Walk-In Club is back, and this episode we're sitting down with Chef Nelson German — the mind behind Alamar, Sobre Mesa, and Meski — to talk about a journey that started at five years old bagging groceries for a Super Nintendo, sparked by watching his mom and grandmother cook, and grew into one of the most recognized culinary careers in the Bay Area.

We get into how he thinks about responsibility to his team, why he always comes with a plan A, B, C, and D, his path through culinary school, and the road that eventually led him to Top Chef. Oh, and we've got exciting news — his new book is coming out, and you can PRE-ORDER it now!

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The Walk.In Club is hosted by Nick White and Hannah Claire Le

All Walk.In Media and terrible jokes produced by Sean Stepp 

Music written by Ethan Luck

Walk-In Club is back, and this episode marks a milestone — our first interview with a new friend we didn’t know before hitting record. We’re sitting down with Sequoia del Hoyo, owner of Tarocco, to talk about her journey starting as a host at the Black Angus after dropping off résumés door-to-door for school credit, to finding herself in the kitchen playing the stabby game with Chef, to that lightbulb moment working on the floor, realizing that she could one day could too, own a restaurant herself.

We get into the grind of learning every role in the building, outside the building, and what it takes to bet on yourself. (Fun fact: she also worked a hot dog stand outside Home Depot.)

If you’ve ever wanted to own your own place and build it from the ground up, this one’s for you.

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The Walk.In Club is hosted by Nick White and Hannah Claire Le

All Walk.In Media and terrible jokes produced by Sean Stepp 

Music written by Ethan Luck

Walk.In Club is back, and this episode we’re sitting down with Rachelle Merlot, co-founder of Dealers Choice Hospitality, talking her path from trying to break into hospitality to building the experience that shaped her career. We get into what it really looks like to start with little experience, the tough calls around where and who you work for when growth is the goal, and why speaking up for yourself is part of leveling up. We talk foundational bar skills — free pouring, counting, speed rack, building systems — and why opening teams can fast-track your development. If you’ve ever been hungry to learn, move up, and turn bar work into a real career, this one’s for you.

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The Walk.In Club is hosted by Nick White and Hannah Claire Le

All Walk.In Media and terrible jokes produced by Sean Stepp 

Music written by Ethan Luck

Walk.In Club is back, and we’re kicking off the new season with Oakland native William Tsui, owner of Viridian in downtown Oakland, talking his path from bartending school to bar owner. We get into mentors who actually push you forward, why spreadsheets matter even if you don’t like them, and the real meaning of the 5-10 Rule (hint: it’s not just the area code). If you’ve ever wondered what’s next after bartending—or what a good pour cost should be—this one’s for you.

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The Walk.In Club is hosted by Nick White and Hannah Claire Le

All Walk.In Media and terrible jokes produced by Sean Stepp 

Music written by Ethan Luck

In this episode, we start with life updates—Alex shares his climb up Mt. Shasta and what it taught him about persistence, while Hannah admits the elliptical goal didn’t happen this week (and reflects on what got in the way).

Our main conversation focuses on the connection between physical health and mental health—especially how challenging that first phase can be before the benefits really kick in. We talk about the uphill battle of starting, why the payoff isn’t always immediate, and how consistency slowly transforms both your body and your mindset.

From giving habits just a little more time to finding the right moments in your day, we share strategies that have helped us stick with movement until it becomes part of life’s rhythm. We reflect on the patience it takes to get there, the compounding benefits once you do, and the grace to keep going even when you miss a week.

We close with an invitation: try building one small, consistent habit for yourself this week—and see what shifts.

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The Walk.In Club is hosted by Nick White and Hannah Claire Le

All Walk.In Media and terrible jokes produced by Sean Stepp 

Music written by Ethan Luck

In this episode, we start with life updates from the crew—Hannah’s committing to 15 minutes a day on the elliptical to rebuild routine, Ashley’s balancing new creative interests while staying playful, Alex shares how he’s adapting movement around recovery and setting sights on Hyrox training, and Nick’s staying consistent with his coach and building out a longer-term fitness plan.

Our main conversation centers on procrastination: what it is, how it shows up, and what might be hiding underneath it. We talk about the difference between avoidance and bandwidth, how anxiety fuels delay, and the mental mountain tasks can become before we even begin. From habit stacking to reducing friction, we share tools that have helped us move forward—gently.

We reflect on the role of distraction, instant gratification, and the overwhelming demands of modern life. We explore what it means to live with more intention, to simplify your systems, and to give yourself grace when your to-do list feels bigger than your capacity. We ask: what does workable success look like for you?

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The Walk.In Club is hosted by Nick White and Hannah Claire Le

All Walk.In Media and terrible jokes produced by Sean Stepp 

Music written by Ethan Luck

In this episode, we kick things off by sharing personal updates and talking about the realness of physical setbacks. From injury recovery to managing chronic pain, we dive into the tools, mindset shifts, and habits that help us move through difficult seasons. We reflect on how rest, space, and letting go of urgency can be part of goal-setting, too.

Our main conversation explores the concept of motivation—how it often comes as a spark, but isn’t always reliable. So how do we build systems that support us when the spark is gone? We unpack routine vs. ritual, habit stacking, mindset shifts, and finding your own “why.” We also tap into a community question before closing the episode with a round of gratitude.

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The Walk.In Club is hosted by Nick White and Hannah Claire Le

All Walk.In Media and terrible jokes produced by Sean Stepp 

Music written by Ethan Luck

As sad as we are, El Patio prepares to close its doors on July 3rd, we encourage you to show some love—stop by for one last visit, grab some food, drinks, a hat, and soak in the magic that is El Patio and listen in to this episode that shares the story of a place that has meant so much to the community, and will forever be a staple in the books.

To Hamei and the entire crew: thank you for the countless memories, for building a space that felt like home, and for creating a true third place rooted in joy, celebration, and connection.

#TheWalkInClub #ElPatio #CheersToElPatio #CommunitySpotlight #SupportLocal

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The Walk.In Club is hosted by Nick White and Hannah Claire Le

All Walk.In Media and terrible jokes produced by Sean Stepp 

Music written by Ethan Luck

Larry’s story is one of grit, curiosity, and deep care for the people around him. Raised in Chicago helping care for his Polish grandmother, he started working young and found pride in every role, no matter how small. His path led him from delivering prescriptions to executive chef at high end hotels, from his first catering gig in the Bay Area to building a waterfall at one of SF's legendary bars. He reflects on his transition into bartending through his culinary lens, making syrups and juices that helped bars thrive. Larry talks about designing kitchens and Walk-ins to opening his own restaurant from scratch, and why his first bar shift at Outsidelands was the shift that gave him 2 career paths in an industry he loves, and for that he feels gratitude. 

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The Walk.In Club is hosted by Nick White and Hannah Claire Le

All Walk.In Media and terrible jokes produced by Sean Stepp 

Music written by Ethan Luck

In this episode, we start with updates from the crew—Hyrox Fitness Race, The Murph, and how spa days can be self-care in motion. Our main conversation centers on the people and environments that shape us, including those we choose and those we can’t. From coworkers to media to family dynamics, we ask: how do others influence our energy and goals? We reflect on mindset, exposure, and creating spaces aligned with who we want to be. We also talk about how to manage relationships that drain us and how lows can be contagious. The episode ends with a moment of gratitude and remembrance for Alex’s grandmother and the care she gave to remembering the details of the things that truly mattered that she could share through stories.

👉 If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with a friend. 

➕ Follow us on Instagram @WALK.IN.CLUB and join the conversation!

📨 Questions? DM us on Instagram!

The Walk.In Club is hosted by Nick White and Hannah Claire Le

All Walk.In Media and terrible jokes produced by Sean Stepp 

Music written by Ethan Luck