What do trombones, surfers, and Paris have in common? They're all part of Jonathan Waxman's inspiring success story that took him from cleaning bathrooms to an iconic career as a chef, restaurateur, and tv personality.

A true pioneer of California cuisine, Chef Jonathan Waxman shares his extraordinary journey, including his unforgettable experiences like traveling on a shoestring budget to three Michelin-starred restaurants across France in his 20s which ended up changing the course of his life.

Jonathan’s stories take us from Paris, to the bustling kitchens of Chez Panisse, to the sunny shores of Santa Monica, and around the world.

Jonathan's passion for cooking comes through as he talks about what his idea of the ultimate expression of true cuisine is. He also shares what's next for him as a chef and a restaurateur.

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Stick around for the wrap where Bruce shares his most memorable culinary experience from Kyoto that involved a tiny sushi bar with 4 stools, no options, and (thankfully) a friendly patron who could help translate between English and Japanese.

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To learn more about Jonathan Waxman, visit https://www.jonathanwaxman.com

Follow Jonathan Waxman on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefjwaxman/

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This season of Travel That Matters is presented by Silversea, the world’s most luxurious ocean and expedition voyages for the curious.

Travel That Matters is a CurtCo Media production.

Host: Bruce Wallin

Producer: AJ Moseley

Marketing: Catrin Skaperdas

Music: Joey Salvia

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the most influential figures in American cuisine, Charlie Palmer, and a world-renowned pastry chef, Antonio Bachour, dive into their most inspiring travel experiences and recommendations.

Charlie Palmer talks about how his culinary expertise and love for the outdoors have influenced his new hotel company, Appellation, with its first locations in Healdsburg and Sun Valley of the United States. Charlie shares insights on his vision for these hotels, deeply rooted in food and beverage excellence and the unique character of their nature-packed locations.

Antonio Bachour takes us back to his early days in Puerto Rico, running his family bakery at just 14. He reveals the details of his journey to becoming the best pastry chef in the world, his passion for Puerto Rican cuisine, and his innovative approach to desserts. Antonio also discusses his culinary ventures in Miami and Merida, Mexico, including the influence of Lebanese cuisine there and elsewhere around the world.

Don’t miss Bruce’s wrap-up, where he shares his personal dining experience and a hidden gem from his trip to Merida.

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Follow Travel That Matters for more exciting episodes with culinary leaders and travel experts around the world, and if you like the podcast, please leave us a review on whatever platform you’re enjoying the show.

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To learn more about Charlie Palmer, visit https://www.charliepalmer.com/

To learn more about Antonio Bachour, visit https://antoniobachour.com/

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This season of Travel That Matters is presented by Silversea, the world’s most luxurious ocean and expedition voyages for the curious.

Travel That Matters is a CurtCo Media production.

Host: Bruce Wallin

Producer: AJ Moseley

Marketing: Catrin Skaperdas

Music: Joey Salvia

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie Chin escaped what she jokingly describes as "dumpling prison" only to be so influenced by her heritage and Asian cuisines that she left her SVP role at FOX to start her career as a chef and author.

It was her mom's inspiring success story that eventually led Katie to a life of cooking, writing cookbooks, appearing on TV shows like Iron Chef and The Today Show, and creating a one-woman show called Holy Shitake: A Wok Star is Born. Prepare to be entertained and inspired by the story of how an immigrant woman making 50 cents an hour as a seamstress with no high school diploma went on to ... well, we won't spoil the ending.

In this interview, Katies tells us her "must try" Cantonese dish recommendations and where she goes in San Francisco to get them. She also explains what food is like in Guangzhou, China, and what kind of food you'll find at the food market there, before she reveals what other areas of China and Asia at large that she loves for cuisine.

Learn fun facts like "Korean chefs use Coca Cola to break down proteins," and what bulgogi pizza is. Plus, get tips for cities in the U.S. and Canada where you can find great Asian cuisine.

This episode also features a bonus segment with Gregory Gourdet, the newly crowned James Beard award winner for Best Chef: Northwest and the Pacific. A past guest on Travel That Matters’ Master Chef series, Gregory talks about his many adventures in Thailand and how the country’s cuisine helped shape the chef that he is today.

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You can listen to the full episode of Gregory Gourdet on Travel That Matters here: https://link.chtbl.com/GregoryGourdet

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To learn more about Katie Chin, visit www.chefkatiechin.com

Watch Katie Chin on the Kelly Clarkson Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TjgLEz1KVU&t=1s

Follow Katie Chin on Twitter & Instagram: @chefkatiechin

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This season of Travel That Matters is presented by Silversea, the world’s most luxurious ocean and expedition voyages for the curious.

Travel That Matters is a CurtCo Media production.

Host: Bruce Wallin

Producer: AJ Moseley

Marketing: Catrin Skaperdas

Music: Joey Salvia

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The art of stress-free travel is not lost on Nancy Silverton thanks to her adventurous parents, and now she shares her travel philosophy with her kids, grandkids—and listeners of Travel That Matters in this episode.

When this American chef, baker, restaurateur, and author is not serving food to people at the Palace of Versailles, she's "putzing" around her house in Umbria or traveling to Mexico, London, Spain, and other incredible places around the world. (Marseilles and Mexico City left the largest impact on her recently.)

Nancy talks about the peanut butter cookie that changed her life and her experience working with Wolfgang Puck—another guest on Travel That Matters—and leaves listeners with tons of great inspiration for their next exploration.

In the wrap up, Bruce considers where to travel to this summer. Have an idea? Email him directly at Bruce@curtco.com.

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You can find out more details about the locations below mentioned in the episode:

• Costa Palmas: https://costapalmas.com/
• Osteria Mozza: https://www.osteriamozza.com/
• Martínez: https://www.exploretock.com/new-chef-lucho-restaurant-ciudad-de-mxico
• Obicà: https://www.obica.com/

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To learn more about Nancy Silverton, find her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nancysilverton/

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This season of Travel That Matters is presented by Silversea, the world’s most luxurious ocean and expedition voyages for the curious.

Travel That Matters is a CurtCo Media production.

Host: Bruce Wallin

Producer: AJ Moseley

Marketing: Catrin Skaperdas

Music: Joey Salvia

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here to explain how travel helped turn a kid from St. Louis into the leading restaurateur behind both Union Square Café and Shake Shack is the one-and-only Danny Meyer.

The son of a travel entrepreneur, Danny takes us back to the vivid childhood travel memories he has, reminiscing about everything from the lake water and fresh baguettes in France to the roadside burger in California that might have been the initial spark for his now-famous restaurant chain. He leads us on his adventures as a young adult, explaining how he was able to travel roundtrip for just $44 a ticket, sharing his eye-opening experience as a tour guide in Rome, recalling the time he got blessed by the pope, and spelling out the invaluable lessons he learned along the way.

Danny also talks about how he continued this tradition of family exploration with his own kids, including his daughter Hallie Meyer, who would later open Caffè Panna.

This episode isn't just about travel or food; it’s about the profound impact it has on who we are and what we create. But there’s still plenty of great travel inspiration and advice, including a few of Danny’s favorite restaurants around the globe.

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To learn more about Danny Meyer, check out https://www.ushg.com/

To learn more about Cal-a-Vie, check out https://www.cal-a-vie.com/

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This season of Travel That Matters is presented by Silversea, the world’s most luxurious ocean and expedition voyages for the curious.

Travel That Matters is a CurtCo Media production.

Host: Bruce Wallin

Producer: AJ Moseley

Marketing: Catrin Skaperdas

Music: Joey Salvia

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wolfgang Puck, the Austrian-American culinary legend, takes host Bruce on a journey through his favorite food and travel spots, full of laughter and unexpected tips.

Wolfgang shares the serendipitous creation of his signature dish, shares his first memories of getting the travel bug, and describes his initial impressions of the United States. He relives the opening night jitters of Spago (Beverly Hills), defines what he calls "California cuisine," and tells us how to cook 120 pounds of camel meat.

Wolfgang also discusses his favorite destinations, from the hidden gem of Bahrain (Asia) to the orphanage his wife established in Ethiopia (Africa). Plus, he reveals his favorite restaurants in Capri and Vienna (Europe), including hidden gems and family-run spots.

This episode is a delicious blend of Wolfgang's culinary wisdom, travel adventures, and insider tips – perfect for foodies and travel enthusiasts alike!

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You can find out more details about the locations below mentioned in the episode:

• Zozobra Festival: https://burnzozobra.com/
• Spago: https://wolfgangpuck.com/restaurants/spago-beverly-hills/
• Hotel Goldener Hirsch (Salzburg, Austria): https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/szglc-hotel-goldener-hirsch-a-luxury-collection-hotel-salzburg/overview/
• Steirereck (Vienna, Austria): https://www.steirereck.at/steirereck.en.html
• Amador (Vienna, Austria): https://www.restaurant-amador.com/
• Hospice Alm Hotel (St. Christoph, Austria): https://www.arlberghospiz-alm.at/en/
• Bachelor Gulch Ski Resort (Colorado, USA): https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/whrrz-the-ritz-carlton-bachelor-gulch/overview/
• Hotel Arlberg (Lech, Austria): https://arlberghotel.at/en/
• La Scoglio (Nerano, Italy): https://www.hotelloscoglio.com/en/restaurant
• Noma (Copenhagen, Denmark): https://noma.dk/
• F. X. Pichler (Wachau Valley, Austria): https://fx-pichler.at/en/vineyards-wines/
• Schrader Vineyards (Napa Valley, California, USA): https://schradercellars.com/
• The Vegetable Shop at Chino Farm (Rancho Santa Fe, California, USA): https://www.instagram.com/chinofarms/?hl=en

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To learn more about Wolfgang Puck, check out his website https://wolfgangpuck.com/

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This season of Travel That Matters is presented by Silversea, the world’s most luxurious ocean and expedition voyages for the curious.

Travel That Matters is a CurtCo Media production.

Host: Bruce Wallin

Producer: AJ Moseley

Marketing: Catrin Skaperdas

Music: Joey Salvia

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Getting people to think differently when deciding where to travel next is a specialty of the travel journalist Andrew Nelson, a writer for two decades with National Geographic Travel and a two-time Lowell Thomas prize winner. Andrew joins Bruce on the podcast to discuss places in his new National Geographic book, Here Not There, revealing 100 alternative travel destinations to the ones we've probably all heard about 1,000 times.

Andrew tells us about the places that are overlooked and why they're worth visiting, in addition to the obvious benefit of often being less crowded and less expensive. He guides us to the Miami of the North, the Amsterdam of the Midwest, and a place he describes as the most accessible yet mysterious places he's ever visited. He'll even tell us where you can dance until dawn and drink (responsibly) like a fool.

Andrew doesn't just list places in this Travel That Matters episode, but tells us about the history, the tours and events you can attend, and the food that's there for you to enjoy. He emphasizes the element of surprise in travel, while adding in bragging rights that come with being among the few who have traveled to some of these alternative destinations.

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You can find out more details about the locations below mentioned in the episode:

• Zozobra Festival: https://burnzozobra.com/
• The Secret Stairs of Los Angeles https://secretstairs-la.com/
• San Cassiano, Dolomites https://www.altabadia.org/en/italian-alps-dolomites/villages/san-cassiano.html
• Kotor, Montenegro https://www.turismomontenegro.es/ciudades-de-montenegro/kotor/
• Alamos, Sonora https://www.gob.mx/sectur/articulos/alamos-sonora
• Bottleworks Hotel: https://www.bottleworkshotel.com/

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To learn more about Andrew Nelson, check out his website https://andrewtnelson.com/

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Travel That Matters is a CurtCo Media production.

Host: Bruce Wallin

Producer: AJ Moseley

Marketing: Catrin Skaperdas

Music: Joey Salvia

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Embark on an adventure through South Africa with Liam Tomlin (Cape Town chef), Deborah Calmeyer (ROAR Africa founder), and Tiago Sarmento (managing director of Belmond in Southern Africa), whose stories and insider tips on crafting the ultimate travel experience will have you hooked on this something-for-everybody destination.

On his recent trip to Cape Town and Tswalu Kalahari reserve in South Africa, Bruce caught up with Tomlin and Sarmento to talk about Cape Town’s culinary delights, under-the-radar gastronomic and adventure tours, going on safari with children, and other unique experiences beyond the ordinary.

Bruce also spoke with safari expert Calmeyer, who shares tips for first-timers, malaria-free areas, the best farmer’s market in Cape Town, and a two-week blowout itinerary.

You’ll also learn where locals from Cape Town go for vacation—hint: there’s great whale watching—and get fun facts like where you can order half a goat in a car wash. Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or planning your first trip, whether you’re going with kids or just adults, this episode has something for you.

Listen and catch the full details of why South Africa is a must-visit, and hear Bruce give his email for anyone who would like his help with planning a safari experience. Wait until the end to hear Bruce share a few of his favorite picks for safari adventures in South Africa and beyond.

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You can find out more details about the locations mentioned in the episode below:

Mount Nelson, a Belmond Hotel, https://www.belmond.com

Chef’s Warehouse, https://www.chefswarehouse.co.za

ROAR Africa, https://www.roarafrica.com

Tswalu Kalahari, https://tswalu.com

Delaire Graff Estate, https://www.delaire.co.za

Oranjezicht Farmer’s Market, Cape Town

Singita Sabi Sand, https://singita.com

Cheetah Plains, https://www.cheetahplains.com

Singita Grumeti, https://singita.com

Selinda Reserve / Great Plains Conservation, https://greatplainsconservation.com

Wilderness Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, https://www.wildernessdestinations.com

Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge, https://www.belmond.com

Belmond Eagle Island Lodge, https://www.belmond.com

Pigcasso, https://pigcasso.org

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Travel That Matters is a CurtCo Media production.

Host: Bruce Wallin

Producer: AJ Moseley

Marketing: Catrin Skaperdas

Music: Joey Salvia

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.