Justin Morales is a seasoned hospitality professional with over 30 years of experience. With an impressive career in the industry, Justin has been a part of the opening teams of four restaurants in Hartford, Connecticut alone. He has worked and lived in the city for a significant part of his career, earning him a deep understanding and appreciation for its vibrant culinary scene. In 2017, Justin was honored with the Connecticut mixologist of the year award, showcasing his exceptional skills behind the bar. His expertise in crafting unique and delicious cocktails has earned him several other accolades over the years. Currently, Justin is the general manager of Fire by Forge , a Pan-American inspired, chef-driven concept located in Hartford on Broad Street that includes a café, full-service restaurant, bar, and catering operation. In 2024, Justin released his first book entitled “Serving Life: Behind Bars, Kitchens and the hospitality industry.”

Episode Sponsors:

The Amber Room Colonnade

⁠⁠⁠https://www.theamberroom.net/⁠⁠⁠

Uncle Matt's Bakery & Cafe

⁠⁠⁠https://unclemattsbakeryandcafe.com/⁠⁠

Affinity Esports

⁠⁠https://www.affinityesports.gg/⁠⁠

Negative Kitty

⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/negative_kitty

*Episode recorded summer 2024*

Dom Alessandro has been the founder and owner of AW Design since 2000, a company which is dedicated to helping brand owners realize the potential of their brands through meaningful strategic development, passionate design exploration and detailed execution. Prior to AW, Dom was a Design Director at Landor NY, leading a team of designers on branding programs for clients such as Nestle, Pepsi and Proctor & Gamble. Dom has been one of the keys to the history of Danbury Hockey with his contribution centering around the logo design for four of the five teams to call Danbury home. Dom designed the iconic Danbury Trashers logo, followed by the Whalers, Titans, and Hat Tricks.

Episode Sponsors:

The Amber Room Colonnade

⁠⁠https://www.theamberroom.net/⁠⁠

Uncle Matt's Bakery & Cafe

⁠⁠https://unclemattsbakeryandcafe.com/⁠

Affinity Esports

⁠https://www.affinityesports.gg/⁠

Negative Kitty

⁠https://linktr.ee/negative_kitty

Kyle Marcoux, known as THE VULGAR CHEF on Instagram is a creative foodie, who for many years has either delighted or outraged the foodie community with his eye popping recipes and combinations of different foods. Kyle was also one of the original guitarists for the popular metal band Within The Ruins. You’ve probably seen his reels while scrolling on your phone, and with 320k followers and counting, Kyle has worked with industry giants such as Liquid Death & DudeWipes. 

Bobby Manere Jr. is the founder and owner of DOGTOWN a hot dog and burger joint located in Milford, CT since 2017.  The name Dogtown pays homage to Southern California’s 60’s and 70’s culture and music.  A play on words that embodies the laid back vibe of LA’s culture with an East Coast attitude and edge. If the last name Manere sounds familiar it’s because his father owned and operated Swanky Franks a legendary hotdog stand in Norwalk. With an emphasis on hotdogs, Dogtown captures the food and lifestyle of Southern California with a classic New England twist.

Episode Sponsors:

The Amber Room Colonnade

⁠https://www.theamberroom.net/⁠

Uncle Matt's Bakery & Cafe

⁠https://unclemattsbakeryandcafe.com/

Affinity Esports

https://www.affinityesports.gg/

Negative Kitty

https://linktr.ee/negative_kitty

Affinity Esports is Connecticut’s premier organization for healthier gaming experiences for all generations. AE is on a mission to redefine the gaming world, blending wellness, education, and inclusivity into every aspect of esports. Affinity is committed to leading a transformative movement, creating a balanced and nurturing environment where gamers of every age and background can excel, both in gaming and in life. Their vision is a future where gaming is a beacon of positive impact, fostering a community deeply rooted in healthy experiences and united by a shared passion for the game.

Sam Reyes is the owner and head bartender of Mariposa Taqueria, a Latin-American inspired restaurant located in Danbury, CT which was formerly know as Mezon. Sam is a member of the Reyes family, which owns incredible establishments around Danbury and the state such as Mines Carne, Amigos Deli, and Mecha Noodle Bar. Recently, Sam took him the award for “Bartender of the Year” at the 2023 Connecticut Restaurant Association’s CRAzies Awards show at Foxwoods, which honors the best of the best in our states incredible industry.

Episode Sponsors:

The Amber Room Colonnade

https://www.theamberroom.net/

Uncle Matt's Bakery & Cafe

https://unclemattsbakeryandcafe.com/

Holmes Fine Gardens

https://holmesfinegardens.com/

Fellow Brookfield resident Jonathan Mendonca is the author of the best selling book, “Life on Life’s Terms” which is a fascinating and inspiring true story from 10 years of opiate addiction to 4 years of sobriety, and all the lessons learned along the way. Life on Life’s Terms is a success story of self growth and realization through the eyes of an addict. In his book, Jon takes you through the trails of his youth that played a part into his eventual decade long battle with opiates and alcohol. Jon masterfully details what finally led him to throwing up the white flag in his addiction, his numerous attempts at finding sobriety and how he continues to stay sober through the hardships of life. After spending years leading a life filled with lies, anger and dependence on substances, Jon now spends his time helping addicts and non addicts alike lead a better life. As Jon says: “This book is for anyone who wants to turn it around. It’s never too late.”

Episode Sponsors:

Doug Polistena is the Owner & General Manager of the Amber Room Colonnade, an award-winning premier catering venue and landmark, located in Danbury, CT since 1969. Doug has personally worked with and executed over 3,500 events, to include major galas, weddings, mitzvahs and corporate functions.

Episode Sponsors:

The Amber Room Colonnade

https://www.theamberroom.net/

Holmes Fine Gardens

https://holmesfinegardens.com/

Reverie Brewing Company

https://www.reveriebrewing.com/

Perfusion Bar

https://www.perfusionbar.com/

Kyle Sorenson and Rob Haidar, the founders of UMEBROSHI who have been in the food industry for some time and with knowledge of different cultures and palettes, created a realm to create food without the stereotypical toxicity within kitchens. As they say, they just wanted to have fun making food without all the bullshit, not looking to make their way up the social ladder or win awards. They just want to make food from scratch that people can enjoy. Consider them the the anti heroes. The super villains. Serving corndogs on fine china.

Kyle & Rob are two incredible human beings. Lots of laughs were had and I know you are really going to enjoy this one.

Episode Sponsors:

The Amber Room Colonnade

https://www.theamberroom.net/

Holmes Fine Gardens

https://holmesfinegardens.com/

Reverie Brewing Company

https://www.reveriebrewing.com/

Perfusion Bar

https://www.perfusionbar.com/

Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Cesar Collado is a professional boxer currently residing in Danbury, Connecticut representing Champs Boxing Club, also located in Danbury and owned by the legendary, AJ Galante of Danbury Trashers Fame. Cesar is also a master barber and has been servicing clients in the Danbury area for 15 years. His fun nature conversation and precision haircuts will always leave you feeling satisfied with not only your appearance but your experience. Currently Cesar works out of Legends Barber Co. located near the Danbury Mall, and it’s where Cesar and I first met.

I had such an awesome conversation with Cesar, learning all about his rise in boxing after having started at a young age, his career as a barber, becoming a professional boxer, preparing for his first pro fight in Colombia, what training camp is like, what it’s been like representing Champs Boxing Club and so much more!

Episode Sponsors: