We began with Jess Remshard and Liz Denon, two cousins who just happened to bartend in order to make a little extra money. That side-hustle eventually blossomed into a business idea now known as Spartacus Events. Their mobile bar can accommodate whatever your party-planning needs are including options for a full bar, a smaller pop-up bar, and more! So reach out to Jess and Liz to add that extra wow-factor for your next party, celebration, or event!

Family means everything to our next guest, which includes making you feel like part of the family when you visit his restaurants in Hatboro, PA. Bob Ross and his wife both worked in the culinary industry, and according to Bob, he always wanted to start a restaurant of his own. Years later that dream came to fruition as he and his wife opened Gypsy Blu. Their new venture was a huge success, so the Ross' decided to expand on their dream and have since opened a second restaurant, Ross & Co. And stay tuned to find out the exciting new events and offerings at Ross & Co. in the coming months!

Our last guest began his culinary journey at an early age, even attending the Culinary Institute of America at only 17 years old. After graduating from the CIA, Chef Matthew Collins eventually landed a position in NYC, working inside some of the more prestigious kitchens. Today, Matthew owns and operates a self-named business: Chef Collins Events. Chef Collins Events is a private chef company where Matthew works with you to meet the needs of your next party, gathering, or intimate dinner, creating unique dining experiences for you and your guests.

My first guest offers a wealth of insight and availability for enjoying healthy, energizing, and chef-driven meals for at home or on-the-go. Anjali Gupta began her career in the corporate world, but found herself drawn into the culinary industry. She was drawn there as a result of leading a too-busy life and wanting delicious and healthy meals that were easy to prepare for her family. This eventually led to her creating Pinwheel Provisions. Now, listeners like yourself (and everyone you know) can eat hearty and nutritious meals while traversing your busy lives. Pinwheel Provisions offers flavor-packed ready to heat and eat, and build-your-own meals inside her BrynMawr-based business. And if you're not looking to cook at home, there's something for everyone--as Pinwheel Provisions also offers a select menu that you can grab-n-go at anytime!

Friends are like family and so are our pets, so I was excited to have my friend, Jaimi Blackburn who is the Director of Public Relations for Fearless Restaurant Group on to announce White Dog Cafe's "Dining Out for the Dogs" event, happening next Tuesday July 16th at all White Dog Cafe locations! The event is BYOD (Bring Your Own Dog) but you'll need to make a Very Important Puppy reservation for your precious furry family member. There's a whole lot more to bark about--with puppy kissing booths, raffle prizes, specialty cocktails by Tito's, and more!!! The pooch-friendly fundraising event will benefit Alpha Bravo Canine, just be sure to listen closely for all the fun details to look forward to!

One of your favorite guests is back, and with so much to share about! Founder, Author, Psychologist, and Organizer behind The Trauma Survivors Foundation, Hospital Heroes Food Drive, The Delaware Beer Festival, and more--Dennis Carradin joined me to talk about his latest book, his new beer collaboration-a Pilsner, and some of his upcoming events, including The Delaware Beer Festival (DBF). What's even better? When you stay tuned, you'll hear an exclusive discount code to attend one of the DBF's sessions--with on-air radio show hosts, live music from Country Music Stars, food, and over 200 beers to sample inside the Wilmington Blue Rocks Stadium!

Related Links:
https://www.pinwheelprovisions.com
https://www.fearlessrestaurants.com
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/7th-annual-dining-out-for-the-dogs-to-benefit-alpha-bravo-canine-tickets-914352321407?aff=oddtdtcreator
https://www.thetraumasurvivorsfoundation.com
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/delaware-beer-fest-tickets-885950942117?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Will Porras, who is the Executive Chef at Vault Brewing Company in Yardley, PA learned and honed his knowledge as a chef while working inside various kitchens while growing up, and further refined his craft under some very esteemed chefs. I spoke with Will, learning about his history within the culinary industry and what led him to become Vault Brewing Company's Executive Chef. Taking on the role of an Executive Chef is not for the faint of heart-something that Will has excelled at. Speaking of excelling at things, Vault Brewing Company has created a delicious combination of beers and elevated dining menus that they're now looking to expand (spoil alert--and you heard it first on Food Farms and Chefs Radio Show!). So be sure to keep an eye out for their official announcement by following them on their social media pages, as well as when you visit them in person!
https://vaultbrewing.com

My next guest, Joseph Staffieri, is the owner behind Fusco’s Water ice with two locations in Delaware. Joseph is a chip off the ol' block--quite literally, in fact. His family has owned and operated the water ice business for years, turning peoples muggy and frustratingly-hot summer days into joyful ones with their scratch-made water ice and soft-serve ice creams. However much his father had stuck to their traditional flavor, Joe has been thinking outside of the box and coming up with creative new flavors for the communities and visitors to enjoy. But with all good things, comes the tireless efforts to create it: So every day Joe and his team squeeze out every last flavorful drop of ingredients to create the best tasting water ice around!
https://www.fuscoswaterice.com

Solidified in the Hudson Valley as part of everyone's family, third-generation owner Peter Deising found even more attention for his family's business, Deisings Bakery & Restaurant, after the HBO-based Host of Last Week Tonight's John Oliver purchased equipment that Deising wanted for his bakery & restaurant. Peter had left an inquiry note on the door of the recently-closed chain restaurant, Red Lobster. What happened next was even more note-worthy: John Oliver noticed and issued a challenge to Demising, and in exchange for meeting the challenge the Deising Bakery and Restaurant would receive the equipment he inquired about. I'm a HUGE John Oliver fan, so this is how the Hudson Valley-based business came to my attention, and I was BEARY enticed to have them join me on my show to talk about the JO moment, and moreover to shed more light on the history of Deising Bakery & Restaurant, and what keeps their community coming back after so many years in business.
https://www.deisings.com

When it comes down to it, the time, energy, and effort that goes into plating up that perfect dish is at the heart of every Chef--something that leaves a lasting impression on anyone who visits them. I am grateful every day for what the businesses I eat and drink at offers me. I'm also grateful to all of you who tune in to the show to listen every week, so if there is anything (or anywhere) that you would like to hear from--feel free to send a recommendation for the show by emailing me at foodfarmsandchefs@gmail.com.

There was a lot of energy and positive vibes as Co-Chairs of the Leverage Event, Howard Lebold and Haley Schmidt, along with CDC's 2024 Linchpin recipients Victoria Williams and Co-Founder of Tiny WPA Alex Gilliam, Esteemed 2024 Leverage Awardee Prema Katari Gupta who is the President and CEO of the Center City District (CCD), Co-Owners Mallory Stetter and Justin Scott of Logo Cookies Direct who donated 200 cookies for the event, Head Distiller of KLYR Rum, Rebecca Foxman, Owner and Chef of Fox & Son, Diana Widjojo of Rice & Sambal, and Kyle Cuffie-Scott of Darnell's Cake.

The Leverage Event represented each borough of Philadelphia with amazing Chefs and Restaurateurs, and everyone in attendance were able to sample the decadent small bites and beverages available throughout Philadelphia's Center for Design building--where the event was being held. And all eyes were on center stage as awardees were announced during the evening before CCD's President & CEO Prema Katari Gupta took the stage to remark on being this year's Esteemed Honoree of the 2024 Leverage Awards.

If you would like to hear more about the event, be sure to listen to the full episode and check out cdesignc.org to learn more about what they do, how to help, and what projects the organization have and will be involved in!

I'm certain that all of you LOVE a cup of tea or coffee in the morning, and our first guest is brewing up a great start to your day with her business, The Rose Room Cafe. The coffee and baked goods come with a lot of love, as Jess Sabine and her staff make freshly-baked pastries and other foods from scratch to accompany your cup-o-joe (or tea). The love doesn't end there--The Rose Room Cafe has created a space for the community to get together, hosting events which include first Fridays, private parties, and so much more! So, if this sounds like your cup of tea ;) then make The Rose Room Cafe part of your next destination! (https://www.theroseroomcafe.com)

From Coffee to Bagels...I chat with Managing Partner of Bagels & Co., Mike Marsh. Mike is very invested in what Bagels & Co. has to offer, including the lengthy list of cream cheeses crafted to compliment their abundantly large bagels of your dreams. New York arguably has the best bagels this side of the world, but theirs can give New Yorkers a run for their money, since they modeled their bagels to be just like that. Now, add the fact that every bagel is lovingly seasoned -- on all sides of them -- theirs rises above the rest. Now, that fact is something I can attest to! (https://www.thebagelsandco.com)

Speaking of taking a bite out of something...Shelby Fahrni, who owns The Cooking Studio located in Telford, PA, began her culinary journey at the ripe old age of 4. Yes, you read that correctly. At 4 years old the culinary bug bit her and she's been cooking ever since. And something she's resumed since then is to teach others how to create delicious meals at home from scratch. Of course you'll need to take one of her classes first, and come hungry because after all that learning you and your classmates can sit down to enjoy your creations family-style! So if you're looking for something fun to do as a family, with friends, or even go solo--check out The Cooking Studio! (https://lecookingstudio.com)

I began with Executive Chef Kyle Timpson, who started out with aspirations to be a pastry chef. Sometime after graduating Atlantic Cape Community College, he found that challenging himself within a larger spectrum was appealing, and cultivated a space where he could continue to grow in the industry. Today, Executive Chef Timpson joined us to talk about the delicious steakhouse and beverage menus at SIN in Philadelphia, and what to look forward to in the coming weeks. (https://www.sinphiladelphia.com)

I next spoke with Army Veteran, Cookbook Author, three-time Food Network winner and Executive Chef Kevin Cooper aka "Chef Steek." Chef Steek sat down with me to discuss how he began in the culinary world, what influenced his progression within the industry, and what it was like to not only appear on the Food Network, but also win and be able to open the Chicken Guy in King of Prussia. Chef Steek and I also dug into the menu items available at the Chicken Guy, along with some of the milkshakes too--have I mentioned how much of a sweet tooth I have? Well, you'll hear from both of us on what to bite (and sip) at his spot in the KOP Mall. (https://chickenguy.com)

My final guest, Executive Chef Alex Tellez, joined Food Farms and Chefs to discuss Sor Ynes and all the delicious offerings on their menu; from scratch made tortillas to mezcal flights--Sor Ynes focuses on traditional Mexican ingredients and techniques to prepare their fresh and piquant menu. I know that I have my eye out on their "Shrimp Al Ajillo" with a mezcal tasting flight, and I'll save some room for dessert! Just keep your eyes peeled on their socials, as they're getting ready to change up the menu soon! Now that's a tasty treat to look forward to! (https://sorynez.com)

Our first guests formed a partnership that's brewing up some fun in Roxborough; Sweet Java Cafe's owner, Victor Young, and Sales Manager for Mermaid Spirits, Joe Berendsohn joined me to chat about the newly-opened cafe & cocktails spot. This is Victor's first time opening up a coffeehouse, and thanks to a mutual friend of theirs, a partnership was formed with Mermaid Spirits. And what was the result? A large space where the community can grab a cup of their favorite coffee on the way to work, or even work remotely inside of while also enjoying some of the scratch-made pastries. And when it's a little later in the day--be sure to try out one of the coffee-infused cocktails or other mixed drinks and enjoy the fun vibes of the space and neighborhood! https://order.toasttab.com/online/sweet-java-cafe

Keeping caffeinated is top priority for most individuals, so we spoke with co-owner Luisa Toro from Roosters Coffeehouse which is located in Ledgewood, NJ. Roosters Coffeehouse is also the first cafe business that Luisa and her family have opened, and they take pride in offering the highest-quality ingredients and experiences for everyone who visits. And it truly is a family business; Luisa's father learned the techniques on how to properly roast every bean from where it was sourced. The rest of the family have roles in the business as well, and take joy in offering menu items not commonly seen--but very much enjoyed--by all who visit. So, if you're looking for a pick-me-up along with an empanada or Pandebono (cheese bread) then Roosters Coffeehouse should be your next destination! https://www.roosterscoffeehouse.com

Lastly, we sat down with Fearless Restaurant Group's Director of Hotel and Restaurants in NJ, Pete Palladino. Pete joined me to discuss all the fun, new, and relaxing aspects regarding Daddy O's Hotel and Restaurant located in Brant Beach, NJ, along with Tucker's Tavern in Beach Haven, NJ. The vibes include decor reminiscent of the 50's and 60's era, with multiple bars including a rooftop bar at both Daddy O's and Tucker's Tavern, and plenty of freshly caught seafood and unique cocktails. Look for their popular Bends & Brunch program on the weekend, the newly renovated rooms to stay & play at the shore, along with two new beers that were brewed for them as a collab from ManaFirkin Brewing Co. There's always something new, exciting, and delicious at Daddy O and Tuckers Tavern--so be shore to check them out! https://www.fearlessrestaurants.com/restaurants

Annette Anthony began her career as a counsel with the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, and has since become an attorney, executive coach, accredited mediator, founder of a VC fund, a business coach, and now has collated recipes and tales from her travels around the globe. Food is a universal love language; it brings family, friends, and even strangers together at one table...or into one space. And being open to try new things was how Annette was raised, so finding herself traveling to different countries opened her palate to more flavor, experiences, and cuisines. Her journey from family recipes to meals from other cultures are now at your fingertips with her new book, Always Enough: A Global Food Memoir. You can find her, and a link to purchase her book on her website: https://annetteanthony.com.

My next guest, Chef Chad Durkin, is breezing in with a brand-new spot in South Philly called Breezy's Deli & Market. Chef Durkin has a remarkable pedigree within the culinary community, having worked for Le Bec-Fin, Susanna Foo, and at Philadelphia's Water Works (just to name a few). He's also traveled the globe, competing and working along the way, and has taken on numerous jobs and titles in order to really know all of the in's and out's of the industry. And today, he's bringing all of his expertise to the table at Porchetta and Pantry, as well as his brand-new neighborhood deli, smoothie, and grocery store concept! If you're interested in finding out more about Chef Durkin and the newly opened Breezy's, be sure to tune in to Food Farms and Chefs to find out, or visit them at https://www.breezysdeli.com!

Rey Reynosa and David Heredia are two of the partners behind Mamajuana Cafe in Philadelphia which offers a vibrant atmosphere and menus to choose from! As a growing brand, Mamajuana is bringing their latin-based fusions to Philadelphia's Fishtown neighborhood, offering foods from Columbia, the Dominican Republic, Caribbean, and so much more! But the fun doesn't end at what you'll eat--they also offer live music, a private events area, and one of Philadelphia's hottest new spots to be found at! If you want to know more, stay tuned till the end--and also find out where their next location is opening up and be sure to stay in touch by visiting them in-person, or on their website at https://mamajuana-cafe.com.