🎙️ Season 4, Episode 19 – Rich Patti, Kali Vita Fresca

This week on With Bowl and Spoon, I sat down with Rich Patti, chef and founder of Kali Vita Fresca—a Mediterranean-inspired meal prep business born from a personal health wake-up call and rooted in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean diet. The name itself is a nod to the diverse languages and cultures of that region, and the food he creates reflects that same richness.

We talk about Rich’s roots—growing up in Oakmont, PA, going to Mercyhurst and then the Culinary Institute of America, and working in some intense kitchens from Manhattan to Pittsburgh. He’s cooked for athletes, run catering operations, and helped open restaurants. In January 2025, he launched Kali Vita Fresca to make healthy eating easier and more accessible. His meals are ready to eat, made with care, and grounded in his desire to nourish both his customers and the community.

Rich shares what it takes to cook at scale without sacrificing quality. We dig into the everyday “food math” of choosing what to eat, why all his recipes are in grams, and why even just shifting 10% of your grocery budget toward local food can make a real difference.

This is a conversation full of heart, humor, and helpful takeaways.

Sara Lynn @ www.saralynnstudio.com