Food Farms & Chefs Radio Show

Summary:

Tracy's Culinary Career Journey:
Amaris and Tracy discussed her personal experiences and career path that led her into the culinary industry. This included her journey from being a jeweler to becoming a bartender and eventually a manager at various restaurants, including Rosalie in Wayne. She highlighted the opportunities for growth and learning within the Fearless restaurant company, which she has been a part of for many years.

Rosalie's Unique Features and Event Spaces:
Tracy discussed the restaurant's unique features and its role as a venue for special occasions. She highlighted the restaurant's beautiful architecture, rustic design, and romantic ambiance, making it a popular choice for baby showers, bridal showers, and rehearsal dinners. She also mentioned the hotel's lobby, which serves as a contemporary space for cocktail parties and other events. She emphasized the restaurant's ability to cater to various needs and preferences, from casual dining to more formal events.

Rosalie's Spring Menu and Happy Hour:
Tracy discussed the new spring menu at Rosalie, emphasizing the farm-to-table concept and the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients. She highlighted the consistency of certain dishes, such as gnocchi and Castanelli, and the changing setup of the menu to keep it exciting. Tracy also mentioned the homemade pasta and the personal pizzas, which are popular among guests. She expressed her preference for the Bronzino dish and praised the burrata cheese. The conversation also touched on the happy hour specials, including discounted menu items and drinks.

Rosalie Brunch Menu and Reservations:
Amaris and Tracy discussed the brunch menu at Rosalie, a restaurant in the Wayne Hotel. Tracy highlighted popular dishes such as the egg in the hole, Shakshuka, and mushroom toast. They also mentioned the crispy potatoes as a side dish. For those interested in visiting or booking private events, Tracy provided the website fearlessrestaurants.com and the Wayne Hotel as contact points.

Roosters Coffee House:
Family-Owned BusinessClaudia Molina, who is the owner of Roosters Coffee House, discussed the family-owned business and its unique features. Claudia explained how the business came about, emphasizing their goal of creating a welcoming community space. They also highlighted their commitment to sustainability, including a refillable store offering grains and other items, and the use of repurposed materials in the coffee house's design.

Community Art and Support Initiatives:
Claudia discussed her passion for art and community, highlighting her shop's mural and local artist collaborations. She shared her gratitude board and pay-it-forward initiative, which aim to foster community support. Claudia also mentioned hosting events like pet adoption and small business markets, and her shop's in-house coffee roasting and brewing process. She expressed her desire to create unique and fun experiences for customers, especially children.

Roosters Coffee House Menu Options:
Amaris and Claudia discussed the various coffee and food options available at Roosters Coffee House. Claudia highlighted the popularity of the caramel haystack and pistachio drinks, as well as the Taylor ham and cheese croissant. They also discussed the testing process for new menu items, which involves customer feedback. Amaris expressed interest in trying the oat milk flat white with a Taylor ham and cheese croissant. Claudia provided information on how to find Roosters Coffee House online and in person.  https://www.roosterscoffeehouse.com

Birchrun Hills Farm:
From a previously recorded segment on Feb 27th, 2024:
Our final guest literally offers the cream of her crop to all of us; Sue Miller co-owns and operates Birchrun Hills Farm located in Chester Springs, PA.  The first-generation and family-owned and operated farm offers cheeses produced from the milk of the 80+ holstein cows they raise.  Their award-winning cheeses can be found inside the kitchens of local restaurants, at farmers markets, and on-site at Birchrun Hills Farm. And for anyone curious about their cheeses, tune in till the end of our show to find out how you can sample some for yourself!  For more information about the Miller's, Birchrun Hills Farms, and locations their products are sold, please visit https://birchrunhillsfarm.com. 

Michelle Delp is the Regional GM for Fearless Restaurants, and she joined our host so we could SPRING into what's fashionable to eat in University City! Louie Louie offers a vibe that feels very European French Bistro, and with their sidewalk-based seating now open, and new spring menu available and Happy Hours extended...everyone who visits can enjoy the atmosphere and menu options no matter what they're looking for! Whether you're looking for a lighter, brighter meal or dining for a richly, decadent dinner...Louie Louie offers whatever you desire to indulge in. And stay tuned for all the new happenings for Louie Louie, including details about their Espresso Martini Tower, events that are coming up, and of course...what to dine on when you're there!

https://louielouie.restaurant

What you eat matters, which is something that Corie Coles, who is the 4th generation-owner of Triple C Angus, knows, works, and stands behind. Although Corie initially left the family farm to seek a different career path, she circled back to her family's business later on. Her parents still run the day-to-day operations related to farming, however Corie took on a different role at Triple C Angus. Today, everything that the farm produces has to pass through Corie's hands to ensure they're offering the best cuts of meat to offer each customer. And to her, the individuals who purchase either pieces or shares of her family's beef, pork, and chicken are not just customers--they are part of her community. So not only does it matter that the animals they raise are well-cared for, it matters to her that she gets to know the people who purchase their products. To the Coles, family and community matters--and so does what they take home to eat. To learn more about Corie and Triple C Angus, stay tuned to hear her story and then visit the family farm and website for more information on what they offer.

https://triplecangus.com

Get the latest scoop from Irv's Ice Cream when you tune in to hear from Chef and Owner Ilissa Shapiro! Chef Shapiro just opened her second location on East Passyunk Ave, where you can try out her newest ice cream flavor: Sweet Corn! Make every lick count as she creates her custard-based sweet treats from scratch. Chef Shapiro previously worked inside kitchens on both the West and East Coast, and has always enjoyed making ice cream while working for those restaurants. However, a collaboration created an opportunity that turned into owning her own business, and today Ilissa is scooping up her creative flavors for everyone to enjoy! To hear Ilissa's story and what she has in store, stay tuned to the end of the show and visit Irv's Ice Cream online and in-person at either of her locations!

https://www.irvsicecream.com

Related Links:

https://www.dreamworldbakes.com
https://punchmedia.biz
https://www.raisinggenerationnourished.com
https://www.pagestreetpublishing.com
https://lallamitavegana.com

Chef Nomu Reeves joined us to share her story and path to owning Le Sel Catering & Events. Chef Reeves grew up experiencing life from many different cultures and cuisines, and that exposure opened her to a love of the culinary industry with all of its flavors! Later in life, she started out cooking savory items and working inside the kitchens of some prestigious restaurateurs. At some point she switched her focus to become a pastry chef, and eventually turned back to the delights of the savory side of things. Years later her path led her to opening Le Sel Catering & Events, and she has been growing her business ever since!
https://www.leselcatering.com

Decio Mendes began opening 21 Locks Brewing Company in 2017, and has taken steps along the way to refine the brewery, cafe, and event space to reflect everything that he wants his business to be. Though it has taken longer than he had expected, the first-time business owner is elated on how 21 Locks Brewing is turning out and Decio is equally as excited to share all the details too! Currently his operating hours fall on the weekend, but this May he's expanding those hours and would love for you to visit and experience everything he's got brewing up--from scratch-made foods, to house-roasted coffees, and yes...beers he brewed that are on one of his 24 taps!
https://21locksbrewing.com

Colin Dyckman of Boro Cafe Gelateria Patisserie has a deep connection with all things related to the culinary industry, and shares that love through his lattes, pastries, and gelatos. His cafe & gelateria is equally evident of his love of the industry; Boro Cafe's walls are proudly displaying he & his wifes ventures in the industry. There are pots & pans, displays, and so much more that have just as much of a story to tell as the beverages and foods that Chef Colin's expert hands have crafted. To hear more of Chef Colin's story and Boro Cafe, please visit him in-person and online at:
https://www.borogelato.com

We began with Chef Anthony Bonett from @Moshulu, who's about to enter into his new role as the Chef at Triple Crown, located in the Radnor Hotel in Wayne, PA.  Chef Bonett has been working inside restaurants in Philadelphia for most of his career, landing a job with Fearless Restaurant's Marty Grims 15 years ago, and has worked for the family-owned business ever since. His career has long since focused on seafood-heavy cuisines where he offers creative meals to entice everyone's palates.  Today, he joined us while getting ready for the FR Restaurant Week, Easter Brunches, and his interesting twists on foods that we all love for the new Spring menu at Moshulu!  https://www.fearlessrestaurants.com
https://www.fearlessrestaurants.com/moshulu
https://www.triplecrownradnor.com

Next, our host was joined by Keith Wallace who's name is synonymous with all things wine, including Founding a top-tier school for budding sommeliers and wine makers.  His career stemmed from working inside kitchens to wine making, from penning the book, "Corked & Forked" to contributing to different publications. As a person who looks for new and exciting ways to expand his career...he started a  program for sommeliers and winemakers at 31 years old which offers a wider accessibility for everyone to learn the industry.  His expertise and craft is finely-tuned so that he can ascertain what your taste in wine might be, and judge so accurately that his choices end up obtaining 90+ ratings from Wine Advocate and Wine Spectator.
Wine School: https://www.vinology.com
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/after-wine-school/id1787586745Book: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/corked-forked-keith-wallace/1102622248

Our final guest set her sights on business ownership within the culinary community early on, first trying her hand with interesting twists as a baker, then as a caterer, she started a ghost kitchen as well, and finally landed on her brand: Chubby Chicks.  Shakiera Turner, aka Chef Kiera has been turning up the levels on comfort food in the heart of Philadelphia. Although Chef Kiera has faced some issues after opening the doors for her new location at 1111 Walnut St in Philadelphia, she's finding a way to keep the upbeat and fun atmosphere going.  She just launched her new Party Boat, happening once a month through September which leaves from Atlantic City, NJ.  If you want to find out ALL the events/happenings that Chef Kiera has in the works, stay tuned in till the end of Food Farms And Chefs Radio Show, episode 318!
Website: https://chubby-chicks-cafe.square.site/menu
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Recipes-Chubby-Chick-Chef-Keira/dp/B0CMF5HB4NYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzGuJujcZ7xaKLpiGzGlYjQ

We first heard from Insatiable restaurant's Owner, Denise Gesek.  Denise's passion for the culinary industry began while spending time in the kitchen with her grandparents making gnocchi and other Italian dishes from scratch.  Never losing her love of cooking, Denise attended Johnson & Wales and continued her outstanding career by working at prestigious restaurants across the United States, even meeting one of her childhood idols along the way.  Today, Chef Denise offers her a menu which highlights European and American classics with her twist on them!  
https://www.insatiablephilly.com
1200 S. 21st Street, Philadelphia, PA 10146
P: 267-319-8932

Lauren Covas is a Food Network celebrity chef who has brought her Portuguese background and their cuisines to the pages of her new cookbook, "Little Portugal: Bold and Flavorful Portuguese Cooking from My New Jersey Kitchen."  Growing up on a farm Chef Covas learned how to prepare everything by hand, including making foods like Salted Cod and hand-making sausages from scratch.  Inside her new cookbook she shares the recipes that she loves, along with cooking tips as a classically-trained Chef. When you pick up Little Portugal, you'll not only enrich your life with the meals you're about to create...you'll also enjoy the stories about them. And if you're looking to have your next party catered, Chef Lauren Covas provides a one-stop opportunity to host your next gathering or party--from anything you need to set up to the menu, she can provide it all!To pre-order her book online (to be released this July) find it on her website, Amazon, or at Barnes & Nobles.
https://www.cheflaurencovas.com
E: Info@chefcovascatering
P: 732-673-4070

Evan Blum is a lover of the beer scene and Co-Founded the online platform (and now an events company) BrewedAt.  BrewedAt highlights breweries around the Philadelphia region, offering a youthful take and in-depth look on America's favorite past-time...hanging out & grabbing a beer.  Blum and his fellow Co-Founder, Cole Decker, created the digital and social media company along with interviewing local brewery owners on a streamable platform under the name The BrewedAt Podcast.  Today, Blum joined our host on Food Farms And Chefs Radio Show to talk about their brewery tour and all the details on how to participate in this year's BrewedAt Crafted in Philly, 2025 in partnership with Let's Rallie, a downloadable app. Crafted in Philly begins in April and runs for 3-months, offering the opportunity to experience and indulge in a free-pour when you visit participating breweries.  For more information about BrewedAt and the tour stay tuned till the end of the show, and then visit their website for tickets and other special offers!
https://www.brewedat.com
https://letsrallie.com
Tickets: https://letsrallie.ticketspice.com/craftedinphilly

The owner of Goodlands Food Co, Anna Dausman, joined us to take a more in-depth look into her career and what ultimately led Anna to building a business based on hot sauces.  As a young girl, Anna already showed an entrepreneurial spirit--making her first attempt at a culinary career with a cake-baking business.  Although that initial concept did not pan out, she nevertheless pursued a career which created opportunities for others to build up themselves and their communities.  And as another opportunity knocked, Anna found herself drawn back to the culinary world while growing ghost peppers in her plot of land at her local community garden.  Soon she found herself making hot sauces that everyone loved, and Goodlands Food Co. was born!  Today, you can hear all about Anna's story and what she offers when you tune into the show...and then check out her website to find where her products are sold in your local area!https://goodlandsfood.co

Inspiration can strike at any point, and Diane Holtaway knows that more than most individuals who start a new business, so after years of helping others build and refine theirs, Diane set out to start a business of her own. Today, Diane owns Heirzoom Bakery which has been steadily growing since its inception.  Her concept was to offer authentic ethnic baked goods the way they were meant to be...meaning she uses natural, quality ingredients without all the chemicals and additives you'll find in store-bought brands and on the shelves of bakeries and/or the baked goods aisles.  Her biggest inspiration was her Aunt Betty, who made Kiffles (a popular Hungarian Pastry) for family gatherings and women's groups and never came back home with any leftovers. Inspired to share the love, Diane pays homage to both her Aunt Betty and the Kiffles via her hand-baked versions called Fennomes.  Today, you can taste those cookies (and more) when you order them online and have them shipped to your door, or by visiting her website!https://heirzoombakery.com
fb: https://www.facebook.com/fennome/

Elegant and regal is one way to describe the ambience you'll discover upon entering Autograph Brasserie in Wayne, PA, and their General Manager, Willie Fajotina, joined us to describe the entire scene--from the decor, menu, and more!  From extended Happy Hours, to Fearless Restaurant's Restaurant Week (April 7th - 13th), Easter Celebrations, and hosting private events...you can fulfill all of your dining needs when visiting Autograph Brasserie!  And be sure to stay till the end to find out what dish both Willie and Amaris were drawn to...it's just that delicious!!!https://www.autographbrasserie.com

Philly is known for a lot of things, but if you're in the know--then you know about Milk Jawn.  If you don't, then by all means tune in to learn how Milk Jawn's owner, Amy Wilson, began her path to starting this sweet-tooth friendly ice cream business and turning it into a much-loved, Philly-based brand.  Between picking flavors that are unique and utilizing localized purveyors, Milk Jawn's ice creams end up tasting rich, creamy, and oh-so dreamy.  Want to know more about Amy and Milk Jawn?  Be sure to stay tuned to learn, and also to find out what Amy might be up to next!https://milkjawn.com

Meal prep like a pro with our final guest, Josh Broder and his plant-based meal delivery business, Root to Fruit!  Josh's passion for the culinary industry was rooted in his childhood and grew stronger as an adult.  Drawn to sustainability and healthier eating, along with his own personal decision to switch to a plant-based diet, Josh launched his business to offer an ever-changing menu that is well-balanced and creative.  So, whether you're looking to add healthier meals into your daily routine or too busy to create a delicious meal for yourself...make sure to check out what Josh has to offer and often, as his menu changes every week!https://www.roottofruitphl.com

Chris Lerch is a Co-Founder of Not Pizza, a beverage that's grabbing headlines and attention due to a genius marketing plan aimed at grabbing your attention. We all love pizza since it's become a part of our lives as a go-to comfort food, so Chris landed on that name when he thought about what he (and friends) like when hanging out: To have pizza and something that is not pizza (aka a beverage). With a name chosen, Chris and his co-founders at Not Pizza sought out the best tasting pre-canned cocktails to put on the shelves for all 21+ people to enjoy. Today, Chris and his team offer four distinct flavors, with several others that are ready to launch this coming Spring & Summer, and if you want to learn more about Not Pizza, Chris, and what's in store...be sure to tune in till the end!
https://www.drinknotpizza.com

During our next segment, we spoke with Bryan Szeliga who is the Owner of Fishtown Seafood. As far as what we put in our bodies is concerned, I'd rather eat something that came from the Earth or Water without any additional chemicals--something that Bryan noticed was not being offered from other companies that sold "fresh" seafood products. Throughout his interview, you'll learn a lot about what happens to the foods we buy from other stores. For this reason our host personally wants to buy fish specifically from Fishtown Seafood, after learning the difference of what other stores offer, and the healthier, higher quality foods that Fishtown Seafood offers. If you want to learn something new and make some better choices for what you consume, listen to Bryan's full interview and be sure to visit one of their locations in PA or NJ!
https://www.fishtownseafood.com

Entrepreneur, Speaker, Cookbook Author, Nutritionist, and this week's final guest on Food Farms And Chefs Radio Show is Meridith Coyle, who joined us to chat about ANEU Kitchens. There's a lot to unfold with all that Meridith handles, but we took a deeper look into the healthier side of comfort foods from ANEU Kitchens and healthy snack options with YEU snacks. In essence, our bodies are machines and we need to fuel them with the foods that will keep us going throughout our busy days. So, Meridith created a business that offers nutrient-dense grab-and-go options based on foods that we love. She also offers catering at ANEU, as well as offering informative classes via her Longevity Labs, so you can nourish your mind, body, and spirit to increase your own longevity in this life! If you want to learn more about Meridith, ANEU Kitchens, YEU Snacks, and her Longevity Labs then stay tuned until the end of this week's show and visit one of her locations in New Jersey or Pennsylvania!
https://aneukitchens.com

We began with friends from White Dog Cafe Chester Springs and their Executive Chef, Rob McKee. Chef Rob's culinary career is why he is so versatile in the kitchen, having initially learned on the line, and circled back to the industry via a culinary degree.  Chef Rob earned his marks while working in kitchens across the US, and is now back in his home state working at White Dog Cafe in Chester Springs as their Executive Chef.  He's now gearing up for not only the seasonal changes to their menu, he's also preparing the dishes that will be offered during Fearless Restaurant's Restaurant Week (FRRW) specials, happening this April 7th-13th.  So tune in to find out more about Chef McKee, what to look forward to for their Restaurant Week and other specials coming this Spring!

Now it's happenstance that our host has crossed paths so many times with our next guest, who joined us to talk about West and Main's two dining options, Hook and Ladder Skybar & Kitchen, and 1874 Social. After some humorous back and forth between our host and West & Main's Executive Chef, Edward Hancock, they'll jump into how Chef Hancock's career adds to the opulence of both Hook & Ladder and 1874 Social's menus. From options as simple as grabbing a coffee or cocktail & a sandwich from 1874 Social to a Wagyu Beef Board at Hook & Ladder, you'll find your way to any food-lover's heart.  You can even plan a staycation surrounding your night out, or plan ahead for your St. Patrick's Day celebrations so you can enjoy all the festivities, then stay overnight.  Stay tuned during this segment to find out all the ways you can enjoy visiting West & Main in Conshohocken, PA from Executive Chef Edward Hancock!https://www.hotelwestandmain.com
https://www.hookandladderskybar.com
https://www.hotelwestandmain.com/restaurants-conshohocken/1874-social
Chef Hancock's YouTube Recipe Demo Video: https://youtu.be/Vc5wpftx0Nc
Lastly you'll hear from Katelynn Ennis-Wolf, whose business Kreations by K is a one-stop shop for anything you might need to host a fabulous gathering! You'll hear how she began as a teacher, eventually finding her way to owning and operating Kreations by K, which offers everything from equipment rentals to charcuterie grazing tables.  So if you're looking for a balloon sculpture, grab-n-go charcuterie cups, or places to sit while you eat...listen to Katelynn's full interview and then check out her socials (website to come!) to find out more!https://www.facebook.com/kreationsbykco/