In this episode of Chef’s PSA , André Natera reconnects with longtime friend and celebrated chef Junior Borges to talk about the upcoming launch of Nic and Junior’s , a new restaurant in Chicago. They explore: The process of building a new restaurant from the ground up How Junior brought his team back together Evolving food trends and what chefs should pay attention to Why simplicity, taste, and technique still matter Creativity in the kitchen—from Brazilian classics to playful desserts This epi...
Apr 10, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 147
This special episode features a clip from Chef André Natera’s recent appearance on the Say Grace Podcast with Steve Palmer . In this conversation, André reflects on: The emotional demands of leadership Creating safe, growth-oriented kitchen environments What chefs rarely talk about—but should For the full episode, visit the Say Grace Podcast with Steve Palmer and hear the complete conversation. https://open.spotify.com/episode/3T3sct3sNp6PRAvgVvidqP?si=333d3eaf21164d2b...
Apr 10, 2025•17 min
What happens when a pastry chef and a savory chef sit down to talk about the industry? Laura Sawicki and Mike Diaz , the culinary minds behind Oseyo in Austin, Texas, join André Natera for an in-depth conversation about food, creativity, and the future of dining. In this episode, they discuss: ✅ How Austin’s dining scene is evolving ✅ Their dream of opening a New York-style Jewish deli ✅ The creative process behind developing new dishes ✅ The reality of consistency and evolution in a kitchen ✅ W...
Apr 04, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 146
What happens behind the scenes of one of the toughest cooking competitions on TV? Iman Kawa , a Michelin-trained chef and competitor on Next Level Chef , joins André Natera to break down: ✅ What it’s like to compete on Next Level Chef and what viewers don’t see ✅ The strategies she used to handle high-pressure cooking challenges ✅ How she transitioned from fine dining to building a luxury cookie brand ✅ The role of perseverance and discipline in culinary success ✅ Why Muay Thai and the kitchen h...
Mar 26, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 145
What happens when barbecue meets Michelin-level precision ? Evan LeRoy , chef and co-owner of LeRoy & Lewis in Austin, Texas, is helping redefine what barbecue can be. In this episode of Chef’s PSA , André Natera sits down with Evan to explore: ✅ How LeRoy & Lewis became one of the first Michelin-starred BBQ spots ✅ Why side dishes and unique menu items matter as much as the meat ✅ The science of wood selection, seasoning, and smoking techniques ✅ The biggest mistakes pitmasters make—and...
Mar 22, 2025•57 min•Ep. 144
What sets a restaurant apart in an industry where hospitality is everything? In this episode, André Natera sits down with Tracy Malechek Ezekiel and Arjav Ezekiel , the co-owners of Birdie’s in Austin, Texas , an award-winning restaurant redefining hospitality with its unique approach to fine dining. Birdie’s was named Restaurant of the Year 2023 by Food & Wine Magazine , with Tracy being a James Beard Best Chef Texas finalist in 2024 and Arjav a semi-finalist for the James Beard Award for B...
Mar 15, 2025•45 min
How do Texas-starred chefs balance running world-class restaurants, hosting charity events, and still find time for creative passions? In this Family Meal edition of Chef’s PSA , André Natera sits down with: ✅ Gabe Erales ( Top Chef Season 18 Winner, Oido ) ✅ Rico Torres ( Michelin-Starred Chef & Founder of El Paso Family Meal, Mixtli ) ✅ Mike Diaz ( Chef of Oseyo and aspiring stand-up comedian ) They discuss: The journey after Michelin recognition —how it changes expectations and pressures....
Mar 04, 2025•58 min
From running Michelin-star restaurant s to crafting Japanese-inspired ice cream, Chef Takeshi Nishikawa i s redefining what it means to be a chef. In this episode, André Natera and Chef Nishikawa dive into: ✅ The evolution of Japanese ice cream and why it’s different from Western styles ✅ How Michelin-level precision translates into the dessert world ✅ The business side of launching a unique concept like Snow Crane ✅ T he importance of aesthetics , knife selection, and fine dining experience in ...
Mar 01, 2025•59 min
How is the definition of a "Chef" evolving in the digital age? In this episode, Joshua Weissman joins André Natera to discuss the intersection of professional fine dining and the new era of food media. They break down the realities of the changing culinary landscape: The Content Shift: Understanding the difference between "Influencing" and building a legitimate digital media business. Michelin Guide Texas: An honest industry conversation on the Guide's arrival and impact. The Skill Gap: Why culi...
Feb 21, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 140
In this episode, André Natera chats with Sarah Heard and Nathan Lemley , co-owners of Foreign & Domestic and Commerce Cafe. They discuss their journey from chefs to successful restaurant owners, emphasizing the importance of sustainability, quality ingredients, and cultivating a respectful kitchen culture. The duo also shares their insights on minimizing waste, incorporating foraged ingredients, and finding work-life balance in a demanding industry. Whether you’re in the restaurant business ...
Feb 15, 2025•45 min
🌿 Cannabis-infused dining reimagined! In this episode of the Chef’s PSA Podcast, André Natera sits down with Travis Petersen, also known as "The Cannabis Chef," to discuss the art and business of cannabis cuisine. Travis shares his journey running a unique traveling pop-up restaurant, The Nomad Cook, offering infused dining experiences across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Learn about the logistics, safety, and creativity behind cannabis cooking, as well as the importance of proper dosing, under...
Feb 08, 2025•1 hr 1 min
In this episode of the Chef's PSA Podcast, host André Natera sits down with Chef Bill Roll, an assistant professor of culinary arts and hospitality at Brookdale Community College, who brings nearly two decades of experience as an executive chef. Together, they discuss the evolution of the culinary industry, the relevance of culinary school today, and the exciting potential of AI in the kitchen. Chef Bill reflects on his transition from running professional kitchens to educating future chefs, emp...
Feb 01, 2025•59 min•Ep. 138
In this episode of the Chef's PSA Podcast, host André Natera sits down with Chef Paul Qui, winner of Top Chef Texas and a celebrated Austin restaurateur. Together, they explore the creative process behind culinary innovation, the challenges of managing multiple restaurants, and how the industry is evolving in today’s fast-paced world. Chef Paul shares his journey, insights on work-life balance, and the influences that shaped his career. From modernist cuisine to ambitious restaurant concepts, th...
Jan 25, 2025•1 hr
In this episode of Chef's PSA Podcast, André Natera is joined by Chef John Brand, Director of Culinary Endeavors in San Antonio, Texas. With over three decades of experience in the culinary world, Chef Brand shares his wisdom on what it takes to build and sustain a successful restaurant. From starting with the right concept to cultivating a strong kitchen culture, Chef Brand discusses essential topics like financial planning, hiring strategies, and maintaining your restaurant’s identity in a com...
Jan 19, 2025•1 hr 1 min
Join André Natera on Chef’s PSA Podcast for a powerful conversation with Michelin-starred chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph. Tavel discusses the journey to earning Michelin stars for Hestia and Emmer & Rye , his innovative dessert restaurant Nicosi , and the critical role of mental health in the culinary industry. This episode highlights the dynamics of scaling hospitality, creating a unique kitchen culture, and the delicate balance between work and personal life. With insights for aspiring chefs an...
Jan 11, 2025•58 min•Ep. 133
What’s next for the culinary world in 2025? In this episode of Chef's PSA Podcast , host Andre Natera shares his top predictions for the year ahead. From the evolution of fine dining to the rise of Asian cuisines and the next superstar chefs, Andre dives into the trends shaping the culinary industry. Discover insights on sustainability, functional ingredients, employee wellness, and how the restaurant industry is adapting to new challenges. Plus, Andre reflects on key trends from 2024 and their ...
Jan 04, 2025•19 min•Ep. 131
In this special crossover episode of Chef's PSA Podcast and Sucio Talks , join Chef Andre Natera and David Sucio for a deep dive into the world of Michelin stars, chef stories, and the culinary journey . This engaging conversation spans two hours, offering a candid look at what it takes to succeed in the high-pressure world of top-tier kitchens. The discussion covers everything from the Texas Michelin awards to life lessons from working in renowned establishments like Meadowood . The hosts also ...
Dec 21, 2024•1 hr 2 min
In this episode of Chef's PSA Podcast, Andre Natera dives into what it takes to become the most useful person in the kitchen. Whether you're a line cook, sous chef, or culinary student, Andre provides practical tips to boost kitchen efficiency, build team camaraderie, and increase your likability among coworkers. Learn simple but impactful actions, like replenishing salt and pepper shakers, organizing the walk-in, and anticipating your team’s needs. These small gestures can make a big difference...
Dec 16, 2024•17 min•Ep. 128
From Dishwasher to Michelin-Starred Chef: Chef Rogelio Garcia’s Inspiring Journey Rogelio Garcia Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/chefrogeliogarcia/ Welcome to another episode of the Chef's PSA Podcast! In this episode, host André Natera interviews Chef Rogelio Garcia, a Michelin-starred chef and author of the cookbook Convivir. Chef Rogelio shares his incredible journey from immigrating to the United States, starting out as a dishwasher, and climbing his way to the top of the culinary worl...
Dec 16, 2024•57 min•Ep. 122
Join Chef Harold Villarosa and host André Natera in this engaging episode of the Chef's PSA Podcast as they dive deep into the vibrant world of Filipino cuisine , high-efficiency kitchen practices, and the journey of a chef making waves in the culinary world. In this episode, Chef Harold shares stories about launching his new restaurant, Oko , in Austin, Texas , and how he fuses Filipino flavors with local ingredients to create something unique. They explore the rise of Filipino chefs in fine di...
Dec 07, 2024•58 min
In this special episode of the Chef's PSA Podcast, Chef Andre Natera brings together four incredible culinary talents for a roundtable discussion about the arrival of the Michelin Guide in Texas. Joining Chef Andre are: Rico Torres from Mixtli in San Antonio, a new Michelin-star recipient. https://www.instagram.com/rico__torres/ Evan LeRoy from LeRoy and Lewis BBQ in Austin, whose BBQ restaurant was among the Michelin-awarded establishments. https://www.instagram.com/evanleroybbq/ Paul Qui, Top ...
Nov 30, 2024•51 min•Ep. 127
Welcome to another exciting episode of the Chef's PSA Podcast! This time, André Natera is joined by Chef Brent Weathers, the entertaining force behind 'Brent Eats Food'. Known for his humorous takes on kitchen life and his vibrant online presence, Chef Brent offers a mix of laughter, honest truths, and personal insights from the world of culinary arts. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Kitchen Etiquette: Dive into the kitchen do’s and don’ts that every aspiring chef should know. Social Media Re...
Nov 23, 2024•52 min•Ep. 126
Ever wonder what it really takes to win a James Beard Award ? In this special episode of Chef's PSA Podcast , host Andre Natera sits down with Dawn Padmore , Vice President of the James Beard Foundation , and award-winning chef Elizabeth Falkner to uncover everything you need to know about one of the culinary world's most prestigious honors. We dive deep into the nomination, selection, and judging process for the James Beard Awards, offering a rare inside look at the history, criteria, and recen...
Nov 16, 2024•36 min•Ep. 125
Culinary Excellence with Chef Junior Borges: Michelin Impact, Brazilian Cuisine, and Mentorship Junior Borges Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefjuniorborges/ Welcome to another episode of the Chef's PSA Podcast! In this episode, host André Natera is joined by Chef Junior Borges to explore his culinary journey—from the bustling kitchens of New York to the innovative culinary scene of Texas. Chef Junior Borges, a key figure in elevating Brazilian cuisine at Meridian, dives deep into his exp...
Nov 15, 2024•57 min•Ep. 125
Unwritten rules and hard-learned lessons—these are the realities of the kitchen that culinary school often doesn't prepare you for. In this episode of the Chef's PSA Podcast , host André Natera pulls back the curtain on the professional kitchen, revealing the unwritten rules that every chef needs to know to truly thrive. André shares his personal experiences and stories from the trenches—discussing the pace , intensity , and hierarchy of real-world kitchens. If you're a young chef or culinary st...
Nov 02, 2024•24 min•Ep. 123
Mastering Culinary Hostile Takeovers: Strategies for New Chefs In this insightful episode of Chef's PSA Podcast , host Andre Natera delves into the complexities of culinary hostile takeovers. He examines the scenarios where new chefs suddenly take over kitchens or restaurants and face resistance from existing staff loyal to previous regimes. Andre shares personal experiences and provides practical strategies for navigating these challenges, including re-interviewing staff, making swift hiring an...
Oct 20, 2024•17 min•Ep. 121
Fermin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chiefnunez/ Navigating the Culinary World: A Candid Conversation with Chef Fermin Nunez Welcome to another episode of the Chef's PSA Podcast! In this engaging episode, I, André Natera , sit down with Chef Fermin Nunez , the culinary mastermind behind Austin’s acclaimed restaurants Suerte and Este . Together, we explore the realities of the culinary industry, discussing the challenges and highlights of running esteemed establishments, the impact of the ...
Oct 13, 2024•59 min•Ep. 120
A Day in the Life of a Chef In this episode of the Chef's PSA podcast, hosted by Andre Natera, listeners are taken through a detailed narrative of what a day in the life of a chef looks like. From handling daily operations in a small restaurant to managing a large luxury hotel kitchen, the intricacies of each position are dissected. With personal anecdotes, such as shadowing an executive chef and dealing with kitchen staff, the episode offers a glimpse into the demanding and diverse world of cul...
Oct 05, 2024•23 min
From Pastry Chef to Savory Chef: Chef Phillip Speer's Culinary Journey Philip Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philipspeer/ https://www.instagram.com/comedortx/ Join Chef Andre Natera on the Chef's PSA Podcast as he engages with Chef Philip Speer, the visionary behind Comedor Restaurant in Austin, Texas. Discover Chef Philip's transformation from a pastry chef to a savory expert, explore his iconic desserts, evolving chef uniforms, and how Michelin Guide might award stars in Texas. Get insigh...
Sep 28, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Join Chef Andre Natera in this episode of Chef's PSA Podcast as he discusses the pitfalls of leadership self-sabotage within the culinary world. Learn about common mistakes such as poor delegation, lack of communication, and unrealistic expectations, and discover strategies for effective team management and communication. Whether you're a head chef or an aspiring cook, this episode provides valuable insights to improve your leadership skills and kitchen efficiency. Support the show and explore C...
Sep 21, 2024•17 min
