flavors unknown podcast

In this engaging conversation, Chef Mayank Istwal shares his journey through Indian cuisine, reflecting on his childhood memories, the influences that shaped his culinary path, and the unique concept behind his restaurant, Musafir. He emphasizes the diversity of Indian cuisine, the importance of regional ingredients, and the storytelling aspect of dining, creating a rich collection of flavors and experiences that define...

This conversation features a group of DC chefs, pastry chefs, and mixologists discussing their journeys in the culinary world during the Rising Star event in Washington, D.C. They share their personal stories, the passion that drives them, and the unique cultural influences that shape their culinary practices.

The panel includes Chef Angel Barreto – Anju, Chef Masako Morishita – Perry’s, Chef Ria Montes Fish Shop, Past...

Today on Flavors Unknown, I’m talking with Matt Sartwell, owner of Kitchen Art and Letters in Manhattan. He shares insights on the evolving world of food books, the importance of niche markets, and the future of culinary literature. Discover how curated bookstores thrive in the digital age, the impact of diverse culinary cultures like Madagascar, and practical advice for aspiring authors and chefs.

Key topics

The role ...

In this episode of Flavors Unknown, Emmanuel Laroche sits down with David Skinner, James Beard–recognized chef and founder of Ishtia, to explore the deep intersection of heritage, excellence, and emotional memory.

David’s story does not begin in a boardroom. It begins in his grandmother’s kitchen—standing beside a pastry chef, breathing in the scent of cakes and cookies fresh from the oven. Those early sensory memories...

In this special episode of Flavors Unknown, Emmanuel Laroche sits down with the Ambassador of Madagascar, Lantosoa Rakotomalala, for a conversation recorded inside the Embassy of Madagascar in Washington, DC.

On the day his new book A Taste of Madagascar is released, this discuss...

In this episode of Flavors Unknown, I sit down with Chef Sean Nguyen, one of the chefs helping redefine Orlando’s culinary landscape through precision, restraint, and deep respect for Japanese cuisine.

Chef Nguyen shares the story behind Domu, the restaurant that brought his dream to life — and the philosophy that guides his growing portfolio of concepts, from an intimate standing sushi bar to the painstaking pursuit of the perfect...

In this engaging conversation, a panel of Seattle chefs and mixologists discusses the evolving food scene in Seattle, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. They share their experiences of the Seattle Culinary Scene and navigating challenges such as rising food costs and minimum wage, while also highlighting the innovative spirit that has emerged, with many pop-ups transitioning into successful restaurants. The chefs emphasize t...

In this conversation, Chef Sam Diminich shares his journey in the culinary world, discussing his experiences from competing on television to running a restaurant and engaging with local farmers. He emphasizes the importance of service in cooking, the impact of sobriety on his culinary creativity, and the need for a supportive community in the industry. Chef Diminich also addresses the challenges young chefs face today ...

In this special episode of Flavors Unknown, recorded during StarChefs Rising Stars Houston and presented in partnership with Symrise Food & Beverage North America, I’m taking you behind the scenes with Houston chefs and mixologists who are defining what makes Houston a top U.S. food city.

Joining me are five of the city’s most influential culinary minds:

• Chef Justin Yu of Theodore Rex
• Chef Evelyn García of JŪN...