Ingredient Insiders: Where Chefs Talk

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse welcome Chef Emil Oliva of Leche de Tigre in San Antonio, Texas, for a conversation about the vibrant flavors, rich traditions, and unique ingredients that define Peruvian cuisine.

The featured ingredient is aji amarillo, a bright yellow-orange chili pepper that plays an essential role in Peruvian cooking. Known for its fruity flavor and distinctive heat, aji amarillo brings depth, color, and complexity to a wide variety of dishes. Emil shares his appreciation for this versatile ingredient and explores what makes it such an important pa...

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse welcome Chef Bob Somsith of Lao’d Bar in Austin, Texas, for a conversation about Lao cuisine, family traditions, and the ingredients that bring his cooking to life.

The featured ingredient is tamarind, known for its distinctive tangy, sweet, and sour flavor. Bob explores what makes tamarind such an important ingredient in cooking, how its unique flavor profile adds complexity to dishes, and the ways it can help create the balance of flavors that makes Lao cuisine so distinctive.

Bob also shares the...

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse welcome Chef Ali Clem, chef and owner behind the Texas-style smoked brisket at la Barbecue in Austin, Texas, a Michelin-starred barbecue destination.

The featured ingredient is black pepper, a cornerstone of Texas barbecue and an essential part of building the bold, flavorful bark that makes smoked brisket so memorable. Ali discusses the role black pepper plays in her approach to barbecue, how it complements the rich flavor of brisket, and why this everyday spice is so important to achieving the perfect balance of seasoning.

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse welcome Chef Felipe Riccio of Goodnight Hospitality in Houston, Texas, for a conversation about culinary influences, unexpected ingredients, and the experiences that shape a chef’s career.

The featured ingredient is licorice, an ingredient that Felipe and at least one host share a love for. They explore what makes licorice so distinctive, its unique flavor profile, and the ways it can be used to add depth and complexity to food.

Felipe also takes listeners through his culinary journey, sharing the experiences and infl...

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse welcome Chef Aaron Bludorn, chef and owner of Bludorn and Navy Blue in Houston, Texas.

The featured ingredient of the episode is oysters, an ingredient that Aaron and the hosts share a deep appreciation for. They discuss what makes oysters so special, the many ways chefs can showcase their unique flavors, and why this beloved ingredient continues to inspire chefs and diners alike.

Aaron also reflects on the books, people, and experiences that shaped his culinary career, including the profound impact that An...

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse welcome Chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph, Pastry Chef and Owner of Emmer & Rye Hospitality, for a conversation about creativity, travel, and the pursuit of a lasting culinary legacy.

The featured ingredient of the episode is matcha, an ingredient Tavel has developed a deep appreciation for. Tavel shares what draws him to matcha, how he uses it in his cooking and pastry work, and what makes its flavor so distinctive and versatile.

Tavel also reflects on his travels to Japan, exploring the food, culture, and ex...

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse welcome Chef Amanda Rockman, Chef and Owner of Rockman Coffee and Bakeshop in Austin, Texas.

Amanda shares the story of her remarkable culinary journey, from working in the demanding kitchens of Michelin-starred fine dining restaurants to opening and operating her own neighborhood bakery. She discusses the challenges and rewards of making the transition from fine dining to entrepreneurship and how her experiences have shaped the way she approaches baking and hospitality today.

The featured ingredient of the episode is one that may su...

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse welcome Juan Cardenas of IRCA for a deep dive into the world of professional pastry and gelato ingredients.

Juan shares his own journey as a pastry chef and explains how his experience working in professional kitchens informs his approach to helping chefs find the right ingredients for their creations. He also introduces listeners to IRCA’s extensive assortment of professional products for pastry, gelato, chocolate, and more, exploring how these ingredients can help chefs achieve consistency, creativity, and exceptional flavor.

The featured ingr...

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse welcome Chef Charles Webb, founder and Global Experiences Curator of Chef On Tour, for a conversation about food, wellness, and the power of culinary experiences to connect us with the world.

The featured ingredient of the episode is acai, as Charles explores the origins, flavor, and versatility of this vibrant fruit and the many ways chefs can incorporate it into their cooking.

Charles also shares his philosophy of food as medicine, discussing the connection between what we eat, how we feel, and th...

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse sit down with Lena Ciardullo, Executive Chef of the legendary Union Square Cafe in New York City.

Lena shares the story of her journey to becoming Executive Chef of one of America's most iconic restaurants, reflecting on the mentors, experiences, and philosophy that have shaped her approach to cooking. She discusses what it means to carry forward the legacy of Union Square Cafe while continuing to evolve its menu with fresh ideas and seasonal ingredients.

The featured ingredient of the episode is ch...

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse welcome Carolina Aboumrad, co-founder of Huitla, for a fascinating exploration of one of Mexico's most unique and celebrated ingredients: huitlacoche, often called the "Mexican truffle."

Carolina shares the rich history of huitlacoche, explaining how this naturally occurring corn fungus has been prized in Mexican cuisine for centuries for its earthy, smoky, umami-rich flavor. She discusses why an ingredient once misunderstood has become a favorite among innovative chefs and how its distinctive taste continues to inspire creative dishes in restaurants across the country.

Th...

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse welcome Chef Norman Fenton, Executive Chef and Owner of Cariño in Chicago, for a conversation celebrating the rich flavors, traditions, and culture of Mexican cuisine.

Norman shares how his passion for Mexican food and culture has shaped his culinary philosophy, inspiring him to explore regional ingredients and authentic techniques while creating his own distinctive style. He also recounts the unforgettable road trip from Chicago to Tulum, Mexico, a journey that deepened his appreciation for the country's diverse culinary traditions and introduced him to the...

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse welcome Shauna Alexander, Head of Coffee at Stumptown Coffee Roasters, for a fascinating deep dive into one of the world's most beloved beverages.

Shauna shares a behind-the-scenes look at how Stumptown approaches sourcing, roasting, and crafting exceptional coffee. The conversation explores the different species of coffee, how each contributes its own unique characteristics, and the role that origin and growing conditions play in every cup.

John, Andrea, and Shauna also discuss the art and science of coffee roasting, breaking down how light, me...

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse welcome Greg Wade, Managing Partner of Publican Quality Bread in Chicago and a celebrated artisan baker known for his dedication to traditional techniques and exceptional ingredients.

Greg shares his favorite ways to enjoy a great cup—from how he takes his coffee to the role it plays in his daily routine and creative process. He also reflects on his journey into the world of baking, discussing the mentors, experiences, and passion that led him to become one of the country's most respected bakers.

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse sit down with Sean Hayes of Coke Farm to explore the ever-evolving world of fresh produce and the ingredients inspiring today's chefs.

Sean shares his expertise on two vegetables that deserve far more attention than they often receive: cabbage and celery. From their versatility in the kitchen to their nutritional benefits and growing popularity on restaurant menus, the conversation highlights why these humble vegetables are enjoying a well-earned resurgence.

The discussion also dives into the latest trends in specialty produce, examining how ch...

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse welcome two of Chicago's most respected chefs and restaurateurs: Paul Kahan, James Beard Award-winning Executive Chef and Partner of One Off Hospitality Group, and Matthias Merges, chef, restaurateur, and proprietor of Folkart Restaurant Management.

The conversation explores their shared passion for Pilot Light, the nonprofit organization they helped build to bring meaningful food education into classrooms across the country. Paul and Matthias discuss why teaching children about food, nutrition, agriculture, and cooking empowers the next generation to make healthier choices while fostering curiosity, confidence, an...

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse welcome Sarah Grueneberg, James Beard Award-winning chef and owner of Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio in Chicago.

Known for her inventive approach to Italian cuisine and her passion for exceptional ingredients, Sarah shares the experiences and influences that have shaped her culinary career. The conversation dives into her surprising love for celery, exploring why this often-overlooked ingredient deserves a starring role in the kitchen and how she incorporates it into some of her favorite dishes.

Sarah also gives listeners a peek behind the curtain of...

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse welcome Bianca Kaprielian, Co-CEO and Owner of Fruit World, a company with deep roots in California agriculture.

Bianca shares the story of her family's history as fruit growers and how generations of experience have shaped Fruit World's commitment to quality, innovation, and exceptional citrus. The conversation explores Bianca's favorite citrus varieties, from everyday staples to unique specialty fruits, and dives into the friendly debate between California and Texas grapefruit—including what makes each region's fruit distinct.

In this citrus-packed conversation, listeners will gain...

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse sit down with Chef Hillary Sterling, Executive Chef of Ci Siamo and author of the new cookbook AMMAZZA!

Hillary shares the story behind her culinary journey and the influences that have helped shape her distinctive cooking style. The conversation explores her love of citrus zest and how a simple ingredient can transform a dish with brightness, complexity, and balance. Hillary also discusses the inspiration behind her new cookbook, AMMAZZA!, and the recipes, techniques, and experiences that inspired its creation.

Filled with great st...

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse are joined by Chef Thai Dang, the culinary force behind Chicago favorites HaiSous, Crying Tiger, and Ca Phe Da. Thai shares how his Vietnamese heritage continues to shape his approach to cooking, from the flavors he grew up with to the dishes he serves today.

The conversation dives into Thai’s surprising love for broccolini, why it has become one of his favorite vegetables to cook with, and how its versatility allows it to shine in a variety of cuisines. They also revisit the infa...

In this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse sit down with Chef Jeremy Fox, acclaimed chef and owner of Rustic Canyon in Santa Monica, California. Known for his ingredient-driven, “seed-to-stalk” philosophy, Jeremy shares how his approach to cooking celebrates seasonality and sustainability while transforming humble ingredients into extraordinary dishes. They also discuss his love of persimmons—how he incorporates them into his menus and even uses them as natural décor to bring warmth and beauty into his restaurants.

In the second half of the episode, John and Andrea are joined by Sean Mind...

In this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse welcome Karen Akunowicz, James Beard Award–winning chef and owner of Fox & the Knife in Boston, Massachusetts. 

Karen shares how she developed her bold, crave-worthy style of cooking, blending Italian inspiration with her own creative flair. They discuss her experiences on Food Network competition shows like Tournament of Champions, what drives her love of competition, and how that spirit continues to push her and her culinary team to new heights. Karen also has a new cookbook, Crave: Bold Recipes That Make You Want Seconds.
...

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse sit down with Allison Hooper, cheesemaker, entrepreneur, and founder of Vermont Creamery. Allison shares the inspiring story of how she founded the company that helped put American artisan cheese on the map. She reflects on the collaborative culture she built with other pioneering female cheesemakers and offers valuable advice for anyone looking to start a career in the cheese business today.

In the second part of the episode, John and Andrea visit the farm with goat farmer Daryll Breau, who provides an inside look at...

On this special live episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse sit down with Miami-based Chef Danny Ganem along with Harris Heckelman, Executive Vice President of Protein at Chef’s Warehouse.

Together, they dive into Danny’s culinary journey—from how he first discovered his passion for cooking to how he built his career in Miami’s vibrant food scene. Danny shares how he highlights unique Florida ingredients across his restaurants and why sourcing locally matters to him.

Harris and Danny also break down their collaborative process for selecting the right beef cuts...

Ever wonder what makes the perfect scone? This week on Ingredient Insiders, hosts John Magazino and Andrea Parkins from The Chef’s Warehouse sit down with Chef, Baker, and owner of The Hungry Gnome, Danielle Sepsy — also known as The Scone Queen. Danielle shares the story behind her royal nickname, her experience competing on Dan Levy’s The Big Brunch on HBO Max, and the secrets to crafting the ideal scone — from texture to flavor balance.

In the second half of the episode, John and Andrea chat with Dawn Fallon from David’s Cookies. They dive into the company’s...

Join us on Ingredient Insiders as we unwrap the delectable history of chocolate with a special guest, Amy Guittard, Chief Marketing Officer at the renowned Guittard Chocolate Company. In this episode, we delve into the rich tapestry of the oldest continuously family-owned and operated chocolate company in the United States. Amy Guittard shares captivating insights into the storied journey of the Guittard family, offering listeners a taste of the company's legacy that spans over a century. Discover the secrets behind Guittard's commitment to quality, sustainability, and the artistry that goes into every exquisite chocolate creation.

The chocolate debate...

Get ready to dive into the delicious world of chocolate on this episode of Ingredient Insiders! Our guest, Nicoll Notter, the esteemed Head Chef of the Chocolate Academy in New York, takes us on a tantalizing journey through the nuanced universe of cocoa.In this mouthwatering episode, your hosts John Magazino and Andrea Parkins sit down with Chef Nicoll to explore the subtle art of pronouncing the word "cocoa" – a topic that proves to be more intriguing than you might think!But that's not all – buckle up as we delve into the world of cocoa powder. Chef Nicoll, a true maest...

Join us on Ingredient Insiders as we sit down with Sébastien Espinasse, President of Fabrique Délices, the artisans behind exceptional charcuterie. Join hosts John Magazino and Andrea Parkins as they explore the diverse world of charcuterie ingredients, from mouthwatering pâtés and mouses to an array of premium meats that have made Fabrique Délices a name synonymous with culinary excellence.In this episode, Sébastien unveils the secrets and craftsmanship that go into curating Fabrique Délices's renowned offerings. Delve into the nuances of flavor profiles, textures, and the dedication to quality that has defined the brand f...

Join us on this episode of Ingredient Insiders as we dive into the world of nuts with a true industry maven, Rocco Damato, the CEO of Bazzini Nuts. In this nutty adventure, we explore the rich history of Bazzini Nuts, discovering the company's roots and evolution over the years.Rocco takes us on a global journey, offering insights into the fascinating realm of nut farming. From the meticulous cultivation processes to the diverse landscapes where nuts thrive, we uncover the secrets behind the scenes of one of the world's leading nut producers.As we peel back the layers of the...

We continue our California tour in San Francisco to speak with Liz Prueitt about all things honey! Fresh off the 20-year anniversary since starting Tartine, Liz brings us inside her decades-long journey in the bread and pastry world, her father’s beekeeping days, and how honey has endless possibilities to enrich our food, coffee, and more!

Joining the honey talk is Ted Dennard of Savannah Bee Company, also celebrating 20 years in the business! Ted is a bee expert who is passionate about education, sourcing honey from beekeepers across the world, and creating an impact through The Bee Cause Pr...

Truffles are a rare and prized ingredient. They can be described as having a powerful aroma, euphoric smell and intoxicating flavor. This season in particular, truffle prices are skyrocketing. Rowan Jacobsen, author of "Truffle Hound: On the Trail of the World's Most Seductive Scent, with Dreamers, Schemers, and Some Extraordinary Dogs" shares his quest to uncover the culinary delicacy. Sabatino Truffles founder and CEO Federico Balestra details the evolution of truffles from his company's hundred year history in Umbria, Italy to modern day cultivation around the world.
Follow @‌rowanjacobsen @trufflehoundbook @‌sabatinotruffles
Sabatino | The Truffle Family
In partnership with...

Up until 20 years ago, caviar was a wild and highly prized delicacy from the beluga, sevruga or osetra species of sturgeon. But in recent years, caviar is sustainably farmed, resulting in a high-quality delicacy that has increased in demand, allowed it to be more approachable and accessible, and has provided surprising nutritional benefits. Acclaimed chef Michael White, known for his luxurious pasta dishes, shares the evolution of caviar in fine dining and how he is preparing the ingredient at his new post Lido Restaurant, and its adjacent Champagne Bar at The Surf Club in Miami. Sasanian Caviar is among the...

Chef Burt Bakman opened Slab BBQ in 2018 after years and years of perfecting the craft of smoked meats. On a trip to Texas, Chef Bakman, a real estate agent at the time, was inspired by the barbeque scene and, over the next several years, decided to perfect the craft at home. He developed a reputation for outstanding barbeque and gives us in-depth knowledge in this episode!From Westholme Wagyu, Deborah Funk joins John and Andrea in the NYC studio and deep dives into how Westholme “crafts contemporary Australian Wagyu for professional kitchens. Chefs love the fine, even marbling that creates de...

We continue the west coast tour with a stop in beautiful Healdsburg, California, to speak with the legendary Chef Charlie Palmer about beef!Recording from Dry Creek Kitchen, Chef takes us through his culinary journey from running from one shift to another in New York City in the 80s, moving his family to California, to opening Charlie Palmer Steak.We also speak with Harris Heckelman of Allen Brothers about their meticulous aging methods to hand-cut custom portioning and how they use the highest grade of USDA Prime, representing the top three percent of all graded American beef.You can watch...

Award-winning chef Nancy Silverton of Mozza Restaurant Group joins from her restaurant kitchen to talk all things mozzarella and shares some of her favorite recipes with the ingredient. Stefano Bruno of di Stefano Cheese, a family-owned​ dairy company in Southern California, reflects on their tradition and passion for making cheese and the introduction of burrata to chefs in the United States, including Silverton.

Follow @nancysilverton @distefanocheese @ingredientinsiders

In partnership with The Chefs' Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingredients to chefs for over 30 years @wherechefsshop

Single Thread Farm, Restaurant, & Inn is a 3-Michelin Star powerhouse helmed by Chef Kyle Connaughton. Today we dive deep into California tomatoes and how his wife, Katina Connaughton, farms their bountiful array of vegetables for their restaurants.

We then speak with Hugo Gomez of Munak Farms to talk about his family’s farm, selling at the California farmer's markets, and how they are meticulously growing some of the best tomatoes in the world.

Follow @kyleconnaughton @singlethread @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshop

In partnership with The Chefs’ Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingr...

Chef and restaurateur Doug Psaltis of Chicago's Andros Taverna opens up about his heritage and passion for Greek cuisine and the versatility Greek olive oil plays in his cooking. He shares his experiences using different olive oils in some of the world's most prestigious kitchens with chefs like Alain Ducasse in New York City and Monaco to Thomas Keller in San Francisco. ILIADA, a multi-awarded olive oil brand, is a favorite among some of the most lauded chefs, including Psaltis. ILIADA’s Kostas Peimanidis details the history, production and health benefits of cooking and consuming Greek olive oil.

Fo...

Dan Richer, Chef & Owner of Razza Pizza Artigianal, details the art of tomatoes and how the ingredient is key to pizza making. He breaks down the variation among tomatoes from California to Italy and the several components he looks for when tasting tomatoes: color, viscosity, texture, seeds and skins, quantity, positive flavor attributes, negative flavor attributes, acidity and sweetness. Kim West of Mutti Tomatoes USA discusses the Italian company’s legacy spanning four generations, expanding their goods in U.S. markets and with top chefs, and how they sustain their renowned high-quality products.

Follow @danricher @razzanj @muttipomodorousa @ingredientinsiders

There are few ingredients you will find in every single chef's kitchen. Across cuisines, styles, and preferences, there may be none as fundamental as salt.

Gracing us for a second time is food journalist, cookbook author, and New York Times columnist Melissa Clark in our New York studio. Melissa, John & Andrea discuss the history of salt and how they like to implement it into their recipes and cooking.

Then we travel to the Oregon coast to speak with Jacobsen Salt founder Ben Jacobsen. We sit outsde the salt factory when Ben details how he got into...

In this flavorful episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse sit down with Chef Maneet Chauhan, Food Network star, two-time Tournament of Champions winner, and owner of Chauhan Ale and Masala House in Nashville.

Maneet shares her deep love for chaat masala, her journey from India to the U.S., and what it’s like to both compete and judge on shows like Iron Chef and Chopped. She also opens up about finding a home—and culinary inspiration—in Nashville, and the importance of bringing bold, Indian flavors to American kitchens.

In the s...