Shelling Peas

In this episode of Shelling Peas, Chef Ryan Jennings catches up with longtime friend, Mark Cupolo, the chef-owner behind beloved Rochester institutions Rocco and Rella. Together, they reflect on Mark’s 20-plus years in the restaurant industry, the camaraderie of kitchen life, and the art of creating spaces where guests and staff alike feel at home. From lessons learned during the pandemic to the unsung heroes of the kitchen, Mark shares his thoughts on leadership, mentorship, and the ever-changing challenges of running a restaurant. Along the way, the two chefs reminisce about wild industry stories, the joy of teaching, and finding inspiration in unexpected places. Join Ryan and Mark for an honest, insightful conversation about passion, perseverance, and the heart of hospitality.

Mentioned in this episode:

Food About Town

Food About Town hosted by Chris Lindstrom, focusing on restaurants, food and drink of all kinds, and whatever topics I want to cover!

Pauly Guglielmo Show

Pauly Guglielmo is a former radio guy turned food business entrepreneur. While running a manufacturing facility is his day job, he likes to dust off his broadcasting skills once a week on this podcast and talk to entrepreneurs and other influencers.

Joe Bean Roasters

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone.

In this heartfelt episode of Shelling Peas, Chef Ryan Jennings reconnects with his old friend, Cliff Palmore, a seasoned wine professional and hospitality veteran. The two reminisce about their shared history, discuss the evolution of the restaurant and wine industries, and dive into the intricacies of creating exceptional experiences—whether through food, drink, or life itself. Along the way, they explore the joys of parenting, the power of regenerative farming, and the beauty of pursuing what you love. Join Ryan and Cliff for a rich conversation full of laughter, wisdom, and a shared appreciation for the simple pleasures in life.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sweet Pea Plant Based Kitchen

Based in Rochester, NY, Sweet Pea is a plant-powered kitchen creating transformative ways of wellness. Harnessing the power of food as medicine, we help you realize your happiest, healthiest self.

Joe Bean Roasters

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone.

Pauly Guglielmo Show

Pauly Guglielmo is a former radio guy turned food business entrepreneur. While running a manufacturing facility is his day job, he likes to dust off his broadcasting skills once a week on this podcast and talk to entrepreneurs and other influencers.

Food About Town

Food About Town hosted by Chris Lindstrom, focusing on restaurants, food and drink of all kinds, and whatever topics I want to cover!

In this episode of Shelling Peas, Chef Ryan Jennings interviews Chef Ana Northrop, of Leonore's, part of the Swan family of restaurants in Rochester, NY. Anna shares her culinary journey, from her early fascination with food inspired by Food Network stars to her first jobs in Hemlock and Canisius Lake. She discusses the challenges and growth she faced in various kitchens, including her experiences at Ox and Stone, Char, and Good Luck. Ana also reflects on the importance of collaborative menu development, effective communication in the kitchen, and her aspirations for the future. This episode offers a glimpse into the life of a dedicated and evolving young chef navigating the complexities of the culinary world.

Mentioned in this episode:

Food About Town

Food About Town hosted by Chris Lindstrom, focusing on restaurants, food and drink of all kinds, and whatever topics I want to cover!

Pauly Guglielmo Show

Pauly Guglielmo is a former radio guy turned food business entrepreneur. While running a manufacturing facility is his day job, he likes to dust off his broadcasting skills once a week on this podcast and talk to entrepreneurs and other influencers.

Sweet Pea Plant Based Kitchen

Based in Rochester, NY, Sweet Pea is a plant-powered kitchen creating transformative ways of wellness. Harnessing the power of food as medicine, we help you realize your happiest, healthiest self.

Joe Bean Roasters

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone.

This week on Shelling Peas, we’re revisiting one of our most exciting and impactful episodes of 2024. Early on in his podcasting journey, Chef Ryan Jennings had the opportunity to sit down with the legendary Dr. Michael Greger, a leading voice in lifestyle medicine and plant-based nutrition.

Dr. Greger shares the story of how his grandmother's miraculous recovery from end-stage heart disease shaped his mission to educate the world about the life-saving potential of a whole-food, plant-based diet. He unpacks the critical role of nutrition in preventing premature deaths, combating dietary misinformation, and empowering individuals to take charge of their health.

This episode perfectly captures what Sweet Pea Plant-Based Kitchen is all about. Whether you’re returning or tuning in for the first time, this conversation is packed with valuable insights and inspiration.

Mentioned in this episode:

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone.

Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order!

Pauly Guglielmo Show

Pauly Guglielmo is a former radio guy turned food business entrepreneur. While running a manufacturing facility is his day job, he likes to dust off his broadcasting skills once a week on this podcast and talk to entrepreneurs and other influencers.

Food About Town

Food About Town hosted by Chris Lindstrom, focusing on restaurants, food and drink of all kinds, and whatever topics I want to cover!

In this week’s episode of Shelling Peas, Chef Ryan Jennings sits down with Rick Rainey, managing partner of Forge Cellars—one of the most celebrated wineries in the Finger Lakes region. From the intricacies of winemaking to the essence of community, Rick shares his passion for crafting wines that tell the unique story of their vintage. The discussion touches on the impact of changing market dynamics and the vital role of promoting regional pride in local products. The episode concludes with Rick's vision for the future of Forge Cellars and his commitment to enhancing the winemaking craft and supporting local agriculture.

Mentioned in this episode:

Joe Bean Roasters

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone.

Food About Town

Food About Town hosted by Chris Lindstrom, focusing on restaurants, food and drink of all kinds, and whatever topics I want to cover!

Pauly Guglielmo Show

Pauly Guglielmo is a former radio guy turned food business entrepreneur. While running a manufacturing facility is his day job, he likes to dust off his broadcasting skills once a week on this podcast and talk to entrepreneurs and other influencers.

In this episode of Shelling Peas, host Chef Ryan Jennings longtime friend and culinary collaborator, Chef Sean O'Donnell, to the show. They reminisce about their early days working together at Max Rochester and Sean's evolution from being a sous chef at Next Door restaurant to taking on a role in research and development. Sean shares insights into his pivotal experiences, including working with legendary local purveyors, his time at Bar Bantam, and the intricacies of Japanese cuisine he mastered at Next Door. The episode also delves into Sean’s personal passions and future aspirations, providing a comprehensive look at his journey from a passionate young cook to an influential chef.

Mentioned in this episode:

Pauly Guglielmo Show

Pauly Guglielmo is a former radio guy turned food business entrepreneur. While running a manufacturing facility is his day job, he likes to dust off his broadcasting skills once a week on this podcast and talk to entrepreneurs and other influencers.

Food About Town

Food About Town hosted by Chris Lindstrom, focusing on restaurants, food and drink of all kinds, and whatever topics I want to cover!

Joe Bean Roasters

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone.

Sweet Pea Plant Based Kitchen

Based in Rochester, NY, Sweet Pea is a plant-powered kitchen creating transformative ways of wellness. Harnessing the power of food as medicine, we help you realize your happiest, healthiest self.

The last time Ryan was on, the podcast was a bit rushed as Pauly had an appointment to get to, so this is kind of like a make-good or a part 2. Enjoy!

Mentioned in this episode:

Food About Town

Food About Town hosted by Chris Lindstrom, focusing on restaurants, food and drink of all kinds, and whatever topics I want to cover!

Mind of Magnus

Artist Magnus Champlin Interviews guests sharing the stories and life adventures with the goal of expanding minds.

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone.

Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order!

In this episode of Shelling Peas, Chef Ryan Jennings welcomes Maria Whitney, chef and owner of Keep It Rollin' Sushi. Maria shares her journey in the food industry, starting from her early days as a bread girl. They reminisce about their initial meeting and California Rollin' days, discuss the challenges of running a food business, particularly during COVID-19, and the importance of passion and dedication in mastering sushi-making. Maria also talks about her entrepreneurial leap, the community's support during trying times, and the rewarding feeling of seeing her daughter excel in sushi-making. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation filled with personal anecdotes, industry insights, and the enduring love for culinary arts.

Mentioned in this episode:

Joe Bean Roasters

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone.

Pauly Guglielmo Show

Pauly Guglielmo is a former radio guy turned food business entrepreneur. While running a manufacturing facility is his day job, he likes to dust off his broadcasting skills once a week on this podcast and talk to entrepreneurs and other influencers.

Food About Town

Food About Town hosted by Chris Lindstrom, focusing on restaurants, food and drink of all kinds, and whatever topics I want to cover!

In this episode of Shelling Peas, Jon Swan, the visionary behind the Swan Family of Restaurants in Rochester, New York, joins host Chef Ryan Jennings for a conversation about his journey from dishwasher to restaurateur. Jon shares how his love of travel inspires the unique concepts behind his restaurants, including Roux, Dorado, and Alexander Social, and how reinvestment and innovation have fueled his success.

The discussion explores the challenges of growing a restaurant group while maintaining quality and a strong sense of community. With insights into balancing creativity, practicality, and leadership, this episode offers a fascinating look at the life of a dedicated restaurateur.

Mentioned in this episode:

Food About Town

Food About Town hosted by Chris Lindstrom, focusing on restaurants, food and drink of all kinds, and whatever topics I want to cover!

Pauly Guglielmo Show

Pauly Guglielmo is a former radio guy turned food business entrepreneur. While running a manufacturing facility is his day job, he likes to dust off his broadcasting skills once a week on this podcast and talk to entrepreneurs and other influencers.

Joe Bean Roasters

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone.

Sweet Pea Plant Based Kitchen

Based in Rochester, NY, Sweet Pea is a plant-powered kitchen creating transformative ways of wellness. Harnessing the power of food as medicine, we help you realize your happiest, healthiest self.

In this inspiring episode of Shelling Peas, Chef Ryan Jennings sits down with Sharon Cryan, CEO and founder of FoodNerd, to discuss her journey from attorney to entrepreneur. Sharon shares the pivotal moments that led her to create FoodNerd, a company dedicated to revolutionizing children's nutrition with whole-food, plant-based solutions. Fresh off her million-dollar win at the 43North competition, Sharon reveals how her passion for health, driven by personal and family experiences, fuels her mission to combat ultra-processed foods and promote nutritional equality.

Tune in to hear Sharon's take on the challenges of scaling innovative food technology, the impact of early childhood nutrition, and how FoodNerd is setting a new standard in the food industry. Plus, learn how she’s balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood while striving to make every child’s life healthier—one puff at a time.

Mentioned in this episode:

Joe Bean Coffee - Coffee that lifts everyone.

Use promo code Lunchador for 15% off your order!

Food About Town

Food About Town hosted by Chris Lindstrom, focusing on restaurants, food and drink of all kinds, and whatever topics I want to cover!

Pauly Guglielmo Show

Pauly Guglielmo is a former radio guy turned food business entrepreneur. While running a manufacturing facility is his day job, he likes to dust off his broadcasting skills once a week on this podcast and talk to entrepreneurs and other influencers.