Sisters and business partners, Marti Lieberman and Pamela Lorden, own and operate The Mac Mart in Philadelphia. Although the venture began without any former training or background in the business, Marti started The Mac Mart to create a job for herself after graduating college, and was soon joined by her sister. The inspiration? A decadent mac-n-cheese that she made for her own graduation party was a huge hit, and food trucks were an up-and-coming trend at the time. Years later, the business has grown into multiple cart locations and a brick and mortar spot in center city...with a lot of happy mac and cheese lovers enjoying every cheesy bite!We then climbed aboard the Moshulu off of Delaware Avenue in Philadelphia, speaking with the General Manager, Michelle Delp. Michelle knows all the in's and out's of the Moshulu, having worked there for 16 years, so when it comes to knowing the history and stories behind the Old cargo vessel she's certainly the perfect guide! After taking an optional champagne-toasted tour, you can enjoy some of the menu options like a raw bar, plentiful seafood options, along with steak, chicken, and more! And if you're looking to celebrate an event or holiday gathering--the Moshulu is the place to be! With sweeping back-drops of the Delaware River and Ben Franklin Bridge, you can taste your way through the night. And be sure to check out at least one of the five bars for you favorite cocktail or mocktail. Whether you're there to celebrate an event, enjoy a lovely dinner out, or grabbing brunch with friends, the Moshulu is a great place to experience in Philadelphia!And we'll leave you with an indulgent treat, as we speak with co-owners Timothy Roquemore and Andre March of Afrika Bar. Creating something nice while doing good certainly hits the sweet-spot for anyone, and Timothy and Andre are doing just that. Both owners have worked within the fashion industry, so they're connoisseurs of what looks and tastes high-end. So the pair ventured to create an indulgent chocolate that will play off your palate with a variety of tasting notes, all sourced from small farms in Africa. Through their company's sales of both chocolate and branded fashion, they are able to give back to those farms to help support fair wages and sustainability practices. So if you are searching for a chocolate to enlighten your senses while doing good, try some of the chocolate from AfrikaBar.com!

We began our show with the CEO of Parliament Real Estate Partners; President of Parliament Consulting LLC; Co-Founder of Broad Street Brewing Company; and Co-Owner of Jericho Mountain Beef Company, Edward Webber. Webber and his partners have a strong focus on sustainability and leveled-up by using the brewer's used ingredients to feed the cattle on their ranch. It's a rather ingenious move, and a new way that beef and beer can go together so well. There's so much more to upack in Webber's interview, so we recommend you stick around to find out!Next, we sat down with Kindness Kookies Owner and Baker, Ashley Naftaly. Ashley began her cookie venture during the pandemic, making and offering her tasty treats to fellow gym enthusiasts. She is not shy when it comes to admitting the irony of it all, but that little gesture turned into a much larger one--as she now bakes cookies with a cause. Her sweet baked goods do good deeds, as you can designate an organization to help out. There are also special recipe creations to look forward to, so spread a smile on your face by tuning in and finding out more about Ashley and her Kindness Kookies!Speaking of spreading joy, our final guest joined us from Santa Fe, New Mexico! Ahmed Obo, who is the Chef and Owner of Jambo Cafe and Jambo Bobcat Bite, was born and raised in Lamu, Kenya. And in 1995 he immigrated to the USA via New York, finally landing in New Mexico to work and help support his family members living in Kenya. Little did Santa Fe know that in gaining a new resident, their palates would be opened up to a whole new world of tasting sensations. Ahmed's business' began as a suggestion for a special dinner night at a local Zia Diner, and very soon after it was a huge hit. Now, Ahmed's Jambo Cafe has gained him attention from numerous media outlets, earned him a James Beard Foundation Nomination, and caused many celebrities to be enamored with his cuisine. Curious to find out more? Then stay tuned till the end, and hear from Ahmed why you need to visit Jambo Cafe and Jambo Bobcat Bite in New Mexico!

Co-owners and ChefsTara Buzan-Hardy and Alex Hardy joined forces to open At The Table BYOB, beginning in a cozy venue. Since opening they've created a balance between savory comfort foods and gastronomic artistry for all discerning palates. The results speak for themselves, as their restaurant's popularity grew. Now, they've expanded into a larger venue and added cocktail offerings; happy hour specials; raw bar; and more. The couple, whose respective backgrounds also reflect their duality for their guests' dining experiences, are constantly developing new dishes to entice their guests and their own culinary imaginations.Our next guest, Kenneth Bush, is both Executive Chef & Owner of FringeBar in Philadelphia. Chef Kenneth joined us to further discuss the artistry behind cultivating a menu reflective of the venue space and his expertise. FringeBar, which is located within the contemporary FringeArts performance theatre, offers multiple cuisines: One which is focused on a more innovative menu, and the second via a stationary food truck named Pumphouse Pizza. Chef/Owner Kenneth has a long history within the culinary community, working within the kitchens of Peter Woosley. Now, Chef Kenneth not only owns and runs FringeBar, he also co-owns the newly opened restaurant, The Morris. Fresh is best, something that Ben Beaver, who works as the Executive Chef at Ever Grain Brewing Company, Ever Grain Farms, and their recently opened Wild Rabbit Pies and Pints stands by. Ever Grain's owners have a strong focus on offering creative and innovative beers using farm-fresh produce--in fact, they've sourced their ingredients from the plants that Chef Beaver and their support staff have grown at Ever Grain Farms. In addition to the craft brews, Chef Beaver incorporates the beers, produce, and proteins from the farm to create the menus for both the brewery as well as at Wild Rabbit Pies and Pints! So, if you want to learn more about the delightfully creative restaurants that joined us this week--be sure to tune in to Food Farms and Chefs Radio Show at 6PM on WWDB and WPEN today if you live in the Philadelphia listening area, or Friday at 1pm on WMLD 103.7 FM if you live in the New York, Connecticut, and Northern New Jersey regions, or you can stream us at any time by searching for us on your preferred streaming platform!

Patti Fitzpatrick loves taking time to relax, especially when it comes time to spend with friends, which is exactly how she came to own The Talking Teacup in Chalfont, PA. Her love of tea and friendship built over time, with former owner Kathy Heck. Kathy and Patti's friendship grew, and soon Patti was doing what she loved alongside her friend. Unfortunately, Kathy was diagnosed with a form of cancer and passed away--however her husband maintained the property of The Talking Teacup, so in 2021 Patti was inspired to re-open her beloved place to sit, relax, and build strong connections with friends. Now, Patti owns and operates The Talking Teacup, offering seasonal menus, high tea experiences, and a place to enjoy a nice pot of tea.The Rallo family has been in the culinary industry for multiple generations, and we sat down with Jake Rallo, who is the Manager of the Pasta Program at Birravino, located in Red Bank, NJ. Since he was a child, Jake has had the desire to work in the culinary industry--taking on a different role as he grew up. As time went on, Jake's love for Italian cuisine and culture was ignited, and he ended up graduating from Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration where he studied business, food, and wine. Now, Jake joined us on Food Farms and Chefs to discuss his family's restaurants and also to announce their newest addition to their family of restaurants--but you'll have to stay tuned to find out what that is!Lastly, we discussed one of our favorite things to happen in the food-loving community: Restaurant Week! Main Line Today's Fall season of Restaurant Week is happening right now--and we are so excited to help spread the word! Not only can you dine out for a set-price for lunch or dinner (with a pre-fixe menu from participating restaurants), you have the opportunity to explore the Main Line when you go! We love helping to support the culinary industry--and this is a perfect way to do so too while igniting your taste buds! So stay tuned for our recommendations, and be sure to check out the 40+ restaurants that are participating in this amazing time of year!

We began our episode with Executive Chef Michael Selser from White Dog Cafe in Glen Mills. The Glen Mills location, as well as all other White Dog Cafe locations, offer seasonally-based menus that incorporates locally-sourced produce and proteins to create their food and beverage offerings. On top of helping to support local farmers and producers, they are also very supportive of their community; every location offers numerous fundraising and awareness-raising opportunities throughout the year. And keeping up with large events, WDC offers private event spaces as well as catering. So if you are looking for an inviting venue with a guarantee of having an indulgent, delicious meal--tune in to Food Farms and Chefs to find out what WDC has to offer!We next sat down with the current Co-Owners Lara Mohr and Sam Talmadge of Pretty Tasty Cupcakes--a completely nut-free cupcake bakery. The brand originated in Cape May, NJ, and expanded into Pennsylvania because one of the original owners lived within the Conshohocken area. However, the location and consistency of menu offerings differed and the Conshohocken location was taken over by Mohr, who recently brought Talmadge on as a partner and Pastry Chef. Now, the pair operates and offers a wide selection of sweet treats, all of which are made in a peanut, tree nut, and seed-free environment. So if you are looking for a rich, decadent dessert--look no further than Pretty Tasty Cupcakes!

Karen Gershowitz is a seasoned pro at traveling. In fact, she wrote a book on it. Well folks, Mrs. Gershowitz not only wrote one book regaling her travel tales, she just came out with her 2nd novel: "Wanderlust: Extraordinary People, Quirky Places, and Curious Cuisine." In it she describes numerous activities, experiences, and her personal do's and don'ts when it comes to eating across the globe via her own positive experiences (and amusing mishaps). If you want to know more, tune in to Food Farms and Chefs to hear the stories straight from Karen's own lips--and be sure to pick up her books to find out even more!We also spoke with Yvonne Yang, who is no stranger to opening and collaborating with highly successful restaurants, including a Michelin-Recommended restaurant. Yvonne joined us to describe what Takumi Bistro and Bar has to offer! With a lengthy history within the Hospitality Industry, Yvonne was integral with managing the daily operations of Takumi, which recently opened in Wayne, PA. Takumi offers a modern Sushi dining experience, with an inventive menu that includes options for non-sushi-eaters. For example, one of their most popular dishes is the Creamy Kimchi Udon, with a complexity of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more. Our last segment has two very familiar voices! Co-hosts Gene Blum and Amaris Pollock bring you to the heart of all hallow's eve and Halloween day. Not only did Gene and Amaris touch base on the history behind the holiday, they discussed what fun things are happening in Philadelphia and a little in New York, so if you're looking for some fun and festive ways to celebrate the spooky season--look no further because Food Farms and Chefs Radio Show has you covered!

All of our guests on this week's Food Farms and Chefs Radio Show have (or are currently experiencing) being a viral sensation. So, if you're wondering how to try them for yourself, tune in to hear their story and to find out how you can dig into their products and more! *Episode 251

Our first guest is a very familiar voice to our dedicated FF&C's fans, as our own Gene Blum updated us on all the goings-on at Tranquility Brewing Company. You may not know this, but Tranquility Brewing is located inside the former training facility for astronauts, so if you're looking to dress up for their upcoming Halloween celebration--you may bring home the top prize if you attend as one. And if you're looking to have some fun while giving back to a great cause, check out Tranquility Brewing's website as they host numerous events--some of which include FUNdraising celebrations. Speaking of which, they're amping up for their barrel-aged, whisky-infused Cider and Oktoberfest Beer which coincides with Tranquility's Oktoberfest Party! Don't worry, you needn't miss the festivities, as they're happening this Sunday (October 15th) at the Brewery!We know from old commercials that, "Beef. It's what's for dinner," and our next guest is doing just that. Rachel Sickler and her husband had the farming bug, and began to farm as a young couple. Both Rachel and her husband have ties to the farming industry, albeit one more loosely related than the other--but farming was a passion for the duo. So when an opportunity arose for David and his brother to purchase a farm, they did. A few years later, Rachel and David took over as sole owners of the farm, and renamed it as Sickler's Circle View Farm. Then in June of 2019. Rachel and David saw an immediate need for proteins, so the pair began offering livestock farming so meat could be much more accessible to the community and its surrounding neighborhoods.Take in the breath-taking views as we explore just why "Virginia is for lovers." Our last guest, Dorothy McIntyre, began Forest Farmers Market after she and her husband found themselves in a fresh-food desert. Having moved from New York to Virginia was a challenge, however, waking up and not having an opportunity for fresh produce can be extremely frustrating--this is why McIntyre grew weary of the 2+ hour drive to shop at the "local" farmer's market. So armed with a desire for quality ingredients, and with a goading husband's comment, McIntyre contacted her local government and advocated to establish a Farmer's Market. Eleven vendors later, the market was a huge hit, and grew to host over 40 vendors today--including three or four original vendors. Now, Dorothy's Forest Farmer's Market inspired her to establish another new one, named Moneta Farmer's Market in Smith Mountain Lake, VA. Want to know more? Then stay tuned thru the whole show to find out what to look forward to when you visit!

If you've ever tuned in to the show, then you're familiar with our first guest, Chef Elijah Milligan. He's joined us on several occasions, and now he's back to let all of you know about Rosemary Ridley Park. We dove deeper into the nuances behind choosing the freshest ingredients--including how he and the staff at Rosemary grow and pick their own herbs, which are then highlighted in the dishes and cocktails that are created. In addition to his fresh picks, Chef Milligan is building a menu that will change depending upon what is in season, bringing a fresh new vibe to the Ridley Park, PA restaurant scene. So if you are in the area and want an elevated meal that is less about the pomp and circumstance and more geared towards the enjoyment of every bite...check out Rosemary Ridley Park and tune in to hear more about Elijah and the restaurant!Our next guest, Wyatt Piazza, is the Chef and Co-Owner of Kiddo Restaurant which is in the works to open around mid-October 2023. Now that is fresh! Piazza is opening Kiddo Restaurant with his wife, Elizabeth Drake; the duo has a strong focus on a vegetable-forward menu that is both organic and strives towards maintaining sustainable practices. And before you think strictly vegan or vegetarian...think again. They will offer all of us carnivores something to dig into, like locally-sourced Bison, however their aim is to balance the dishes with an abundance of boldly-flavored vegetables. And if you're not in the mood for a full meal, Chef Piazza has curated his menu to encompass lite (shareable) bites to full plates. So be sure to tune in to Food Farms and Chefs this (and every) Tuesday at 6pm EST on WWDB and WPEN in Pennsylvania, and for our New York listeners you can turn your dials to WMLD at 1pm EST on Fridays, or listen at any time by searching for Food Farms and Chefs Radio Show on your preferred streaming platform!

When you visit our first guest's restaurant, you'll surely be as enamored with Chef Ehren Ryan's menu as I was from simply researching his culinary creations. After speaking with Ryan regarding Common Lot, his restaurant which is located in Milburn, NJ, I learned that his mastery of plating the perfect dish was founded upon a global background. That same background, from Chef Ryan's own description, consisted entirely from working inside Michelin Star rated kitchens. This is most likely the reason Common Lot's name appears on NJ Monthly's Top 25 restaurants to visit since it opened in 2016, and why so many other publications and shows have praised him and his co-owner/wife's business. If you want to learn more about Ehren and Common Lot, tune in to this week's show!During our interlude, our own co-host, Amaris Pollock, takes you on a quick tour around the tri-state area for festive Fall fun! She took a short moment to help plan your festive fun this spooky season, including Pop-Up bars with Halloween-themed decor, festivals, and more! So get your calendars out and mark these events down--and get ready for some cheers, music, and lots of spooktacular fun!Our next guest hails from the Philadelphia area, and is a long-time friend of the show! Charisse McGil has circled back to her origins in the industry with her new role as the Executive Director of the Farmers Markets Coalition. As you'll find out when you tune in, McGil took her skills as a leader in the scholastic sense and as an event organizer and transformed her role to manage the Lansdale Farmers Market. She then found out the fiscal difference between running a Market and being a vendor. So when her daughter further drove the point home by way of a successful venture--McGil aided her daughter's business and started her own: French Toast Bites. Years later, McGil has found herself in a new role within managing farmers markets, only this time on a grand scale.

We began by introducing you to David Dietz, Owner of BBC Tavern and Grill and the recently opened Bar Reverie in the adjacent venue. Dietz, who has worked in the restaurant industry since a youth, opened BBC Tavern and Grill under the original concept Brandywine Brewing Company. As time went on, they essentially switched venues with Pizza by Elizabeth's and Dietz re-established his business as BBC Tavern and Grill as the new venue lacked space for brewing craft beers. Now, Dietz has extended his culinary pedigree with his French-based concept, Bar Reverie. Bar Reverie offers "a travel-inspired menu with a nod to French cuisine" and an extensive wine selection. Next, we caught up with the owner of Spotted Horse Provisions, Amanda Newman. Amanda's 'jam' is to focus on fresh ingredients from local farmers to create her sought-after sauces, preserves, and other delicious products. As a fourth-generation canner, Newman is well-versed in the versatility of creating scratch-made, sustainable foods for herself and her family. Now, she is bringing her family recipes (and delightful products) into our homes by selling them at local farmer's markets--and soon to the shelves of your favorite privately-owned grocery markets! Lastly, we uncorked the story behind Maryland's first black family-owned winery: Boyd Cru Wines. Jon'll and Matthew Boyd, who are the dynamic duo behind Boyd Cru Wines, enlightened us with their brand's origin story and what inspired them. Initially, the Boyd's discussed investing in a winery since the couple enjoyed visiting wineries in their free-time. So when the pandemic shut down the world, the positive-thinking couple recognized the additional time and opportunity it afforded them to pursue their goals--and Boyd Cru Wines was born. Since then they've won awards for their wines and are currently creating new vintages for all of you to enjoy!

We sat down with Robert Woloshin, Co-Owner of Manny's Deli and Manny's Deli Stop in Pennsylvania. After years of friendship, Woloshin and his fellow co-founders, Jeremy and Chase Thomas, renovated and opened Manny's Deli located in Holland, PA with the mission to update the concept of how a traditional Jewish Deli is. Armed with modern twists on traditional menu items, they found success. Recently they've expanded on their brand by opening a new fast-casual version of their deli: Manny's Deli Stop is their concept of an on-the-go eatery where traditional deli items can be ordered and enjoyed, offering a more stream-lined menu with grab-and-go options! Next, we spoke with Chef Elizabeth Falkner and her new documentary, "Sorry We're Closed." If her name is familiar to you, it's due to her numerous appearances on must-see culinary television shows as a competitor and judge, as well as being a cookbook author and successful restaurateur, having opened and run restaurants on both the West and East coast of the US. Now, she is taking us behind the scenes with an in-depth look at the mindset of fellow restaurateurs after 2020 and the impact that the pandemic and aftermath of civil unrest after George Floyd. You can stream "Sorry, We're Closed" online via Apple TV, Vudu, and Amazon Prime to see these heart-felt discussions with her colleagues and friends, and find the true depth of what it takes to own and operate restaurants.Lastly, we sat down with Event Organizer for Up Coming Events, Ray Sheehan. Sheehan, whose enthusiasm for what he does was almost palpable throughout the entire discussion, chatted about what you can expect when attending one of their events. Set up to highlight local businesses, you can attend one of their 4-hour sessions and taste your way through area restaurants, breweries, wineries, and distillers. If you want to know more, you can visit them online at UpComingEvents.com and attend an ultimate tailgating experience, food and wine festivals, and charitable events!

We sat down with Marilyn Schlossbach, whose name is synonymous with the successful restaurants and community-related foundations within the Asbury Park area. Her drive to create supportive, educational, and sustainable environments in an industry, and let's face it, a general lifestyle that runs fast-paced and easy is beyond admirable. Marilyn's conversation touched on numerous points, however, her ability to continue pursuing a sustainable and supportive business for her community will always remain at the heart of her life's mission. If you want to find out more, stay tuned till the end of this week's episode!We then switched gears and looked at the glitz and glam behind Superfrico inside The Hook by Spiegelworld in Caesars in Atlantic City, NJ. They're expanding into the east coast, and we spoke with their Executive Culinary Director, Chef Anna Altieri for an insider's look at the swanky new spot. Housed in what was formerly known as the Warner Theatre, Superfrico and The Hook offers an unapologetically entertaining and enticing venue and menu for visitors to indulge in. With a menu that mirrors the acts on stage, the acrobatics of flavors that touch your palate will leave you craving more. If that teases your curiosity, then be sure to listen to Anna's full interview for even more enticing info!Lastly, we heard a quick update on what our favorite chef and co-host was up to on his foodie vacation! Hear from Gene Blum his delicious take on traveling in the Tennessee mountains, what he highly recommends for you to visit, taste, and potentially bring home a bottle or two of when you're there! From one smoky indulgent experience to the next--he will surely tempt your taste buds with his adventures!

Do you love dumplings? We do too. That's one of the many reasons we spoke with Nick Sordoni, one of the owners behind the growing brand Brooklyn Dumpling Show (Philadelphia). The brand, which originated in Manhattan, New York, quickly gained in popularity when it launched during the pandemic. As a fully automat-based eatery, visitors can order ahead and use a QR code to pick up their fresh bites. Guests can choose from a hot or cold menu, with options like Rueben, Philly Cheesesteak, or Peanut Butter & Jelly Dumplings. If you want to hear more about their brand new business--tune in to Food Farms and Chefs Radio Show!Everyone loves a sweet ending--and our next guest is positioned to satisfy your sweet tooth! We spoke with Laura Carroll, whose role as Insomnia Cookies' Director of Sales offers not only insight, but sheer bliss with every delectable bite. Carroll's career took on a life of its own within the culinary industry, and after finding her path drawing closer towards food, she eventually began working for Insomnia Cookies. We chatted with Laura regarding her own history, as well as took a deeper look into what makes their cookies, brownies, and other sweet treats so irresistible. Also, be sure to visit their location in South Philly (across from Geno's & Pat's), just remember to follow their instagram stories to access some hidden fun!Speaking of irresistible, we can't imagine leafing out some of the best things in life: Farmers Markets! Farms play an important role in all our lives, and our final guest, Bilal Rice, is the Program Manager for The Food Trust in Philadelphia. Bilal let all of us know what The Food Trust does, where to find them, and the importance in offering the opportunity to purchase nutrient-rich foods to communities that are in food desserts. The Food Trust originated by offering classes in Philadelphia's Reading Terminal Market in 1992. Years later, they now operate Farmers Markets in 35 locations in Philadelphia. If you want to hear more of what you'll find at one of their markets, their locations & hours, or simply find out more information about the programs you offer, then tune in to Food Farms and Chefs Radio Show!Be sure to set a reminder every Tuesday at 6pm EST on WWDB and WPEN and Fridays at 1pm on WMLD, or stream us at any time by searching for Food, Farms, and Chefs Radio Show on your preferred streaming platform!

We began our show with some 'Made with Love' comforts from Kathleen Bianco of The Crazy Kat and Crave Pitman.  Bianco not only grew up baking with her grandmothers, she brought those memories {and love} of baked goods to their businesses.  Later on, she and her husband expanded on their business ventures by adding ice cream in addition to introducing new items regularly, including a heavy focus on gluten-free options. So if you're Craving something like Cheesecakes, Cookies, or Mousse Bombs...tune in to our show to find out everything that Crave Pitman and The Crazy Kat offers! "Never give up on your vision, always keep going" are words to live by according to Shamaya "Bella" Oberlton of Rock N Rolls Philly.  Since 2016, Oberlton has pursued her dreams of owning Rock N Rolls Philly, beginning with a business that was operated out of her family's home. That same business  transitioned into food trucks--and more recently, a brick and mortar location.  Speaking of transitioning, stay tuned to hear how Shamaya gives back to the community--offering positions to individuals via reintegration processes.  But the biggest benefit of all...a delicious array of unique egg rolls, ranging from savory to sweet, with sides to choose from as well. Our last guest taps into his passion of what local breweries have to offer with his business, BrewedAt.  Evan Blum and his friend crafted their business model based on the desire to try what different breweries had to offer on-tap; doing so by trying different flights and discussing them.  Now, they turned their fun nights out into a booming business where they track whatever is available to drink, as well as what events the individual spots offer.  So whether you are a craft beer aficionado or a novice, BrewedAt can offer one place that showcases whatever you're looking for--all you need to do is look them up to find out!

From the age of 15, our first guest had a first taste of his future while busing tables at a local restaurant, and fell in love with the fast-paced industry.  After pursuing that love by way of The Art Institutes, Chef Michael DeLone gradually worked his way from line cook to becoming the Executive Chef--and along the way meeting, learning under, and earning the respect of Chef Nunzio Patruno.  Years later, Michael was seeking locations to open his own restaurant when his mentor called with the perfect opportunity: Becoming the new Owner and Chef of Nunzio's in Collingswood, NJ.  Since then, Chef DeLone has been making his mark on the popular Italian restaurant, and is excited to share the new look and re-branding of Nunzio's in the coming months.Speaking of new looks and re-branding, the Craft Beer Store's (Springfield) Owner, Matthew Titus Sr. was elated to share some big news--and you get to hear it first on Food, Farms, and Chefs Radio Show!  After Titus Sr. acquired the business via his position within another company, Matthew Titus Jr. approached his father with a plan--to keep Craft Beer Store and make it their own.  After some much needed renovations and an addition to the beer offerings, the venue became a popular spot for locals to enjoy. Since then, they've made several other changes to the space, including their big news--but we're not into spoilers, so tune in to hear what their Grand Opening (happening on Sept 23rd at 1pm) is celebrating, as well as a few more exciting announcements to look forward to!Looking forward to new things comes with this week's final guest, Michele Di Pietro.  As a Chef; Recipe Developer; Culinary Consultant; Cookbook Author; Food Writer and former Accountant, Michele blended left-brain and right-brain thinking into an artform.  That duality aided in her rising career, taking several different forms along the way.  Chef Di Pietro has blossomed into a multi-faceted business owner and Chef, creating delicious recipes and cuisines for everyone to enjoy.  Not only has Michele developed recipes produced on a larger scale, she offers easy-to-make recipes on her blog and in her book, "Soupified: Soups Inspired by Your Favorite Dishes."  So if you're pondering what to make, feel free to subscribe to MangiawithMichele.com for sauces to entrees and everything in between,  or purchase her cookbook and Fall in love with your new favorite soup!

#foodfarmsnchefs, #radioshow, #sorel, #oldcitykitchen, #crowncatering, #grancaffelaquila, #foodies, #foodshow, #coffee, #italy, #barbados, #heritage, #historical, #foodlove, #hibiscus, #liqueur, #drink, #caffeine, #eating, #shopping, #italianmarket, #gelato, #awardwinning, #jamesbeard, #beverages, #dining, #drinking, #enjoy, #vital, #aphrodisiac, #healthy, #travel, #italianfood, #italiancuisine, #cuisine, #culinary, #datenight

Our first guest, Matt Satten, is no stranger to the popularity of libations-and drew upon the acquired knowledge to form Top Dog Cocktails.  The cocktails, Greyhound, Whiskey Lemonade, Blood Orange Margarita, and Peach Mango Iced Tea are all crafted using hard liquor.  In a world inundated with hard seltzers, Top Dog Cocktails offers great mixed drinks without the hassle to make it from scratch.Next, we heard from Nery Burgos, Chef and Owner of Breakfast at Blume located in Delaware.  Burgos, who graduated with a BA in Business Management, utilized her career to follow through with her life-long passion within the culinary industry.  Nery's career path was inspired by one of her high school teachers, which she vowed to follow the three rules he suggested: Have a means to make money, have a passion, and have a hobby. Burgos' focus on three rules lended itself to the success that bloomed Breakfast at Blume.Lastly we spoke with Ash & Pretha Kailath, the owners of Lu & Aug's in Ardmore, PA.  They founded their dessert and coffee shop as a family entrepreneurial endeavor--and soon thereafter the magic of combining ice cream with coffee known as an Affogato became one of the most popular menu items for their business.  On top of offering inventive (and instagrammable) desserts, they help support local business by including them into their heavenly ice cream creations--see for yourselves as they pile on 4th Street cookie company's brownies, silky-smooth chocolate ice cream (the Chocoholic), or their signature affogato made with OX Coffee Roasters Espresso poured over your ice cream.   If you're curious to find out what else each of this week's guests can tempt you with--be sure to tune in to Food Farms and Chefs Radio Show!

Food Trucks have become a popular (and dare we say sought-after) foodie trend, but what happens when you bring two hot trends into one concept? Our first guests, Electronic Eats set out to do just that. Co-Founders Nina-Maria Lara-Daniels and Armand Wilson met during the filming of a movie, and found a mutual love of gaming and food. Somewhere along the way, the pair's love and ideas blossomed, and Electronic Eats was born. Of course not all ideas run smoothly when they are first established, so tune in to hear how they turned a second-hand food truck into a well-run, entertaining, and food-centric mobile gaming center. Co-Founder Rich Shaget and his Chef, Randy Smith, joined us to discuss Osteria 545. The location offers a deeper connection to the community, holding a history in the culinary world which you'll find etched into their bar-literally. As for their venue's refurbished areas--the rooms were established to offer a better dining experience. They wanted to ensure that guests of Osteria 545 would have an uninterrupted meal while partaking of the set-menus and fresh takes on farm-to-table specials. What makes this restaurant even more remarkable? Co-Founder Bruce Santino is also the owner of Black Sheep Farm, which offers fresh produce on a weekly basis for both Chefs (Santino and Smith) to come up with creative dishes for their patrons to enjoy. Looking to hear more? Then tune in to find out about one of the Specials running this week at Osteria 545, and so much more! Our final guest, Co-Founder and Head Brewer Wayne Humphrey of My Local Brew Works, joined us from their location just inside Globe Dye Works. We had an in-depth discussion regarding how Wayne and his co-founder (Tim Montague) began their journey into the craft-brew scene, and how their business concept offers a distinct difference from all other breweries. After making a splash on the competition circuit they formed a friendship with Philly Brewing icon and author, George Hummel, who helped their journey with his expertise. After delaying the initial launch for My Local Brew Works (as a result of the 2020 pandemic), Humphrey and Montague are preparing their Northeast Philadelphia-based business to launch, offering cases of beers that are chosen and created by you--that's right! Your next gathering, event, or heck--even if you just want to grab a beer to brag about is at your fingertips. If you want to know more--stay tuned until the end of this week's Food, Farms, and Chefs episode to find out!

When you think of Scandinavian cuisines, Pennsylvania might not be your first thought.  Our first guest, Nik Forsburg, may change your mind.  Nik, who conceptualized Fet-Fisk Pittsburgh with his soon-to-be Creative Director, Sarah LaPonte during the pandemic.  Together, they hosted bi-weekly pop-up meals at their house, in what Forsburg described as "speakeasy dinners."  This coincided with Nik's desire to keep himself busy throughout the pandemic by acquiring a plot of land to farm at a local community space, which yielded the ingredients he uses for his dishes.  Soon, the Fet-Fisk Pittsburgh pop-up became a popular (and sought-after) dining experience and now Nik is preparing to open the doors to Fet-Fisk Pittsburgh this Fall (September).You don't have to travel far for our next guest, who opened Lilly's Ferry in Old City Philadelphia in what used to be Victoria's Freehouse.  With views that will make you want to explore Philadelphia, Anas Hamed offers the savory dishes of Middle Eastern fare to your palates. Hamad's Chef, who previously owned and was the Chef for a restaurant in Dubai, created the menu for Lilly's Ferry.  That menu includes items like his rich and creamy Hummus, Chicken Shawarma, and (lollipop) Lamb Chops. If you're curious to find out more--tune in and hear from Anas what he has to tempt your taste buds!As we circle the globe via cuisines, we find ourselves stopping for some of Juan Placencia's Brazas BBQ Chicken.  The Peruvian-based restaurant is not Placencia's first; he has opened, operated, and been the Executive Chef for several restaurants over the years.  Due to some unfortunate set-backs, he felt the need to sell his restaurants and began anew.  Fortunately, his decision preceded the shut-downs in 2020 and he used that time to open a ghost-kitchen concept: Brazas BBQ Chicken.  The CIA (Culinary Institute of America) graduate found success in his new venture, and opened the doors to its first brick and mortar location approximately 9 months ago.  Now, he is helping to bring about the resurgence of Philadelphia's South Street dining scene, and offering a delicioso flare while doing so!

Founder Colleen Falicki was inspired to compost years before starting Back To Earth Compost.  She grew up learning little tricks from her grandparents who had maintained a healthy garden.  Then in high school, the budding entrepreneur formed the group STEM (Save the Environment Man).  Years later, after marrying and having a family of her own, Colleen formed Back To Earth Compost and has since turned the Green-friendly business into a community gem.  With options to have your compost picked up (locally), or utilize one of the drop-off locations--you can save the environment one 5-gallon bucket at a time.Next, Gene Blum chatted with the Director of Operations for M2O Burgers & Executive Chef, Richard Dobies of the newly opened Töska Restaurant and Brewery in Philadelphia's Germantown area.  Chef Richard Dobies grew up learning how to cook, with his first job at the young age of 12 inside his cousin's restaurant.  Later, he re-entered the culinary scene after health issues arose in his family's restaurants which eventually led Dobies to a General Management position at M2O's Newark, DE location.  After seeing the positive impact of changes made by Dobies, the trio of brothers (Leo, Pep, and Jim Osmanollaj) who own Have a Burger and M2O Burgers, brought Richard on as their Director of Operations and Executive Chef for M2O and the new Töska Restaurant and Brewery.  With the opening of Töska, visitors can experience a menu that will represent the Osmanollaj brother's Albanian roots by adding a delicious twist on comfort food favorites!For our last course on your intellectual palate, we discussed everyone's favorite dessert: Ice cream!  Owowcow Creamery was founded in 2009 by John Fezzuoglio, and is one of the few businesses licensed by the US Department of Agriculture to make America's favorite sweet treat from scratch.  So it was no wonder when he offered the position of Executive Chef to Alison Rizzo, she was elated to accept.  Rizzo, who graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY joined us to talk about what goes into making their flavorsome frozen treats, which hastens back to Fezzuoglio's original mission: Support local agriculture while serving the community by creating ice cream that is real and honest.

00:00:17~There was so much to unfold with our first guest, Master Mixologist Toby Maloney, that our co-host was overwhelmed with the abundance of his achievements! Not only has Maloney spearheaded the art of craft cocktails wherever he lands, he created a recipe book to help you craft them at home (or wherever you go too).  "The Bartenders Manifesto: How to Think, Drink, and Create Cocktails Like a Pro" is the premiere guide on the methodology behind making your next favorite drink; I needn't say more on the book, as it has earned Toby his second James Beard Award (his first was earned in 2015 for Outstanding Bar Program at the Violet Hour in Chicago).  What's even more exciting?  He is currently the Bartender in Residency at Hop Sing Laundromat in Philadelphia! So if you're looking to mix it up, Maloney can serve you one of his elevated amalgamations of ingredients in Philly or pick up his book and create one at home! 00:16:40~Next, we returned to the beachy vibes of LBI in NJ with Director of Operations for Tucker's Tavern, Pete Palladino.  The relaxed atmosphere with two distinct themes (think English Pub & a sailors paradise) are found throughout the vast first floor, with two outdoor patios, and a fun third floor bar with 360 views of the ocean and bay!  You can dock your boat, or park your car and walk into Tucker's Tavern for a round of memorable drinks, food, and fun--and then explore the island's other great spots, like Daddy O Hotel's roof-top bar with even more sweeping views!00:36:26~Lastly, we went behind the scenes at the biggest 4th of July party you'll ever attend!  We spoke with the Founder of Innovative Catering Concepts, Rocco Gallelli, as he is hard at work for this year's Wawa Welcome America Festival.  Rocco has masterfully served at the biggest festivals, events, and largest sports games attended in the USA.  He is back, once again, providing food for visitors, tourists, and even the performers for this year's 4th of July--and we're bringing you an insider's look at how it all comes to fruition!

We're diving into summer with in-depth conversations regarding the page-turning heat behind Tracey Medeiros' latest cookbook, "The Vermont Farm Table Cookbook: Homegrown Recipes from the Green Mountain State." Then we kick our heels up for a relaxing weekend-long retreat at Daddy O Hotel, Restaurant & Bar with the Director of Operations, Pete Palladino. And since traveling and family-friendly fun coincides with touring museums, zoo's, and more--we spoke with SSA Group's Corporate Executive Chef, Matthew Beaudin, on how the family-owned business integrated an elevated, diversified, and sustainable menu into their partnership's locations. (episode 235)

We began this week's episode with Chef Kiki Aranita, who's delicious creations for Poi Dog put her on the culinary map.  She has since had to close the beloved Poi Dog restaurant, however the name (and sauces) live on!  You've most likely heard of her, considering Chef Aranita has appeared on numerous magazines, television shows, and syndicated news outlets--and currently, on the shelves of businesses throughout the Philadelphia region.  Join us as we speak with Kiki about her heritage, how she grew her business, and transitioned into creating a line of sauces that we're clamoring for!We then spoke with Farmer Lee Jones, who has literally wrote the book on regenerative farming methods! Not only has Jones written a book on how to grow  nutrient-rich vegetables, his more than 300-acres of farmland has been nurtured to provide ingredients sought-after by the likes of Rachel Ray, Wolfgang Puck, and many more!  His merits do not end there, he and his farm family have garnered James Beard Foundation Awards, a collaboration of Former First Lady Michelle Obama, and now...his delectable vegetables, edible flowers, and other products are available for purchase to ship across the USA.  If you want to learn more about Lee Jones and his farm, there's plenty more to listen to on Food, Farms, & Chefs! During our last segment, we have an update on what's been happening from Philadelphia's Best of winner, Old City Kitchen's owner Laura Eaton.  As a friend of the show, and very talented individual, Laura offers unique and fun experiences curated to what you are looking for!  If you're looking for a fun way to enjoy date night, hosting a team-building event, or perhaps throwing an intimate party to celebrate any occassion--tune in to hear from Old City Kitchen's Laura Eaton!

In episode 232 of Food, Farms, & Chefs Radio Show you'll hear:0:20~Chef-Owner Adam Diltz is not a stranger when it comes to hard work, and is leading the way as he brings back some of the delectable meals made popular via the Pennsylvania Dutch.  His Fishtown-based restaurant, Elwood offers a tasting experience that few Chefs provide: On his menu, you can enjoy items like his Gobbler's Ridge Farm Rabbit, Pork Tenderloin, and Sturgeon served family-style with seasonal accompaniments.  Or you can enjoy an evening out when he offers a tasting event in collaboration with an author or fellow chef.  No matter when you go, you'll feel sated with not only his plated cuisines--you'll feel filled with an exquisite encounter like no other.16:18~Our next guest, Matthew Hendricks, takes gaming to another level. When you visit Thirsty Dice in the Fairmont region of Philadelphia, or Twenty One Pips in Ardmore, PA, you'll enter into a space that is geared to having fun!  If you're curious as to what we are speaking of, we're referring to Hendricks' 800+ board games that you can play when you visit either of his locations, and at Twenty One Pips you can play Skee Ball and other throw-back arcade games--all while indulging your palates with foods and beverages to help keep the fun going!36:00~Then Co-Owner Vince D'Amico of Off the Rail in Media, PA joined us to discuss how he and his fellow co-owners, Tara Duke and Ron Kennedy began the venture, taking over the space which was previously known as Jocelyn's.  An opportunity to take over ownership presented itself, and Duke, Kennedy, and D'Amico seized the chance.  After an unfortunate launch date due to the pandemic, the trio utilized the shut-down to renovate the space.  Now, the area's only roof-top deck provides endless entertainment and opportunities to watch the big game, movies, and more on an enormous projection wall.  If that weren't already enough to draw you in, then perhaps their participation during the summer-long Dining Under the Stars, Karaoke, or Open Mic nights are more your vibe.  Whatever you decide, you'll surely have a great time with good food, great drinks, and endless entertainment! 

This week's Food Farms & Chefs show is shore to be fun as we take you to some of the best beachy spots in NJ! We first introduced you to the owner of Vagabond, Elvis Cadavid.  Elvis and his business partner took over the local restaurant in 2013, after hurricane Sandy hit the NJ shore.  After years of experience in the hospitality business, both Cadavid and Tom Harris rebuilt and renovated Vagabond, turning it into a spot that everyone wanted to hang out at--including Food Network's Guy Fieri.  Years later and having weathered numerous storms and an epidemic, they are still going strong and offering a delicious array of menu and cocktail options. Speaking of options, we next spoke with Donna & Kevin McCarthy who own and operate Hannah G's in Ventnor, NJ.  This breakfast and lunch spot has been around since 2001, offering hearty meals including a large selection of vegan, gluten-free, and organic choices.  Hannah-G's serves up their delightful breakfasts and lunches all year round, and when you visit, you'll feel like part of the family. In our last few moments of this week's show, we wanted to show our gratitude to the individuals who have valiantly served our country.  In honor of their memory, co-host Gene Blum spoke about the history of Memorial Day.  After discussing the history of Memorial Day, Co-Hosts Gene Blum and Amaris Pollock discussed what they bring to the table for Memorial Day celebrations.

0:26~Our first guest, Chef-Owner Dominic Piperno, began his culinary journey as a youth.  Guided at a young age by his Grandparents who immigrated to the USA from Germany & Italy, Chef Piperno gained a lifetime of knowledge on how to cook with zero food-waste, using the freshest ingredients, and balancing his passion as a chef with personal time.  With those seeds planted, it is no wonder that he circled back to those habits ingrained in him from his upbringing.  This is why he chose to switch from an a la carte menu at Hearthside in Collingswood to the more efficient tasting menu.  You can visit Hearthside to experience an elevated menu, curated with the best ingredients that Chef Piperno obtained, for an exquisite dinner for two via making a reservation.17:16~Commercial Break17:40~We next spoke with Joey Ward, whose passion to bring fine dining to Georgia stems from years of experience beginning as a young man.  At 16 years old, he began his career while working at a local country club.  After earning an AA Degree at the Culinary Institute of America in 2005, he continued his education while working as the Sous Chef at Woodfire Grill in Atlanta under Season 6's Top Chef's Kevin Gillespie, and later as Gillespie's Executive Chef inside Gunshow.  Armed with the knowledge, skills, and sophistication to create a successful Chef's Tasting experience, Ward opened the joint ventures, Southern Belle and Georgia Boy.37:35~Commercial Break37:49~To say that our last guest, Chef Steve Chu, is humble, warm-hearted, and hard-working would be an understatement: His desire to ensure you enjoy the foods he creates seemed to outweigh any proclivity to brag about himself or the impressive achievements he has founded. In fact, his energy is practically palpable; Chu's passion for food and ensuring you have a positive experience was at the forefront of what he expressed.  I only hope that you can visit one of his locations and taste for yourselves the passion he expresses through his culinary creations.    

We're taking an insiders look on this week's Food, Farms, & Chefs show, as we celebrate the 125th Anniversary of Masonic Village at Burlington with LIVE interviews during the Gala event. We spoke with the Executive Director of the Masonic Village, Anda Durso, as well as the Mayor of Burlington Township, NJ, E. L. "Pete" Green aka Elrich Green. And we ended our live interviews on a sweet note with Sarah Craft, Owner of Amazing Cakes and More! We also had the very talented Chef David Price on, who is the Executive Chef at Blondie in Manayunk. After proudly serving our country and retiring from active duty, David Price turned to his love of cooking and earned a culinary degree from The Art Institutes. Since then, David has worked for several restaurants, eventually finding an opportunity in the very hip neighborhood of Manayunk. Blondie, which opened early in 2022, combines a little atmospheric glitz & glam to go with their comfort foods-based menu during the day; and at night, Blondie transforms into a trendy night-life atmosphere complete with DJ's & dancing while their bartenders keep the cocktails flowing.

On this week's Food Farms and Chefs Radio Show, we spoke with Chef Toni Lorraine who owns Dr. Brownies, then Chef Kyle Berman of Co-Op Restaurant & Bar, and the Chef & Owner of Forged Eatery, Chris Amendola. We began our show with Chef Toni Lorraine PhD(c), who owns Dr Brownies. Lorraine transitioned from creating Jamaican cuisine to creating plant-based brownies inspired by her family's needs. The pandemic hit a reset button for her, and she started down her path of creating plant-based desserts, learning how to create crave-worthy treats free of animal products. Her passion extends beyond her decadent desserts; her career spans being a Culinary Instructor, Management positions within the culinary community, and a strong dedication to supporting the community. In particular, she joined The Bowman Foundation for Workplace Equity and Mental Wellness in 2022. We next spoke with Chef Kyle Berman who works at CO-OP Restaurant & Bar located in University City, Philadelphia. This wonderful restaurant brings together the love of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients to feature classic cuisines in a unique way. CO-OP pays homage to the individuals who had settled in the region by creating classic dishes and adding a little twist. Co-Op understands the importance of using hyper-locally-sourced ingredients to enhance the flavors of every meal--and you will taste that difference when you visit Co-Op Restaurant & Bar. Our final guest this week, Chef and Owner Chris Amendola of Foraged, literally stands behind the name of his restaurant. Foraged was conceptualized as a result of Chef Amendola's love of foraging in the forest. Chris began the journey to this concept while wandering in the woods and happening upon edible ingredients. This passion naturally grew like the ingredients he found, and soon he began foraging with a book in-hand, eventually marrying his desire for cooking with his bountiful finds. Now, you can taste the love behind his passion inside Foraged, which offers hyper-locally-sourced, and seasonal ingredients on his menu which changes daily.

Guests: Monica Mannion, Carlos Raba, and Jesus Reyes Synopsis: We're celebrating a lot during this week's Food, Farms, and Chefs Radio Show, including the history behind Cinco de Mayo.  We began this week's show with Personal Chef, Monica Mannion, then Carlos Raba who is the Chef and Owner of Clavel Mezcaleria in MD, and we ended our show with Jesus Reyes who owns Luna y Sol in NJ. One resounding (and very meaningful) fact regarding each guest is their closeness to family.  More specifically: They discussed how they learned from, and were inspired by, their family.  Throughout the years, those same close-knit relationships blossomed into co-founding business ventures; traveling the globe; learning new cuisines and culinary techniques, and creating meals together in family-owned restaurants.   This week, we celebrate not only their individual achievements, we're celebrating their heritage, accomplishments, and continuing endeavors as a whole.

We began our show with the booming restaurant chain, Kura Sushi with their Philadelphia store's Manager, Taylor Hopkins. Hopkins joined Kura Sushi when she wanted to transition from Sushi Chef to FOH (Front Of House) responsibilities, and found her perfect opportunity when Kura Sushi opened in Philadelphia's University City. The fast-paced environment was a challenge at first, but Hopkins soon learned the pace and moved up in her position there. But we're here for the love of food, so we further discussed how this energetic environment, coupled with tech-forward ordering systems, offers its rotating conveyor of plated sushi favorites right to your table! And there's even a sweet reward when you dine-in: For every 15 plates, you receive a reward (like stickers, a lanyard, etc.).We next spoke with owners Jessica and Justin Minchak, whose love of cooking led them to meet and eventually open Two Birds Cafe. Although Jessica's love for learning began in Anthropology and Writing, she was drawn to the art of cooking. Which is how they met--inside the kitchen while working for a local restaurant. Jessica's desire to continue learning drove her to attend the Academy of Culinary Arts, which is also where Justin graduated from, and the pair later opened Two Birds Cafe in West Chester, PA. Now, they have a strong focus of creating foods they love with locally-sourced ingredients, creating meals that are deliciously comforting to eat!Jessica's Cafe also offers comforting foods to eat, lending itself to authentic European cuisines. Ermelin "Armen" Saqe, who was born in Albania, emigrated to the US with his family. After many years, and numerous visits with his grandmother, he learned the arduous (yet loving) task of creating everything they consumed from scratch. This process instilled the importance of using fresh, quality ingredients in every dish that he creates. Although he uses as many locally-sourced ingredients as he can, some items (like 00 flour and San Marzano Tomatoes from Italy) need to be imported to obtain the highest quality products for his guests to enjoy. Don't believe our word for it, check it out for yourselves--and while you're at it, be sure to check out his reviews on Yelp; Jessica's Cafe ranked in 2023's Top 100 Restaurants!

Spring has sprung, and we're celebrating it with frozen treats, delicious eats, and artisanal caffeine to keep you motivated for your warm-weather fun! We began our show by staring at clouds...Cloud Cups to be exact! Galen Thomas, who founded Cloud Cups in 2018, joined us to announce the Grand-opening of his first brick and mortar location in Philadelphia's Fishtown neighborhood. Thomas, who co-owns the popular gelato company along with Kolande Oronti and Drew Posey, is opening Cloud Cups where Little Baby's Ice Cream was previously located. What's even more exciting than enjoying the sweet frozen treats? How about grabbing a slice of 'za from Pizza Brain and some of Thomas' gelato! That's right--the best of both (culinary) worlds is back: Pizza and Gelato from two Philly favorites! And if you want to learn more about Cloud Cups, or taste some of Galen's delicious flavor creations for yourself, order some online to be shipped or stop by when he opens Cloud Cups in a few weeks! Now that you've made room for dessert, we've invited a spectacular guest to join our table: Executive Chef Matthew Audette joined us on Food Farms and Chefs to chat about Copper Shark Baltimore. Copper Shark Baltimore (CSB), which is located in the Locust Point neighborhood of Baltimore, MD, is home to Maryland's history during the prohibition era. Unfortunately, the pandemic delayed the opening date for Copper Shark Baltimore. However, the wait was worth it, as evidenced by the need to make reservations asap. You'll be delighted when you visit CSB for brunch, lunch, or dinner--there's so much to indulge in with exquisite meals curated by Chef Audette. Everything on the menu is inspired by foods that Matthew loves, which he incorporated from various places he lived like Boston and New York. Equally as passionate are the selections of Bourbons and Whiskeys offered at Copper Shark Baltimore; given the history of the building, the owners brought a nod to the locations' previous business in the Copper industry speak-easy, leaving a still that will eventually be used to create a house-made whiskey. If you want to hear more about Copper Shark Baltimore, tune in to this week's show! Lastly, we spoke with single-origin coffee roaster, Luis Gongora who owns Vamo Coffee Company in Philadelphia. Gongora was inspired while working in restaurants for eleven years and was drawn to the science behind brewing and roasting coffee and tea. After learning from other roasters, like industry leader Scott Rao, Luis brought his adoration of caffeinated beverages to new origins. He now works closely with two companies that introduce him to seasonal coffee beans from small-batch farms and roasting them to peak perc-fection; the outcome lends itself to flavorful brews that highlight the regions they hail from, moreover the cherries they were picked from. If you would like to learn more, visit Vamo Coffee Company for classes, coffee, and more!

We began by speaking with Jonathan Anolik, who co-owns Four Humours Distilling with his father in Philadelphia's Fishtown neighborhood.  After searching for the perfect location, the father and son team opened Four Humours Distilling in the midst of the pandemic, and under the litany of rules and regulations of PA.  Also of note: All good things take time--especially when it comes to a good whiskey.  So, while their own branded labels continue to mature, visitors will be delighted to encounter other philly-born libations along with Four Humours' three-year aged Bourbon. Although Jonathan suggests your tasting includes a 'neat' pour, there are a plethora of cocktails to choose from, as well as lite bites to compliment your tasting.Speaking of tasting experiences, our next guest jumped from the corporate world to owning and operating Modern Classical Chefs, an in-home dining experience that will elevate your next gathering.  Dan Ninerell, who was inspired to start his company during the pandemic, increased his knowledge of cooking via watching culinary shows and through other independent research.  With Modern Classical Chefs, Ninerell curates menu options based on your dining preferences via an initial consultation. Then, Dan and his team get to work.  They do all the shopping; cooking; plating and cleaning up, allowing you to enjoy your party without the hassles of hosting.Lastly, our very own co-host, Gene Blum, let us know the exciting news happening at Tranquility Brewing Company inside The Fuge!  This Bucks County, PA business has a deep history in our country--they trained astronauts in the world's largest (and most powerful) centrifuge ever built! That's right, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked these very same halls, experiencing simulated gravitational forces during flight inside The Fuge. Today, you can walk in the footsteps echoed by America's legends when you visit Tranquility Brewing.  They offer a variety of beers on tap, cocktails curated from PA Distillers, and  a food menu the whole family can enjoy!  And if you are looking to host an event, feel free to book The Fuge for a unique experience that will leave a lasting impression for your guests!  

Guests:Kevin Meeker, Bill Elmer, Mike Dalewitz, Jesse Bongiovi Synopsis:This week we're focused on all the greatest hits--meaning some amazing restaurateurs who have adapted their venues (and menus) to come up with delightful dining options that everyone can enjoy!  And we love to wet your appetite, so we're plating up those heavenly dishes with a rosé that everyone's raving over!We first spoke with Keg & Kitchen's Chef Bill Elmer and Owner, Kevin Meeker.  Although the two have known one another for years, this is the first time Elmer has worked for Meeker. These two friends have years of experience and familiarity with one another, which lends itself to scrumptious results that patrons of Keg & Kitchen can enjoy.  Chef Elmer, who is familiar with Owner Meeker's famed Philadelphia Fish Company, designed specials based on the former PFC's menu. Those specials are currently available throughout Lent, Easter, and some will be integrated into their Spring & Summer seasonal menu too.  Look for those specials, along with daily Happy Hour options (including General Manager Matthew Marks inventive cocktails and mocktails), and other exciting events happening at Keg & Kitchen!Afterwards, we had an in-depth discussion with Attorney turned Restaurateur, Mike Dalewitz.  Dalewitz, who is the Founder of 618 Hospitality Group and Co-Owner of The Borscht Belt, joined us on Food, Farms, & Chefs to chew over how his career path ventured into the hospitality business.  The highly driven, and self-motivated entrepreneur had a knack to fish out a niche; one of which led him to meet Co-Owner and Chef, Nick Liberato.  And a love of all things delicatessen bloomed, opening The Borscht Belt in Stockton, NJ.  Due to certain circumstances the former location of the Borscht Belt needed to be closed, but the pair are excited to announce the launch of The Borscht Belt in Newtown, PA this coming April, and The Borscht Belt Museum will be launching this month in Ellenville, NY along with hosting the first Borscht Belt Fest this summer!Lastly, we hear from Jesse Bongiovi--yes, that name should sound familiar--who invited all of us to spring into rosé season with his latest vintage of Hampton Water.  Creative minds must think alike, seeing as Co-Owners Jesse, his father Jon Bon Jovi, and long-time friend Ali Thomas joined forces to create a Rosé with Vintner Gerard Bertrand.  Their 'pink juice' was inspired after years of traveling with Jesse's father and indulging in Rosé, oftentimes during visits to the Hampton's.  And this is not some insipid label being brandished by someone famous; the Rosé has been awarded 90-Points for every vintage produced since its inception.  Hampton Water Rosé is a blend of 60% Grenache; 15% Cinsault; 15% Mourvèdre and 10% Syrah which is then fermented inside French Oak barrels--it tastes wonderful on your palate, or feel free to create cocktail using Hampton Water Rosé as your base.  

Food fuels our bodies in the same way that we fuel your taste buds and culinary interests, especially when it comes to this week's guests on Food Farms & Chefs Radio Show! We're bringing friend of the show (and celebrity guest) Roberta Pipito of Homemade Delish on and the OG of his New York neighborhood, Vlad Grinberg of The Organic Grill! To start, we caught up with our amazing, multi-talented, and dynamic friend Roberta Pipito!  Not only has Roberta found a huge following as a blogger, she became an internet sensation who is lovingly referred to as "Philadelphia's Racheal Ray." And Roberta's continued success has paved the way to creating delicious recipes which have been highlighted on morning shows, local news, and magazines. And her star is still rising: Her wonderful personality & culinary talents caught the attention of television producers. So she joined us to officially announce her brand-new TV shows which will both premiere this summer on Recipe.TV!  That's right, you'll hear her big announcement FIRST on Food, Farms, & Chefs when you tune in--and we're not going to put any spoiler alerts out there, so be sure to listen in to find the 411 on BOTH of her shows!  And if you can't wait to see her, be sure to check her and her husband Rick on their live broadcasts on IG and Facebook under @HomemadeDelish! Afterwards, we got the dish on The Organic Grill which is a New York plant-based eatery that looks out for your best interest.  Owner Vlad Grinberg began his journey into creating his piquant vegetarian and vegan dishes while being a very loving and supportive son to his mother.  Due to health circumstances, Vlad's mother made the decision to eat nutrient-rich meals based on vegan and macrobiotic diets; a decision that extended her health and well-being after being diagnosed with cancer.  A decision that subsequently inspired her son to follow in her footsteps and open The Organic Grill.  Years later, Vlad now owns and operates his business with his wife, Olga Grinberg, and step-daughter Julia Chebotar.  Mr. Grinberg also announced exciting news on our show, which is a huge opportunity for all of you! So be sure to tune in and find out all the exciting news when you listen to WWDB 860 AM & WPEN at 6 P.M. on Tuesdays in PA, DE, and Southern NJ, and WMLD 103.7 F.M. at 1 P.M. every Friday in NY, CT, and Northern NJ, or by streaming our show at any time when you search for Food Farms and Chefs Radio Show!

National cheesesteak day lands on March 24th, and we're celebrating the Philadelphia foodie favorite with Del Rossi's Cheesesteak Company's owner, Nish Patel.  Nish, who acquired ownership of Del Rossi's Cheesesteak Co pre-pandemic, completely renovated the space and its menu.  After bringing Chef Gregorio Fierro on as his confer, Chef Fierro implemented changes to the dough that inevitably enhanced the flavor & profiles of their menu.  Included in some of the changes made were artisanal options as well as sourcing their ingredients from the freshest and highest-quality purveyors, which garnered the tastiest Pizzas, Cheesesteaks, and coming-soon: Calazones, around! We then spoke with one of Bilal's Bakery & Deli co-owners, Chef Jamela Bilal.  This is not the first time one of the Bilal family members opened an eatery, nor their first business. Chef Bilal, whose parents also own and run a cleaning business in the Philadelphia region, has deep roots within the culinary community. Jamela's roots are within the Halal community, of which she owns and operates Halal To Go.  In addition to running her business, Chef Bilal also works with her family to run Bilal's Bakery located in Jenkintown, PA. A year-plus since they held their Grand Opening, the multi-generational family-owned Bilal's Bakery joined us on Food Farms and Chefs to discuss their baked goods; pre-packaged foods; and the impact that they have on their community as well as information on Ramadan and the schedule they'll keep during the month-long period of reflection, prayer, fasting.  This week's episode of Food, Farms, & Chefs is perfectly timed, since it also falls on International Whiskey Day (March 27th)!  As such, we spoke with New Liberty Distillery's Director of Visitor's Experience, Jacob Looney.  Together, we unraveled the lengthy history behind New Liberty Distillery and their Owners, and even included their close-knit bond with Ireland. Collectively, Robert Cassell and Steven Grasse own several Distilleries in the US, and collaborate with a company called The Connacht Distillery in Ireland.  The duo operates under their parent company, named Milestone spirits Group, offering a wide variety of whiskeys; bourbons; liqueurs and aperitifs.  So if you fancy a flight of whiskey, set up a tour at New Liberty Distillery with Jacob, and afterwards feel free to taste their award-winning libations for yourselves.   

Everyone's Irish! Slainte to all of you, and to celebrate St. Patrick's Day we have three Pubs to bring you all the green beer, Irish-friendly menus, and fun on Food Farms & Chefs!We first hear from friend a of the show, McGillin's Olde Ale House and their amazing General Manager, Gabrielle Rubery.  As one of the oldest pubs in the country, this local favorite has some fame of its own. McGillin's, which is the oldest pub in Philadelphia, has been in Owner Chris Mullins' family since 1958. It's so famous, that people travel from across the globe to dine and drink at McGillin's. On St. Patrick's Day the green beer is kept flowing, and don't be surprised if you find your future love when you visit.  On top of all the festivities that happen throughout the year, McGillin's seems to offer good luck to people's love life...and has seen many couples pop the question in their pub.Speaking of festivities, we spoke with Dooney's Pub's Director of Operations, Ariane Bonnes to chat about how Jim and Mary Dooney started their restaurant & pub, as well as the menu, events, and how the couple gives back to their community. As for their menu, Dooney's offers seasonal cocktails, so look for their Spring drinks menu (out now), and since they are deeply rooted in all things Irish, look for some traditional items, like Bangers & Mash, Shepards Pie, and Guinness Beef Stew year-round.Lastly, we spoke with the Co-Owner of Cresson Inn, Tracy Harding and how he and his childhood friend re-established The Cresson Inn as a neighborhood pub in Manayunk.  Originally founded during the prohibition era, the location started as an Inn before being turned into a shoe store with a booming speakeasy in the basement.  Over the years the business changed hands (and purposes) within co-owners Sanders and Hardy's families before Tracy & his wife took over ownership.  Now, Harding & Sanders are preparing to celebrate their One-Year Anniversary (on St. Patrick's Day), and joined us to let you know all the details!

Grab your bestie, because this week we're excited to introduce you to Crave Nature's Eatery, located in Lawrenceville, NJ. The health-conscious spot was co-created by four dynamic women, one of whom joined us on the show! Samanta Filip, the co-creator and Operations Manager of Crave, sat down for a fun discussion of their delicious menu and cool events coming up this month! So if you're looking for a flavorful way to enjoy some healthy bites, tune in (and check out) Crave Nature's Eatery-and maybe dance off some dessert at their adjoining Viva Ballroom Dance Fitness studio! We then swayed over to a hip spot that just opened in B-Town Philly. Co-Owner Derek Gibbons joined us to talk about Brewerytown Food Hall, the newest concept founded under Glu Hospitality. Brewerytown Food Hall is a multi-level space which offers a selection of cuisines from several of their restaurants. When you visit, you can look forward to a family-friendly environment, complete with games, a lounge area, food from Hunnie's Fried Chicken, Figo Pizzaria, 1225 RAW, and so much more! So while the kiddos are at play, grab something to eat and your favorite cocktail, and soon your four-legged friends can join in on the fun too! Speaking of joining in--one of the world's most-loved cocktails is now a breeze to make! Bloody Mary's are a thing of cocktail beauty, albeit the outcome depends on whomever makes it. Our last guest, Charlton Gronlund, took all the guesswork out of creating the perfect Bloody's in a ready-to-drink can! Bar2Table, which is co-owned by Gronlund and his partner, Scott Allen came up with the concept while traveling for work. The sub-par offerings on planes and inconsistent tasting profiles from various bars/restaurants had his mental wheels turning, so the pair came up with a shelf-stable (for a year) cocktail that tastes phenomenal, without any hassle or waste of ingredients. Now I call that a hole-in-one!

Savor the flavors of this week's guests on Food Farms & Chefs Radio Show, because they're cooking up some hot commodities in their kitchens.  From a self-taught Barbecuer, to a fast-casual burger joint, and some dessert to follow--these dynamic individuals are creating treats for all of us to eat!We began our episode with Terrell Barkley, who started his BBQ business after he unintentionally became the neighborhood grill master.  He found his passion, and skill, to barbecuing while he was recovering from an injury.  When he started to cook, the neighbors sniffed out the delicious offerings, and soon he found himself feeding all the children and their parents.  As fate would have it, he met someone who wanted out of their business, and soon it became Barkley's BBQ.   His popularity grew with every tasty bite, and soon he expanded to meet the requests of his fans, committing to a food truck in addition to his brick and mortar location.We next wanted you to MEAT the self-proclaimed serial entrepreneur of Cherry Hill, or his newest endeavor that is.  Mathew Daniel, who is a young, talented, and very driven individual is no stranger to owning his own business; he has formerly owned a Frutta Bowl franchise, as well as Cloud Lounge.  Now, Daniel is the owner of BurgerFi in Cherry Hill, NJ, and he had his General Manager, Nicole Jackson, join us on Food, Farms, & Chefs.  After discussing a little history of her own journey in the hospitality industry, we dug in...to BurgerFi and what distinguishes their brand from all the others.  Lastly, we spoke with Vanessa Jackson, owner and founder of Philly Cheesecake Lady.  After spending an astounding 34-years without tasting this decadent dessert, Jackson took her first bite of cheesecake during an office holiday party.  To her delight, she fell in love with the rich and creamy treat, committing to a weekly outing to Macaroni Grill for some more. It didn't take too long before she started making them at home, and eventually created cheesecakes that the whole family relished in.  Seeing an opportunity, and not wasting it, she eventually opened a brick and mortar location, and has seen continued growth ever since.  Now, Philly Cheesecake Lady is a family affair with both of her daughters co-owning and operating the booming business alongside her.  If you would like to know more of the delicious details, tune in at 6pm on WWDB 860 AM & WPEN HD2 97.5 in the Philadelphia listening area on Tuesdays, or 1pm on Fridays in the Hudson Valley, NY, CT, and North Jersey regions on WMLD 103.7 FM, or you can stream our show at anytime by asking your smart device to play FOOD FARMS AND CHEFS RADIO SHOW!   

During our first segment, we spoke with Chef Tonii Hicks, who is currently participating in Garces Group's Chef in Residency program inside Volver.  Chef Hicks is utilizing her Chef in Residency to raise funds to purchase a large building in West Philadelphia.  Tonii's ultimate goal is to open a multi-level work space, with each level dedicated towards an independent purpose.  In creating this multi-level workspace, she envisions a place where businesses; startups; restaurateurs and artists can collaborate together on projects. Through Garces Group's Chef in Residency Program, which highlights rising stars and offers Chefs a platform to raise monies towards whatever initiative they choose, patrons can dine on a menu curated by Chef Hicks along with offering additional tips and/or donations towards her cause. Our impactful episode continued with Muhammad Abdul-Hadi.  Abdul-Hadi's story begins with his entrepreneurial spirit; as a youth he grew up learning the in's and out's of owning businesses from his older sibling.  Soon after graduating high school, he turned that passion into a budding career.  Years later, after an unfortunate run-in with the judicial system, Muhammad turned his remarkable skills towards restaurant ownership with a mission, and Down North Pizza was formed.  Since its inception, Abdul-Hadi staffs Down North Pizza exclusively with individuals who are entering the work-force after being incarcerated, offering them fair wages, culinary skills, and most importantly--job security where other businesses fail to do the same. However, the best part is saved for last, because the pizza's on their menu are so delicious that they have received attention from numerous publications and mainstream media outlets.Lastly, we spoke with Christa Barfield, a highly motivated self-starter who is using her self-taught Agricultural skills to continue growing her CSA business: Farmer Jawn. Since she initially began Farmer Jawn, which offers fresh produce to food insecure families and communities located in food deserts, Barfield has continued to grow in all meanings of the word.  After recently acquiring an impressive 123 acres of land, Barfield is now able to offer families on her "wait list" to sign up for her CSA program. I'm not sure about you, but with everything that happened around the globe, this is an episode that will uplift your spirits, tempt your taste buds, and hopefully inspire you or someone you know!  Stay tuned this and every Tuesday at 6pm on WWDB 860 AM & WPEN HD2 FM in the Philadelphia listening area, and in the Hudson Valley region on Fridays at 1pm on WMLD 103.7 FM!

We began with restaurateurs, Justin Weathers and Joseph Monnich, who own several dining establishments in Pennsylvania.  They are known for bringing an elevated style to foods that you love. They're joining us to discuss their newest restaurant, Joey Chops.  Joey Chops, which will hold its Grand Opening in the coming week, offers a luxurious dining experience with a cocktail menu tailored to impress.  Located in Malvern, PA, Joey Chops will put a modern twist on the classic American steakhouse--a perfect choice for your next night out.  Of course, if you're planning a Galentine's or romantic dinner, it's important to choose the perfect beverage to pair with your meal. To help you with your choice, we had a wonderful conversation with Sunshine Foss, owner of Happy Cork located in Brooklyn, New York.  In addition to offering bottles from well-known labels, Sunshine selects, sells, and offers brands that reflect her surrounding community. As a Black and Woman-owned entrepreneur, Sunshine recognized how impactful this was to her neighborhood and customers, and began to curate her selection of wines and spirits from minority-owned vintners and distillers. What is even better, Foss offers tastings for the products she carries; and if you are curious--some of these tastings are co-hosted with the brand's owners as well.  Now that is a great pairing!Speaking of pairing, Aarti Khosla will entice your sweet tooth with her richly decadent confections.  Aarti, who owns Le Rouge Chocolates in Westport, Ct, creates her heavenly treats by hand.  Originally born and raised in India, Aarti worked and traveled the world before following her passion to become a chocolatier. Once she did, the unique flavors and designs tempted everyone's palates, and Khosla's business went from selling at farmer's markets to owning a brick and mortar store.  In fact, her chocolates are so remarkable that she's won numerous "Best Of" awards from Connecticut-based magazines.  So if you're craving richly decadent chocolates, make sure to stay tuned for the full hour of Food, Farms, & Chefs! 

Guests:Joe Brown, Brennan Foxman, & Bill Beck Synopsis:We begin our show with Joe Brown, Executive Chef and Culinary & Food Bank Director for Harvest Cafe & Abundant Harvest Catering at Bethany Baptist Church.  Chef Brown brought his unique fusion of Cajun & Italian cuisine to the culinary community when he burst onto the restaurant scene with his first location for Melange. Brown grew his name & brand when major media took notice of the culinary community, and found himself within that notable group.  Some of the numerous appearances he made include TV shows like Discovery, National Geographic, & Food Network, as well as in publications like Ebony, Black Enterprise, & Health Quest. Unfortunately he had to close the doors to his restaurants in 2010, but his love of creating delicious meals for people still beat strong. As such, Chef Brown now leads the kitchen as well as inspires future generations inside Harvest Cafe.  In addition to that, he just published his second book, Melange: The Story, the Recipes, the Faith which you can tune in to hear from Brown as he dishes out all the details on this week's show!Next, we spiced up our show some more with WokWorks Owner, Brennan Foxman.  Foxman Founded WokWorks in 2013 as a brick and mortar store, and has since expanded into various neighborhoods throughout the Philadelphia area.  His most recent expansion, which he established in Philadelphia's Fishtown area, is the 10th WokWorks location and is his flagship store.  WokWorks offers a plethora of vegan, gluten-free, and meat-based dishes, all of which immerse your palate into their menu of richly complex foods, searing in the nutrients with a wok.  Brennan details these delicious techniques, and how he was inspired to open WokWorks with us on Food, Farms, & Chefs!Lastly, we took a stroll to the best Cajun-based restaurant that's not in N'awlin's!  That's right, we spoke with Owner/Founder Chef Bill Beck of Beck's Cajun Cafe which is located inside of the Reading Terminal Market! Beck's has been a favorite stop for Philadelphia neighbors and visitors to the area since they opened.  In fact, Beck's richly flavored Gumbo's, Jambalaya, and desserts are so beloved that if you ask where to get the best Cajun in Philly, there's only one name that locals answer: Beck's Cajun Cafe! Chef Beck joined us to chat about his menu and how this popular foodie spot has expanded, and now offers more seating and two kitchens.  Just make sure you stay tuned until the end because our co-host Gene Blum and Beck recommend (and describe) their favorites from Beck's Cajun Cafe tantalizing menu! 

We begin with our home-base in Philadelphia, with a Philly favorite: Scoop DeVille. We spoke with Spencer Phillips, who is the current owner and operator behind the thirty year-old ice cream spot. Spencer discussed how he came to know Scoop DeVille, and years later became the owner 10 years ago. Initially Phillips stuck to all the original processes. However, Phillips now creates his own flavors, ice creams, and hot chocolate floats which are sought after treats all year long! Stay tuned for more about Scoop DeVille and all that you can look forward to for your next favorite frozen treat! Tasting fabulous foods and beverages is always on our radar, so we spoke with the Creative Director, Joe Calerone, of New York's famous Serendipity 3. You may recognize the name, as this is a sweet spot for many celebrities, notable foodies, and from their notoriety on the small and big screen. Fame is not the only reason this New York City-based spot gained attention, they're also recognized for holding 9 different Guinness Book of World Records under the "Most Expensive" categories. However what we, and several celebrities are after is their Frozen Hot Chocolate Ice Cream and actual hot chocolate options. Need to hear more? Keep your stereo on, earbuds in, or smart devices playing--there were a lot of opulent items to cover. Speaking of opulence, Max Brenner International's Director of Marketing, Yosi Coba, joined us all the way from Israel! Yosi began his career as a youth, working as a server in one of the first Max Brenner's Chocolate Bar locations in Israel. Coba later returned to the company after studying Marketing in school and now holds his current position--which we are emphatically jealous of! Chocolate is enjoyed by the masses, however the intricacy of creating chocolate confections that induce an emotional and tasting experience is on another level; that level is where Max Brenner's comes into play. The company is not just a chocolatier, it has become a full dining experience--incorporating palate pleasing culinary delights with everything they offer. Of course, this includes their signature foods, desserts, and beverages to enjoy no matter where you are in the world.

There's a lot to celebrate on this week's Food, Farms, & Chefs Radio Show, as we spoke with Tamas Szene who is the Director of Operations for Fearless Restaurants.  Szene joined us to celebrate White Dog Cafe's 40th Anniversary, and this iconic restaurant that helped bring the farm-to-table movement to the culinary industry.  Fearless Restaurants has even more to celebrate, as they announce their newest location on our show!  So stay tuned to learn more about this trend-setting establishment, and where they are opening next! To continue with our celebrations, we asked Melissa Fernando to join our family of foodies.  Melissa is no stranger to bringing flavor to every dish, as she grew up learning the piquant flavors behind a variety of cuisines.  Born in Sri Lanka, and growing up in Chennai, India Melissa eventually moved to Philadelphia, PA.  This dynamic self-taught chef made a name for herself when she established Sri's Company and began offering delicious food at pop-ups {markets} around Philly.  She quickly learned that the City of Brotherly Love, loved her back; as word of mouth spread, so did the popularity of her cuisine.  So stay tuned to find out just how many flavors we can celebrate with her now, and hopefully in the future too! Lastly, we're bringing back the enigmatic, energetic, and always knows how to entice our taste buds--Chef Joe Poon. He joined us in-studio to help celebrate Chinese New Year, and brought a feast along with him.  We celebrated the New Year by delving into a dozen types of dumplings, hand-made candy (inside the studio), and other good luck treats.  Joseph certainly knows how to celebrate in-style, and does so with a zeal while offering an insightful look at the traditions and symbolism of all the dishes presented to us.   We highly enjoyed our guests this week, and you will too.  So stay tuned until the end as we travel across the globe without leaving our seats!

We began our episode by serving up the freshest meals in Camden County as we spoke with the co-owner and Chef of Corinne's Place.  Originally born from a small catering business, the Founder Corinne Bradley-Powers grew her business into a beloved neighborhood spot; offering scratch-made foods that visitors from all over would travel to enjoy. Eventually word spread and her meals became so enticing that even celebrities and food critics became repeat customers.  Mrs. Bradley-Powers eventually sold her business to Trevor Vaughan & his partner, Craig Sawyer, but not without Corinne's blessing; Corinne's new role within her famed restaurant is being the new owner's consultant.  After ownership of the restaurant changed hands in 2019, Corinne's Place was nominated (and won) the James Beard Foundation's "America's Classics" Award, which is given to establishments that have remained open for at least 10 years, and reflect the character of its community.  We touch on all of this and more, so stay tuned to hear about Corinne's Place's mouth-watering foods made with a whole lot of heart. Speaking of heart, we take you into the heart of Philadelphia's dining scene as we speak with Michelle Shannon who is the Vice President of Market and Communications for Center City District's Restaurant Week.  Michelle and Gene had an enlightening discussion regarding the origins of Restaurant Week and the role it plays within the community.  The two-week long event not only highlights some of the most prestigious restaurants within center city, it benefits all of you by providing the opportunity to taste the flavors of Philadelphia's vibrant dining scene at a set price.  If you are looking to experience a restaurant that you've not heard of before, or perhaps one that is on your date-night bucket list, Center City Districts Restaurant Week is the perfect time to get a taste of what you're craving! Now if what you're craving is a delicious Mediterranean meal, then our next guest will surely tempt your taste buds!  Spice Finch's Executive Chef, Michael Brenfleck, joined us to discuss the delectable options for their Center City Restaurant Week Menu!  As we discussed a variety of Spice Finch's menu, both our co-hosts salivated over the luscious descriptions of every item.  And what better way to enjoy a richly devised meal than to pair it with the perfect wines? This is why Chef Brenfleck sat with Spice Finch's Beverage Manager to pick just the right wine to pair with the first two courses.  Now that is something I would like lingering on my palate--and you can too, so long as you stay tuned in for the entire episode of Food, Farms, & Chefs!

To start, we're celebrating two new concepts from FCM Hospitality that just opened in Philadelphia!  Neina Langford, FCM Hospitality's Director of Special Events, joined us to chat about the delicious new breakfast & lunch offerings from Rosy's Cafe--and to help celebrate it, she delivered some of the tantalizing menu items to the studio!  So not only did we chat about how delightful the food is, we can attest to it from first-hand experience!  From flavorful bites of tortas, to tacos--this new spot is sure to please your palate!  Then, we danced our way into the night with NoChe!  NoChe, which is also part of the FCM Hospitality's ever-expanding and trend-setting concepts, offers elevated bites and cocktails that will tantalize all your senses.  If you're looking to impress, then tune in to find out just how impressive these two new spots are! Then, we had the pleasure to introduce Olga Sorzano, the amazing entrepreneur behind Baba's Brew aka Baba's Bucha--a kombucha with so much heart behind it, that I'm sure you will fall in love with her family's kombucha just as we have.  Olga joined us to let us know the story behind her booming Kombucha brand, all of the health benefits, and to answer a question that so many have asked; what is Kombucha?  On top of all the health and wellness benefits derived from drinking this time-tested beverage, it is a great alternative if you're looking to make a delicious mock-tail!  So if your new year's resolutions included commiting to a healthier diet, be sure to stay tuned to hear from Olga, and to find out how you can learn to make Kombucha too! Lastly we heard from Robert Ashford who owns a number of businesses with his wife, Arielle.  Robert joined us to discuss 'Dry January, and how Volstead by Unity, Philadelphia's first zero-proof bar, is here to serve you the best alcohol-free time you will ever have.  Located in the trendy neighborhood of Manyunk, this very popular bar also happens to offer a menu that is entirely vegan.  Yes, you heard that correctly; a zero-proof bar that is also vegan AND it just so happens that we're having them on during January!  This is a discussion you don't want to miss!  Not only do we tackle the questions of what zero-proof libations are, we discussed the delicious assortment of menu options; cocktails; wines; and how this amazing duo created businesses that give back to the community.   

We are still out having some fun, so for your listening enjoyment we're re-playing one of your fan favorites of Food, Farms, & Chefs! On the episode, which originally aired in 2021, had Jimmy Kunz whose undeniably tasty products from The Truffleist will tempt any foodies taste buds. Then, for our sports fans who also happen to be foodies, we had NFL/CFL player Justin Renfrow on to talk about the amazing things he does to help out feeding those in need. And for our final segment we also had the multi-talented Mark Cassasanto on. Mark, who is the Director Of Operations at Imperial Events Security and a featured columnist at "Philadelphia Row Home Magazine," has worked in the food and hospitality industry for years, and brings his delightful demeanor (and wealth of experience) with him everywhere he goes!

We appreciate all of our Food, Farms, & Chefs Family for supporting and listening throughout the years, and as we take a break to celebrate the Holiday Season with our families we wanted to share one of your favorite episodes with all of you again.  So please enjoy our wonderful guests, and if you can find time to visit them--I'm sure that they would love to see you just as much as we do!On that note, for your listening pleasure:We're starting our show with Chef Tim Pervizi and owner of Heirloom in Doylestown, PA!  Chef Tim Pervizi considers that all knowledge and talents are an Heirloom that is passed on from mentors and colleagues, and in that spirit he has become proficient in his own culinary talents under some highly acclaimed Chefs, including David Pasternack, a James Beard Award Winning Chef,  and Food and Wine's Best New Chefs, Missy Robbins and even attaining his skills by acknowledging the differences in how every kitchen is run.  He will take us on a wonderful look into his own culinary background, and lead us to his present day experiences, including how he is currently running Heirloom to be "In the Now."Later, we hear from the husband team and owners of Kelly's Bakery, Chef Kevin Halim and Darrin Oakley, who also joined us in-studio with their barista aficionado, Joanna.  You will get to hear how Kevin Halim found his own path in life by becoming a Chef, and how he used his talents during the pandemic to hone in on his bread-making skills.  You'll also learn how this amazing duo founded their successful business through a brilliant idea that Darrin came up with, leading to the now popular bakery in Poughkeepsie, NY.