Dining On A Dime

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 a

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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

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

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 palate

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

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

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)

What drives you? We wondered what drives our guests in their success, and Kayla Bolyai of Altamerea Group, Kyle Algaze of Iron Rooster, and Scott Noye of Chef Dad's Table joined us on Food Farms & Chefs to discuss their respective backgrounds, current ventures, and what to look forward to in the near future! (episode 234)

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 colla

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, w

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,

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 a

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 i

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 restaur

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

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

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

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 sp