Episodes

  • Texas Chef Roundtable: Michelin Stars & BBQ Triumphs | Chef's PSA Podcast Ep. 127
    Nov 30 2024

    In this special episode of the Chef's PSA Podcast, Chef Andre Natera brings together four incredible culinary talents for a roundtable discussion about the arrival of the Michelin Guide in Texas. Joining Chef Andre are: Rico Torres from Mixtli in San Antonio, a new Michelin-star recipient. https://www.instagram.com/rico__torres/ Evan LeRoy from LeRoy and Lewis BBQ in Austin, whose BBQ restaurant was among the Michelin-awarded establishments. https://www.instagram.com/evanleroybbq/ Paul Qui, Top Chef Winner and Texas culinary legend. https://www.instagram.com/pqui/ Matthew Peters, the first American to win the Bocuse d'Or. https://www.instagram.com/chefmattpeters/ Together, they share their personal experiences from the Michelin Awards ceremony, discussing the impact of Michelin recognition on their careers, the pressures of maintaining standards, and the challenges of running top-notch restaurants in Texas. The conversation touches on surprises and snubs at the Michelin Awards, the evolving landscape of fine dining in Texas, and the importance of service, atmosphere, and teamwork in creating unforgettable dining experiences. If you're passionate about culinary excellence and want an inside look at what it takes to earn—and keep—a Michelin star, this episode is for you. Watch now to hear firsthand the challenges, triumphs, and visions of some of Texas' most celebrated chefs.


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    51 mins
  • Brent Weathers: Fancy Chef, Super Heros, Saving the Industry | Chef's PSA Podcast Ep. 126
    Nov 23 2024

    Welcome to another exciting episode of the Chef's PSA Podcast! This time, André Natera is joined by Chef Brent Weathers, the entertaining force behind 'Brent Eats Food'. Known for his humorous takes on kitchen life and his vibrant online presence, Chef Brent offers a mix of laughter, honest truths, and personal insights from the world of culinary arts.


    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    Kitchen Etiquette: Dive into the kitchen do’s and don’ts that every aspiring chef should know.

    Social Media Realities: Explore the ups and downs of being a content creator in the culinary space, and the struggles of dealing with online trolls and haters.

    Hip-Hop Meets Culinary Creativity: Discover how hip-hop culture inspires Chef Brent’s creativity in the kitchen and helps him connect to his roots.

    Humor and Authenticity: Get the lowdown on the viral persona "Fancy Chef" and find out whether it’s real or just a clever troll.

    Classic Cookbooks and Humility: Learn why classic cookbooks still matter, and why staying humble in the kitchen is crucial to success.

    This episode is a mix of laughter, insight, and valuable lessons—perfect for those who love the mix of food, culture, and creativity that makes the culinary world so dynamic.


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    52 mins
  • Inside the James Beard Awards Process: Elizabeth Falkner and Dawn Padmore | Chef's PSA Podcast Ep. 125
    Nov 16 2024

    Ever wonder what it really takes to win a James Beard Award? In this special episode of Chef's PSA Podcast, host Andre Natera sits down with Dawn Padmore, Vice President of the James Beard Foundation, and award-winning chef Elizabeth Falkner to uncover everything you need to know about one of the culinary world's most prestigious honors.

    We dive deep into the nomination, selection, and judging process for the James Beard Awards, offering a rare inside look at the history, criteria, and recent changes in the award categories. We also discuss how these awards impact chefs, restaurants, and the culinary industry as a whole. From ensuring diversity and fairness to understanding the journey from nomination to victory, this episode provides all the details you won't find anywhere else.

    Links Mentioned:

    • James Beard Foundation Awards:

      ⁠www.jamesbeard.org/awards⁠

    • Enter Recommendations for Restaurant and Chef Awards: ⁠https://jamesbeardawards.awardsplatform.com/⁠

    • Eligibility Guidelines for 2024 Awards: ⁠https://jbf-media.s3.amazonaws.com/production/page/2024/9/30/093024_RC_AWARDS_CRITERIA.pdf⁠

    If you're curious about what it takes to be a nominee, the influence of the James Beard Awards on the restaurant industry, or the evolving food landscape, this episode is your comprehensive guide to the Oscars of the food world.

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    36 mins
  • Junior Borges: Food Critics, Brazilian Food, Mentoring Chefs, Restaurant Awards | Chef's PSA Podcast Ep. 124
    Nov 15 2024

    Culinary Excellence with Chef Junior Borges: Michelin Impact, Brazilian Cuisine, and Mentorship


    Junior Borges Instagram:

    https://www.instagram.com/chefjuniorborges/


    Welcome to another episode of the Chef's PSA Podcast! In this episode, host André Natera is joined by Chef Junior Borges to explore his culinary journey—from the bustling kitchens of New York to the innovative culinary scene of Texas. Chef Junior Borges, a key figure in elevating Brazilian cuisine at Meridian, dives deep into his experiences, the impact of Michelin-starred hotels in Texas, and how mentorship shaped his career.


    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    Michelin’s Impact: Discover how Michelin-starred establishments have influenced Texas' culinary landscape.

    •Evolution of Brazilian Cuisine: Gain insights into Chef Borges' creative process in evolving Brazilian cuisine at Meridian.

    •Mentorship and Legacy: Understand the vital role of mentorship in shaping successful chefs, and hear about Chef Borges’ collaborations with renowned mentors.

    •Culinary Challenges: Learn how Chef Borges manages pressure from critics, maintains high standards, and balances consistency vs. creativity in his culinary art.

    •Networking in the Industry: Hear about the power of a strong network in the culinary world and Chef Borges' memorable experiences that illustrate its importance.


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    57 mins
  • Unwritten Rules of the Kitchen: What Culinary School Doesn't Teach You | Chef's PSA Podcast Ep. 123
    Nov 2 2024

    Unwritten rules and hard-learned lessons—these are the realities of the kitchen that culinary school often doesn't prepare you for. In this episode of the Chef's PSA Podcast, host André Natera pulls back the curtain on the professional kitchen, revealing the unwritten rules that every chef needs to know to truly thrive.

    André shares his personal experiences and stories from the trenches—discussing the pace, intensity, and hierarchy of real-world kitchens. If you're a young chef or culinary student wondering what it's really like out there, this episode is packed with practical advice on how to navigate the pressures, communication breakdowns, and sometimes brutal efficiency of the professional kitchen.

    Whether it's understanding how the kitchen hierarchy works, learning the importance of speed and repetition, or getting a handle on how to communicate clearly in high-stress moments, Andrea lays it all out so you can avoid common pitfalls and rise to the occasion.

    Looking for more insights to boost your culinary journey? Chef André has also published six books packed with lessons and stories that can help guide you to success in the industry.


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    24 mins
  • Rogelio Garcia: Cookbooks, Michelin, Mexican Food and MMA | Chef's PSA Podcast Ep. 122
    Oct 26 2024

    From Dishwasher to Michelin-Starred Chef: Chef Rogelio Garcia’s Inspiring Journey

    Rogelio Garcia Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/chefrogeliogarcia/

    Welcome to another episode of the Chef's PSA Podcast! In this episode, host André Natera interviews Chef Rogelio Garcia, a Michelin-starred chef and author of the cookbook Convivir. Chef Rogelio shares his incredible journey from immigrating to the United States, starting out as a dishwasher, and climbing his way to the top of the culinary world.

    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

    •Overcoming Challenges: Hear Chef Rogelio’s inspiring journey from immigrating from Mexico City to building a career in fine dining, overcoming language and cultural barriers along the way.

    Michelin-Star Insights: Get a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to work at Michelin-starred restaurants and the significance of the Michelin Guide expanding to Texas.

    •Cookbook Creation: Discover the process, inspiration, and dedication behind Chef Rogelio's new cookbook, Convivir.

    •Honoring Heritage in Cuisine: Learn about Chef Rogelio’s personal commitment to celebrating his Mexican heritage through his dishes.

    •Maintaining Wellness: Find out how Chef Rogelio balances the demands of a high-pressure career with physical and mental wellness, including his passion for martial arts.


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    57 mins
  • Taking Over a Hostile Kitchen | Chef's PSA Podcast Ep. 121
    Oct 20 2024

    Mastering Culinary Hostile Takeovers: Strategies for New Chefs

    In this insightful episode of Chef's PSA Podcast, host Andre Natera delves into the complexities of culinary hostile takeovers. He examines the scenarios where new chefs suddenly take over kitchens or restaurants and face resistance from existing staff loyal to previous regimes. Andre shares personal experiences and provides practical strategies for navigating these challenges, including re-interviewing staff, making swift hiring and firing decisions, and implementing new work cultures. Listeners will gain valuable tips on gathering information cautiously, maintaining professionalism, and avoiding negative talk about previous chefs. This episode is essential for any chef looking to lead a successful kitchen transition and build a team aligned with their vision.

    Chef's PSA Bites YouTube Page

    ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ChefsPSABites⁠


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    17 mins
  • Fermin Nunez | The Bear, Running Multiple Restaurants, Origin Stories : PSA Podcast 120
    Oct 13 2024

    Fermin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chiefnunez/

    Navigating the Culinary World: A Candid Conversation with Chef Fermin Nunez

    Welcome to another episode of the Chef's PSA Podcast! In this engaging episode, I, André Natera, sit down with Chef Fermin Nunez, the culinary mastermind behind Austin’s acclaimed restaurants Suerte and Este. Together, we explore the realities of the culinary industry, discussing the challenges and highlights of running esteemed establishments, the impact of the Michelin Guide in Texas, and the vital role of leadership in managing multiple restaurant operations.

    What You'll Learn:

    Michelin Guide Impact: How the Michelin Guide influences Texas restaurants.

    Leadership Strategies: Effective methods for managing multiple kitchens.

    Personal Branding: The importance of building a strong personal brand as a chef.

    Social Media Influence: How social media shapes culinary reputations.

    AI in Kitchens: The role of artificial intelligence in streamlining kitchen operations and recipe development.

    Authenticity in Cuisine: Maintaining authenticity and staying true to culinary roots.


    MISE Footwear

    https://www.misefootwear.com

    https://www.instagram.com/misefootwear/


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    59 mins