss the delectable options for their Center City Restaurant Week Menu!  As we discussed a variety of Spice Finch's menu, both our co-hosts salivated over the luscious descriptions of every item.  And what better way to enjoy a richly devised meal than to pair it with the perfect wines? This is why Chef Brenfleck sat with Spice Finch's Beverage Manager to pick just the right wine to pair with the first two courses.  Now that is something I would like lingering on my palate--and you can too, so long as you stay tuned in for the entire episode of Food, Farms, & Chefs!

    1 hr 3 min
  • New Years Resolutions, Dry January, Zero-Proof Vegan Bar, Kombucha, & Two New Restaurants

    To start, we're celebrating two new concepts from FCM Hospitality that just opened in Philadelphia!  Neina Langford, FCM Hospitality's Director of Special Events, joined us to chat about the delicious new breakfast & lunch offerings from Rosy's Cafe--and to help celebrate it, she delivered some of the tantalizing menu items to the studio!  So not only did we chat about how delightful the food is, we can attest to it from first-hand experience!  From flavorful bites of tortas, to tacos--this new spot is sure to please your palate!  Then, we danced our way into the night with NoChe!  NoChe, which is also part of the FCM Hospitality's ever-expanding and trend-setting concepts, offers elevated bites and cocktails that will tantalize all your senses.  If you're looking to impress, then tune in to find out just how impressive these two new spots are!


     

    Then, we had the pleasure to introduce Olga Sorzano, the amazing entrepreneur behind Baba's Brew aka Baba's Bucha--a kombucha with so much heart behind it, that I'm sure you will fall in love with her family's kombucha just as we have.  Olga joined us to let us know the story behind her booming Kombucha brand, all of the health benefits, and to answer a question that so many have asked; what is Kombucha?  On top of all the health and wellness benefits derived from drinking this time-tested beverage, it is a great alternative if you're looking to make a delicious mock-tail!  So if your new year's resolutions included commiting to a healthier diet, be sure to stay tuned to hear from Olga, and to find out how you can learn to make Kombucha too!


     

    Lastly we heard from Robert Ashford who owns a number of businesses with his wife, Arielle.  Robert joined us to discuss 'Dry January, and how Volstead by Unity, Philadelphia's first zero-proof bar, is here to serve you the best alcohol-free time you will ever have.  Located in the trendy neighborhood of Manyunk, this very popular bar also happens to offer a menu that is entirely vegan.  Yes, you heard that correctly; a zero-proof bar that is also vegan AND it just so happens that we're having them on during January!  This is a discussion you don't want to miss!  Not only do we tackle the questions of what zero-proof libations are, we discussed the delicious assortment of menu options; cocktails; wines; and how this amazing duo created businesses that give back to the community.  


     

    1 hr
  • NFL/CFL Football Player, New York-Based Fan Favorite, The Truffleist, and Journalist/Director of Operations for Event Security
    We are still out having some fun, so for your listening enjoyment we're re-playing one of your fan favorites of Food, Farms, & Chefs!
    On the episode, which originally aired in 2021, had Jimmy Kunz whose undeniably tasty products from The Truffleist will tempt any foodies taste buds. Then, for our sports fans who also happen to be foodies, we had NFL/CFL player Justin Renfrow on to talk about the amazing things he does to help out feeding those in need. And for our final segment we also had the multi-talented Mark Cassasanto on. Mark, who is the Director Of Operations at Imperial Events Security and a featured columnist at "Philadelphia Row Home Magazine," has worked in the food and hospitality industry for years, and brings his delightful demeanor (and wealth of experience) with him everywhere he goes!
    56 min
  • Heirloom in Doylestown and New York Cafe fan favorite episode

    We appreciate all of our Food, Farms, & Chefs Family for supporting and listening throughout the years, and as we take a break to celebrate the Holiday Season with our families we wanted to share one of your favorite episodes with all of you again.  So please enjoy our wonderful guests, and if you can find time to visit them--I'm sure that they would love to see you just as much as we do!

    On that note, for your listening pleasure:

    We're starting our show with Chef Tim Pervizi and owner of Heirloom in Doylestown, PA!  Chef Tim Pervizi considers that all knowledge and talents are an Heirloom that is passed on from mentors and colleagues, and in that spirit he has become proficient in his own culinary talents under some highly acclaimed Chefs, including David Pasternack, a James Beard Award Winning Chef,  and Food and Wine's Best New Chefs, Missy Robbins and even attaining his skills by acknowledging the differences in how every kitchen is run.  He will take us on a wonderful look into his own culinary background, and lead us to his present day experiences, including how he is currently running Heirloom to be "In the Now."

    Later, we hear from the husband team and owners of Kelly's Bakery, Chef Kevin Halim and Darrin Oakley, who also joined us in-studio with their barista aficionado, Joanna.  You will get to hear how Kevin Halim found his own path in life by becoming a Chef, and how he used his talents during the pandemic to hone in on his bread-making skills.  You'll also learn how this amazing duo founded their successful business through a brilliant idea that Darrin came up with, leading to the now popular bakery in Poughkeepsie, NY.

    56 min
  • Sweet Treats, Croissants, & Crab Cakes
    This week's episode of Food Farms & Chefs radio show is happy to welcome our friend, and celebrity chef, Georgeann Leaming back to discuss all her numerous endeavors, including the newly established pop-up concept; Zang Croissants. These buttery, flakey, and Super-sized pastries caught our attention, as I'm sure they will catch yours too! She's also joining us to chat about her role as one of MAPP's Ambassadors; MAPP stands for: Mentor, Advocacy, Purpose, Power of women. And how her involvement within the supportive community of MAPP coincides with other groups that she is involved with. All of whom offer equal support and comradery for women within the culinary and hospitality industry.
    We'll then take you into the hustle and bustle of becoming a chef when we took a behind the scenes look at Chef Barry Galasso as he taught his students (and our co-host Amaris Pollock) how to prepare a crab cake from scratch. Yes, you'll even get the recipe that Chef Galasso used to create this foodie-favorite dish, right down to his plating suggestions! We'll then take a seat to speak with Chef Barry one-on-one to hear how he began his career and what led him to inspire future generations of chefs at Camden County Technical High School in Sicklerville, NJ.
    56 min
  • Wine and Spirits and holiday foodie cheer with cooking classes and healthy meals
    This week's Food, Farms, & Chefs show has ALL the spirits!
    We're bringing you a lot of holiday cheer from stateside to across the globe! As we begin, we spoke with our favorite libations expert, Frank Pagliaro. Not only did he offer recommendations of the best wines and spirits that are trending this season, he also delivered on a holiday treat! If you stop into Frank's Wines in Wilmington, DE you'll have the chance to win big! If you're wondering the "how's and what's" just stay tuned in on this week's episode to find out!
    Then we take another trip around the globe to celebrate the holiday season with both co-hosts Gene Blum and Amaris Pollock as they take turns describing some of the fun and interesting traditions and places where cheer across the United States as well as some traditions across the globe! We're talking about food traditions, fun places that you can visit for amazing holiday experiences, and events and locations that you might not know about.
    We rounded out our show with two amazing individuals who shared their culinary endeavors as well as offered samples from the dishes they created during the Taste of Philadelphia event.
    We first heard from Passanantes Home Food Services' Krystan Hale as she joined us to describe her delectable Pork Carnitas. The Carnitas, which our co-host Amaris Pollock loved to savor, were definitely something to brag about! And Krystan wasn't shy when it came to describing what made their food taste as amazing as it did: they use small-batch organic ingredients as well as proteins that come from non-antibiotic, hormone-free, free-range farms.
    We then heard from one of the Queens of this years Taste of Philadelphia, Keisha Prosser. Keisha began her career as a Pastry Chef, however in 2004 she noticed a decline of families who cooked at home. Seeing the problem and a perfect solution, Keisha decided the best way to remedy the situation was by teaching individuals how to cook and now offers classes through her business, Mobile Cooking Teacher. She joined us to describe how she began, what types of classes she offers, and how you can join her to learn how to make delicious meals at home!
    57 min
  • Netflix & Chopped star, Mind-blowing Bloody Marys, and Christmas Traditions
    On this week's episode of Food, Farms, & Chefs we're mixing it up with a celebrity chef, a cocktail guru, and ending the show by celebrating Christmas around the globe!
    We begin this week with celebrity chef, and friend of Food, Farms, & Chefs Radio Show, Chef Clara Park. Clara joined us to chat about her latest television appearance on Netflix's new series, SNACK vs CHEF! But before we dive into the details related to that, Gene Blum and Clara dug a little deeper into Chef Park's background and how what inspired her to follow the path to her culinary career. We also touched base on some of her other exciting foodie adventures, and how she is inspiring and teaching future generations to enjoy, be informed, and fully immerse themselves within the plethora of culinary cuisines!
    After delving into the prestigious world of highly acclaimed chefs, we'll journey over to one of America's favorite brunch-time cocktails--Bloody Mary's and the pre-made K Bloody Mary Mix. Believe us when we say that Khia Nelson, owner and creator of K Bloody Mary Mix, has turned non-bloody mary drinkers into lovers of the cherished cocktail! With her introduction to all of you--our Food, Farms, & Chefs family of fans--we believe that you will find her K Bloody Mary's create a full-bodied beverage experience that can cross boundaries; you can enjoy her mix as a virgin, adding alcohol, or get creative and use it to cook with! The world is your oyster, and K Bloody Mary Mix is the life of the party!
    And speaking of the world, we're rounding out this week with another wonderful segment from Chef Gene Blum as he discusses Christmas (foodie) traditions from various areas around the globe. One fun fact that you'll learn about is why that fruit cake is such a popular item, and how it lasts so long, or what goes into making a traditional plum pudding. Or the surprising fact regarding which USA fast-casual chain store is so in-demand that you have to make reservations months in advance. So stay tuned until the end to find all of that out, and more, on this week's Food, Farms, & Chefs Radio Show!
    57 min
  • Feast of the Seven Fishes, a Boutique Food-forward Market, and a deep discussion of Beer and Tranquility Brewing
    Rocco Gallelli who is a friend of the show, culinary genius, and Chef/Owner of Innovative Catering Concepts opened our latest show with a discussion of one of the most celebrated culinary traditions: the Feast of the Seven Fishes. Chef Gallelli joined our co-host Gene Blum to chat about the significance behind the celebratory meal, what would be eaten in the past and why, as well as where the Feast of the Seven Fishes originated. I'm sure that the discussion will pique your interest, not only with the history behind the Feast, but after hearing all the delicious foods that are eaten during the meal--you'll begin to get hungry for more.
    Which is why we also introduced Chef Joe Muldoon to all of our Food, Farms, & Chefs family. Chef Muldoon joined us from inside his boutique foodie haven, Haddon Culinary. The food-driven market offers a variety of prepared foods as well as numerous products that are locally and globally sourced, bringing you the best foods and culinary delights from all over the world. And rest assured, the boutique store has two locations that offer creative meals made from scratch--with no corners cut when the two chefs/owners designed their menus. I know I'll definitely be in line to pick up one of their devilishly tasty pies, sandwiches, or Revolution Coffee Roasters-based beverages.
    And speaking of beverages, we wanted you to be in-the-know with exactly what distinguishes the taste of those ice-cold beers we all love so much. So our very own culinary historian, and soon to be brew-master set aside some time to break down the various make-up of every beer-base. That's right--we're talking about beer basics 101. So if you've ever considered yourself a craft beer aficionado or wanted to get into home brewing, Chef Blum is breaking it all down for you and then inviting you to join him at Tranquility Brewing Company. Which if you listen till the very end--you'll learn about every last drop that they're brewing up at the FUGE's Tranquility Brewing!
    So we hope to see you tune in and indulge in some of the best foodie news (and wish list) around!
    56 min
  • Special Thanksgiving Episode, Food Network & White House Celebrity Chef, and a local Philly Chef too!
    We begin our show with our very own Culinary Historian, Gene Blum, as he informs us of the surprising history behind how Thanksgiving began, what was offered at the table when it first began, and how gradually it became the traditional gathering that we now know. Some of the history may even shock you (especially if you're a food lover). Like how an elevated menu item that we pay extra for at restaurants today originally was considered to be undesirable. And then he goes on to describe how beer played a large role in the celebrations of thanksgiving.
    We then move onto a fun interview with Chef Sophia Morris, who gave us an insiders look into what it is like behind the scenes inside a professional kitchen, and all the passion that goes into working within the culinary community. Chef Morris then goes into some of the delightful menu items that she has created to entice you to visit Cake & Joe in Philadelphia, including some of her own favorites off the menu.
    Lastly, we'll hear from our new Food, Farms, & Chefs friend, Chef Frank Benowitz as he and Amaris sat down to talk frankly about the food community, his own passion within the culinary world, and a little bit about what he is looking forward to throughout these coming holiday celebrations, as well as touching base on what he created during the Taste of Lancaster on and off stage.
    59 min
  • Below Deck star Chef Ben Robinson along with Bar Rescue's Brian Duffy and other celebrated Chefs from Taste of Lancaster

    Stay tuned to hear from Bravo TV's Below Deck star, Chef Ben Robinson while he sat down to discuss what it's like to create a multitude of culinary works of art on a yacht, where to find the best markets while in-port across the globe, and even what his favorite cuisine to create is.  Then we spoke with friend of the show, Chef Brian Duffy as he dishes out what some of his favorite finds were during the Taste of Lancaster this year, what he has been up to lately, and what he was dishing up during his demo!

     

    After a short break we'll also hear from Chef Edward Covino and how his scratch-made soups and stews are not only packed with an abundance of nutritious food, the meals are an ideal way to feed your hunger without worrying about all the prep work.  We'll dig into how his pre-portioned and packaged meals are also perfect to bring out some of your own creativity in the kitchen too.  And afterwards we will speak with Chef Barry Sexton as he represented all of NJ, PA, and beyond while he created his flavorful mushroom-based quesadillas and risotto for everyone to enjoy.  And keep your ears peeled for where to find him next with the holiday season fast approaching.

     

    Lastly, we'll hear from the hottest sauces to hit the market with Bev Jenkins with her company Hot Wings on the Run.  She created a plethora of saucy ways to spice up your next tailgate or football party by adding her hot wing sauces to whatever you choose.  And for those of you who LOVE the heat--she even gifted us with her ghost-pepper based one, BJ's XXXtreme Spicy Sauce.  And speaking of spicy, we'll round out our episode with the very cordial owner of Frisco's Chicken, Mr. Francisco Gomez.  He joined co-host Amaris Pollock and guest host Chef Barbie Marshall to discuss Frisco's Chicken's authentic latin-based menu options as well as how he brought the heart of the cuisine to the Lancaster area.

    56 min

About Food Farms & Chefs Radio Show

From the publisher's feed

Food Farms & Chefs is a dynamic show, offering you entertaining insights into the culinary world with our host Amaris Pollock.