Send us a text Ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes in a bustling fine-dining restaurant? Join us on Walk-In Talk Podcast as we bring you a fascinating conversation with Krista Lepore, a seasoned front-of-house professional from New York's elite dining scene. From the fiery interactions between chefs and servers to the critical importance of respect and communication, Krista shares her candid insights and personal stories that shine a light on the unique challenges and reward...
Jun 20, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text Could culinary schools be the answer to the ever-growing demand for skilled talent in today's food industry? Join us on this episode of Walk-In Talk as we chat with Chef Kirk Bachman, President and Provost of Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, to uncover the crucial role culinary education plays in shaping the next generation of chefs. We also revisit last week's inspiring conversation with Chef Thom Favorin from Crab Island Seafood Company, and don't miss o...
Jun 13, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text Ever wondered how the disciplined life of an airborne infantryman could translate into culinary success? Join us as we explore the incredible journey of Chef Thom Favorin, a former paramedic and firefighter who overcame extraordinary health challenges to become a thriving food entrepreneur. You'll hear about his transition from military life to founding Crab Island Seafood Company with Chef Carl Riding, navigating the highs and lows of starting a family-owned business. We pro...
Jun 06, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text Experience an inspiring culinary adventure with Tampa's very own Chef Rosana Rivera, as she takes us through her remarkable journey from corporate sales to owning renowned restaurants. Discover how her Puerto Rican heritage and passion for cooking led her to a successful appearance on national TV with Bobby Flay, and how this life-changing experience propelled her career. We also reveal some unique Father's Day grilling ideas, including a mouth-watering smoked chicken di...
May 30, 2024•49 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text Hey Food Fam, Carl Fiadini here with another exciting episode of Walk-In Talk Podcast that's set to challenge everything you thought you knew about the food industry. We just got back from Chicago's NRA show, a melting pot of innovative vendors and our very own Memorial Day menu marvels. Sizzle your senses with stories of our adventures and a sneak peek into a special menu that's all smoke, citrus, and a brulee avocado twist – it's culinary creativity unleashed...
May 23, 2024•58 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text Savor the flavors of innovation and tradition as we whisk you away on a culinary journey where the future of food trends meets the age-old craft of cheese-making. Last week's gastronomic adventures had us reminiscing about Jefferson's flavorful excursion to Boston, the ingenuity of Chef Keith Sarasin duck à l'orange egg roll, and Chef Johnathan Rodriguez's foray into Supermarket Steakout. We're not just teasing your taste buds; we're preparing them fo...
May 16, 2024•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text As the sizzle of competition fades from last week's episode, I'm thrilled to whisk you into a new culinary landscape where Chef Johnathan Rodriguez spices up the Food Network's "Supermarket Stakeout." Meanwhile, the food world buzzes with anticipation as Chef Jeffrey and Chef Pooch Rivera prep for the NRA show, and Jeff stirs up a feast in New Hampshire with Chef Keith Sarasin for an Indian wedding that's as colorful as the dishes he's crafting. ...
May 09, 2024•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text Step into our kitchen-counter studio, where the heat is always on high and the plates are as sustainable as they are scrumptious. Chefs Lance Cook and Jason F. Lynn join us with their sleeves rolled up, ready to dish out stories from the culinary competition frontlines. It's a melting pot of adrenaline, artistry, and green ingenuity, where every sizzle and chop is a step toward a more environmentally friendly future. Brace yourself for a buffet of wisdom on preparing for a cu...
May 02, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text Hey there, Food Fam! Carl Fiadini here, and I've just wrapped up a kitchen-table session that's sure to make your taste buds tango. Imagine the burst of flavors from a kimchi watermelon salsa atop a pretzel bun—just one of the many culinary adventures we embarked on in our latest podcast episode. We're talking competition meets creativity, and let me tell you, it's an electrifying mix. Our good pals, the talented Chef Josh Bernstein and Chef Stephen Hicks from ...
Apr 25, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text Get ready to spice up your culinary knowledge and feast on the wisdom of seasoned chefs as we whisk you away to the bustling heart of downtown Miami. With sizzling discussions led by myself, Carl Fiadini, and the remarkable Chef Jennifer H. Booker, you're in for a savory blend of mentorship tales, industry triumphs, and a dash of Southern charm. We're celebrating a milestone for Walk Talk podcast, hitting a staggering 2.4 million downloads, and there's no better way...
Apr 22, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text Prepare your palates for a culinary odyssey with the latest episode of the Walk-In Talk Podcast! As your host, Carl Fiadini, I'm bringing out an auditory feast from the vibrant Ibis Images Studios. We're serving up a conversation with Chef Bobby Gonzalez, the pastry wizard who brought his sweet finesse to the Food Network's Spring Baking Championship, and Chef Stephen Hicks at The Porch Meatery & Market, who's stirring the pot with a 420-themed collaboratio...
Apr 18, 2024•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text Embark on a culinary adventure that's bursting with flavor and sprinkled with industry secrets as we recount our time at the F&B@ Sea show, where we savored Creekstone Farm prime ribeyes, courtesy of our culinary expert Jeff. The episode is a smorgasbord of food tales, including a near-mythical Balmoral butter with ouzo marmalade that, despite our best efforts, remained tantalizingly out of reach. We're dishing out a taste of the camaraderie and innovation that fuels...
Apr 11, 2024•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text Prepare your palate for a culinary escapade as your host Carl Fiadini serves up a delicious auditory feast. Get ready to be whisked away on a journey where scrumptious crawfish meet creamy grits, and where Jeff's knack for transforming national food days into epicurean delights is nothing short of magical. Our tablescape is set with a sourdough sandwich that dares to dance with smoked chicken and roasted grapes, and a chicken pot pie empanada that'll take you straight ba...
Apr 04, 2024•52 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text Prepare your palates and open your minds, because we're whisking you away to ibis images studios for a symphony of flavors and foodie insights! Join us as Chef Jeffrey reinvents the humble ham and cheese sandwich into a gourmet marvel, and Chef Sean Rivera, aka Pooch, infuses our taste buds with his New Orleans-style soft shell crawfish and grits. But that's just the appetizer. Our culinary conversation also stirs up inventive ways to breathe new life into those springti...
Mar 28, 2024•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text Embark on a delicious exploration as I, Carl Fiadini, invite you to savor the sounds and stories of the culinary world direct from Patrick Kelly Studios in Tampa. Chef Frederic Casagrande, barbecue maestro of Smoking Beard sits at the table of honor this episode, sharing his European heritage and the sizzling secrets behind his UAE barbecue success. The fusion of French finesse with the primal pleasure of smoke and char promises to excite your palate, with a sneak peek into a week...
Mar 21, 2024•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text Embark on a gastronomic adventure with me, Carl Fiadini, as Chef Jeffrey and I chat with the illustrious Amy Drew Thompson. We'll whisk you away to the bustling streets of Orlando, unveiling three of the cities burger havens that are flipping the script on traditional patties and buns. If you're a fan of unconventional pairings, wait until you sink your teeth into the concept of Reuben Pizza – it's the kind of culinary mash-up that will have your taste buds doing th...
Mar 15, 2024•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text Have you ever wondered what it's like when a legendary sports figure swaps the bat for a spatula? Bo Jackson, renowned for his athletic prowess, joins us to recount his passionate metamorphosis into a culinary maestro. In a heartwarming session, he shares tales from his dynamic shift, the laughter that accompanies family cooking adventures, and the cherished moments revolving around his family's heirloom cast-iron skillet. Bo's stories connect his history on the fie...
Mar 07, 2024•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text Prepare to have your taste buds tantalized and your culinary curiosity piqued as we rejuvenate the beloved TV dinner, with Chef Jeffrey infusing gourmet twists into retro favorites. The Salisbury steak you remember is getting a chic makeover, smoked turkey, and a bourbon buzz in the blueberry cobbler. Meanwhile, the ever-dapper Mark Conway, emcee of the World Food Championships, brings his flamboyant zest to the table, sharing insights on the thrilling world of food sport and addi...
Feb 29, 2024•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text Succumb to a taste revelation with us, as we indulge in the standout dishes of Jeff, whose chocolate-rubbed chicharron-crusted pork belly taco sends our taste buds into overdrive. We're not just feasting on culinary delights; we're also dishing out a hearty serving of appreciation for Florida's farm-to-table pioneers. Agricultural advocate Jillian Childs, founder of Florida Farm Finder, joins our table to share her passion and innovation in connecting consumers with...
Feb 22, 2024•53 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text Discover the secrets behind the Orlando Sentinel Foodie Awards and get a true taste of Tijuana with the insights of food writer and Walk-In Talk Podcast Contributor Amy Drew Thompson. Our culinary exploration doesn't stop at accolades and tacos; we unwrap the complexities of restaurant pricing debates, tipping controversies, and the art of balance between cost, quality, and ambiance. As you join me, Carl Fiadini, in my gastronomic realm, be prepared to navigate the challengin...
Feb 16, 2024•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text Prepare to have your culinary curiosities indulged as we embark on a savory adventure with none other than New Orleans-based author and food journalist Matt Haines. Our palates will travel from the crispy crunch of Chef Jeffrey’s country fried pork chop to the colorful creativity of a Miami Beach-inspired dish that’s sure to bring the sunshine in. Along the way, we’ll tease your taste for Asian cuisine with an exquisite miso sake chop and a citrusy tribute to the Juicy Crunch tang...
Feb 08, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text Join us on a sumptuous journey as Jeff and I reinvent the classic Monte Cristo sandwich, infusing it with an innovative spirit that's sure to ignite your culinary curiosity. From Jeff's groundbreaking spring roll twist to the exquisite pork loin saltimbocca creation, each bite is a tribute to cherished memories and the enduring bond of family traditions. We pay homage to Jeff's father with our Sloppy Wilbur masterpiece and tease the palate with visions of crème brûl...
Feb 01, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text As the sizzle of pecan-smoked ribeye filled the studio, I reminisced about the comfort of childhood eats, and just like that, we were off on another delicious journey through taste and memory. Our special guest, Alex Waddle from Flossies Foods, joined us to sprinkle some sweetness into the mix, discussing the syrupy strands of their family’s cotton candy legacy and the evolution of fair treats. Listen as we carve into a succulent conversation about our culinary adventures, from in...
Jan 25, 2024•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text There's nothing like a freshly reimagined classic to tantalize the taste buds—just ask Chef Jefferson, whose culinary wizardry with dishes like Bistecca La Romano set our production day dishes ablaze with flavor. Taking you behind the scenes, we're raising a toast to the hardworking heroes of the Farmers Craveable Dinners Event, Chef Jefferson, Evan, and Jess, Pull up a chair and join us as we unpack the prep, the people, and the passion that made our soiree unforgettabl...
Jan 18, 2024•1 hr•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text As I fired up the grill at Ibis Images Studios, the sizzle of the perfect bison burger wasn't the only thing heating up the room. Our conversation with Amy Drew Thompson, seasoned food critic and journalist, took us on a journey through the flavors and stories that make our culinary experiences truly memorable. We sank our teeth into the world of food photography, the tales behind tailgating delights, and the vibrant discussions that only a shared love for food can ignite. Fr...
Jan 11, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text Get ready to fire up your culinary engines and revolutionize your tailgate parties! This episode is a treasure trove of flavor, from the secrets behind delectable hot chocolate and coffee rubs for meats to a gourmet twist on mac and cheese with gnocchi and beer cheese sauce. We're taking classic comfort foods to new heights and even crafting a homemade McRib that'll have your taste buds dancing. Plus, discover our ingenious strategies for selecting and prepping competiti...
Jan 04, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text When you think of MREs, gourmet cuisine might not be the first thing that comes to mind. Yet, that's exactly what we explored at the World Food Championship in Dallas, where chefs battled to elevate the humble Meal Ready to Eat into a culinary masterpiece. Savor the tales of these kitchen warriors as they wrestle with the notorious salt content to produce dishes that dazzle the taste buds. We didn't stop there; we also sank our teeth into the smoky perfection of Texas ba...
Dec 29, 2023•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text Embark on a sensory escapade with me and the masterful Chef Jeffrey Schlissel, as we reveal the gastronomic wonders from Ibis Images Studios. Feast your ears on the art of creating the ultimate comfort food with a twist—think Kan Kan pork paired with nutritious turnip greens and a 24-hour fermented homemade pizza that promises a symphony of flavors with its caramelized balsamic onion jam and pickled jalapeños. But the surprise doesn't end there; we'll also unfold the sto...
Dec 21, 2023•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text Get ready for a culinary ride as we whisk you away to the vibrant food scene of Dubai! In this captivating episode, we sit down with the amazing duo, Tarik and Ola Sultani, from Cucina Del Sul, a couple with an insatiable passion for food, as they share their remarkable journey from hosting backyard culinary events during the pandemic to competing in the World Food Championship in Dallas, Texas. Listen to their fascinating tales of fusion cooking, embodying various cultures, and t...
Dec 18, 2023•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast Send us a text Ever wanted to know the secrets behind a Louisiana family's revered hot sauce recipe? Here's your chance to peek into the magical culinary world with Scott Green, the creator of D.a.T. Sauce. We're excited to deep dive into the story of this versatile condiment that's spicing up kitchens across the nation. Scott takes us back to his roots and unwraps the flavorful journey behind his creation, and we're sure you're going to love the tale as much as the...
Dec 17, 2023•41 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
