Walk-In Talk Podcast

Takeaways:

• The Walk and Talk podcast serves as a vital platform for food lovers and culinary professionals alike, highlighting the intricate narratives behind the culinary arts.
• Chef Freddie Money, the 2025 US Culinary Open champion, reflects on his journey, illustrating the significance of discipline and creativity in a professional kitchen.
• Traveling extensively allows chefs to immerse themselves in diverse culinary techniq...

Chef Ciji Castro imparts invaluable insights into the art of transforming humble ingredients into delectable comfort food, emphasizing the critical need for resourcefulness in the face of escalating food insecurity. Throughout our dialogue, she shares her expertise in crafting a traditional puerco guisado, a slow-cooked pork stew, while ingeniously demonstrating how to stretch this dish to nourish a family of five for under ten dol...

In this very powerful episode of the Walk-In Talk Podcast, host Carl Fiadini sits down with Chef Janine Pezarro and Chef Brett Wright to explore what resilience truly looks like behind the kitchen doors.

Janine opens up for the first time about the murder of her family, the trauma that followed, and how she transformed that pain into purpose — from Michelin-level pastry kitchens to the founding of The Warrior’s Path, a course helpin...

This podcast episode features two distinguished guests, Vnay Bedi of Cox's Seafood and Chef Mohamad ElBanna from The Birria Bros, who share their culinary insights and experiences. The central theme revolves around the resilience and dedication required in the seafood industry, particularly following the adversities faced during the recent hurricanes that impacted supply chains. Vnay articulates the commitment of Cox's Seafood to q...

The conversation today centers around the culinary journey of Chef Andy Nassar from Keel Farm, as he shares his insights on the art of cooking, mentorship, and the evolution of the restaurant industry. A particular highlight of our discussion is Chef Nassar's creative approach to traditional dishes, exemplified by his innovative take on bibimbap, which harmoniously blends Korean flavors with Southern barbecue influences. Additional...

Chef Abhi Sukul, the esteemed owner of Lajawab Indian Cuisine, embodies the essence of culinary dedication, having transformed his passion for cooking into a thriving endeavor in St. Petersburg, Florida. Born in Kolkata, a city renowned for its vibrant food culture, Chef Abhi's culinary journey began in his mother's kitchen, where he learned that cooking is an art requiring both patience and passion. In this enlightening discourse,...

This podcast episode delves into the profound concept of purpose-driven food, as exemplified by our esteemed guests, Chef David Reyes and Jennifer Weinberg. We explore the intricate relationship between culinary artistry and sustainability, highlighting Jennifer's initiative, the Sustainable Supper Club, which aims to combat food waste through innovative dining experiences. Chef Reyes contributes his expertise by crafting two excep...

Mental health and work-life balance in the kitchen are of paramount importance within the hospitality industry, and this discussion is poignantly highlighted by our distinguished guests, Chef Ben Goldman and Tom Mitchell from The Burnt Chef Project. Chef Goldman, with his extensive experience across high-volume restaurants and advocacy work, illuminates the pressing need for healthier environments in culinary spaces. Tom Mitchell f...

Ciji Castro, the founder of Domestic Gourmet, joins us on the Walk-In Talk Podcast to explore the profound significance of culinary heritage and its impact on contemporary cuisine. This episode centers around her exquisite dish, Bistec Empanizado, which embodies not only the flavors of her cultural roots but also the essence of family legacy and connection. Ciji passionately discusses her mission to preserve Latin food traditions a...

Chef Paul Gaskins joins us today to delve into the pressing issue of rising food costs and their implications for both the culinary industry and consumers. As we explore the intricacies of ingredient pricing, it becomes evident that these financial dynamics not only influence how restaurants curate their menus but also significantly affect the dining experiences of patrons. Chef Paul, from the Inn at Celebration, shares his culinar...

The central theme of today's podcast revolves around the intricate journey of Aussie Beef and Lamb, as we delve into the multifaceted perspectives of our distinguished guests, Sabina Kindler and Chef Thomas Mandzik. Sabina, whose extensive experience traverses the realms of agriculture, livestock genetics, and marketing, provides a profound narrative that encapsulates the sustainability, flavor, and passion inherent in Australia's ...

Rona Bachour, the talented artist and baker behind Rona's Cookies, joins us to share her remarkable journey from a traditional upbringing in Lebanon and Puerto Rico to becoming a celebrated entrepreneur in the culinary world. With the onset of Covid, baking transformed from a mere familial pastime into a profound therapeutic outlet and a thriving business, earning accolades such as Best of Florida desserts for two consecutive years...

Chef Lee Aquino embodies a remarkable fusion of culinary expertise and dynamic leadership, overseeing seven distinct dining concepts in the vibrant St. Petersburg area. In this conversation, we delve into his journey from humble beginnings at Shoney's to becoming a pivotal figure in the culinary scene, where he balances artistic expression with the pragmatic demands of restaurant management. Throughout the episode, we explore the i...

The salient point of this podcast episode centers on Chef Ricardo Castro's unwavering dedication to his craft as he navigates the culinary landscape. Ricardo, a classically trained chef with Puerto Rican roots, exemplifies the spirit of resilience and creativity, as he shares insights into his journey and the innovative techniques that define his approach to baking. In this conversation, we delve into the intricacies of laminated d...

This podcast episode features a compelling dialogue that underscores the significance of innovation and partnership within the culinary industry, particularly through the insights of Ryan Giffin, a prominent figure in Florida's commercial kitchen sector. Fresh from a notable acquisition, Giffin is dedicated to facilitating access to high-quality equipment for food service operators, thereby enhancing operational efficiency in their...

The focal point of today's discussion centers on the concept of authentic food and the individuals who contribute to its creation, specifically highlighting the innovative approach of Douglas Raggio, the founder of Pass the Honey. Raggio is dedicated to transforming the honey industry by promoting clarity and sustainability, addressing the confusion surrounding sourcing and quality that has pervaded this market for years. Accompany...

What does it take to raise Florida’s best oyster and earn a Michelin Guide recommendation—all while surviving hurricanes, red tide, and TikTok critics? On this episode of The Walk-In Talk Podcast, host Carl Fiadini is joined by Reed Smith, founder of Calusa Oyster Co., and Chef Jon Walker, co-owner of Tides Market in Safety Harbor.

Reed dives deep into the science, sustainability, and politics of oyster farming in the crystal-clear ...

The essence of this podcast episode revolves around the exploration of American culinary identity, particularly in the context of Independence Day. We engage with WITM personality, Pooch Rivera, and Chef Thomas Parker, who showcases two distinct summer dishes, reflecting the diversity of American flavors. This dialogue extends to the broader query of what constitutes American food, as we traverse from fine dining experiences to fes...

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What happens when passion collides with profession? When the daily grind transforms into something you genuinely love doing? This episode answers those questions through the compelling stories of two food industry veterans who took dramatically different paths to find their calling.

Meet Danny Saccullo – a journalism major who started washing dishes in Tallahassee to pay rent and eventually worked his way through hotel...