Food Farms & Chefs Radio Show

Fearless Restaurant Group's "Dining Out for the Dogs"

Jamie Blackburn, who is the Director of Public Relations for Fearless Restaurants discussed the upcoming 8th annual "Dining Out for the Dogs" event at White Dog Cafe on August 4th. The event benefits Alpha Bravo Canine, a nonprofit organization which provides service dogs to veterans. The event will be held at suburban locations and will feature special menu items, including a popular hot dog flight, puppy kissing booths, and Tito's cocktail offerings. Blackburn emphasized the importance of reservations, especially for the VIP dog-friendly tables, and highlighted the opportunity for community members to volunteer as puppy raisers for the service dog program.

Farina Pasta Bar 

Our host next sat down with husband and wife team Dan and Taylor Lee who own Farina Pasta Bar, located in Philadelphia.  Dan shared his journey in the culinary industry to starting his business, eventually meeting his wife and business partner. The couple now runs both a food truck and a brick-and-mortar restaurant, balancing their busy schedules while inspiring others with their delicious dishes.

Dan and Amaris discussed the concept of a pasta restaurant, where customers can build their own pasta dishes by choosing sauces and shapes. Dan explained that they make fresh pasta in-store, offering four main shapes, and plan to expand to include flavored pastas in the future. They discussed the differences between American and Italian dining portions, with Dan noting that their restaurant aims for a casual, lunch-focused concept with reasonable portion sizes. Dan also discussed Farina's customizable menu options for private events, including pasta, sauces, and gelato, as well as their unique pasta salads. He explained that their Rittenhouse location at 132 South 17th Street offers both in-store dining and takeout, and they can be found online at farinaphl.com and on Instagram @farina.phl.

Revolution Bees

Lastly, Steve Occiolini and Walter Talunas discussed their journey into creating Revolution Bees. Steve and Walt are both beekeepers, with Steve starting his process of beekeeping to enhance his garden's productivity, while Walt was drawn to the hobby after reading a blog about beekeeping. They both emphasized the importance of bees in pollinating crops, with Walt noting that honeybees are responsible for 30-60% of all crops. They have been successful beekeepers for over 20 years, with Walt now maintaining over 40 hives.

Mead Production and Flavor Experimentation
Amaris and Walt discussed the process of creating mead, a honey-based alcoholic beverage along with a number of other products that their company creates.  After chatting about the process of what the honey goes through for the various products, Steve and Walt shared the history and process on mead-making, ending with where you can purchase their products and find them in person, including farmers markets, Renaissance fairs, and wine festivals. For more information and where to find them, please visit revolutionbees.com. 

Anna Hackman's Journey From Law to Botanicals

We began this week with Anna Hackman. Anna shared how she transitioned from working as a real estate attorney into the world of horticulture, and through persevering through a few mistakes...how her passion for herbs and living a healthy, natural lifestyle led to owning her business, The Naked Botanical. Anna finds joy through helping people improve their health through her herbal products and the continuous learning process involved in growing and understanding herbs. You can find her teas, salves, hydrosols, and many more products that she lovingly grew, created, and processed for your use on her website at https://thenakedbotanical.com or in person at various farmers markets.

Rex at the Royal's Executive Chef, Coco Sanzetenea

Coco Sanzetenea joined us on Food Farms And Chefs Radio show, first sharing his culinary journey, starting with his experience at a Princeton eating club where he learned to make beer and dishes from scratch. After moving to Rhode Island and working in multiple kitchen jobs, including a busy Irish pub and a high-end restaurant with a pizza oven, Coco eventually moved to Philadelphia. He began his Philadelphia restaurant career at Rhino Bar, where he worked under a notable mentor before moving on to work inside a former renowned restaurant in Philadelphia. All of which eventually led him to his current role as the Executive Chef at Rex at the Royal. Chef Coco discussed the elevated menu offerings at Rex at the Royal, including their signature fried chicken, and the Catfish & Waffles (a Philadelphia-inspired dish). He highlighted their Bourbon Mussels as a standout dish and mentioned their popular Wednesday burger night featuring a house-made pimento cheese burger. Among all of the delicious foods, Coco also lamented the new Cocktail Program that Rex at the Royal is launching with their new Beverage Director at the helm. And with so much to look forward to, as Rex at the Royal is also a cafe and bottle shop, as well as a venue space to host private events. For more information about Chef Coco and Rex at the Royal...stay tuned till the end and visit https://www.rexphl.com.

Specialty Food Association & The Summer Fancy Food Show Experience

Amaris shared her experience at the Specialty Food Association's Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City, where she was introduced to Savory PR's Jennifer Lea Cohan by Chef Clara Park. She described the event as a comprehensive showcase of food brands, including startups and established vendors, across multiple floors featuring international foods, plant-based products, and cultural offerings. Amaris highlighted the opportunity for networking and brand exposure, mentioning specific products like a tomato-free barbecue sauce and cultural seasonings, and expressed her gratitude for attending, encouraging others in the industry to consider participating in future shows.

Elijah Milligan's New Restaurant Venture

Elijah Milligan, who is the Chef and Owner of Love Child in Philadelphia, began this week's show, discussing his brand-new restaurant. Set to launch in the Fall, Love Child has been a labor of love and perseverance; Elijah has been working towards this new venture for five years. After explaining the name's significance, Elijah discussed that his restaurant will offer wood-fire contemporary American cuisine with global influences. He plans to serve small plates, a raw bar, and grilled meats, with a focus on technique-driven dishes incorporating flavors from various cultures. He wants to ensure the best experience for visitors, including sourcing ingredients from 20 different suppliers from local and international vendors for the freshest and highest-quality ingredients. Leading up to the Love Child's launch, Elijah is planning pop-up events in Philadelphia, New York, and DC to tease the opening. You can follow Elijah's journey and updates through Love Childs' social media channels or by visiting their website, https://lovechildphilly.com.

Riamede Farm

Amaris and Ashley Asdal, who is the owner of Riamede Farm, discussed the history behind Riamede Farm which is located in Chester, NJ. The farm has been producing apples on its orchard for many years, and Ashley shared her unexpected journey from a career in the Navy to becoming the farm's owner. After taking over ownership of Riamede, Ashley has been expanding upon what they have to offer, including summer vegetable picking, spring blossom festivals, and fall activities like pumpkin picking and line dancing. She highlighted the farm's history as the first pick-your-own orchard in 1973 and its community-oriented approach, offering educational classes and events throughout the year. Ashley also mentioned that she has started hosting weddings and other large events in her barn and is excited about her first wedding this fall. Feel free to begin your plans to visit Riamede Farm this Fall, as they'll be open from August 1st to November 5th, 9am to 4:30pm Tuesday through Sunday, with live music and food offerings on weekends. https://www.riamedefarm.com

Gardens of Sol

Brittney Portes joined us on Food Farms And Chefs to discuss Gardens of Sol, which focuses on urban agriculture and food equity. She shared her journey to become a farmer and educator, emphasizing the importance of connecting people with food and nature. Brittney explained her approach to teaching gardening, including workshops on container gardening, seed saving, and cooking, as well as virtual classes for those unable to attend in-person sessions. She also highlighted her efforts to address food insecurity by partnering with local organizations and encouraging the sharing of surplus produce through established relationships with food pantries. Gardens of Sol will help to educate and enrich your lives, and your community through its initiatives and if you would like to find out more about Brittney and her programs, please visit https://www.gardensofsol.com for more information.

Innovative Catering Concepts and Wawa Welcome America (00:00)

Rocco Gallelli, the food producer for Wawa Welcome America, discusses his role in coordinating food and drink for the festival. He explains that this is his 18th year managing the event, which includes various activities from June 19th to July 4th, culminating in the Party on the Parkway on July 4th that typically attracts about a quarter million people. Rocco describes the challenges of managing food logistics, including weather considerations, historical data analysis for planning, and balancing inventory to avoid shortages or overbuying. Rocco continued his discussion of catering for the upcoming 4th of July event in Philadelphia, highlighting a shift towards healthier menu options for crew catering. Mentioning how he coordinates 25 food trucks offering diverse cuisines, as well as his own trucks serving popular festival foods. Rocco also noted the trend towards healthier eating but observes that at street fairs, people often indulge in traditional favorites. He also touches on catering for celebrities and his upcoming projects, including events in Tennessee and Williamsport.

An Upcoming Mobile Cocktail Bar by Mark Grabowski

Currently you can find our next guest while he works for Mid Atlantic Bartenders, a company that handles staffing for events along the east coast. However, Mark Grabowski joined the show to discuss his plans for starting a mobile cocktail bar business. After discussing his experience in the bartending industry, he is now branching out on his own. He aims to provide customizable bar services for events using a trailer, offering a more stylish and flexible alternative to traditional portable bars. His passion for creating a memorable experience was evident as he explained the importance of meeting the needs of his clients. Including his approach to what's trending in the industry, noting the growing trend of mocktails and his expertise in creating appealing alternatives for non-drinkers. You can find Mark on "X" at @MarkTBartender and email address [email protected].

Byzantine Empire Catering and Drunken Hen Eatery and Winery

Amarildo "Mo" Boyco and his wife, who have backgrounds in the culinary industry, started the Byzantine Empire Catering Food Truck about seven years ago. The business combines Mediterranean and Latin cuisines, reflecting Amarildo's Albanian heritage and his wife's Colombian background. Recently, they expanded their operations by opening a brick-and-mortar establishment called Drunken Hen Eatery and Winery in Mayfair. Although guests can visit Drunken Hen during regular operating hours, your next event can be catered via Byz Empire Catering as well as the Drunken Hen, with a wide variety of foods to choose from. He explains that the Drunken Hen focuses on comfort food with a fine dining twist, and can offer that same level of service through Byz Empire Catering's food truck. Looking forward, Mo will be vending at this year's Summer Ale Festival at the Philadelphia Zoo on July 19th, and Northern Liberty's night market on July 23rd!

Related Links:

https://www.icccatering.com/about
https://july4thphilly.com
https://midatlanticbartenders.com
https://www.instagram.com/byz.empire/?hl=en
https://drunkenhen.com

This week's show began with Kelsey Timmerman and his new book which focuses on regenerative agriculture, where they discussed his journey from anthropology to author, and the different farming practices around the world. The show continued with Melanie Ganzman from Fluffy Farms, who shared her success with a USDA grant for their silvopasture system and sustainable farming operations in New Jersey. The show ended with Lee Leung, the Regional General Manager of the Fearless Restaurant Group. Lee discussed all the latest trends for hosting a private party or event, the new European-based menu at Autograph Brasserie, and the full capacity of what Triple Crown (their newest restaurant and event space) can offer!

Related Links:

https://kelseytimmerman.com
https://www.patagonia.com/home/
https://fluffyfarms.grazecart.com
https://www.triplecrownradnor.com
https://www.autographbrasserie.com

Chef Clara Park: Eat Cetera & The Cinema Chefs Podcast

Clara discussed her various projects, including her partnership with Drexel University where she offers recreational cooking classes on weekends, and her podcast " The Cinema Chefs" which is recording its final episode of season one. They cover food scenes from movies, with topics ranging from specific foods to special occasion dining. With her passion for culinary education, Clara believes in highlighting how foods can improve people's health, save them money, and help build a fuller sense of community. She also discussed the importance of teaching basic cooking skills to empower people and change their lives, noting that many lack foundational culinary knowledge.

Ayesha Dolasa & Noble Mushrooms

Amaris welcomed Ayesha Dolasa who owns Noble Mushrooms along with her husband, Jacob. With a background in Environmental Engineering and her husband's entrepreneurial spirit, Ayesha explained the science behind mushroom cultivation, emphasizing the importance of sterile conditions for growing safe and healthy mushrooms. Ayesha also shared information about different types of mushrooms, including the cultivation, health benefits, and culinary uses behind some of their products, like Lion's Mane and Cordyceps mushrooms. She mentioned Noble Mushrooms' grow kits and classes, as well as their online presence and market locations.

Chef David Feola: Culinary Journey & Corio 

Amaris interviewed David Feola, whose culinary career began in New York City after initially pursuing film school. David shared his journey from working in prestigious kitchens like Veritas, Gramercy Tavern, and Jean-Georges to helping to open Vernick and working in Ember & Ash in Philly. He highlighted the challenges of breaking into the competitive New York City restaurant scene and the pivotal role of personal connections in his career advancement.Chef David explained the concept and atmosphere of his new restaurant, Corio.  He emphasized that he and his partners wanted Corio to be an approachable, casual dining experience while maintaining high culinary standards. He described the menu as innovative, featuring their innovative takes on dishes; like creating clams in white wine sauce as a pizza and a mushroom-based chopped cheese sandwich called Mushroom Duxelle. Corio is currently serving lunch and dinner, and currently offers cocktails through neighboring business Two Locals Brewing; full catering services and their wine and cocktails program are still in development. 

Related Links:

https://claraparkcooks.com
https://www.eatceteraphilly.com
https://www.instagram.com/thecinemachefs/
https://www.noblemushrooms.com
https://www.njmyco.org
https://nofanj.org
https://www.coriophilly.com
https://www.cooknsolo.comhttps://www.hearthsidebyob.com
https://www.bondfiremediaco.com
https://www.twolocalsbrewing.com

After learning how Gina Lizzo's career brought her into her role as Main Line Today magazine's Managing Editor, she and our host discussed all the fun and excitement that will happen at this year's Best Of the Main Line and Western Suburbs Party happening on July 31st at The Drexelbrook! The annual event is a year in the making, and highlights the top businesses within the region by way of tasting and sampling what those places offer!  This year, you'll be treated to live music by the Jellyroll Band, along with sweet and savory foods, beverages, and desserts by this year's winners.  Along with all the dining and dancing, there will be a silent auction held, which benefits Baker Industries. For more information and to purchase tickets for the event please visit Main Line Today online.

Our next guest's path is paving the way towards a healthier coastline.  Principal Founder, John Zander, spends painstaking hours growing and collecting salt hay on Cohansey Meadows Farms. Salt hay is integral in the health of the coastline, as well as offering many other beneficial uses for agriculture, meat farms, private use, and more.  With a degree in Mechanical Engineering, John's laser-focus on problem solving comes in handy; farming salt hay along with other indigenous plants is a tasking project.  During the interview, we learned how he grows and harvests the salt hay, the importance of it, along with his other endeavors on the farm. For more information, tours, and what he offers please visit Cohansey Meadows Farms online and in-person in Fairton, NJ.

From Australia to New Zealand to America, our final guest is helping you handle your hunger.  Founder, Owner, and Chef Michael Peacock joined our host to chat about G'Day Gourmet.  His hand-held Aussie meat pies are not only delicious--they've gone viral!  After moving to the USA and starting a business with his cousin, "Big Mike" offering something that America did not have: His beloved Aussie meat-pies.There are always fan favorites--including his collaborations which led to the Butter Chicken Meat Pie (Jordan Mailata), and the Hawaiian BBQ meat pie (Poi Dog's Chef Kiki Aranita)--which a portion of each pie sold goes to Chef Hui's Maui Relief Fund.  What's even better?  You can have his meat pies shipped directly to your door, arrange for Chef Mike to cater your next event, or meet him in-person inside the Link!  For more information on Mike and where you can purchase his meat pies, please visit G'Day Gourmet online, and follow him on his socials to see where his food truck is vending!

Related Links:

https://mainlinetoday.com/events/best/
https://www.bakerindustries.org
https://www.cohanseymeadows.com
https://gdaygourmet.com
https://www.poidogphilly.com
https://www.chefhui.com/maui-relief

Northeast Farmers Market Season
Host Amaris Pollock welcomed Devin Cornia who is the Executive Director of the Northeast Farming Association of New Jersey back to the show. They discuss the upcoming farmers market season and the opportunity for people to interact with farmers and learn about agriculture.  They also discussed Devin's history within the industry, along with some of the programs, initiatives, and the publication "The Natural Farmer" which NOFA provides to the community.

NOFA's Local Food Initiatives:
Devin explains that NOFA (Northeast Organic Farming Association) is a 50-year-old organization with seven state chapters supporting organics, land stewardship, and local food. The New Jersey chapter, which is 40 years old, focuses on supporting community and economic vehicles that make local food work. Devin discusses the challenges and opportunities in the current economic environment, emphasizing the need for collaboration and investment in local economies to build resilient, self-reliant food systems. He also highlights the importance of organic farming for health and the environment, and shares two exciting projects: a commercial kitchen to support value-added product creation for farmers, and a grains project involving a documentary and grain processing equipment installation to strengthen the local grain economy.

NOFA-NJ Updates and Initiatives:
Devin also discussed NOFA-NJ's upcoming events and website, encouraging people to check for future activities starting in July. Amaris and Devin also talked about NOFA-NJ's outdoor project which is nearly complete and can accommodate around 50 people. That space will open the doors to future opportunities for dining events, discussions, and more--which both farmers and the surrounding communities can benefit from.

Annette Anthony's Book Tour Event at Free Library:
Annette Anthony, author of "Always Enough: A Global Memoir," discusses her upcoming event at the Free Library of Philadelphia as part of World Heritage Week. The sold-out event, scheduled for Tuesday evening, will include a talk, book signing, and food tasting featuring two seasonal salad recipes from her book. Annette shares her background as a native Philadelphian and how her experiences in West Philadelphia and as part of a military family shaped her global perspective. She expresses excitement about Philadelphia being honored as a global city and its renowned culinary scene, including the recent attention from Michelin.

Cookbook and Cultural Flavors:
Annette discusses her cookbook and her love for Ethiopian food. She shares a humorous story about taking her father to an Ethiopian restaurant for the first time, where he mistook the injera bread for a napkin. Annette explains that her cookbook includes recipes from various cultures and that she enjoys seeing readers make the recipes their own. She highlights the Casablanca Couscous recipe as a versatile dish that can accommodate different dietary preferences. Annette also mentions that she is working on another cookbook and emphasizes the importance of being mindful about food choices.

Chef DiMeo's Culinary Empire Expansion:
Chef Antimo DiMeo discusses his culinary journey and how his passion led him to form the Bardea Restaurant Group with numerous concepts, all located in Wilmington, Delaware. He shared what inspired him while growing up; with his origins founded in his grandmother's kitchen. After a brief period studying finance at Drexel University, he found himself focusing on the fermentation of dough and decided to pursue his passion. This decision resulted with DiMeo learning his craft under a Michelin-starred restaurant in Naples, Italy.  DiMeo then returned to the US, and after working in a notable restaurant in PA, he began his journey as a Chef-Owner and opened his first restaurant, Bardea Food & Drink. Since then, he has expanded and now offers multiple concepts like Bardea Steak, Casa Nonna, and the upcoming Roost. DiMeo focuses on Italian-inspired cuisine with global influences, emphasizing quality ingredients and innovative techniques. He takes pride in elevating Wilmington's food scene, maintaining consistency across locations through a central commissary kitchen, and expresses excitement about continuing to grow and improve the local culinary landscape.

Related Links:
https://nofanj.org
https://annetteanthony.com
https://www.bardeafoodanddrink.com