The Ultimate Dish

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The Ultimate Dish

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

135 episodes

3 days ago

In today's episode, we chat with Byron Gomez, executive chef of Denver's Michelin-starred BRUTØ and the first Costa Rican chef to earn this prestigious recognition. Byron opens up about the brutal truth behind his rise from fast food to fine dining, detailing how 23 years of unwavering commitment transformed early struggles into extraordinary success. He discusses climbing through legendary kitchens like Eleven Madison Park and Daniel Boulud's restaurants, and how his immigrant experience as ...

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All content for The Ultimate Dish is the property of Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

In today's episode, we chat with Byron Gomez, executive chef of Denver's Michelin-starred BRUTØ and the first Costa Rican chef to earn this prestigious recognition. Byron opens up about the brutal truth behind his rise from fast food to fine dining, detailing how 23 years of unwavering commitment transformed early struggles into extraordinary success. He discusses climbing through legendary kitchens like Eleven Madison Park and Daniel Boulud's restaurants, and how his immigrant experience as ...

Show more...

Episodes (20/135)

The Ultimate Dish

How This Escoffier Grad Built a Resume of Award-Winning Restaurant Jobs

In today's episode, we chat with Connor Fowler, Escoffier graduate, certified sommelier, and rising talent in fine dining. Connor shares how his culinary education at Escoffier's Boulder campus, where he earned the Curtis Duffy Scholarship, led him from polishing glasses to serving wine at Michelin-recognized restaurants. He discusses his transformative externship in Florence that sparked his passion for wine, his journey through award-winning establishments like Rootstock and Frasca Food &am...

3 weeks ago

52 minutes

The Ultimate Dish

Curtis Duffy: How Family Tragedy Forged a ‘Fireproof’ Chef

In today's episode, we chat with Curtis Duffy, James Beard Award winner, Michelin-starred chef, restaurateur, and author of the powerful new memoir Fireproof. Curtis shares how his traumatic childhood in rural Ohio led him to find refuge in an unlikely place: a high school home economics class. He discusses his journey from that first spark of passion to training under culinary legends like Charlie Trotter and Grant Achatz, building Grace into a three-Michelin-starred institution, and the bol...

1 month ago

48 minutes

The Ultimate Dish

Against the Grain: Rethinking Sports Nutrition with Lentine Alexis

In today's episode, we chat with Lentine Alexis, certified holistic nutritionist, Ayurvedic health counselor, pastry chef, yoga and breathwork instructor, and sports performance coach. Lentine shares how struggling to fuel her training with traditional "athlete foods" led her to reimagine nutrition through a more intuitive, flavorful, and joyful lens. She discusses her transition from elite endurance racing to building thriving communities like her Recipe Club and Back to Forward platform, he...

1 month ago

1 hour 18 minutes

The Ultimate Dish

Hosea Rosenberg: The Boulder Chef Who Turned New Mexican Roots Into Restaurant Gold

In today's episode, we chat with Hosea Rosenberg, acclaimed chef, restaurateur, and founder of Blackbelly and Santo. Hosea shares how a college job to pay for school led him from studying astrophysics to training with culinary legends like Wolfgang Puck and Kevin Taylor, ultimately winning Top Chef Season 5. He discusses his commitment to sustainable sourcing, the evolution of Blackbelly from food truck to Michelin Green Star restaurant, and how his childhood in Taos inspired Santo's authenti...

2 months ago

1 hour 6 minutes

The Ultimate Dish

How André Hueston Mack Is Making Wine Less Intimidating—and More Fun

In today’s episode, we chat with André Hueston Mack, acclaimed sommelier, designer, and founder of Maison Noir Wines, whose journey into the wine world started far from the vineyard in a corporate office at Citicorp. André shares how a bold leap of faith led him from finance to fine dining, where he trained as a sommelier in San Antonio and eventually led award-winning wine programs at The French Laundry and Per Se. He discusses the importance of storytelling in wine service, his mission to m...

3 months ago

1 hour

The Ultimate Dish

How Claudette Zepeda Rewrote the Rules—From Single Mom to Entrepreneur

In today’s episode, we chat with Claudette Zepeda, award-winning chef, culinary entrepreneur, and Creative Director of Chispa Hospitality, known for her fearless approach to regional Mexican cuisine and globally inspired storytelling. Claudette shares the creative vision behind her newest restaurant, Leu Leu. She reflects on growing up near the U.S.–Mexico border, how her travels have shaped her culinary identity, and the influence of fashion and music in her work. She also discusses her soci...

3 months ago

57 minutes

The Ultimate Dish

How Chef Stefani De Palma Led Team USA to Gold at Bocuse d’Or Americas

In today’s episode, we chat with Chef Stefani De Palma, former Chef de Cuisine at San Diego’s three-Michelin-starred Addison and Head Chef of Team USA at the 2024 Bocuse d’Or Americas. Stefani shares her journey from starting as a pastry chef to leading Team USA to a gold medal victory in New Orleans, securing their spot at the prestigious Bocuse d’Or finals in Lyon, France. She discusses the intense preparation, the challenges of the competition, and how her experiences have shaped her appro...

4 months ago

40 minutes

The Ultimate Dish

Marc Vetri on Why the Best Chefs Don’t Just Cook — They Care

In today’s episode, we chat with Marc Vetri, an award-winning chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author who helped put Philadelphia on the national culinary map. Marc is the founder of Vetri Cucina and the force behind acclaimed restaurants like Osteria, Pizzeria Vetri, and Fiorella. His journey began in a South Philly kitchen alongside his Sicilian grandmother, and took him from dishwashing as a teen to working under Wolfgang Puck in Los Angeles — before buying a one-way ticket to Northern Ita...

4 months ago

48 minutes

The Ultimate Dish

Accidentally on Purpose: Chef-in-Residence Kristen Kish on Life, Mentorship & Meaning

In today’s episode, we chat with Kristen Kish, Escoffier Chef-in-Residence, award-winning chef, and host of Bravo’s Top Chef. A Korean adoptee raised in Michigan, Kristen discovered her passion for cooking at a young age. After working in various Boston kitchens, she competed on Season 10 of Top Chef, ultimately winning the coveted title. Since then, she’s published a cookbook, starred in hit shows like Fast Foodies on TruTV and Iron Chef on Netflix, and in 2023, took over as the host of Top ...

5 months ago

28 minutes

The Ultimate Dish

Carnegie Hall to Culinary School: How One Opera Singer is Nourishing Her Art and Her Life

In today’s episode, we chat with Maria Zouves, a Greek-American soprano, educator, director, producer, and current Escoffier student pursuing a degree in Holistic Nutrition & Wellness. As President of the Sherrill Milnes VOICE Programs, which she co-founded with her husband, legendary baritone Sherrill Milnes, Maria has spent over 25 years nurturing artists and building new audiences for classical music. She has directed operas across the U.S. and Europe, including productions at the Esta...

5 months ago

1 hour 14 minutes

The Ultimate Dish

From Resume to Interview: Hospitality Hiring Experts Share Career-Boosting Tips

In today’s episode, we chat with Brian Blum and Evan Kaplan, two expert recruiters from Gecko Hospitality—an esteemed partner of Escoffier. With over 20 years of experience in restaurant operations and staffing, Brian has held leadership roles at Applebee’s, Ragazzi’s, and Houlihan’s. His deep understanding of what makes a business thrive and his passion for community impact make him a powerhouse in hospitality recruitment. Evan, an award-winning recruiter and sommelier, brings a wealth of kn...

6 months ago

1 hour 1 minute

The Ultimate Dish

Lessons in Hospitality: How Kevin Boehm Builds Award-Winning Restaurants

In today’s episode, we chat with Kevin Boehm, a James Beard Award-winning restaurateur. With a career spanning three decades and over 40 restaurants opened, Kevin has redefined the dining experience. From launching his first six-table restaurant at 23 to co-founding the acclaimed Boka Restaurant Group with his partner Rob Katz, Kevin’s influence is undeniable. Boka has earned 13 consecutive Michelin stars, and Kevin and Rob have been named TimeOut Chicago’s Restaurateurs of the Year, Eater Na...

7 months ago

58 minutes

The Ultimate Dish

From Army to Artistry: Trenin Nubiru’s Culinary Reinvention

In today’s episode, we chat with Trenin Nubiru, a graduate of Escoffier's culinary and baking & pastry programs.Trenin’s journey to the kitchen is far from conventional. With an engineering degree from West Point and 20 years of military service as a captain in communications, he made a bold leap into the culinary world. After discovering a deep passion for cooking and pastry, he enrolled at Escoffier, where he honed his skills in patisserie, cake design, and chocolate work. Today, Trenin...

8 months ago

55 minutes

The Ultimate Dish

The Unstoppable Chef Jesse Ito: Omakase, Legacy, and Sobriety

In today’s episode, we chat with Chef Jesse Ito, co-founder of Philadelphia’s Royal Sushi & Izakaya. A first-generation Japanese Korean American, Jesse refined his skills at his family’s restaurant, Fuji, under the guidance of his father, Masaharu Ito. Today, he’s celebrated for his exquisite omakase and the lively izakaya atmosphere at Royal. Since opening Royal Sushi & Izakaya, Jesse has earned numerous accolades, including being named an Eater Young Gun and a finalist for Best...

8 months ago

50 minutes

The Ultimate Dish

The Healing Power of Pasta: Graduate Natalia Lepore Hagan’s Inspiring Story

In today’s episode, we chat with Natalia Lepore Hagan, a 2022 Escoffier graduate with honors and the founder of Midnight Pasta Co.After experiencing profound personal loss, Natalia shares how she channeled her grief into building Midnight Pasta Co.—a beacon of joy and community. Since earning her culinary degree, she’s taught over a thousand people the art of making fresh pasta and hosted unforgettable events that blend food, fun, and connection. Natalia’s passion for cooking was passed down ...

9 months ago

48 minutes

The Ultimate Dish

Charlie Trotter’s Legacy Lives On: A Son’s Journey of Innovation and Tribute

In today’s episode, we chat with Dylan Trotter, a 33-year-old Chicago native and the son of famed chef Charlie Trotter. Dylan reflects on growing up in his father’s iconic Lincoln Park restaurant, where he first discovered the magic of crafting unforgettable dining experiences. From interning at world-renowned kitchens like El Bulli to restoring his father’s former restaurant space, Dylan is dedicated to keeping his father’s legacy alive. He’s not just preserving his father’s memory; he’...

9 months ago

48 minutes

The Ultimate Dish

Reinventing Life at 53: An Escoffier Student’s Journey to MasterChef

In today’s episode, we chat with Daniela Peregrina, a 53-year-old plant-based culinary student at Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.Daniela proves that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself. A lifelong teacher, she shares how her love for culture, cuisine, and travel inspired her to pivot to a new career and take on the challenge of competing on MasterChef Generations. After being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, Daniela embraced a plant-based lifestyle, which not only helped h...

10 months ago

52 minutes

The Ultimate Dish

Curtis Stone Unplugged: TV Stardom, Michelin Stars, and Cooking with Heart

In today’s episode, we chat with Curtis Stone, Michelin-starred chef, restaurateur, podcast host, and TV personality. Curtis shares captivating stories from his early days as an apprentice for Marco Pierre White to his rise as a culinary master, giving us a behind-the-scenes look at the high-stakes intensity of top kitchens. We also discuss his experiences on hit shows like Take Home Chef, Top Chef Masters, MasterChef Australia, Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend, and Crime Scene Kitche...

10 months ago

39 minutes

The Ultimate Dish

Ask Me Anything: Chef Kirk Bachmann Answers Your Most Burning Questions

In today’s episode of The Ultimate Dish, host Chef Kirk Bachmann addresses your most burning questions in this inaugural Q&A episode.Join Kirk as he delves into his daily motivations, reflects on the mentors who have influenced his culinary journey, and shares invaluable advice for aspiring chefs. He’ll tackle questions from followers, including: “What’s the best vanilla stacker for layered cakes in your opinion?” and “Will there be any more special guests visiting Escoffier to talk with ...

11 months ago

35 minutes

The Ultimate Dish

Joy the Baker: Baking, Blogging, and the Life-Changing Magic of it All

In today's episode, we chat with Joy Wilson, the founder and chief sweet tooth behind the beloved blog, JoytheBaker.com.Since launching in 2008, Joy has grown her platform into a baking empire, amassing over half a million Instagram followers. Along the way, she’s published cookbooks, served as editor-in-chief of the biannual Joy the Baker Magazine, and created the popular Camp Joy—an experience inspired by her viral backyard camping and cooking video series. Joy’s work has been featured in F...

11 months ago

40 minutes

The Ultimate Dish

In today's episode, we chat with Byron Gomez, executive chef of Denver's Michelin-starred BRUTØ and the first Costa Rican chef to earn this prestigious recognition. Byron opens up about the brutal truth behind his rise from fast food to fine dining, detailing how 23 years of unwavering commitment transformed early struggles into extraordinary success. He discusses climbing through legendary kitchens like Eleven Madison Park and Daniel Boulud's restaurants, and how his immigrant experience as ...