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Introduction:

In part two of our series with Chef Gunawan, we delve into his remarkable journey as a pastry artist, instructor, and award-winning culinary maestro. Discover how his transition from savory chef to pastry connoisseur led to groundbreaking creations and international recognition.

Highlights:

Origins of Innovation: Gunawan's journey began as a savory chef, but his true passion unfolded in the pastry kitchen. His inventive flavor combinations and unique desserts catapulted him into competitions and teaching roles worldwide.

2016 Pâtissier of the Year: 
His groundbreaking entry, the Terrarium Tart, wowed judges with its edible sugar dome, creating a memorable tasting experience. His bold creations like polenta éclairs and tom yum macarons redefined pastry norms.
Career Milestones: 
Winning People's Choice Award for the Terrarium Tart opened doors to various job offers, including a stint at the Hill of Grace restaurant, where his innovative dessert menu was a game-changer.

Pastry vs. Cooking Precision: 
Gunawan highlights the precision required in pastry-making and how that discipline aids in mastering the savory kitchen.

Transitioning Roles:
 Faced with constraints in the hospitality industry during the pandemic, Gunawan embraced teaching, initially an unfamiliar territory, finding joy in inspiring young culinary minds.

Inspirations & Influences: 
He admires Gordon Ramsay's charisma in teaching and Simon Bryant's humble, knowledge-sharing approach, aiming to instill similar mentorship qualities in his own teaching style.

Insights:
Teaching Kids: Gunawan finds fulfillment in teaching kids, witnessing their pride in culinary creations and aiming to equip them with essential life skills.

Favorite Travel Destination: 
He reminisces about France, yearning to revisit and experience it as a seasoned chef rather than a culinary student.

Signature Dishes: 
Notable creations like the Forbidden Tree dessert and the Migoreng Macaron reflect Gunawan's unconventional yet captivating culinary style.

Kitchen Anecdotes:
Teaching & Entertainment: Injecting humor and theatrical elements into his teaching, Gunawan shares anecdotes about being mistaken for an Italian chef by his students.

Kitchen Disasters: 
From misplaced ice buckets near deep fryers to humorous language mishaps, Gunawan shares memorable moments from his career.

Final Thoughts:
Life Lesson: Gunawan encourages individuals to pursue their passions relentlessly, emphasizing that it's never too late to follow your dreams.


Connect to our guest: GUNAWAN (@awi_wu) (https://www.instagram.com/awi_wu/)Instagram

Season2

Welcome Chef Steven Leung as our new cohost.

IG: themindfulwok

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**Introduction:**
- Meet Australian Chef, Instructor, and Pastry Artist, Gunawan, takes us through his incredible culinary odyssey from Indonesia to France.

**Overview of Gunawan's Background:**
- Gunawan's upbringing in Indonesia amidst diverse spices and flavors shaped his palate.
- Despite being forbidden from the kitchen as a boy, his family's rich culinary traditions influenced his love for food.
- He embarked on a culinary adventure upon joining cooking school in Malaysia, where he learned the basics, including how to turn on a stove!

**Discovering the Culinary World:**
- Initially inclined towards arts, Gunawan's pursuit of a multimedia design career shifted to hospitality due to family influence.
- His first kitchen experiences were comical, seeking assistance to operate a stove and learning cooking basics in a foreign land.
- Despite early challenges, Gunawan's passion for interacting with customers sparked his interest in front-of-house roles.

**Transitioning to the Kitchen:**
- Initially drawn to front-of-house roles, Gunawan unexpectedly found himself compelled towards the kitchen due to academic pressures.
- Starting as a Comi, he volunteered to learn and eventually thrived in the kitchen environment, discovering a penchant for pastry arts.

**Diving into Pastry Arts:**
- Enrolling in Hospitality Management further fueled Gunawan's journey, especially when he discovered the artistry in pastry.
- His transition to Le Cordon Bleu in France was a pivotal moment that honed his skills and passion for crafting desserts.

**Entering Competitions and Innovating:**
- Gunawan's entry into competitions, like the Asia Pastry Cup, marked a turning point in his career.
- The creation of the Tomyum Macaroon showcased his unique approach—merging savory elements with desserts—an idea that initially faced skepticism but eventually impressed judges.

**The Essence of Competing:**
- Gunawan's view on competitions as a learning experience rather than just a win or loss, highlighting the importance of self-improvement.
- His bronze win in the competition validated his innovative approach and spurred him to explore more unique flavor combinations.

**Conclusion:**
- Recap of Gunawan's journey from forbidden kitchen access in Indonesia to a pioneering pastry artist in Australia.
- Highlighting his persistence, innovation, and passion for culinary arts despite early setbacks.

**Closing Thoughts:**
- Tune in to Part 2 to explore Gunawan's continuing journey,  where Gunawan delves into his remarkable career progression post-competition wins, becoming a renowned chef, instructor, and brand ambassador.

Connect to our guest: GUNAWAN (@awi_wu) (https://www.instagram.com/awi_wu/)Instagr

Season2

Welcome Chef Steven Leung as our new cohost.

IG: themindfulwok

Support the show

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

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

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

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**Introduction:**
Welcome back to "Cooking Down Under with Jodie." Today, we're taking you on Jodie's adventure as we chat with her on her ranch in rustic Australia, surrounded by kangaroos, dingoes, and exotic birds. Get ready as we delve into kitchen disasters and explore some of her favorite dishes.

**Jodie's Backyard:**
Jodie paints a vivid picture of her surroundings in rustic Australia. Picture this—rivers filled with iron, paperbark, and ghost gum trees. The landscape is adorned with native flora, offering beautiful scenery, especially after rainfall when the waters run crystal clear. A notable feature is a man-made lake adorned with stunning lilies, hosting a variety of birdlife—ducks, swans, and white pelicans with black wings. Kangaroos roam freely, coexisting with wildlife essential for the ecosystem.

**Wildlife and Cautionary Notes:**
Amidst the beauty, caution is warranted. Jodie highlights the presence of brown snakes, death adders, and various lizards, including blue-tongue lizards that resemble snakes. Dingo sightings at night can be worrisome, considering their pack behavior. The conversation expands to include kangaroo management—a balance between maintaining their population and preserving livestock.

**Clubhouse Experience:**
Transitioning to the virtual world, Jodie shares her enthusiasm for Clubhouse, a social media platform. She reflects on the diversity of people she's met—culinary experts, lawyers, and tech enthusiasts from different corners of the world. Through hosting rooms on food and cooking, Jodie sparks creativity and connections among attendees, fostering a sense of community.

**Culinary Journey and Signature Dishes:**
Discussing her culinary prowess, Jodie unveils her signature dishes—a local Aussie delight called "crown steak" (akin to chicken fried steak), a delectable cheesecake, and a skillfully made campfire pizza. Reflecting on her kitchen mishaps, she narrates an incident turning a collapsed layered cake into an improvised trifle—a lesson in adaptability.

**Dream Travel Destination for Food:**
Jodie's newfound interest in global travel stems from her Clubhouse interactions, yearning to explore culinary delights worldwide. Italy, Mexico, and Spain top her list, with a keen interest in savoring street food and discovering local culinary secrets.

**Closing Wisdom:**
Parting thoughts from Jodie encapsulate life lessons—urging aspiring chefs to be patient, brave, and authentic in their culinary journey. She emphasizes self-kindness, experimentation, and remaining true to oneself to attract the right support and opportunities.

Connect with Jodie: https://thechillaxlounge.com/collections

Season2

Welcome Chef Steven Leung as our new cohost.

IG: themindfulwok

Support the show

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

Your donations aid in amplifying the voices of chefs globally.
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Share your thoughts! Leave a comment or 5 star review.
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#### Introduction:

Join us as we explore the culinary adventures of Jody Pollack, the founder of the Chillax Lounge, in the remote cattle ranches of Australia. In this first segment, Jody shares her childhood, roots in Queensland, and the pivotal moments that ignited her lifelong passion for food.

#### Episode Highlights:

- **Introduction to Jody Pollack:** Jody, the founder of Chillax Lounge, shares her fascinating journey, from her childhood spent in Queensland to her early culinary experiences.

  

- **Growing Up in the Outback:** Jody reminisces about her childhood, often spent in a tent due to her father's work as a contract painter. Cooking over campfires and simple meals marked her early culinary exposure.

- **Connection with Food:** Despite simple beginnings, Jody's connection with food grew as she and her brother took on cooking responsibilities due to their parents' work schedules. Exploring their own food creation became a blessing, given their mother's limited culinary skills.

- **Childhood Culinary Ventures:** From selling bush lemons for pocket money to experimenting with baking chocolate cakes and creating homemade lemon curd, Jody's early years were rich with culinary endeavors.

- **Educational Journey:** Jody's unconventional schooling, a mix of distant education and periodic meet-ups with classmates and teachers, cultivated her love for storytelling and history.

- **Aspiring Station Cook:** Inspired by her life on the land, Jody aspired to be a station cook on large Australian properties, aiming to explore different cuisines beyond the basic campfire meals.

- **Exposure to New Cuisines:** Discovering cooking shows and magazines like Better Homes and Gardens broadened Jody's culinary horizons, sparking a fascination with global cuisines.

- **Life on a Remote Property:** Jody's experience cooking with minimal resources in a remote property shed, learning to create meals using basic tools and limited appliances.

- **Opening the Culinary World:** Access to electricity and exposure to TV shows like My Kitchen Rules expanded Jody's cooking repertoire, allowing her to experiment with diverse recipes.

#### Jody's Present Life:

- **Life on the Cattle Ranch:** Presently, Jody resides on a family-owned cattle ranch with her partner, son, daughter, and retired in-laws. Managing a Brahmin cross beef cattle farm requires constant attention and limits leisure travel.

- **Remote Living:** Despite the isolation, Jody cherishes the freedom of ranch life, collecting rocks for her garden, and indulging in simple pleasures surrounded by nature.

Connect with Jodie: https://

Season2

Welcome Chef Steven Leung as our new cohost.

IG: themindfulwok

Support the show

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

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

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

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Connect with our Culinary Stories:
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In part two Chef Jensen takes us deeper and bring storytelling to life with his epic Storytelling Challenge, and in this episode, you will leave impacted and inspired and ready to tell your story. You'll learn about why restaurants should become podcasters and ambassadors for their community. Let's connect back with Chef Jensen of Best Served.

Our guest: https://www.bestservedpodcast.com/

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

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

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**Introduction:**

In this episode, we dive into the captivating story of a renowned chef turned podcast host who has pioneered a movement to reshape the hospitality industry. Chef Jensen Cummings, a fifth-generation chef whose family legacy in the restaurant industry dates back to 1900. From working alongside renowned chefs like Debbie Gold to making a mark in Denver's vibrant food scene, Chef Jensen's journey is a testament to passion, resilience, and the transformative power of storytelling.

  

**Key Discussion Points:**

 

1. **Chef’s Journey and Passion for Knives:**

   - Our guest shares their journey from a successful chef to becoming enamored with knives, inspired by the legacy and obsession with having the right tools.

 

2. **Chef Culture and Mentorship:**

   - Exploring the chef culture, the competitive nature, and a legendary chive test that defined technical skills. The conversation delves into mentorship, building up chefs, and the shift from opportunity to obligation in a kitchen environment.

 

3. **Crisis in the Hospitality Industry:**

   - Reflecting on the industry’s evolution and how it has shifted from rebellious beginnings to establishment and the challenges it faces today. The discussion touches on the disconnect between generations, work culture toxicity, and reinvention.

 

4. **The Birth and Evolution of "Best Served" Podcast:**

   - The inception of the "Best Served" podcast, its primary purpose to highlight unsung heroes in the industry, shed light on behind-the-scenes leadership, and tackle mental health challenges.

 

5. **Pivoting Amidst a Global Crisis:**

   - The host’s decision to go live on social media during the pandemic, the challenges faced, and the unexpected growth that led to forming a dedicated team to amplify the worth and work of those in hospitality.

 

6. **Changing the Industry Mindset:**

   - Addressing the prevalent abuse within the chef-staff dynamic, the importance of educating and shifting the mindset to create a team-oriented environment focused on investment in people.

 

7. **Value of Storytelling in Hospitality:**

   - Emphasizing the power of storytelling in the relationship-driven business of hospitality, discussing the shift from commodity to story-based models, and the tremendous impact stories have on consumer perception.

 

**Closing:**

This episode offers an insightful look into the hospitality industry’s past, present, and the transformative future envisioned by our guest, advocating for a culture of investment in people and the compelling power of storytelling.

Our guest: https://www.bestservedpodcast.com/

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

Season2

Welcome Chef Steven Leung as our new cohost.

IG: themindfulwok

Support the show

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

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

Share your thoughts! Leave a comment or 5 star review.
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Andy LoRusso is known all over the globe as The Singing Chef™ and is a best selling author, recording artists Celebrity Chef and entertainer. He's performed and cooked for 1000s of people on stage in places all over the world, including the Isle of Wight Festival in England, Istanbul and even in my hometown, Seattle, Washington. He's become a great friend and he has an incredible story to tell. He is a passionate supporter and advocate for The Dystonia-Foundation.

I’n Part II we continue along Andy LoRusso’s journey and discover how he shaped his career combining his love of cooking and singing. He poured his heart and soul into creating a career as The Singing Chef. He shares stories about meeting Emeril Lagasse, Julia Child and Sting at The Isle of Wight festival and meeting Martin Yan. Pull up a virtual seat at our chefs table as we connect with Celebrity Chef Andy LoRusso.

Connect to: http://www.singingchef.com

Support:https://dystonia-foundation.org/

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

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#### Introduction
In this episode of Voice4Chefs we dive into the world of Italian-American upbringing, music, and culinary passion with the iconic Celebrity Chef Andy LoRusso. The Singing Chef™ and is a best selling author, recording artists Celebrity Chef and entertainer. He's performed and cooked for 1000s of people on stage in places all over the world, including the Isle of Wight Festival in England, Istanbul and even in my hometown, Seattle, Washington. Part one immerses us into Andy's childhood, blending singing and cooking at a young age, and his groundbreaking experience on the Donny & Marie show.  He's become a great friend and he has an incredible story to tell. He is a passionate supporter and advocate for The Dystonia-Foundation.

#### Episode Breakdown

- **Growing Up Italian-American:** Andy shares his upbringing in a rich Italian-American household, deeply influenced by both Sicilian and Potenza heritage.
  
- **Family Traditions:** Exploring the culinary and musical traditions passed down through generations, highlighting the importance of family gatherings and home-cooked meals.

- **Jersey Shore Memories:** Andy reminisces about summers at the Jersey Shore, filled with family, homemade Italian specialties, and the vibrant culture of the area.

- **Transition from Singing to Cooking:** The journey from being an epic recording artist to intertwining his love for singing with his culinary prowess.

- **Meeting Vocal Coach Giovanni:** A serendipitous encounter leads Andy to discover vocal training under the guidance of an 88-year-old opera coach, unlocking a new dimension to his singing.

- **Learning to Cook:** Andy's culinary skills developed through family teachings, local classes, and experiences in various kitchens worldwide, meeting culinary legends like Emeril Lagasse and Julia Child.

- **The Donny & Marie Show:** A pivotal moment in Andy's career, showcasing his talent in combining music and cooking on a national platform, affirming his path in life.

- **Charitable Efforts:** Andy's commitment to supporting the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation, contributing a portion of sales from his sauces to aid in finding a cure.

#### Closing Thoughts and Future Teasers
The episode concludes with a call to action, inviting listeners to join Andy's journey by exploring his sauces, recipes, and website while hinting at future episodes featuring encounters with culinary icons like Emeril Lagasse and Julia Child.

Stay tuned for Part Two: "Magic in the Kitchen with The Singing Chef™," where Andy takes us on a global journey, sharing how his career evolved and the remarkable individuals he encountered along the way.


Connect to: http://www.singingchef.com

Support:https://dystonia-founda

Season2

Welcome Chef Steven Leung as our new cohost.

IG: themindfulwok

Support the show

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

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

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

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A special start to the year 2022 with Holly Verbeck, a true Voice4Chefs, specializing in assisting chefs in launching their personal and private chef businesses.

Guest Introduction - Holly Verbeck:

Holly shares her background, growing up in Los Angeles with a mother who cultivated a variety of menus from a backyard garden, instilling a healthy eating environment without a strong focus on culinary arts.

Early Entrepreneurship and Culinary Pursuits:

Holly recounts her entrepreneurial journey, starting with crafting cutting boards and baking loaves of bread in college. This first foray into a cooking-related business during finals week was an eye-opener.

Challenges and Growth:

Reflecting on her childhood and past struggles, Holly emphasizes that many face challenges, yet those experiences don't have to define our future.

Her educational background and corporate experience were unrelated to her current career trajectory, which began with marrying a chef.

Meeting Her Husband - An Unconventional Journey:

Holly details meeting her husband during a 21-day kayak tour in Alaska, sparking a long-distance relationship that culminated in marriage and a relocation.

Life Married to a Chef:

The joys and challenges of being married to a chef, emphasizing the culinary passion, overabundance of dishes, and the unique social dynamics around inviting guests over.

Business Amidst the Pandemic:

The impact of the pandemic on her local business, Hey Chef, and the silver lining in assisting chefs across the nation to build and grow their own independent businesses.

Hey Chef - A Unique Approach:

The success of Hey Chef stems from a unique staffing approach that provides personalized and effortless in-home entertaining, placing various culinary professionals in clients' homes.

2021: The Year of the Independent Chef:

Holly's assertion that the current landscape favors independent chefs, allowing them to thrive without the traditional restaurant model's high risks.

Let's Get Cooking - A Fun Break:

Light-hearted questions about signature dishes, a kitchen disaster, and a desert island dish to break the intensity of the conversation.

Final Words and Advice for Aspiring Independent Chefs:

Holly urges chefs to break away from traditional business setup norms, emphasizing that starting small and identifying ideal clients are the true foundations.

Gift for Aspiring Chefs:

Holly offers a free assessment called the "Complete Roadmap for Becoming an Independent Chef" on her website to help aspiring chefs kickstart their journey.

Connect with Holly: https://makeyourbusinesscook.com/

Connect w

Season2

Welcome Chef Steven Leung as our new cohost.

IG: themindfulwok

Support the show

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

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

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:
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Send us a text

In this engaging episode, we connect with Kelsey, a passionate food enthusiast from Wisconsin. Her culinary journey traces back to her childhood in a small town, surrounded by the warmth of family meals and the joy of watching her mother create delicious, hearty dishes.

Kelsey's culinary exploration blossomed in 2018 when she ventured into food blogging with "The Tasting Spoon." From there, her love for cooking evolved, leading her to pursue a transformative path—enrolling in the accredited online Escoffier Institute for culinary education.

#### Key Points:

- **Childhood Memories & Culinary Inspiration:** Kelsey reminisces about her upbringing, emphasizing the impact of family meals and the sense of togetherness they brought. Her childhood experiences sparked a passion for creating memorable culinary moments.

- **Cooking for Family:** When visiting her parents, Kelsey takes charge of the kitchen, delighting them with her seafood-based dishes despite her pescatarian diet. She shares her love for preparing diverse seafood meals and experimenting with recipes.

- **Transition to Culinary Education:** Kelsey's educational journey is multifaceted, initially pursuing degrees in social work before embarking on an online culinary course at Escoffier Institute. The unique flexibility and depth of the program piqued her interest, allowing her to balance her passion with a full-time job.

- **The Escoffier Experience:** She delves into the innovative structure of Escoffier's online culinary program, highlighting its hands-on approach and the comprehensive nature of assignments, blending practical cooking techniques with insights into the restaurant industry and business management.

- **Instructors & Mentorship:** Kelsey expresses admiration for her instructors' dedication and the supportive, interactive environment they foster in the online classes. She attributes her foundational culinary knowledge to a mentor from her early days working in a local restaurant.

- **Food Blogging Journey:** Her foray into food blogging stemmed from her Instagram's popularity, where followers urged her to share recipes and elaborate on her culinary creations. The Tasting Spoon, initiated in 2018, serves as a platform to connect, share recipes, and nurture a growing community.

The episode encapsulates Kelsey's passion for culinary arts, her educational pursuits, and the significant moments that shaped her journey, offering listeners insights into her diverse culinary experiences and aspirations.

Connect to: http://www.thetastingspoon.org/

Season2

Welcome Chef Steven Leung as our new cohost.

IG: themindfulwok

Support the show

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

Your donations aid in amplifying the voices of chefs globally.
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Share your thoughts! Leave a comment or 5 star review.
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Connect with our Culinary Stories:
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