In this in-depth episode, dive into the complex world of food cost management with our expert guide, ensuring your restaurant not only serves delicious food but also turns a profit. Discover the importance of accurately calculating food consumption, the difference between theoretical and actual food cost percentages, and why standardized recipes are a must-have for any successful kitchen. From understanding the cost per plate to pricing your dishes correctly, we explore the ins and outs of a suc...
Jul 23, 2023•28 min
Welcome to the first part of our transformative series, "Food Cost Explained", where we dive deep into the economic aspect of your culinary art. In this inaugural episode, we embark on an intriguing journey exploring money - its history, its power, and its pivotal role in your kitchen. What is money, you ask? More than just paper and coins, it's an instrument that has shaped civilizations and is, now, shaping your menu. We trace back to the origins of money, its evolution, and its impact, drawin...
Jul 16, 2023•22 min
In this episode of Chef's PSA, host Andre Natera dives into the technical skills every cook needs in the kitchen. From mastering the delicate art of cooking fish to the intricate technique of the brunoise cut, Andre shares his expertise in making culinary super soldiers. He also discusses the art of braising and the complexity it brings to flavor development and sauce work. Learn the three essential skills Andre believes will significantly improve your culinary journey. Stay tuned as he shares s...
Jul 09, 2023•23 min
Step into our intense, fast-paced world of banqueting and catering. In this immersive episode, we invite you to share in our experiences and the unique challenges we've faced working in this intricate side of the culinary industry. From managing large-scale events to juggling multiple menus at once, we provide an inside look into what it takes to succeed in this demanding role. Despite the immense pressure, we highlight the value of these experiences for honing organizational skills and gaining ...
Jul 02, 2023•20 min
What advice would I give to my younger self or any budding chef stepping into the culinary world? In this candid episode, I reflect on the pivotal moments of my career, from overcoming fear of decisions to immersing in the best kitchens and the power of mentorship. Learn from my experiences and start shaping your culinary journey today. You don't have to be the chef you were five minutes ago – every moment is a new opportunity for growth! www.chefspsa.com for all the books and past shows....
Jun 25, 2023•30 min
Ever wondered how top chefs consistently create culinary masterpieces? This episode of Chef's PSA takes you on a deep dive into the secret world of ingredients and flavors. We delve into why the quality of your ingredients can make or break your dish, and how understanding their nature, seasons, and interplay can spark creativity. Join us as we share unforgettable tales from the farmer's market in California, a life-altering encounter with a grape, and an insider's view of the kitchen - where a ...
Jun 18, 2023•24 min•Ep. 51
Welcome to a thrilling new episode of Chef's PSA, where we tackle one of the biggest leaps in any culinary career – transitioning from Sous Chef to Executive Chef. This step up is more than just a new title. It's a whole new world, filled with responsibilities, challenges, and rewards. In this episode, we'll dive into the gritty realities of running the show. We'll discuss how to manage costs, navigate isolation from the kitchen camaraderie, shoulder the weight of the responsibility, and avoid c...
Jun 11, 2023•27 min
Why you need to surround yourself with different people of diverse backgrounds to succeed. Chefspsa.com
Jun 04, 2023•19 min
What are my TOP 10 Chef kitchen pet peeves?
May 28, 2023•25 min
Chef consulting isn’t fluff—it’s about food, finance, and fixing problems fast. In this episode of Chef’s PSA, André Natera breaks down what it really means to be a chef consultant—from reducing food costs and improving operations to increasing sales and elevating execution. Whether you're opening a new concept or trying to save a struggling restaurant, this is the strategic thinking that actually works. Key Takeaways: • What real chef consultants look for when auditing a business • How to lower...
May 21, 2023•20 min
For a chef to be successful they need a mentor. It is like having a cheat code for your career.
May 13, 2023•13 min
What sources are available to cooks and chefs to learn in the current environment.
May 07, 2023•26 min
Pre-opening, mock service and staff training
May 03, 2023•22 min
The pre-opening Critical Path to launch your restaurant
Apr 22, 2023•22 min
The conclusion Marco came to is one that many chefs do later in their careers.
Apr 15, 2023•22 min
Laws 34 through 48 be formless chefs. Subscribe to my Substack! https://chefspsa.substack.com/ Visit Chef’s PSA for Books, Free eBooks, and More! https://chefspsa.com/ Shop Chef’s PSA Merch! https://shop.chefspsa.com/ 🔗 SOCIAL MEDIA Join our vibrant culinary community across all platforms! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@chefspsa?lang=en Twitter - https://twitter.com/ChefsPSA Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chefspsa/ Facebook- ht...
Apr 08, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Laws 22 through 33 Transform Weakness into Power Subscribe to my Substack! https://chefspsa.substack.com/ Visit Chef’s PSA for Books, Free eBooks, and More! https://chefspsa.com/ Shop Chef’s PSA Merch! https://shop.chefspsa.com/ 🔗 SOCIAL MEDIA Join our vibrant culinary community across all platforms! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@chefspsa?lang=en Twitter - https://twitter.com/ChefsPSA Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chefspsa/ Faceb...
Apr 01, 2023•29 min•Season 1Ep. 3
In this engaging continuation of the "48 Kitchen Laws of Power" series, Chef André Natera dives into the next set of laws from Robert Greene’s renowned book, exploring how they apply directly to the kitchen and culinary industry. André discusses strategies for building power, influence, and leadership in professional kitchens, sharing personal anecdotes and practical examples that resonate with both up-and-coming cooks and seasoned chefs. André also gives updates on the release of Kitchen Art of...
Mar 26, 2023•31 min•Season 1Ep. 2
In this episode of Chef's PSA Podcast, Chef André Natera kicks off a unique series based on Robert Greene's "48 Laws of Power," but with a culinary twist. These "laws" are adapted specifically for the kitchen, offering insights into navigating the dynamics of a professional kitchen, maintaining power, and climbing the culinary hierarchy. From "never outshine the master" to "guarding your reputation," André offers practical applications of these classic lessons for cooks, sous chefs, and culinary...
Mar 19, 2023•27 min
The 50 most important Chef's PSAs every COOK and CHEF needs to know! Your cheat code
Mar 12, 2023•36 min
Combi Ovens, iVario Pro, Circulators, Cryovac Machines, Sous Vide, and Blenders
Mar 05, 2023•25 min
Strategies for salary negotiation for chefs and cooks
Feb 26, 2023•26 min
Kitchen Art of War, food stories, and how I over-salted the food and still got the job.
Feb 19, 2023•21 min
Let us discuss local products and are chefs really using them.
Feb 12, 2023•20 min
What do I look for in new cooks, predictions on the future and music in the kitchen.
Feb 05, 2023•29 min
3rd edition of Q&A where we talk promotions, how to get faster, and overcoming obstacles
Jan 29, 2023•33 min
We talk about selecting the right plates for your type of restaurant and some important notes on plating styles.
Jan 22, 2023•27 min
How to survive day one as a cook or chef in the new kitchen.
Jan 15, 2023•21 min•Ep. 29
Let's talk chef and cooking competitions from Bocuse d' or to Top Chef.
Jan 08, 2023•24 min
My deep dive into Open AI and Chat GPT and how I used it to write 100 recipes for chefs. Also, chefs stealing recipes, and sous chefs who focus too much on admin work.
Jan 01, 2023•21 min