Want the INSIDE SCOOP on building and growing a food business? Subscribe to our newsletter. Today on Chefs Without Restaurants , I speak with Chef Tristen Epps, a Season 22 finalist on Top Chef and a James Beard–recognized chef. From his Trinidadian heritage to a globe-trotting childhood in Guam, Japan, and the Philippines, Tristen’s culinary path was built on a foundation of cultural diversity and bold flavor. He’s a Johnson & Wales graduate, completed the rigorous Greenbrier apprenticeship...
Jun 13, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 6Ep. 257
Want the INSIDE SCOOP on building and growing a food business? Subscribe to our newsletter. In this episode of Chefs Without Restaurants , host Chris Spear is joined by spirits expert and acclaimed author Kara Newman . Known for her extensive work as a spirits journalist and for writing innovative cocktail books, Kara shares how she made the leap from writing about pork belly futures to becoming a leading voice in the world of spirits and cocktails. They discuss everything from oddball cocktail ...
May 29, 2025•40 min•Season 6Ep. 256
Want the INSIDE SCOOP on building and growing a food business? Subscribe to our newsletter. This week, I’m joined by Jeff Koehler, food writer, traveler, and author of The Spanish Mediterranean Islands Cookbook , out now from Phaidon. Jeff has written nine books exploring the intersection of food, culture, and place, including The North African Cookbook , Where the Wild Coffee Grows , and Morocco: A Culinary Journey with Recipes . His work has appeared in NPR, The Washington Post , and Saveur , ...
May 14, 2025•49 min•Season 6Ep. 255
Want the INSIDE SCOOP on building and growing a food business? Subscribe to our newsletter. This week on Chefs Without Restaurants, I’m joined by Eden Grinshpan , the chef, author, TV host, and culinary creative behind the new vegetarian cookbook Tahini Baby . You might know her as the host of Top Chef Canada , or from her earlier book Eating Out Loud . In this episode, Eden shares her journey from culinary school to food TV host and cookbook author. We dive into what inspired Tahini Baby , how ...
May 07, 2025•45 min•Season 6Ep. 254
Want the INSIDE SCOOP on building and growing a food business? Subscribe to our newsletter. This week on Chefs Without Restaurants , I’m joined by Arash Hashemi, the creator of Shred Happens , a social media movement and brand that’s helping millions eat better through low-carb, high-protein cooking. Arash is also the founder of Kaizen Foods, a company making low-carb, protein-packed pasta and rice alternatives. His new cookbook So Easy, So Good is out now. We dive into Arash’s personal journey ...
Apr 17, 2025•52 min•Season 6Ep. 253
On this episode of Chefs Without Restaurants , I’m joined by Chef Takeshi Nishikawa, founder of Snow Crane—a Japanese-inspired ice cream shop coming to Hyattsville, Maryland in 2025. After years leading high-profile kitchens like the Michelin-starred Rose’s Luxury and Pineapple and Pearls, Takeshi is now channeling his energy into small-batch, seasonal ice cream that reflects his minimalist approach and deep respect for Japanese culinary traditions. We talk about the challenges of launching a cu...
Apr 02, 2025•35 min•Season 6Ep. 252
Want the INSIDE SCOOP on building and growing a food business? Subscribe to our newsletter. Have you ever thought about turning your love for baking into a real business? That’s exactly what Maria Baradell , founder of Leaf & Loaf , did. Starting in her home kitchen, she quickly scaled her sourdough micro-bakery into a thriving business. In this episode, she shares her journey, tips for success, and how she turned a viral moment into brand growth. We discuss: How Maria got started in the cot...
Mar 13, 2025•38 min•Season 6Ep. 251
Want the INSIDE SCOOP on building and growing a food business? Subscribe to our newsletter. This week on Chefs Without Restaurants , we celebrate two major milestones: our 250th episode and five years of podcasting. To mark the occasion, we’re joined by one of the most iconic figures in the culinary world, Jacques Pépin. Chef Pépin shares insights from his legendary seven-decade career, including advice for young cooks, his thoughts on balancing tradition with technology, and the inspiration beh...
Nov 21, 2024•41 min•Season 5Ep. 250
Join Chris Spear in this episode as he interviews Joe Yonan, the acclaimed food and dining editor of The Washington Post and celebrated cookbook author. Joe’s latest work, Mastering the Art of Plant-Based Cooking , redefines plant-based food, focusing on creating flavorful and approachable dishes without dietary labels or limitations. Together, they discuss the nuances of plant-based vs. vegan terminology, the cultural roots of global plant-based cuisine, and practical techniques to elevate vege...
Nov 11, 2024•55 min•Season 5Ep. 249
In this episode, Chris Spear chats with Heidrun Metzler, a passionate baker and author of German Heritage Baking . With recipes that include everything from Apple Strudel to Black Forest Cake, Heidrun's cookbook is a true labor of love that has been over ten years in the making. She dives into her family's baking legacy and her journey to adapt traditional German recipes for American kitchens. Heidrun also discusses how she’s blended these old-world recipes with modern technology—adding QR codes...
Oct 31, 2024•38 min•Season 5Ep. 248
In this episode, Chris Spear chats with cookbook author Ben Mims about his new book, Crumbs . The conversation delves into the cultural history of cookies, what defines a cookie, and Ben's research process for compiling recipes from around the world. They discuss holiday cookie exchanges, ingredient nuances, and advice for aspiring cookbook authors. If you love cookies and culinary history, this episode is for you. BEN MIMS Buy the book Crumbs Ben Mims on Instagram & Threads CHEFS WITHOUT RE...
Oct 24, 2024•55 min•Season 5Ep. 247
In this solo episode, host Chris Spear shares some exciting updates and future plans for the Chefs Without Restaurants podcast. As the show approaches its 250th episode and five-year anniversary, Chris reflects on the incredible journey and announces a brief hiatus to focus on a new project. You'll learn about his upcoming podcast, Personal Chef Business Startup Guide , aimed at helping aspiring and current personal chefs build and grow their businesses. The new podcast will feature practical ti...
Oct 18, 2024•5 min•Season 5Ep. 246
In this episode of Chefs Without Restaurants , host Chris Spear talks with Owen Han, viral content creator and sandwich aficionado. With a new cookbook titled Stacked about to launch, Owen shares his journey from making his first food video to building a social media following of over six million fans across TikTok and Instagram. They dive into Owen’s love for sandwiches, how he defines a sandwich (spoiler: a hot dog is a sandwich!), and his process for turning classic dishes into fun, new creat...
Oct 09, 2024•37 min•Season 5Ep. 245
In this episode of Chefs Without Restaurants , Chris Spear speaks with Sarah Fennel , the founder of Broma Bakery and author of the new cookbook Sweet Tooth . What began as a simple creative outlet during her college years has now become a widely successful platform that combines her love for baking, photography, and blogging. Sarah shares her journey of building Broma Bakery into a thriving business, as well as her approach to creating recipes that are as delicious as they are accessible. In ad...
Oct 03, 2024•58 min•Season 5Ep. 244
In this episode of Chefs Without Restaurants , host Chris Spear sits down with renowned chef David Burke, a trailblazer in modern American cuisine. Burke discusses his journey from a young chef leading kitchens in New York City to building a restaurant empire and pioneering culinary innovations like his patented dry-aging process. The conversation dives deep into the balance between craftsmanship and running a successful business, the evolution of fine dining, and the importance of creativity in...
Sep 26, 2024•33 min•Season 5Ep. 243
In this episode of Chefs Without Restaurants, host Chris Spear talks with Chef Michael Gulotta , the chef-owner behind New Orleans hotspots MoPho , Maypop , and the newly opened Italian restaurant, Tana . Michael shares his journey from attending culinary school to working at Restaurant August, and eventually opening his own restaurants. The discussion delves into the complexities of the restaurant industry, including the financial and operational challenges of running multiple establishments, t...
Sep 19, 2024•56 min•Season 5Ep. 242
In this episode of Chefs Without Restaurants , host Chris Spear sits down with Jeremy Salamon , the talented chef behind Agi’s Counter in Brooklyn and author of the newly released cookbook, Second Generation . Jeremy, a second-generation Hungarian Jew, has made waves in the culinary world, earning accolades like a James Beard Award nomination and a spot on Bon Appetit's Best New Restaurants list in 2022. Jeremy shares his journey from working in some of New York’s finest kitchens, to how his Hun...
Sep 12, 2024•48 min•Season 5Ep. 241
In this episode of Chefs Without Restaurants, host Chris Spear speaks with Aaron Elliott, a vegan chef with a unique background in punk music. Aaron shares his journey from being a drummer in various bands to becoming a private chef for high-profile clients like Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker and director James Cameron. In addition to being a private chef, Aaron recently launched his own vegan meal delivery service, Meal Ticket, in Los Angeles. They discuss the intersections between music and f...
Sep 05, 2024•58 min•Season 5Ep. 240
In this episode of Chefs Without Restaurants, Chris Spear is joined by Glenn Roberts, the founder of Anson Mills, a company renowned for its dedication to preserving landrace crops and advancing sustainable farming practices. Glenn shares his fascinating journey from a career in restaurant design and management to becoming a passionate advocate for biosecurity and traditional farming methods. Topics Discussed: The Importance of Landrace Crops: A deep dive into what landrace crops are, their sign...
Aug 29, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Season 5Ep. 239
In this episode of Chefs Without Restaurants , Chris Spear continues his conversation from last week with John Kanell of Preppy Kitchen. Part 1 of their conversation can be found here . John's a former middle school teacher turned cooking personality, and currently has more than 10 million followers across all online platforms. In this episode, John provides valuable insights for those looking to transition into food content creation, including tips on lighting, styling, and developing a persona...
Aug 22, 2024•16 min•Season 5Ep. 238
In this episode of Chefs Without Restaurants , Chris Spear sits down with John Kanell of Preppy Kitchen for part 1 of their discussion. John's a former middle school teacher turned cooking personality. They discuss John's new cookbook Preppy Kitchen Super Easy , which is filled with quick, family-friendly recipes. The conversation covers the challenges and joys of cooking with kids, how to make time-saving meals at home, and the transition from teaching in a classroom to teaching in the kitchen....
Aug 13, 2024•32 min•Season 5Ep. 237
In this episode of Chefs Without Restaurants , Chris Spear sits down with Meghan Kix for part 2 of their discussion on marketing and branding. You can find part 1 here . Meghan's a marketing and branding specialist who's worked with major brands like Flying Dog Brewery, and now runs her own full-service creative agency, BeeCat Creative. They explore how to effectively manage client expectations, the importance of automating processes to save time, and how to strike a balance between providing ex...
Aug 09, 2024•41 min•Season 5Ep. 236
In this episode of Chefs Without Restaurants , Chris Spear sits down with Meghan Kix, a marketing and branding specialist who's worked with major brands like Flying Dog Brewery, and now runs her own creative agency, BeeCat Creative. They delve into the essentials of branding, the importance of knowing your target audience, and the challenges of balancing creative integrity with client demands. Whether you’re looking to start your own business, or you're an entrepreneur looking to refine your bra...
Aug 02, 2024•37 min•Season 5Ep. 235
In this episode of Chefs Without Restaurants, Chris Spear welcomes Steve Sando, the founder of Rancho Gordo, a company known for its heirloom beans. Steve shares his unconventional journey from a diverse range of careers, to becoming a renowned bean entrepreneur. They discuss the importance of preserving heirloom varieties, the benefits of cooking with beans, and the growing interest in sustainable agriculture. Topics Discussed: Steve's Journey: Steve recounts his eclectic career path, including...
Jul 15, 2024•41 min•Season 5Ep. 234
In this episode of Chefs Without Restaurants , Chris Spear sits down with Carolyn Phillips, a renowned expert in Chinese gastronomy and the author of acclaimed cookbooks such as All Under Heaven and the upcoming The Art of Chinese Baking . Carolyn's deep knowledge and passion for Chinese cuisine make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in exploring the rich diversity of Chinese food and cooking. With accolades including being a James Beard Award finalist and a nominee for the MFK Fi...
Jun 27, 2024•59 min•Season 5Ep. 233
Today, I’m diving into a unique and cost-effective marketing strategy that has worked wonders for my personal chef business: using your vehicle as a mobile billboard. If you're a service-based business owner, you’ll want to hear about this! Episode Highlights: Introduction to Vehicle Marketing: Learn why using your vehicle as a mobile billboard can be a game-changer for your business. My Experience and Setup: I share the details of how I set up my car with magnets, a QR code, and business card h...
Jun 14, 2024•9 min•Season 5Ep. 232
In this mini-episode of Chefs Without Restaurants, host Chris Spear is joined by the acclaimed author Carolyn Phillips to discuss the art of writing a successful cookbook. Known for her works such as At the Chinese Table , All Under Heaven , The Dim Sum Field Guide , and the upcoming The Art of Chinese Baking , Carolyn shares invaluable insights for aspiring cookbook authors. With accolades including being a James Beard Award finalist and a nominee for the MFK Fisher Distinguished Writing Award,...
Jun 06, 2024•15 min•Season 5Ep. 231
This week on Chefs Without Restaurants, I speak with Brian Baumgartner, the actor best known for his role as Kevin Malone on the TV show "The Office." Brian’s portrayal of Kevin provided countless laughs and unforgettable moments, especially the iconic chili scene. Beyond his on-screen persona, Brian has ventured into the culinary world, turning a 30-second cold open into a culinary journey that includes a best-selling chili cookbook and an upcoming barbecue book. On the show, we dive deep into ...
May 30, 2024•55 min•Season 5Ep. 230
🎙️ This week on Chefs Without Restaurant I speak with Pat Lee, a food content creator and private chef who resides in Delaware. 💰 Pat started his career working in the financial industry. But in the early days of the Covid pandemic, he lost his job. Like many of us, he was spending a lot of time at home. Being unemployed, he was looking for ways to tighten his budget. One of the things he did was focus on cooking food at home. 🔪 This eventually led to him creating cooking videos, teaching peo...
May 20, 2024•56 min•Season 5Ep. 229
This week my guest is Billy Zureikat, known online as The Real Billy Z. He's a home cook, baker and pizza-maker who's life took an unexpected turn. He went from an active lifestyle, playing basketball and working at ESPN radio, to a challenging 8-year medical journey that resulted in a diagnosis of limb girdle muscular dystrophy 2L. As his body underwent changes, he found solace and a newfound passion in the kitchen. He traded his jersey for an apron, re-focusing his energy on becoming a better ...
May 01, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Season 5Ep. 228
