Join host Andre Natera on this episode of Chef's PSA Podcast as he interviews legendary chef John Tesar. Discover Tesar's incredible journey, from working with Anthony Bourdain to running top restaurants and earning prestigious accolades. Get insider tips for aspiring chefs, understand the challenges of the culinary world, and learn about the business side, including licensing deals with hotel groups. Support Chef's PSA by exploring our books, merchandise, and exclusive content at chefspsa.com. ...
Sep 14, 2024•1 hr 3 min
Unveiling Chef Secret Societies and The Power of Networking Join host Andre Natera in the latest episode of Chef's PSA Podcast as he delves into the intriguing world of Chef Secret Societies, organizations, and the so-called Chef Illuminati. Discover how being part of these groups can significantly impact a chef's career. Andre shares personal experiences, including his involvement with El Paso Family Meal and the importance of networking, mentorship, and community in the culinary world. Tune in...
Sep 08, 2024•19 min
Join host Andre Natera on this episode of the Chef's PSA Podcast as he sits down with Michelin-starred Chef Robert Sulatycky . Chef Robert, a seasoned competitor, coach, and managing director for the prestigious Bocuse d'Or, shares his journey and insights into what it takes to compete at the highest culinary levels. From a playful omelet throwdown with Yannick Alleno to the founding of Ment’or BKB by culinary legends Jerome Bocuse, Thomas Keller, and Daniel Boulud this episode is packed with ad...
Aug 31, 2024•1 hr 9 min
The Life of a Chef, The Hidden Costs | Chef's PSA Podcast In this episode of Chef's PSA Podcast, hosted by Andre Natera, the focus is on the real sacrifices required to become a chef. Natera discusses the challenges and myths associated with the culinary industry, emphasizing the mental and physical demands, long hours, and the impact on personal life. He offers insights based on his 27-year experience as a chef, addressing burnout, the importance of boundaries, and strategies to maintain mental...
Aug 24, 2024•19 min
First Ever Culinary Student Panel: Real Stories from Aspiring Chefs Join Chef Andre Natera on this unique episode of Chef's PSA Podcast featuring a panel of culinary students: Victoria, Michael, and Axel. They dive into why they chose culinary school, their expectations post-graduation, and their critical learnings in the real world of kitchens. The students share their personal journeys and ask burning questions about burnout, career advice, and much more. Tune in for an insightful discussion f...
Aug 17, 2024•1 hr 1 min
In this episode of Chef’s PSA Podcast, host Andre Natera dives into the significance of restaurant inspections and awards, focusing on the arrival of the Michelin Guide in Texas. Natera shares his personal experiences with food critics and offers insights on maintaining high standards in the kitchen. The episode also provides tips on recognizing inspectors and strategies for earning a Michelin star, including the importance of quality service, creative cuisine, and having a top-notch team. Nater...
Aug 10, 2024•21 min
Follow their journey on Instagram. Rico Torres: https://www.instagram.com/rico__torres/ Diego Galicia: https://www.instagram.com/atthediegoshow/ Join host Andre Natera on Chef's PSA Podcast for an engaging conversation with Rico Torres and Diego Galicia, the award-winning chefs from Mixtli in San Antonio. Discover the implications of Michelin Guide's expansion into Texas and explore the essence of fine dining, Mexican food origins, and iconic dishes. Learn about the rapid growth of El Paso Famil...
Aug 03, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 110
Join host Andre Natera in this episode of Chef's PSA Podcast as he shares 10 essential tips every cook needs to know for their first day in a new kitchen. Sponsored by Saga, this episode covers everything from the types of knives you need, kitchen attire, and layout familiarization to maintaining professionalism and working clean. Andre also gives updates on his latest interviews and upcoming podcast episodes. Tune in to get organized, focused, and ready for day one in a new culinary environment...
Jul 27, 2024•18 min•Ep. 109
Dive into the culinary world with host Andra Natera on the Chef's PSA Podcast as he interviews esteemed chef Jacob Czysczcon. Explore Jacob's impressive career from top restaurants like Senia and Sepia to his role as Executive Chef at Garrison in Austin, Texas. Learn why Jacob transitioned to private catering, and gain invaluable insights into starting a catering business, passion in the industry, and the need for humility. This episode is filled with behind-the-scenes stories, expert advice, an...
Jul 20, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 108
Join Andre Natera on the Chef's PSA Podcast as he delves into the intricacies of effective leadership in the kitchen. Learn how great chefs inspire, communicate, and foster a positive work environment to ensure success. Andre shares personal experiences and insights on building and leading successful teams. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming episodes, including a special guest appearance by former chef de cuisine. Subscribe for early access, exclusive content, and more at Chef's PSA Substack 📅 ...
Jul 13, 2024•16 min
In today’s episode of Chef's PSA podcast, host Andre Natera interviews Alex Gonzalez, a seasoned service professional known for his tenure at renowned restaurants like Alinea, The French Laundry, Qui, and more. They delve into the intersections of art and dining, sharing stories and insights on creating unforgettable dining experiences. Alex also discusses his journey as an outstanding artist with exhibitions at the International Museum of Surgical Science and how he integrates his artistic tale...
Jul 06, 2024•53 min
Go to my New Substack Here: https://chefspsa.substack.com/ Messy Kitchen, Messy Food: The Importance of Kitchen Cleanliness and Organization Join Chef Andre Natera in this episode of Chef's PSA podcast as he delves into the topic of kitchen cleanliness with 'Messy Kitchen, Messy Food.' Andre highlights why maintaining a clean and organized kitchen is crucial for sanitation, efficiency, and overall kitchen morale. He shares personal experiences, expert tips on food hierarchy, cleanliness protocol...
Jun 30, 2024•18 min•Ep. 105
Go to my New Substack Here: https://chefspsa.substack.com/ Gabe Erales on Instagram / g_erales Chef's PSA Podcast In this episode of Chef's PSA Podcast, host Andre Natera sits down with Gabe Erales, chef-owner of Bacalar in Austin and Ometeo in Washington, D.C., and winner of Top Chef Season 18. They discuss the intricacies of opening a restaurant, the importance of financial planning, and the value of mentorship. Gabe shares his experiences and insights about regional Mexican cuisine, influence...
Jun 22, 2024•53 min•Ep. 104
10 Habits Holding You Back in Your Culinary Career | Chef's PSA Podcast Join host Andre Natera in this episode of Chef's PSA podcast as he discusses 10 common habits that may be hindering your career progression in the culinary world. Andre shares his insights from over 27 years in the kitchen, addressing issues like negative attitudes, resistance to change, and poor time management, while also updating listeners on his latest projects, including his new fiction book 'Bad Cooks Everywhere' and u...
Jun 16, 2024•17 min
If you want to get the cookies : https://getcookierich.com/ Join host Andre Natera on the Chef's PSA Podcast as he interviews Chef Lorin Peters, the founder of Cookie Rich. Lorin shares her journey from working in prestigious restaurants like The French Laundry and Abacus to launching her own successful cookie business. Discover her unique take on cookies, business strategies, and the importance of branding and marketing. Lorin also dives into her experience at the French Laundry, her work ethic...
Jun 08, 2024•55 min
In this episode of Chef's PSA Podcast, host Andre Natera delves into the application of universal laws within a culinary and leadership context. He explains several universal laws, such as Murphy's Law, Parkinson's Law, the Pareto Principle, and more, discussing their implications in a kitchen setting to help chefs think strategically and improve efficiency. Andre also shares his insights on managing change and solving problems effectively in culinary operations. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast O...
Jun 02, 2024•16 min
Go to my New Substack Here: https://chefspsa.substack.com/ Chef's PSA Episode 100: An Exclusive Interview with Chef Aaron Bludorn Welcome to the 100th episode of Chef's PSA podcast! Join host Andre Natera as he talks with renowned Chef Aaron Bludorn from Houston. Discover Bludorn's journey from Cafe Boulud in New York to opening multiple celebrated restaurants in Houston. The episode covers their experiences with weather anomalies, tips for young cooks, and Bludorn's advice for opening a restaur...
May 27, 2024•1 hr
Go to my New Substack Here: https://chefspsa.substack.com/ Turning Missed Opportunities into Career Wins: Insights & Personal Stories In this episode of Chef's PSA podcast, host Andre Natera explores the theme of missed opportunities within the culinary world. Natera shares a pivotal personal story about a missed job opportunity, emphasizing the importance of vocalizing one’s ambitions and seizing opportunities. Natera underscores that action and confidence are key to overcoming fear and ach...
May 19, 2024•15 min
Why are pastry chefs often treated as second-class citizens in high-end kitchens? In this episode, celebrated Pastry Chef Casey Doody reveals the brutal reality of the "Savory vs. Pastry" dynamic and how to survive it without losing your mind. We go beyond the sugar work to discuss: The "Luxury Trap": Transitioning from hotels to Michelin stars without burning out. Menu Economics: How to monetize the shift to Vegan and Plant-Based desserts (and why most chefs get it wrong). Mental Health: Practi...
May 11, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 98
Go to my New Substack Here: https: //chefspsa.substack.com/ Defining Good Food with Chef Andre. Perspectives, Techniques, and Memories In this episode of Chef's PSA podcast, host Andre Natera discusses the transition to a new podcast format alternating between guest appearances and solo episodes, with an emphasis on the culinary industry and best practices. Chef announces the upcoming guest, pastry chef Casey Doody, and her expected contributions on pastry, female chefs' perspective, and burnout...
May 05, 2024•18 min
Go to my New Substack Here: https://chefspsa.substack.com/ Navigating the Chaos of Bad Service Days in the Kitchen | Chef's PSA In this episode of Chef's PSA podcast, host André Natera discusses the unavoidable kitchen nightmare of bad service days, shares personal experiences of challenging services, and offers guidance on how to handle high-pressure situations in professional kitchens. The episode begins with a sponsorship message from Old Style Sausage and updates on Andra's current projects,...
Apr 28, 2024•19 min
Go to my New Substack Here: https://chefspsa.substack.com/ Honoring the Legacy: Respecting Previous Generations of Chefs In this episode of the Chefs PSA podcast, host Andre Natera emphasizes the importance of respecting and valuing the contributions and teachings of past generations of chefs. He draws parallels between the evolution of culinary skills and personal growth, arguing that current chefs owe much of their knowledge and techniques to their predecessors. Natera also delves into his per...
Apr 21, 2024•16 min
Go to my New Substack Here: https://chefspsa.substack.com/ The Art of Enhancing Dining Experiences: Insights for Chefs In this episode of Chef's PSA Podcast, host Andre Natera delves into the psychology of eating and how chefs can significantly influence the dining experience beyond the food itself. The discussion starts with a brief promotion of the podcast's new availability on Substack and an encouragement for listeners to support the show through various platforms. Andre shares a memorable e...
Apr 14, 2024•16 min
In this episode of Chef's PSA Podcast, host Andre Natera discusses the misconceptions about quickly becoming a great chef. He begins by giving a brief update on his culinary group's efforts to showcase El Paso's food scene and mentions upcoming events he'll be attending. Natera then dives into the main topic, expressing his frustration with the misconception that there are secrets or shortcuts to becoming an exceptional chef. Sharing personal stories from his career, he emphasizes the importance...
Apr 07, 2024•23 min
In this episode of the Chef's PSA podcast, host Andre Natera explores the reasons behind why people leave their jobs, particularly in the culinary industry. He addresses the importance of happiness and job satisfaction, sharing insights from an Instagram poll he conducted, which revealed that factors such as opportunity for growth, creative freedom, and recognition significantly influence an employee's decision to stay or leave a job. Natera emphasizes the crucial role of culinary leaders in pro...
Mar 31, 2024•18 min
Chef Andre Natera on Leadership and Mentorship in the Culinary World In this episode of Chef's PSA podcast, host Andre Natera shares a special leadership interview originally planned for South by Southwest with Emmanuel LaRoche, host of the Flavors Unknown podcast. Natera discusses his culinary career, mentorship, and leadership philosophy, emphasizing discipline, consistency, and providing a supportive environment for creativity and growth. He also touches on his involvement in mentoring, and h...
Mar 24, 2024•24 min
In this episode of Chef's PSA, host Andre Natera explores the concepts of 'best new' versus 'best old' in the culinary world, emphasizing the importance of longevity and consistency for restaurants. Natera reflects on conversations with chef friends about the challenges and expectations faced by new restaurants, noting the allure of awards but highlighting the critical balance between culinary creativity and business sustainability. He shares insights on why restaurants that have sustained succe...
Mar 16, 2024•12 min
In this episode of the Chefs PSA podcast, host Andre Natera explores the intricacies of seasonal cooking, offering insights on how to plan and adapt menus according to the seasons. Andre discusses the challenges and rewards of using seasonal ingredients, emphasizing the importance of understanding food transitions, reservation techniques, and the rediscovery of fermentation. The episode takes a deep dive into what each season offers, detailing specific produce, meats, and cooking methods suitabl...
Mar 11, 2024•18 min
Chef Andre Natera hosts the Chef's PSA Podcast. In this episode, he emphasizes the importance of considering the business aspect of running a kitchen, along with maintaining creativity. He advises future restaurateurs to gain experience in managing a restaurant before they open their own. He underlines the significance of understanding costs, marketing, customer service, and market expectations. Andre shares his past mistakes and how he learned the hard way that not all creative dishes sell well...
Mar 03, 2024•20 min•Ep. 88
In this exclusive episode of Chef's PSA Podcast, host Chef Andre Natera discusses his unconventional journey to success in his culinary career and his current endeavor. Andre provides valuable insights on discipline, willpower, and his effective morning routine which helped him excel in multiple arenas. He also talks about modern marketing strategies and the integration of social media into the culinary world. His experiences in the gym and as a chef inspire him to continually learn and improve,...
Feb 25, 2024•39 min
