Food Farms & Chefs Radio Show

Food Farms & Chefs Radio Show

By Amaris PollockHealth & FitnessNutritionArtsFood
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Food Farms & Chefs Radio Show episodes

  • Pizza, Dad's Deli, and a SURPRISE guest!
    We're taking you on a journey to discover some delicious foodie spots in what is now called University City, but has been a long-standing foundation in West Philadelphia. Rich in its own historical significance in the region, Clarkville has become a wonderful local spot to grab some comfort food, local beers, and hang out for a while. We spoke with Clarkville's owner and Chef, Brendan Hartranft, to find out how he began his path to ownership as well as some of the daily 'insiders' experiences along the way. Of course we love hearing about what everyone is preparing inside their kitchens. So naturally, we discussed his menu and beverage offerings to tempt you to try them too!
    We also spoke with Chef Matthew Fein, whose career began at an early age, and became official while studying at The Cambridge School of Culinary Arts. While there, Fein's self-driven nature and budding talents landed his first experience of running his own kitchen. After graduating, Matthew worked inside several prestigious kitchens and for well-known Chefs. After earning his mark on the culinary scenes in Philadelphia--Chef Fein was looking closer to home for a change of pace. Opportunity presented itself, and Matthew found himself transitioning into owning the beloved Dad's Deli & Catering in South Jersey.
    We rounded out this week's Food, Farms, & Chefs episode by bringing back Elijah Milligan for a quick interlude during the Taste of Philadelphia event. We were very excited to meet Chef Miligan in person, as well as tasting what he was making for the event, and also finding out what he's been up to since we last spoke with Elijah.
    And finally we wanted to extend our sincerest thanks to all the Veterans and their families, and our gratitude for their service, which keeps all of us safe. And we hope that our Food, Farms, & Chefs family will do their part by casting your vote this Tuesday, November 8th.
    57 min
  • Giving Thanks to Veterans, Veteran's Day Parade, and Celebrity Chefs
    We begin this week's episode by giving thanks to the Veterans who have served our country as All About Events' Bree Tomar discusses the details of the parade, along with some of the delightful stores (and foodie spots) within the Reading Terminal Market.
    Then we hear from several of the amazing Chefs who participated at Taste of Philadelphia! We'll hear interviews from Chefs Frank Benowitz and Guy Mitchell who have offered their culinary skills within several terms at the White House and who can also be seen on The Food Network. Then we had a lot of fun speaking with Hell's Kitchen Chefs Barret Beyer and Christine Hazel who were offering cooking demonstrations and tastings during the Taste of Philadelphia-- and we cannot wait to share their stories with all of you!
    57 min
  • LIVE at ACHIEVEability

    Live at Achieveability's 40th Anniversary, Food, Farms, & Chefs was on-site to chat with the individuals who made the event and has made the past 40 years possible.

    We spoke with Executive Director Jamila Harris-Morrison for a short introduction to the event before she needed to head off to be a gracious host.  And as the evening went on, Food, Farms, & Chefs co-host Amaris Pollock interviewed many of the individuals who work tirelessly to help raise Philadelphia up and become successful--bringing the residents and business owners above the poverty dividing line.  

    The night was full of food, beverages, and honorees who have worked closely as a sponsor, contributor, and member of Achieveability making a positive impact on the region, and we were honored to have the opportunity to introduce some of these heroes of the community to our own family of fans.

    And for anyone wanting to know who we spoke with, as an easy reference:

    • Jamila Harris-Morrison
    • Aliyah Stangir/Brenda Rios
    • Briana Cianci
    • Jes Lawson
    • Steven C Sansone (audio balance needed too for when he speaks)
    • David Simms ((audio balance for when I speak)
    • Mary Walker
    • Sidiqq Moore
    • Eddie Keels (Philly Current Publisher) and Gina Gannon (6ABC Action News) who were the emcee's of the evening.
    57 min
  • Celebrity-Filled Food and Beverage Events

    We first take a deeper dive into the Taste of Philadelphia and Taste of Lancaster's lineup of celebrity Chefs and Guests.  Not only will we discuss the Gogi Wines Movie Star proprietor, we'll give you a sample of some of the television show celebrity chefs as well as Chefs who have played integral parts both on AND off the field--that's right, there are names dropped that are tethered to champions of the NFL.  And speaking of champions--Taste Philadelphia and Taste Lancaster worked closely with Vet Tix to help provide the greatest people of all time, aka all of our Vets who protected our freedoms--a chance to experience these amazing events too!  And now so can you--by grabbing your tickets as a BOGO by using the code "SOCIAL"


     

    We then hear from another kind of hero, The founder of The Trauma Survivors Foundation and The Hospital Heroes Food Drive, as he joins us to invite all of you, our Food Farms & Chefs family, to attend his 10th annual Black Tie and Sneakers Gala, being held for the first-time ever in Philadelphia!  And also new to this event--you can come all dolled up and bring your best mask!  This will be a Masquerade party the likes of which Philadelphia has never seen before!  And for that matter, are you unable to attend but would LOVE to indulge in all the delicious foods & beverages that the James Beard Award-Winning and Nominated Chefs are preparing for you?  Rest assured this is the first time you can purchase tickets to attend the cocktail reception, or get more bang for your buck and attend the Black Tie and Sneakers Masquerade Gala and the cocktail reception under one ticket price.  It's your choice, but just remember to wear your best blinged-out comfy kicks!


     

    Lastly, we had a fun discussion with our friend, Chef Timothy Witcher and how his saucy, tender, and juicy wings have become so in-demand that he's brought them to the stadiums for all the sports fans to enjoy.  If that's not enough, just think how his delicious wings are bringing all the luck to every one of the Philly sports teams!  So, not only are his menu items Amaris' favorite, they've become the team's favorites too!  Now, be a good fan and find out why The Wing Kitchen wings are bringing all the wins and taste the lucky cluckers for yourself!  

    59 min
  • Events, Celebrities, and Tastings
    This week's Food, Farms, and Chefs will bring you all the upcoming events happening in Philadelphia and beyond! You can look forward to meeting the individuals who help support others, or join us at one (or more!) of the events where you can meet celebrity chefs while sampling some of the finest wines, whiskeys, and foods around!
    If you want to find out more--be sure to tune in to the full episode and find out what events are happening, when they're occurring, and some of the local and global celebrities you might run into!
    57 min
  • Beers, Burgers for a Cause, and News/Announcements
    This week's Food, Farms, & Chefs Radio Show is starting out with a few announcements from our very own Gene Blum and Amaris Pollock.  With a somber note extending our well wishes to those affected by Hurricane Ian, as well as a few changes that have been happening within our small group of food-loving co-hosts, and an exciting announcement that we want to share with all of you--so you can join in on the fun!
    We then take a look at a new start up in Philadelphia, from Dave McMullin, Jr. or better known as Dave Mack.  Dave is joining us to talk about what's brewing over in West Philadelphia, and all the intricacies that go into making a craft beer.  His passion for beer began in 2014 as a home brewer, and through learning and experimentation with ingredients Dave's home brewing efforts evolved into a business called Mack Brewing Co. And rest assured, we'll keep you updated with Dave Mack's journey as he continues from startup to owning a brick-and-mortar location as soon as he finds a home to brew in!
    And we round out the show with two amazing businesses in New Jersey that are in a friendly competition which will last through the end of October, and all proceeds will benefit their respective Parks & Rec centers in their local neighborhood.  Chef and Owner Dane DeMarco of Burgertime in Audubon, NJ, and Chef and Owner Marcello De Feo of The Fare Porter have created a competition that you can literally take a bite out of!  With two creative burgers to up to the plate, only you can taste (and decide for yourselves) which you prefer--or perhaps both burgers suit your taste buds?  You won't know until you try them out, and you can find out what's heating up the competition in their kitchens by tuning in to the end of the show!
    56 min
  • Diners, Brunch, & Cakes
    On this week's Food Farms & Chefs Radio Show we took a pit stop at some of our favorite diners across the US, including the state with the most diners and the oldest running diner in the US.  After that, we visited a chic restaurant that offers elevated takes on food that you find comfort in before moving onto our final guest, who was a piece of cake to speak with--especially when every meal is best served with dessert!
    We began our show by discussing the history behind America's iconic diners, and then forked up some of our favorite spots!  Of course some of these beloved diners are located in close proximity to PA and South Jersey, but when you love to eat, you love to travel too!  So be sure to tune in to hear some of the lovely memories that Gene Blum and Amaris Pollock have from years of their own foodie adventures! 
    And what better way to celebrate something new than giving back to others in need?  Which is exactly what Chef Derek Davis of Libertine in Philadelphia is doing with the launch of their new brunch options!  During the remainder of September and throughout September, they'll be serving up delicious Bailys, Bagels, and Benedicts with a side of donations to a local LGBTQ+ organization in the neighborhood.  You can hear all about it when you tune into this week's episode, and be sure to stay till the end to hear how Chef Davis makes the scrumptious burgers that a well-known food critic and columnist loves!
    Lastly, we want you to have your cake and eat it too.  Which is why we brought attorney and entrepreneur, Cassandra Burnett, on the show to discuss Lizzie's Love Cakes!  Born from the love of her mother (and recipes passed down from generation to generation), Cassandra conceptualized an idea of baking cakes that her family grew up enjoying and turned it into Lizzie's Love Cakes! in 2020.  Since then Cassandra has found her sweet ending with the success and growth of her business venture, and is now branching out by offering classes at Old City Kitchen.
    56 min
  • Flavorful Food Trucks and a Spell-Binding Brewery
    We opened the hood on Food Farms & Chefs by introducing all of you to Dan Hernandez, who owns and operates the Spirit of San Juan food truck. Hernandez' latin-based food truck offers a variety of Puerto Rican cuisine, including empanadas, alcapurrias, and his famous (and very popular) Pernil Asado.  We first met him at an event, and it was love at first bite!  So of course we had to have him on so that all of our fans could fall in love with the Spirit of San Juan too!  
    We then hit the road and visited the hugely successful Mama's Meatballs, which is owned by Joe & Katherine Argento.  The couple, who had previously owned a restaurant in Lebanon, PA, were looking for a new location with room to grow.  They found that opportunity in Pennsauken, NJ when Mama's Meatball's previous owner was looking to sell, and the Argento's family was ready to take on the business.  Since doing so they've made the meatballs their own and expanded upon the menu--creating delicious additions that fans of Mama's Meatballs immediately loved.  
    Of course we can't fill you up with food and not offer something to quench your thirst.  That's why we had co-owner of Spellbound Brewing, John Companick, join us on the show!  Companick and his partners opened the doors to Spellbound Brewing in 2014 after years of homebrewing and contemplation--and it was evident that New Jersey's love of beer has been brewing for a long time!  Several years and awards later, Spellbound Brewing is gearing up to celebrate their anniversary this October 8th with a plethora of the craft beers on tap, live music, and a lot of fun to be had!
    So if you have a love of food, flavor, and libations--keep your dials tuned to Food, Farms, & Chefs Radio Show to hear all about the Spirit of San Juan's food truck, Mama's Meatballs, and wash it all down with a bounty of brews from Spellbound Brewing!
    55 min
  • Two New Comfort Food Restaurants and Philly Mags Best Date Night Spot
    We're dishing up two new restaurants for you to visit that are serving up comfort foods made with love, as well as the Best Date Night Award Winner from Philadelphia Magazine. So be sure to tune in to hear from Executive Chef Daniel Waller of KOP Tavern in PA, Ray Sheehan of Ray's Roadside Kitchen in NJ, and Laura Eaton of Old City Kitchen and Old City Social in Center City!
    59 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.