Ingredient Insiders: Where Chefs Talk

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse welcome Chef Norman Fenton, Executive Chef and Owner of Cariño in Chicago, for a conversation celebrating the rich flavors, traditions, and culture of Mexican cuisine.

Norman shares how his passion for Mexican food and culture has shaped his culinary philosophy, inspiring him to explore regional ingredients and authentic techniques while creating his own distinctive style. He also recounts the unforgettable road trip from Chicago to Tulum, Mexico, a journey that deepened his appreciation for the country's diverse culinary traditions and introduced him to the people and places behind some of its most iconic ingredients.

The featured ingredient of the episode is huitlacoche, often referred to as "Mexican truffle." Norman explains why this unique ingredient has been treasured in Mexican cooking for centuries, what gives it its earthy, savory flavor, and how chefs can use it to create unforgettable dishes.

From cross-country adventures to one of Mexico's most fascinating ingredients, this episode is a celebration of curiosity, culture, and the stories that connect great chefs with extraordinary food.

Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!

Follow @chefnormdoe @carino_chicago @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshop

In partnership with The Chefs’ Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingredients to chefs for over 30 years. https://www.chefswarehouse.com/

Produced by Gotham Production Studios. Find them on Instagram: @gothamproductionstudios

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse welcome Shauna Alexander, Head of Coffee at Stumptown Coffee Roasters, for a fascinating deep dive into one of the world's most beloved beverages.

Shauna shares a behind-the-scenes look at how Stumptown approaches sourcing, roasting, and crafting exceptional coffee. The conversation explores the different species of coffee, how each contributes its own unique characteristics, and the role that origin and growing conditions play in every cup.

John, Andrea, and Shauna also discuss the art and science of coffee roasting, breaking down how light, medium, and dark roasts create distinct flavor profiles. They compare a variety of brewing methods and explain how differents techniques highlight different aromas, body, and tasting notes.

Whether you're a casual coffee drinker or a devoted enthusiast, Shauna offers practical insights into identifying flavor profiles, brewing better coffee at home, and developing a deeper appreciation for every cup.

Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!

Follow @stumptowncoffee @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshop

In partnership with The Chefs’ Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingredients to chefs for over 30 years. https://www.chefswarehouse.com/

Produced by Gotham Production Studios. Find them on Instagram: @gothamproductionstudios

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse welcome Greg Wade, Managing Partner of Publican Quality Bread in Chicago and a celebrated artisan baker known for his dedication to traditional techniques and exceptional ingredients.

Greg shares his favorite ways to enjoy a great cup—from how he takes his coffee to the role it plays in his daily routine and creative process. He also reflects on his journey into the world of baking, discussing the mentors, experiences, and passion that led him to become one of the country's most respected bakers.

Along the way, Greg offers thoughtful advice for aspiring bakers, emphasizing the importance of patience, curiosity, and a commitment to mastering the fundamentals. Whether you're perfecting a loaf of bread or brewing the perfect cup of coffee, his insights reveal how craftsmanship and quality ingredients can elevate even the simplest daily rituals.

From freshly baked bread to freshly brewed coffee, this episode celebrates the timeless connection between two of life's greatest comforts and the people dedicated to making them exceptional.

Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!

Follow @gregwadebakes @publicanqualitybread @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshop

In partnership with The Chefs’ Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingredients to chefs for over 30 years. https://www.chefswarehouse.com/

Produced by Gotham Production Studios. Find them on Instagram: @gothamproductionstudios

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse sit down with Sean Hayes of Coke Farm to explore the ever-evolving world of fresh produce and the ingredients inspiring today's chefs.

Sean shares his expertise on two vegetables that deserve far more attention than they often receive: cabbage and celery. From their versatility in the kitchen to their nutritional benefits and growing popularity on restaurant menus, the conversation highlights why these humble vegetables are enjoying a well-earned resurgence.

The discussion also dives into the latest trends in specialty produce, examining how chefs are embracing seasonal ingredients, discovering unique varieties, and creating menus that celebrate freshness and sustainability. Sean offers insights into what he's seeing from the farm, the changing preferences of chefs and consumers, and the exciting future of vegetable-forward cooking.

Whether you're a chef, grower, or simply someone who appreciates exceptional ingredients, this episode is a fascinating look at the people and produce helping shape the next generation of great cuisine.

Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!

Follow @cokefarm @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshop

In partnership with The Chefs’ Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingredients to chefs for over 30 years. https://www.chefswarehouse.com/

Produced by Gotham Production Studios. Find them on Instagram: @gothamproductionstudios

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse welcome two of Chicago's most respected chefs and restaurateurs: Paul Kahan, James Beard Award-winning Executive Chef and Partner of One Off Hospitality Group, and Matthias Merges, chef, restaurateur, and proprietor of Folkart Restaurant Management.

The conversation explores their shared passion for Pilot Light, the nonprofit organization they helped build to bring meaningful food education into classrooms across the country. Paul and Matthias discuss why teaching children about food, nutrition, agriculture, and cooking empowers the next generation to make healthier choices while fostering curiosity, confidence, and community through the shared language of food.

They also shine a spotlight on one of the most underrated ingredients in the kitchen: cabbage. From its impressive nutritional value to its incredible versatility, Paul and Matthias explain why cabbage deserves a place on every chef's menu. Whether roasted, fermented, grilled, or served fresh, they share how this humble vegetable can deliver remarkable flavor, texture, and creativity.

From inspiring young minds to celebrating simple, seasonal ingredients, this episode is a thoughtful conversation about the power of food to educate, connect, and nourish communities.

Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!

Follow @paulkahan @matthias1966 @pilotlightchefs @old_irvingfoodgroup @folkartmanagement  @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshop

In partnership with The Chefs’ Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingredients to chefs for over 30 years. https://www.chefswarehouse.com/

Produced by Gotham Production Studios. Find them on Instagram: @gothamproductionstudios

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse welcome Sarah Grueneberg, James Beard Award-winning chef and owner of Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio in Chicago.

Known for her inventive approach to Italian cuisine and her passion for exceptional ingredients, Sarah shares the experiences and influences that have shaped her culinary career. The conversation dives into her surprising love for celery, exploring why this often-overlooked ingredient deserves a starring role in the kitchen and how she incorporates it into some of her favorite dishes.

Sarah also gives listeners a peek behind the curtain of her "That Salad Though" recipe, discussing the ingredients, inspiration, and philosophy that have made it a standout favorite. Along the way, she reveals another source of inspiration outside the kitchen—her love of jam bands.

Filled with stories, culinary insights, and plenty of laughs, this episode offers a fascinating look into the mind of one of America's most celebrated chefs and the ingredients that inspire her every day.

Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!

Follow @chefsarahjayne @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshop

In partnership with The Chefs’ Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingredients to chefs for over 30 years. https://www.chefswarehouse.com/

Produced by Gotham Production Studios. Find them on Instagram: @gothamproductionstudios

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse welcome Bianca Kaprielian, Co-CEO and Owner of Fruit World, a company with deep roots in California agriculture.

Bianca shares the story of her family's history as fruit growers and how generations of experience have shaped Fruit World's commitment to quality, innovation, and exceptional citrus. The conversation explores Bianca's favorite citrus varieties, from everyday staples to unique specialty fruits, and dives into the friendly debate between California and Texas grapefruit—including what makes each region's fruit distinct.

In this citrus-packed conversation, listeners will gain a deeper appreciation for the farmers, growers, and experts who help bring bright, vibrant flavors to kitchens across the country.

Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!

Follow @fruitworldco @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshop

In partnership with The Chefs’ Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingredients to chefs for over 30 years. https://www.chefswarehouse.com/

Produced by Gotham Production Studios. Find them on Instagram: @gothamproductionstudios

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse sit down with Chef Hillary Sterling, Executive Chef of Ci Siamo and author of the new cookbook AMMAZZA!

Hillary shares the story behind her culinary journey and the influences that have helped shape her distinctive cooking style. The conversation explores her love of citrus zest and how a simple ingredient can transform a dish with brightness, complexity, and balance. Hillary also discusses the inspiration behind her new cookbook, AMMAZZA!, and the recipes, techniques, and experiences that inspired its creation.

Filled with great stories, culinary insights, and a healthy dose of wanderlust, this episode is a celebration of the ingredients, cultures, and experiences that make cooking such a rewarding craft.

Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!

Follow @chefhillarysterling @cisiamonyc @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshop

In partnership with The Chefs’ Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingredients to chefs for over 30 years. https://www.chefswarehouse.com/

Produced by Gotham Production Studios. Find them on Instagram: @gothamproductionstudios

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse are joined by Chef Thai Dang, the culinary force behind Chicago favorites HaiSous, Crying Tiger, and Ca Phe Da. Thai shares how his Vietnamese heritage continues to shape his approach to cooking, from the flavors he grew up with to the dishes he serves today.

The conversation dives into Thai’s surprising love for broccolini, why it has become one of his favorite vegetables to cook with, and how its versatility allows it to shine in a variety of cuisines. They also revisit the infamous Sriracha shortage, discussing how it impacted chefs and restaurants.

In the second part of the episode, John and Andrea welcome Alex Richardson, agrologist for Bimi Baby Broccoli. Alex takes listeners inside the world of specialty produce, explaining how Bimi Baby Broccoli is grown and what makes it different from traditional broccoli. From its sweeter flavor and tender stems to the farming practices that help it thrive, Alex shares why chefs around the world have embraced this unique vegetable.

From Vietnamese-inspired cuisine to innovative produce, this episode celebrates the ingredients, traditions, and agricultural expertise that help great food come to life.

Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!

Follow @thai_dang_ @bimi_us @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshop

In partnership with The Chefs’ Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingredients to chefs for over 30 years. https://www.chefswarehouse.com/

Produced by Gotham Production Studios. Find them on Instagram: @gothamproductionstudios

In this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse sit down with Chef Jeremy Fox, acclaimed chef and owner of Rustic Canyon in Santa Monica, California. Known for his ingredient-driven, “seed-to-stalk” philosophy, Jeremy shares how his approach to cooking celebrates seasonality and sustainability while transforming humble ingredients into extraordinary dishes. They also discuss his love of persimmons—how he incorporates them into his menus and even uses them as natural décor to bring warmth and beauty into his restaurants.

In the second half of the episode, John and Andrea are joined by Sean Mindrum, farmer and owner of Comanche Creek Farms. Sean offers an inside look into how his farm prioritizes regenerative agriculture, nurturing the soil and environment while producing some of the finest persimmons, tomatoes, okra, lettuce, and more.

From the kitchen to the farm, this episode is a celebration of the synergy between chefs and growers—proving that the best dishes start with respect for the land, the seasons, and the ingredients themselves.

Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!

Follow @chefjeremyfox @comanchecreekfarms @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshop

In partnership with The Chefs’ Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingredients to chefs for over 30 years. https://www.chefswarehouse.com/

Produced by Gotham Production Studios. Find them on Instagram: @gothamproductionstudios