The Spontaneous Table

Host George Aquino sits down with long time friend and popular blogger Liz Della Croce. Liz details how growing up in a large ethnically diverse family helped her discover her passion for food and cooking. It passion which eventually led to the creation of the wildly successful “The Lemon Bowl” blog. The West Michigan native also shares her philosophy of families and food, chronicles how she created “The Lemon Bowl” and talks about the winning recipe which put her on national TV.

Host George Aquino spends an hour with long time friend, and President and CEO of the Grand Rapids Market, Mimi Fritz.  Mimi and George discuss what it was like growing up in West Michigan and then traveling the world as an adult.  The two also detail the wonderful assortment of shops, services and attractions at the Grand Rapids Market.

George spends an hour with Chris Perkey, Head Chef and Owner of Osteria Rossa in Grand Rapids.  Chris shares the highlights of his early years working in Chicago, where he honed his craft, became a head chef at a very early age and spent invaluable time working with Wolfgang Puck.  Chris also talks about the trials and successes of opening Osteria Rossa and reviews the current culinary scene in Grand Rapids.

In this episode,  George Aquino welcomes in Todd Webb, Executive Chef at JW Marriott in Grand Rapids.  Todd recalls his early days working at resorts throughout Norther Michigan and how those experiences led him to where he is today.   The stories of his extensive travels over the years gives us a fascinating look at how food is viewed by different cultures around the world.  George and Chef Webb also give us an in depth look at the current culinary scene in Grand Rapids.

George Aquino sits down with West Michigan native Jeremy Paquin, Executive Chef at Grove Restaurant in Grand Rapids. The conversation with Jeremy ranges from the pitfalls and successes of owning his own restaurant in Muskegon too his decision to accept the head spot at Grove. They also talk about the West Michigan food scene, creativity in the kitchen and maintaining a positive work environment.

In this episode, George welcomes Grand Haven native Austin Langlois to the Spontaneous Table. Austin is writer, photographer and communications consultant who has traveled the world working for a wide range of clients from international brands to Silicon Valley startups. His work has been seen in national and international publications like Bon Appetit Magazine, AskMen, Time Out Miami and Drift Magazine. And he’s done all this by the ripe old age of 29.

In this episode host George Aquino is joined by world renown photographer Nigel Barker who is in Grand Rapids for the grand opening of the new AC Hotel. Nigel, a former judge and photographer on America's Next Top Model, shares fascinating stories which span the years from his humble beginnings with his first camera to being one of the most sought after photographers in the fashion industry today.

Host George Aquino spends time with Gray Skies Distillery co-founder Brandon Voorhees. Brandon, and long time friend Steve Vander Pol, turned a dilapidated old building in the Grand Rapids North Monroe Industrial District into a thriving, up and coming, distillery. Brandon discuss the long, and sometimes arduous road he and Steve traveled to make their dream a reality. We also get the inside story on the process Gray Skies uses to create their unique and unusual spirits.

George Aquino is joined by good friend and world traveler Luli Arroyo Bernas. As the former first granddaughter, and first daughter of the Philippines, Luli shares stories of her life growing up with a grandfather and mother who where both leaders of their nation. The discussion also touches on the wonderfully diverse culture, traditions, cuisines and lifestyle enjoyed by the people of the Philippines.

In this episode, host George Aquino sits down with long time friend and West Michigan author Lisa Rose.  Lisa is a self proclaimed foodie who has penned several books on the Grand Rapids food scene including Midwest Foraging and Grand Rapids Food: A Culinary Revolution.  Their discussion includes a recent trip to China, her time in Napa Valley and the rigors of handling family life in the twenty first century.   They also touch on the art of online dating, the Yucatan Peninsula and possible ideas for her next book.  It's an hour of lively conversation between good friends who have a lot to share.