On today’s show I have chef Sam Fore, the Sri Lankan-American chef and recipe developer who’s known for her wildly popular Tuk Tuk Sri Lankan Bites pop-ups. She was recently honored by The James Beard Foundation Awards as a semi-finalist for best chef in the southeast. On today’s show you’ll find out how this former marketer made the jump into the pop-up restaurant world.

In 2016, after hosting a number of traditional Sri Lankan brunches at her place, Sam decided it was time to move these gatherings from her dining room. And so, the pop-up was born. But these events aren’t limited to Lexington, Kentucky where she lives. Sam’s been traveling and collaborating with chefs across the country. 

We talk pop-up logistics and collaborations. Sam details how she ended up with her own Spicewalla spice blend. And she shares some info about her upcoming brick and mortar restaurant. 

In the past few years, she’s been on the cover of Food and Wine magazine, been named one of Plate magazine’s chefs to watch, and has joined the cast of Christopher Kimball‘s Milk Street. With everything going on it would be easy to burn out. We talk about taking the time to take care of yourself, and say no to some things…To only doing the things you really want to do.

SAM FORE
Sam's Instagram
Tuk Tuk Sri Lankan Bites
Sam's Recipe for Roasted Curry Tomato Pie
Buy the Tuk Tuk Fried Chicken Spice from Spicewalla

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