Today on Flavors Unknown, I’m sitting down with Chef Danny Garcia, the Top Chef Season 21 winner and Executive Chef at Saga Hospitality Group. Chef Danny is preparing to launch Time and Tide, a highly anticipated seafood restaurant opening in Manhattan in late 2024. In this episode, we explore his culinary journey—from his early days at Johnson & Wales to his experience at world-renowned kitchens like The French Laundry and his long-standing collaboration with the late Chef James Kent.Join us as we dive into his thoughts on mentorship, collaboration, and leadership in the kitchen, and how his Dominican and Puerto Rican roots have shaped his bold and innovative cooking style. Chef Danny also shares stories about his carefree attitude on Top Chef, his favorite upcoming dishes, and how he’s honoring Chef Kent's legacy through his new restaurant.

What you'll learn from Chef Danny Garcia

ChefDanny Garcia’s earliest taste memory– 3:46How a unique opportunity in high school set his path– 4:53Attending Johnson & Wales and the value of culinary education– 5:37Staging versus culinary school: Which is better?– 7:21What can’t be learned on the job?– 9:34How the workforce in kitchens has changed– 10:22Balancing work-life balance for his team– 11:35The rise of fast-casual dining and its motivations– 13:08How restaurants must meet diverse dining needs– 16:42His time at The French Laundry– 18:17Collaborating and creating with the late Chef James Kent– 20:54Honoring James Kent’s legacy through Time and Tide– 26:28Storytelling through food: A dish to expect at Time and Tide– 28:15The diversity of his team and food inspirations– 29:42ChefDanny’s favorite dish on the new menu– 30:51His carefree attitude onTop Chefand lessons learned– 32:23Advice for young chefs entering the industry– 34:37His guilty pleasure food– 37:18Kitchen pet peeves– 37:59A lesson ChefDannylives by– 38:42His dream culinary collaborations– 39:09

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Links to other episodes with the chefs in New York City

Don't miss out on the chance to hear from these talented chefs and gain insight into the world of culinary techniques. Check out the links below for more conversations with Chefs in NYC.Conversations with chef Trigg BrownInterview with pastry chef Françoois PayardConversation with Erik RamirezInterview with pastry chef Erin Kanagy-LouxConversation with chef Dan Kluger

Links to most downloaded episodes (click on any picture to listen to the episode)

Chef Sheldon Simeon

Chef Andy Doubrava

Chef Erik Ramirez

Chef Jacques Pepin

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Chef Danny Garcia

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Time & Tide

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Links mentioned in this episode

Time & TideKent Hospitality Group