The Voice4Chefs Podcast

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**Introduction**  
In this episode, we're joined by Executive Chef Sabrina Tinsley, known for her work at La Spiga, an iconic Italian restaurant. Her journey takes us from Alaska to Europe and culminates in co-founding La Spiga in Seattle, Washington, showcasing her adventurous life and culinary excellence.

**Alaskan Roots**  
Sabrina's childhood in Fairbanks, Alaska, centered around outdoor adventures like dog sledding and fishing with her father, sparking her love for nature and cooking.

**Transition to Michigan and College**  
After moving to Michigan, Sabrina's passion for cooking grew while caring for her grandfather. Despite starting in Elementary Education, she gravitated towards culinary arts at Michigan State University.

**European Odyssey**  
Sabrina's educational path led her to France, where she discovered her love for European cuisine. A chance encounter in Austria with Pietro Berg, AZ, set the stage for a life-changing connection.

**Fateful Connection**  
A missed bus in Salzburg led Sabrina to Pietro, sparking a deep connection that prompted her move to Italy to be with him.

- **Embracing French Culture:** Immersed in a French college town, Sabrina tackled the language barrier to delve deeper into French culture.

- **European Gastronomy:** She admired the artistry and freshness of European food, especially in France, leaving a lasting impression.

- **Magical Encounters in Salzburg:** Sabrina's serendipitous meeting with Pietro in Salzburg led to missed buses and a captivating connection.

- **A Love Story Unfolds:** From missed buses to weekends together, Sabrina's decision to be with Pietro marked a significant chapter.

- **Culinary Entrepreneurship:** Settling in Italy, Sabrina and Pietro ventured into culinary entrepreneurship, establishing Le Spega, a successful piadina shop.

- **Professional Growth:** Participating in the James Beard Foundation program validated Sabrina's instincts, offering insights into business growth.

- **Field to Table Experience:** Sabrina showcased her culinary expertise at Sound Excursions' Field to Table event alongside esteemed chefs.

- **Mentorship and Passion:** As an executive chef, Sabrina mentors young talents, especially women of color, inspiring the next generation.

- **The Essence of La Spiga:** Focused on authentic Emilia Romagna cuisine, La Spiga embodies fresh flavors and traditional Italian dishes with a refined touch.

- **Kitchen Mishaps:** Sabrina recalls intense yet humorous kitchen moments, including a pasta cooker disaster during a hectic service.

- **Chef's Advice:** She advises aspiring chefs to gain practical experience, emphasizing the diverse opportunities and personal commitment in the culinary industry.

**Epilogue**  
Sabrina's journey, blending her love for food and life's surprises, led her to Seattle, where she found her culinary home in La Spiga.

Visit La Spiga here: https://www.laspiga.com/
Visit Voice4Chefs here: https://www.voice4chefs.com/

Dynery It's a new app changing the way we connect through food. Dynery goes beyond helping you find great restaurants. Connects you with a community of people who share your food preferences, make it easier to discover new dining experiences while enjoying exclusive discounts at participating restaurants. For restaurant owners, it's a game changer. Unlike many delivery platforms charge commissions as high as thirty percent, Dynery charges 3%. Register here https://dynery.ai/

Support the show

Your support and contributions are vital in sustaining and expanding The Voice4Chefs podcast.

Become a monthly supporter:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1432717/support

Your donations aid in amplifying the voices of chefs globally.
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voice4chefs?locale.x=en_US

Check out our sponsors new app: 

Dynery connects restaurants, dishes, people, events, & deals around an audience of one... you.

https://dynery.ai/

Share your thoughts! Leave a comment or 5 star review.
https://www.voice4chefs.com/reviews/new/

Volunteer contact [email protected]

Connect with our Culinary Stories:
https://linktr.ee/voice4chef

Send us Fan Mail

**Introduction:**
In part two, Pietro Bourghesi shares enchanting stories, from wooing his wife Sabrina to the genesis of La Spiga. Dive deeper into their adventures, culinary creations, and their special connection to Seattle's culinary landscape.

**Love at First Sight:**
Pietro recounts a chance encounter in Salzburg, Austria, where he met Sabrina in a café, instantly smitten. Their initial conversation, a blend of Italian, German, and English, set the stage for a whirlwind romance that evolved into a lasting partnership.

**La Spiga's Beginnings and Shaping the Concept:**
The idea of La Spiga was born in Italy, nurtured by Pietro and Sabrina's shared passion for culinary delights. Their extensive travels across the U.S. solidified Seattle as the place to establish their culinary haven, La Spiga, initially founded in 1988 on Broadway & Union.

**Crafting Authenticity:**
To bring an authentic Italian experience to Seattle, Pietro and Sabrina ventured into building a concept in Italy and shipping it across. Tiles, designs, and furnishings, carefully chosen in Italy, were shipped to infuse La Spiga with genuine Italian charm.

**Culinary Inspirations and Talented Chefs:**
Pietro shares admiration for Seattle-based chefs like Scott Cosber, Bizarro, and Lumpria, highlighting Jeff Conkel's talent for melding Spanish influences with Italian cuisine. Internationally, Massimo Bottura of Osteria Francescana stands out for his culinary genius.

**Global Gastronomic Experiences:**
Reflecting on his travels, Pietro reminisces about Colombia's vibrant street food culture, praising its quality meats and abundant produce. He emphasizes the rich culinary and cultural tapestry woven in Colombia's street cuisine.

**Signature Dishes at La Spiga:**
La Spiga's menu is a celebration of regional Italian cuisine, featuring classics like Lasagna Verde, Gnocchi Pomodoro, Tagliatelle al Tofu, and rotating protein-based dishes like Braised Pork Shanks. Their focus on authentic recipes and family-inspired creations shines through.

**Must-Try Dessert:**
Pietro shares his favorite dessert, Must Component, a light, delightful dessert created from his mother's cherished recipe. Additionally, La Spiga's Panna Cotta holds a special place for its consistently top-notch quality.

**Community Support and Industry Insights:**
Encouraging support for local restaurants, Pietro emphasizes the importance of patronizing neighborhood eateries, highlighting their integral role in supporting suppliers, employees, and the community.

**Industry Dynamics and Collaboration:**
Acknowledging the resilience and collaboration within the restaurant industry, Pietro admires the support and shared knowledge among peers, praising initiatives like the Seattle Restaurants Facebook group.

**Closing Remarks:**
Expressing gratitude and excitement for this episode's special connection to southern Italy, Pietro shares heartfelt moments tied to the region invites listeners to engage with Voice4Chefs on Facebook and the website.

Visit La Spiga here: https://www.laspiga.com/

Support the show

Your support and contributions are vital in sustaining and expanding The Voice4Chefs podcast.

Become a monthly supporter:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1432717/support

Your donations aid in amplifying the voices of chefs globally.
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voice4chefs?locale.x=en_US

Check out our sponsors new app: 

Dynery connects restaurants, dishes, people, events, & deals around an audience of one... you.

https://dynery.ai/

Share your thoughts! Leave a comment or 5 star review.
https://www.voice4chefs.com/reviews/new/

Volunteer contact [email protected]

Connect with our Culinary Stories:
https://linktr.ee/voice4chef

Send us Fan Mail

🍽️ Join the Culinary Love Story: Welcome to the first part of our three-part series, "La Spiga's Culinary Love Story." In this episode, we embark on a heartfelt journey with Pietro Borghesi, the General Manager and Co-Owner of La Spiga in Seattle, WA.

🌍 From Congo to Italy: Pietro unfolds his remarkable life story, from being born in The Congo to being raised in the enchanting culinary landscape of Italy. Discover the influences and experiences that laid the foundation for his culinary passion.

💑 A Love Story Across Borders: Prepare to be captivated by a love story that knows no borders. Pietro shares the enchanting tale of how he met and fell in love with the talented Executive Chef Sabrina in Salzburg, Austria. It's a romance that transcended cultures and ignited a culinary dream.

🍝 The Birth of La Spiga: Follow Pietro and Sabrina's journey as they create a life together, culminating in the realization of their dream restaurant, "La Spiga." This charming eatery in Seattle, WA, is a testament to their love for authentic Italian cuisine and their dedication to bringing the flavors of Italy to the Pacific Northwest.

🔥 Stay Tuned for More: This three-part series promises to immerse you in their incredible story of romance, food, and their unwavering passion for sharing authentic Italian cuisine with the people of Seattle.

Visit La Spiga here: https://www.laspiga.com/

Support the show

Your support and contributions are vital in sustaining and expanding The Voice4Chefs podcast.

Become a monthly supporter:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1432717/support

Your donations aid in amplifying the voices of chefs globally.
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voice4chefs?locale.x=en_US

Check out our sponsors new app: 

Dynery connects restaurants, dishes, people, events, & deals around an audience of one... you.

https://dynery.ai/

Share your thoughts! Leave a comment or 5 star review.
https://www.voice4chefs.com/reviews/new/

Volunteer contact [email protected]

Connect with our Culinary Stories:
https://linktr.ee/voice4chef

Send us Fan Mail

Stay Hungry to feel the emotion of food

Not everyone can cook, but anyone can appreciate good food. For Carrie Dugan, this started at six years old when she realized cookbooks were too conventional for her. She began to create adventurous experiences around food and became the creative inspiration for Voice4Chefs. In this episode, she shares her impactful, emotional stories around cooking and food, takes you on some selected adventures around the world and will leave you feeling hungry for more.  Special thanks to Biggerideas.com for the creative design and to Steve Olson for an inspirational cover song.

Visit Voice4Chefs here: https://www.voice4chefs.com/

Support the show

Your support and contributions are vital in sustaining and expanding The Voice4Chefs podcast.

Become a monthly supporter:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1432717/support

Your donations aid in amplifying the voices of chefs globally.
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voice4chefs?locale.x=en_US

Check out our sponsors new app: 

Dynery connects restaurants, dishes, people, events, & deals around an audience of one... you.

https://dynery.ai/

Share your thoughts! Leave a comment or 5 star review.
https://www.voice4chefs.com/reviews/new/

Volunteer contact [email protected]

Connect with our Culinary Stories:
https://linktr.ee/voice4chef

Send us Fan Mail

Chef Clara Gutierrez Carroll has brought the flavors and inspiration from her home in the Castilla region of Spain to the Pacific Northwest. In this episode we discover what it was like growing up in Spain and how Clara brought her passion for Spanish Tapas to Seattle. She will take you back to Spain and you’ll experience some of her amazing food Tapas and uncover a delicious dessert.  Special thanks to Biggerideas.com for the creative design and to Steve Olson for an inspirational cover song.

Visit Clara at: https://castillarestaurant.com/index.php

Visit Voice4Chefs here: https://www.voice4chefs.com/

Dynery It's a new app changing the way we connect through food. Dynery goes beyond helping you find great restaurants. Connects you with a community of people who share your food preferences, make it easier to discover new dining experiences while enjoying exclusive discounts at participating restaurants. For restaurant owners, it's a game changer. Unlike many delivery platforms charge commissions as high as thirty percent, Dynery charges 3%. Register here https://dynery.ai/

Support the show

Your support and contributions are vital in sustaining and expanding The Voice4Chefs podcast.

Become a monthly supporter:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1432717/support

Your donations aid in amplifying the voices of chefs globally.
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voice4chefs?locale.x=en_US

Check out our sponsors new app: 

Dynery connects restaurants, dishes, people, events, & deals around an audience of one... you.

https://dynery.ai/

Share your thoughts! Leave a comment or 5 star review.
https://www.voice4chefs.com/reviews/new/

Volunteer contact [email protected]

Connect with our Culinary Stories:
https://linktr.ee/voice4chef

Send us Fan Mail

Out of the kitchen and into the studio hear real life experiences of Chefs, Restaurant Owners and Culinary Artists. Sit at the Chef's table and experience stories, secret sauces, signature dishes and kitchen disasters. Special thanks to Biggerideas.com for the creative design and to Steve Olson for inspirational cover song.

Our website: https://www.voice4chefs.com/

Support the show

Your support and contributions are vital in sustaining and expanding The Voice4Chefs podcast.

Become a monthly supporter:

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1432717/support

Your donations aid in amplifying the voices of chefs globally.
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voice4chefs?locale.x=en_US

Check out our sponsors new app: 

Dynery connects restaurants, dishes, people, events, & deals around an audience of one... you.

https://dynery.ai/

Share your thoughts! Leave a comment or 5 star review.
https://www.voice4chefs.com/reviews/new/

Volunteer contact [email protected]

Connect with our Culinary Stories:
https://linktr.ee/voice4chef

Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/MichaelDugan)