The Graffito Podcast

No one has ever been bold (or dumb) enough to record a podcast live from a Friends and Family event. At least, no one that we know of. But after being invited back by Tom Schlesinger-Guidelli, owner of Hook + Line restaurant, to document the event, we decided that it was time for someone to finally try. For those that don’t know, a Friends and Family event is a mock service that occurs before a restaurant opens to the public. It’s a way to celebrate and thank the many individuals that were a part of the restaurant’s creation, but also a chance for the staff to conduct a full service while surrounded by people that are supportive and forgiving. Once again, Drew and Jesse took their show on the road to record the event and find out what it’s all about. We had tons of great guests stop by to talk to us on our open mic, including many of Tom’s friends, vendors, and staff.

Also on this episode, Drew orders a hanger steak from a seafood restaurant, Brooke fact checks and confirms that Mormons can eat fish, Jesse criticizes the cocktail menu, and Tom defends his cocktail menu. All of that and SO MUCH MORE on this episode of The Graffito Podcast. #TGYP

Intro with Tom – 0:0:36

Branding Talk with Brooke Porter, Graffito – 0:21:05

Sarah Clasby, Friend & Industry Alum – 0:41:20

Beth Cannon, Friend & Industry Alum  –  1:06:12

Steve Riley, MS Walker – 1:21:50

Chris Mearn, District Real Estate Advisors & Matt Curtin, Newmark – 1:35:19

Mark Cina, Hook + Line Executive Chef – 1:49:39

Wrapping Up With Tom – 2:00:16

Co-Host: Jesse Baerkahn

Music: A Memory of 1995 by Glitch

On this episode of The Graffito Podcast, Drew and Jesse welcome founder of Tatte Bakery & Café, Tzurit Or. We discussed Tatte’s history and growth, possible expansion into New York, and her struggles as an immigrant business owner. Also on this episode, Tzurit compares Dave to a ham and cheese croissant, Drew holds a master class in negotiating, and Jesse demands that our guests bring snacks. All of this and more on The Graffito Podcast!

Special thanks to our sponsor for this episode, The BBC! Can you believe it??

⁠Don’t forget to send along questions to [email protected] or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening and goodbye for now!

Host: Drew Katz

On this episode of The Graffito Podcast, Drew and Jesse take the show on the road to record on location, for reasons unknown to anyone including our hosts. They visit the future home of Hook + Line, a restaurant that will open later this year by Tom Schlesinger-Guidelli. In addition to getting an update on the restaurant's progress, the gang dives into the complicated Liquor License process in Boston. Then, Drew shares his latest restaurant gripes, which are received with mixed reviews. Also on this episode, Drew changed his name, Jesse changed his name, and Tom’s name has too many characters to travel internationally.

Special thanks to our sponsor, Sally Sebring’s Seashore Shack and Shop.

⁠Don't forget to send along questions to [email protected] or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening and goodbye for now!

Host: Drew Katz
Co-Host: Jesse Baerkahn
Music: I Can't Stop by Punch Deck

Last week we had a lengthy conversation with Globe journalist, Devra First. We got a taste of what it’s like to be a food writer and restaurant critic in Boston and she shared some trends in the restaurant industry and made a few recommendations along the way. Also on this episode, Drew's not convinced he’s interviewing the real Devra First, Jesse makes a wild restaurant prediction, and Devra doesn’t read your comments. All of this and more on this week’s episode of The Graffito Podcast!

Drew and Jesse get together to test the equipment after a one and a half year hiatus. They discuss cooking with gas, LOIs, and difficult clients. See if you made the cut! Join them as they kick of season three of the podcast, which will be the last. But don't worry, the season's never going to end.

Drew and Jesse are joined by Graffito’s newest team member, Melissa Castro, as they wrap up Season 2 of the podcast. What better way to end things than with a game? Drew quotes our nine guests and Jesse has to guess which one said it. How well can you do? 

Don't forget to send along questions to [email protected] or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening and goodbye for now!

Host: Drew Katz

This week we are joined by Elizabeth Lowrey, principal, director of interior architecture at Elkus Manfredi Architects. Together, we discussed the growing demand for downtown office space, how coronavirus has impacted workplace design, and the relationship between a building’s interior and the surrounding community. Also on this episode, Elizabeth is a fan of Jon Hamm, Drew is a fan of Jon Hamm, and Jesse asks, “Who’s Jon Hamm?”

Don't forget to send along questions to [email protected] or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening!

Host: Drew Katz

Janelle Nanos, reporter for the Boston Globe, writes about retail, restaurants, and consumer culture. Which, by the way, are things we care a lot about at Graffito. During our conversation we talked about a local company using a restaurant for office space, why people are rethinking their careers post-pandemic, a new adult playground in Natick called Level99, and the recent consumption boom. And, we peppered Janelle with questions to figure out what it’s like working for the Globe. Also on this episode, Jesse likes the episode’s lead, Drew needs to work on his nut graphs, and Janelle nails the kicker. All of this and more on this week’s episode of The Graffito Podcast!

Fresh off her first MBTA ride since last March, C.A. Webb, President of the Kendall Square Association, joins us on this week’s episode of The Graffito Podcast. We covered a lot of territory, discussing topics like Cambridge’s reduced permitting and licensing fees, the Life Sciences real estate boom in Boston and beyond (looking at you Middlesex, New Jersey), and what makes Kendall Square so unique. Also on this episode, Drew can’t read, Jesse loses his train of thought, and C.A. calls Drew a capitalist. All of this and more on this week’s episode!

Don't forget to send along questions to [email protected] or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening!

Host: Drew Katz

At the beginning of Season Two of The Graffito Podcast, we promised you conversations with political activists, government officials, and entrepreneurs. On this week’s episode, we’re delivering all three qualifications with one special guest. Michelle Wu, City Council Member and Candidate for Mayor of Boston, interrupted her busy schedule to join Drew and Jesse to discuss what she’s learning while on the campaign trail, why she has a special connection to the restaurant industry, and how she hopes to transform the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA). Also on this episode, Drew’s disappointed there wasn’t a campaign bus, Jesse questions the plural form of “Matrix,” and Michelle questions the plural form of “Focus.” All of this and so much more on this week’s episode! 

Don't forget to send along questions to [email protected] or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening! 

Host: Drew Katz