The Ultimate Dish

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 ...

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...

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 bee...

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 s...

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, includi...

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, ...

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...

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, Dan...

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, Ir...

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 the...

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 ...

In today's episode, we chat with Chef Florian Tetart, an Escoffier Chef Instructor in Baking & Pastry Arts based in Boulder, CO. 

Originally from Lille, France, Chef Florian has worked in top-rated restaurants across Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Tokyo, as well as local bakeries in the United States. These diverse experiences have shaped his commitment to delivering the highest quality in everything he creates. In 2019, his dedica...

In today's episode, we chat with Dave Beran, chef and owner of Pasjoli, a James Beard Award Finalist for Best New Restaurant, celebrated for its classic French cuisine and fresh California produce. 

Chef Dave’s culinary rise began in Chicago, where he worked at MK, Tru, and Alinea, eventually becoming Chef de Cuisine. He later opened Next, earning 14 four-star Chicago Tribune ratings and a James Beard Award. In 2017, Dave moved...

In today's episode, we sit down with Chef Kelly Whitaker, the owner of Id Est and a James Beard Award-Winner for Outstanding Restaurateur.

Chef Kelly shares how his travels abroad inspired him to launch Id Est and its acclaimed restaurants, including Basta and Denver’s Wolf's Tailor, named one of Bon Appétit’s top ten best new restaurants in the U.S. He also expanded his ventures with Dry Storage in Boulder, BRUT...

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Chef Johnny Spero, owner of Reverie and Bar Spero in Washington, D.C.

Chef Johnny takes us through his remarkable culinary journey, starting at the age of 16 when he worked alongside James Beard award-winning Chef Johnny Monis. He then staged at the renowned Noma in Copenhagen and later became the Executive Chef at José Andrés’ Minibar in D.C. These formative experiences culminated in the ...

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Mason Snyder, an Escoffier graduate currently serving as the Executive Chef at Feast Your Eyes Catering. Some might even know him as the Cowboy Chef, featured on Hulu’s Chefs vs. Wild.

Mason’s journey is a testament to following one’s passion. Prior to his role as Executive Chef, he proudly served in the United States Air Force. In 2017, he made a pivotal decision to transition h...

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Nancy Silverton, co-owner of Pizzeria Mozza, as well as Osteria Mozza, Mozza2Go, and chi SPACCA in Los Angeles. She’s also the creative mind behind Nancy’s Fancy gelato.

In today’s interactive chat, Nancy shares how she built an illustrious career based on prep, timing, and luck. This includes working for some of the most influential chefs in the nation, including Jonathan Waxman...

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Dr. Rollie Wesen, Executive Director of The Jacques Pépin Foundation and an assistant professor at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, RI. 

In 2016, Rollie founded The Jacques Pépin Foundation alongside his wife and father-in-law, Jacques Pepin. In the interview, Rollie shares how the foundation is dedicated to using community kitchens to train individuals who face high...

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Eli Kulp, the decorated chef and partner of High Street Hospitality Group, host of The Chef Radio Podcast, and co-host of Delicious City Philly Podcast. 

Before 2015, Eli's culinary journey was marked by impressive achievements: he earned coveted accolades like Food & Wine’s Best New Chef of 2014, honed his skills at renowned New York establishments such as Casa Lever an...