The Ultimate Dish

The Ultimate Dish

By Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary ArtsArtsFood
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The Ultimate Dish episodes

  • The ‘Skinnytaste’ Formula: How Gina Homolka Built a Food Blog That Reaches Millions

    In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Gina Homolka, founder of the award-winning food blog, “Skinnytaste,” and best-selling cookbook author. 

    In this episode, Gina offers an intimate insight into the genesis of Skinnytaste in 2008, a venture ignited by her desire to “slim down some of her favorite recipes.” Through the ingenious combination of seasonal produce and a mindful approach to portion control, Gina not only discovered her niche but also attracted an enormous online following. Her digital footprint boasts 2 million Instagram followers, as well as over 6 million fans on Facebook. Gina's culinary prowess and cookbook achievements have been prominently featured in publications such as Fitness Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Oprah.com, and even on Good Morning America.

    Listen as Gina chats about her latest book launch, how to maximize flavor with limited ingredients, and the secret behind how she scaled her successful brand.


    45 min
  • The “Winning” Mindset in High-Stakes Competitions

    In today’s episode, we speak with David Wiens, a former professional cross-country mountain biker and Executive Director at the International Mountain Bicycling Association.

    With a prestigious induction into the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame in 2000, David shares his remarkable story of how he achieved an incredible feat—six consecutive victories in the grueling Leadville Trail 100 MTB race. Along the way, he beat some of the cycling world's most prominent figures, including Floyd Landis and Lance Armstrong. David also delves into his transition toward leadership advocacy. This shift prompted him to start Gunnison Trails, a non-profit organization passionately committed to improving and expanding trail networks in Gunnison, Colorado.

    Join us as Dave offers insights into the role that cycling plays in strengthening relationships and unveils the strategic mindset that propelled him to success in high-stakes competitions.

    1 hr
  • Les Misfits d’Escoffier: From Culinary Class Assignments to Lifelong Friendships

    In today’s episode, we speak with Les Misfits d'Escoffier, a small virtual meetup group of Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts graduates from around the country.  

    Back in January 2021, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, these students came together with a simple goal: to help each other with assignments beyond the classroom. Since then, this small virtual community has grown, attracting more members from different corners of the country. Everyone in the group has graduated from Escoffier with honors and considers each other “family.”

    Listen as Les Misfits d'Escoffier members talk about how they structured their meetings, shared resources virtually, and ultimately, found an undeniable sense of belonging.

    1 hr 14 min
  • Jocelyn Delk Adams on the Artistry of Soulful Baking

    In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Jocelyn Delk Adams, author behind the award-winning cookbook and her eponymous food blog, Grandbaby Cakes.

    In this episode, Jocelyn shares more about her decision to leave her 9-5 job to pursue blogging full-time, how she began authoring cookbooks, and her advice to beginner bakers. She also delves into her experience as a national TV personality, co-hosting Stab That Cake on Cooking Channel and Discovery+, alongside being a regular on the TODAY Show and Good Morning America.

    Listen as Jocelyn chats about her newest cookbook Everyday Grand: Soulful Recipes for Celebrating Life's Big and Small Moments, the artistry behind soulful baking, and her ultimate dish, Big Mama’s peach cobbler.

    42 min
  • Chad White's Voyage from the U.S. Navy to Top Chef

    In this episode, we're thrilled to chat with Chad White—a Navy veteran, award-winning chef, and restaurateur.

    Chef Chad shares his journey from the United States Navy to becoming a Top Chef contender. His dedication led to opening successful restaurants, including Zona Blanca Ceviche Bar (2016), winning Best New Restaurant and Chef of the Year awards for an impressive five consecutive years. He was also a two-time semi-finalist for the James Beard "Best Chef" award in 2020 and 2022.

    Join us as Chad discusses chef collaboration, the valuable contributions of military personnel in the culinary world, and his distinction as the "Sea Maverick of San Diego."

    51 min
  • Palates & Prose: A Day in the Life of a Professional Food Writer

    In today’s episode, we speak with our guest John Lehndorff, an acclaimed Colorado-based food writer, radio host, and editor. 

    In this episode, John shares how he pivoted from yearning to be a music critic to becoming an award-winning food media professional—penning the Nibbles column since around 1985 and hosting Radio Nibbles show at KGNU FM for more than 25 years. He takes a deep dive into his “food critic” days when he reviewed more than 400 restaurants for the Rocky Mountain News. John also elaborates on what it’s like to be a head judge at the National Pie Championships.

    Listen as John talks about how to cover local food scenes, what his days typically look like as a professional food writer, and his deep affinity for pies. 


    51 min
  • 'Don't Yuck My Yum' - GrossyPelosi Shares the Meaning Behind his Philosophy

    In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Dan Pelosi, better known as “The Italian American Meatball” and the content creator behind GrossyPelosi on social media.

    In this episode, we delve into Dan's inspiring story of transitioning from a design career to building his own brand during the pandemic. Through the natural comfort and connection of food, he shares how this bright online community has rapidly grown. We also explore the heartwarming anecdotes behind the recipes in Dan’s new cookbook Let's Eat: 101 Recipes to Fill Your Heart & Home.

    Listen as Dan talks about “living in a rainbow,” enjoying punny catchphrases, and the real meaning behind his “don’t yuck my yum” philosophy. 

    46 min
  • Why “Rainbow Plant Life” Founder Nisha Vora Ditched Law for Food Blogging

    In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Nisha Vora, a lawyer turned foodie and full-time blogger behind Rainbow Plant Life. 

    In this interview, Nisha outlines her journey to mastering vegan cooking at home through flavorful vegan recipes, entertaining cooking videos, and tips for making a vegan lifestyle easy. She also shares how she began to build a thriving social media presence, garnering over 1 million subscribers on YouTube and 700k+ followers on Instagram.

    Listen as Nisha talks about landing her first cookbook deal, becoming “plant curious,” and how she was able to find success after pivoting careers. 

    42 min
  • Beyond the Michelin Stars: Chef Iliana Regan's Transition to the Great Outdoors

    In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Iliana Regan, a self-taught chef who currently runs Milkweed Inn with her wife Anna. 

    In this interview, Iliana shares why she turned over her successful Michelin-starred restaurant Elizabeth to her employees to run a 150-acre bed and breakfast—set deep in the upper peninsula of Michigan. She also divulges intimate details about finding her identity as a chef and what it took to write her debut memoir, Burn the Place, which was included on the National Book Award Longlist— being the first time a food writer was listed since Julia Childs.

    Listen as Iliana talks about growing up on a 10-acre farm, relying on instinct and memory to create dishes, and serving “new gatherer” cuisine at Milkweed Inn. 

    47 min
  • Fearless in the Kitchen: The Story of “The Big Brunch” Finalist Danielle Sepsy

    In today’s episode, we speak with “The Queen of Scones” Danielle Sepsy, chef and owner behind The Hungry Gnome, and a finalist on HBO Max’s The Big Brunch.

    In this interview, Danielle details her culinary journey, from starting her own scone business at the age of 13 to opening The Hungry Gnome based in NYC—where she and her team produce over 100,000 baked goods a month. She also discusses how she secured the opportunity to be on The Big Brunch and what the rigorous casting process entailed.

    Listen as Danielle shares exclusive details about her secret cookbook project, what Dan Levy from Schitt’s Creek is really like off-camera, and how to become fearless in the kitchen. 

    57 min

About The Ultimate Dish

From the publisher's feed

A show about good food, inspiring stories, and deep dive talks featuring the world’s most innovative culinary educators and thought leaders. Join us as we delve into the lives of the amazing people…

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