Dining On A Dime

Celebrate the New Year with some fabulous guests from New Jersey to Pennsylvania! We're celebrating the end of 2025 and beginning 2026 with The Monterey Grill, Dolce Italian inside the W Hotel, and cheers-ing a toast at Space Bar! *Food Farms And Chefs Radio Show, Episode 342

Chef Jose Garces' Culinary Journey*Growing up, Chef Garces learned traditional dishes like ceviche, empanadas, and pan de bono from his mother and grandmother, while his father enjoyed grilling steaks. He emphasized the importance of sofrito, a foundational cooking technique using onions, garlic, and peppers, which he still prepares in large batches. Exploring Latin Culinary TraditionsJose and Amaris discussed the importance of sofrito in Latin cooking and its variations across families. Jose shared his journey from French classical training to embracing Latin cuisine, highlighting the foundational role of sofrito and other base ingredients in different culinary traditions. They also talked about Jose's experience with paella, which he has been perfecting for 20 years, emphasizing the complexity and precision required to make a great dish. Amaris praised Jose's interpretation of paella, which she found to be authentic and reminiscent of her experiences in Spain.Brand Expansion PlansJose discussed plans to exp

The show began with Harvest Seasonal Grill's General Manager, Paul Foglia. Paul discussed his lengthy history within the culinary industry, transitioning between a variety of roles within it. Then discussions shifted into the fresh approach that Harvest Seasonal Grill takes with their menu. The conversation continued with an interview of Steve Reynolds, President and Co-Owner of Delco Steaks, who shared the history and growth of his cheesesteak business and discussed potential expansion plans. We ended by re-visiting an interview with Matthew Chappina from Perla Oyster Bar, who also spoke about his history in the industry, along with what you can enjoy when visiting the restaurant or hiring them for your next catered event! *Food Farms And Chefs Radio Show, episode 340!

FRANK KABATAS and EAST VILLAGE PIZZA'S SUCCESS JOURNEYFrank Kabatas, the owner of East Village Pizza in New York City, shared his journey from being born in Turkey to becoming a successful pizza maker in the United States. He explained that after moving to the US at age 23 in 1997, he initially worked at East Village Pizza before being fired after six months. He then found a job at Ben's Pizzeria, where he learned valuable pizza-making skills. Frank emphasized his pride in owning East Village Pizza and his determination to succeed.Frank shared his journey in the pizza industry, starting with a local pizzeria where he learned the craft and worked long hours while studying English as a second language and briefly computer science. After the pizzeria was sold, he transitioned to Domino's in Long Island, initially as a driver but soon became a manager due to his pizza-making skills. Despite the differences between the local and chain pizzerias, Frank valued the experience gained at Domino's, particularly in marke

Loc Pham, the Philly Cookie Company, and the First-Annual Philly Cookie FestLoc Pham, a Vietnamese immigrant who arrived in America in 1991, shared his journey from initially studying to be an Engineer to learning Food Science, and eventually becoming a Pastry Chef and Founder of the Philly Cookie Company. He described how his career evolved through French bakeries, food processing, and corporate R&D roles before returning to his passion for baking, where he developed a unique shortbread cookie recipe inspired by Scottish shortbreads but with his own twist using molasses and brown sugar. The cookies, which are sold wholesale to over 20 retailers in Philadelphia and across 11 states, are noted for their buttery taste and subtle sweetness.Philly Cookie Festival PlanningThe discussion then switched focus to the upcoming Philly Cookie Festival happening on December 7th at Bok. The indulgently-sweet festival will feature 32 vendors, including 27 cookie vendors and 2 savory vendors, all required to offer a Phi

Brandon Parish and The Kibitz Room:Amaris welcomed Brandon Parish, the owner of The Kibitz Room in KOP to the show. Our host and Brandon then discussed how his growing up within the industry influenced his decision to expand on the family's business. Brandon was born into the deli and restaurant business and followed in his father's footsteps. They discussed the menu offerings at The Kibitz Room, including large portion sizes and the availability of breakfast items all day. Brandon's approach to the current menu is to focus on classic dishes while incorporating some creative twists, particularly for Hanukkah. He plans to offer various latke options, including traditional and innovative varieties, and will introduce a loaded latke with pastrami. The Kibitz Rooms can be found online at: https://thekibitzroomkop.com Chef Brad Daniels' Culinary Journey and Gloria Sports & Spirits:Brad Daniels, head chef and co-owner of Gloria Sports & Spirits in Warrington, PA, opened up about his culinary journey before

Juice Basin and Owner Madeline VricellaAmaris welcomed Madeline Vricella, co-owner of Juice Basin, to discuss her background in hospitality and the family's connection to the juice industry. Madeline shared her experience working in hotels and her family's history in citrus, which she felt that owning Juice Basin was meant to be. They discussed the smooth transition when Madeline and her partner took over ownership of the business' original founder, and Madeline expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from the previous owner. The conversation also touched on the importance of using organic fruits in their products and the collaborative aspect of preparing juices.Madeline discussed Juice Basin's sourcing challenges, noting that they are the only USDA organic certified juice manufacturer and rely on partners to source organic fruits year-round. She explained that while they try to stay seasonal, they sometimes need to substitute with other juices like greens or beet when certain fruits are unavailable. Made

This week's episode began with Min Kong, the Director of Culinary Innovation for Dig Inn. Dig Inn is a healthy, fast-casual eatery concept that is expanding within Philadelphia and its surrounding suburbs. We then switched gears and spoke with the Chef and Co-Founder of Get Saucy, a dietary and allergen-friendly sauce company based out of California. Chef Suhan Lee, a Co-Founder of Get Saucy, joined me from his home-base in New York to discuss their lineup of sauces that can be a big hit for all eaters at your table! Lastly, we heard from Lee Leung, who is the Regional General Manager for Fearless Restaurants. Lee joined us to announce the recently-launched breakfast, brunch, and mid-day options at Triple Crown. Fearless Restaurants always offers a dynamic combination of food and vibes, and now Triple Crown can help you power through your next breakfast meeting, family visit, or simply just to enjoy a delightful meal! Related Links:https://www.diginn.comhttps://getsaucy.comhttps://www.triplecrownradnor.com

On this week's episode of Food Farms And Chefs Radio Show we centered our focus on a particular cause, the fast rising foodie event which benefits the Fight On Makenna Foundation. We opened the show with Chef Brian Duffy, who discussed his involvement in the Bite for the Fight Food Festival as the event's headliner celebrity chef. Our host learned that during the event, Chef Duffy performed cooking demonstrations and meet-and-greets for his fans. After sharing his background in the food industry and the significance of how much it meant to be involved with Bite for the Fight, Chef Duffy helped introduce our listeners to the event and Fight On Makenna Foundation's Co-Founder, Rich Massi.The show then focused on Fight on McKenna Foundation's mission and how they offer support for families facing the battle against pediatric cancer. Bite for the Fight Food Festival's proceeds directly impact the various programs and initiatives offered through the Fight On Makenna Foundation, a charitable organization that rais

White Dog Cafe - Glen Mills and Executive Chef Michael SelserHost Amaris Pollock spoke with White Dog Cafe's Executive Chef Michael Selser regarding their upcoming wine dinner happening inside the Glen Mills location. The exclusive dinner will pair a signature menu from White Dog Cafe to pair with a variety of Pennswood Wines, an event that will sell out fast and is happening on Wednesday September 24th 2025 at 6pm. Chef Selser explained that attendees will enjoy a 5-course tasting menu paired with 5 local wines from Pennswood, including their new White Dog Red vintage. They plan to educate guests about the pairings and local ingredients while providing a unique dining experience. The dinner, priced at $70 per person, will culminate with a steak dish meant to highlight their new vintage of the White Dog Red blend. https://whitedog.com/glenmills/Wilder - Center City Philadelphia and Executive Pastry Chef Russ JohnsonOur host next chatted with the Executive Pastry Chef for Wilder, located in the heart of Phila

Fearless Restaurant Group's "Dining Out for the Dogs" Jamie Blackburn, who is the Director of Public Relations for Fearless Restaurants discussed the upcoming 8th annual "Dining Out for the Dogs" event at White Dog Cafe on August 4th. The event benefits Alpha Bravo Canine, a nonprofit organization which provides service dogs to veterans. The event will be held at suburban locations and will feature special menu items, including a popular hot dog flight, puppy kissing booths, and Tito's cocktail offerings. Blackburn emphasized the importance of reservations, especially for the VIP dog-friendly tables, and highlighted the opportunity for community members to volunteer as puppy raisers for the service dog program.Farina Pasta Bar Our host next sat down with husband and wife team Dan and Taylor Lee who own Farina Pasta Bar, located in Philadelphia.  Dan shared his journey in the culinary industry to starting his business, eventually meeting his wife and business partner. The couple now runs both a food truck and

Anna Hackman's Journey From Law to BotanicalsWe began this week with Anna Hackman. Anna shared how she transitioned from working as a real estate attorney into the world of horticulture, and through persevering through a few mistakes...how her passion for herbs and living a healthy, natural lifestyle led to owning her business, The Naked Botanical. Anna finds joy through helping people improve their health through her herbal products and the continuous learning process involved in growing and understanding herbs. You can find her teas, salves, hydrosols, and many more products that she lovingly grew, created, and processed for your use on her website at https://thenakedbotanical.com or in person at various farmers markets.Rex at the Royal's Executive Chef, Coco Sanzetenea Coco Sanzetenea joined us on Food Farms And Chefs Radio show, first sharing his culinary journey, starting with his experience at a Princeton eating club where he learned to make beer and dishes from scratch. After moving to Rhode Island an

Elijah Milligan's New Restaurant VentureElijah Milligan, who is the Chef and Owner of Love Child in Philadelphia, began this week's show, discussing his brand-new restaurant. Set to launch in the Fall, Love Child has been a labor of love and perseverance; Elijah has been working towards this new venture for five years. After explaining the name's significance, Elijah discussed that his restaurant will offer wood-fire contemporary American cuisine with global influences. He plans to serve small plates, a raw bar, and grilled meats, with a focus on technique-driven dishes incorporating flavors from various cultures. He wants to ensure the best experience for visitors, including sourcing ingredients from 20 different suppliers from local and international vendors for the freshest and highest-quality ingredients. Leading up to the Love Child's launch, Elijah is planning pop-up events in Philadelphia, New York, and DC to tease the opening. You can follow Elijah's journey and updates through Love Childs' social m

Innovative Catering Concepts and Wawa Welcome America (00:00)Rocco Gallelli, the food producer for Wawa Welcome America, discusses his role in coordinating food and drink for the festival. He explains that this is his 18th year managing the event, which includes various activities from June 19th to July 4th, culminating in the Party on the Parkway on July 4th that typically attracts about a quarter million people. Rocco describes the challenges of managing food logistics, including weather considerations, historical data analysis for planning, and balancing inventory to avoid shortages or overbuying. Rocco continued his discussion of catering for the upcoming 4th of July event in Philadelphia, highlighting a shift towards healthier menu options for crew catering. Mentioning how he coordinates 25 food trucks offering diverse cuisines, as well as his own trucks serving popular festival foods. Rocco also noted the trend towards healthier eating but observes that at street fairs, people often indulge in tradition

This week's show began with Kelsey Timmerman and his new book which focuses on regenerative agriculture, where they discussed his journey from anthropology to author, and the different farming practices around the world. The show continued with Melanie Ganzman from Fluffy Farms, who shared her success with a USDA grant for their silvopasture system and sustainable farming operations in New Jersey. The show ended with Lee Leung, the Regional General Manager of the Fearless Restaurant Group. Lee discussed all the latest trends for hosting a private party or event, the new European-based menu at Autograph Brasserie, and the full capacity of what Triple Crown (their newest restaurant and event space) can offer!Related Links:https://kelseytimmerman.comhttps://www.patagonia.com/home/https://fluffyfarms.grazecart.comhttps://www.triplecrownradnor.comhttps://www.autographbrasserie.com

Chef Clara Park: Eat Cetera & The Cinema Chefs PodcastClara discussed her various projects, including her partnership with Drexel University where she offers recreational cooking classes on weekends, and her podcast " The Cinema Chefs" which is recording its final episode of season one. They cover food scenes from movies, with topics ranging from specific foods to special occasion dining. With her passion for culinary education, Clara believes in highlighting how foods can improve people's health, save them money, and help build a fuller sense of community. She also discussed the importance of teaching basic cooking skills to empower people and change their lives, noting that many lack foundational culinary knowledge.Ayesha Dolasa & Noble MushroomsAmaris welcomed Ayesha Dolasa who owns Noble Mushrooms along with her husband, Jacob. With a background in Environmental Engineering and her husband's entrepreneurial spirit, Ayesha explained the science behind mushroom cultivation, emphasizing the importanc

After learning how Gina Lizzo's career brought her into her role as Main Line Today magazine's Managing Editor, she and our host discussed all the fun and excitement that will happen at this year's Best Of the Main Line and Western Suburbs Party happening on July 31st at The Drexelbrook! The annual event is a year in the making, and highlights the top businesses within the region by way of tasting and sampling what those places offer!  This year, you'll be treated to live music by the Jellyroll Band, along with sweet and savory foods, beverages, and desserts by this year's winners.  Along with all the dining and dancing, there will be a silent auction held, which benefits Baker Industries. For more information and to purchase tickets for the event please visit Main Line Today online.Our next guest's path is paving the way towards a healthier coastline.  Principal Founder, John Zander, spends painstaking hours growing and collecting salt hay on Cohansey Meadows Farms. Salt hay is integral in the health of the

This week's episode began with an interview of Suzanne O'Brien, CEO of Royal Restaurant Group, who discussed her career in the restaurant industry and the success of their partnership with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society's pop-up garden. This was followed by an interview with Maria Stewart, who is the owner of Gorgeous Goat Creamery. Maria shared her background in academia and nutrition before transitioning to goat farming and dairy production. The final segment featured Danny O'Malley, Founder of Before the Butcher, a plant-based meat company. Danny explained his journey from acting to food service and production, and discussed his company's plant-based protein products along with the environmental impact of meat eating versus consuming plant-based foods. *Food Farms And Chefs Radio Show, Episode 325

Northeast Farmers Market SeasonHost Amaris Pollock welcomed Devin Cornia who is the Executive Director of the Northeast Farming Association of New Jersey back to the show. They discuss the upcoming farmers market season and the opportunity for people to interact with farmers and learn about agriculture.  They also discussed Devin's history within the industry, along with some of the programs, initiatives, and the publication "The Natural Farmer" which NOFA provides to the community.NOFA's Local Food Initiatives:Devin explains that NOFA (Northeast Organic Farming Association) is a 50-year-old organization with seven state chapters supporting organics, land stewardship, and local food. The New Jersey chapter, which is 40 years old, focuses on supporting community and economic vehicles that make local food work. Devin discusses the challenges and opportunities in the current economic environment, emphasizing the need for collaboration and investment in local economies to build resilient, self-reliant food system

Host Amaris Pollock first spoke with Revolution Bees and the two Owners/Beekeepers who have turned their honey into a multi-purposed production of infused honeys, alcoholic beverages, and spreads--and the processes in order to achieve each individual product.  We then drove to the Jersey shore to visit someone at the Kohr of a Jersey sweet treat: Kohr's Soft Ice Cream!  Our host sat with Owner Eva Kohr to learn more about the business' history, flavors, and how to participate in this year's ice cream tour.  We ended our show by revisiting Ekiben, a restaurant brand that fuses Asian and Ethiopian cuisines together offering a delicious array of menu items to ignite your appetite...all while helping the communities they serve. *Food Farms And Chefs Radio Show, Episode 323