Change is in the air for the final Salt Lick episode of the year. For starters, David has a new co-host and business partner.

Derek Dammann, renowned chef, farmer and co-owner with David of the new Grille-Nature on Montréal's West Island, joins the program and the pair will be podcasting in the new year from a studio nook in the restaurant. Just hours away from Christmas break, the chefs are admittedly exhausted and use this time to review their opening menu, describing the creative choices made, shout-out farmers and suppliers who help elevate the offerings, and describe the chaos of the first few weeks—along with touching moments, like watching their kids work together on the line.

Speaking of Montréal's most talked-about restaurant opening, the chefs aren't wasting any time to announce an expansion: a fast-casual concept attached to Grille-Nature, and details are shared later in the episode.

Special thanks to Lesley Chesterman for her contribution to Salt Lick's first year. You can follow her writing on Substack at Lick My Plate.

Follow David & Derek on Instagram.

Salt Lick is a TNKR Media Original production.