CAFE Talks Podcast
Most students and young cooks share common unanswered questions about the process of becoming a cook and chef, how they will fit in a changing industry, and whether or not they made the right decision to choose to pursue a formal culinary education or go the route of the school of hard knocks. They are questions that deserve answers – questions that seek our mentorship and coaching. Join CAFÉ Talks as Paul Sorgule, our podcast host, considers these questions and offers answers from his experience as a chef and educator.
info_outline CAFE Episode 94 - You Never Know - This Thing Called HospitalityCAFE Talks Podcast
What can be very exciting about a career is not as much what you are doing in the moment as the realization that you never know what you might be doing, or are even be capable of doing, in the future. Preparation for whatever may come, constantly improving your skill set, keeping an open mind, and having a willingness to dip your toe in the water of opportunity can reveal a career that you never imagined. The fields of hospitality and culinary arts offer nearly limitless opportunities to move in new and exciting directions – if you so choose. Join CAFÉ Talks for a conversation with...
info_outline CAFE Episode 93 - Media Learning ToolsCAFE Talks Podcast
Resources, resources, resources. What we offer in the classroom is only one source important information that will help our students be successful. The industry of food and beverage chances so quickly that it is nearly impossible for our classroom content to keep up. Knowing what resources are available to help students remain current is a necessary part of the teacher’s job. There is a plethora of information available to faculty members and students that will do just that. Making them part of our delivery is essential. Join CAFÉ Talks Podcast as we discuss the role of media, in this...
info_outline CAFE Ep92 - Improvisation and TeachingCAFE Talks Podcast
Engagement is the goal of every faculty member. When a class is engaged then the dynamics around real learning is evident. Getting to engagement is a challenge; a challenge that requires helping everyone overcome their fears. When teachers incorporate stories and improvisational problem-solving that results from helping others immerse in those stories, then engagement is more likely to occur. Join CAFÉ Talks Podcast chat with Professor Joseph Conto from Paul Smith’s College as he talks about using improvisation as an effective engagement tool in the classroom and in life.
info_outline CAFE Ep 91 - Leading Educational ChangeCAFE Talks Podcast
At a time of uncertainty within higher education, it is refreshing to know that there are knowledge leaders working to define what opportunities stand before us. Artificial Intelligence, education as a service industry, on-line education, enrollment decline, value assessment vs. rising costs, and an audience that doesn’t learn the same way that previous generations did, all combine into a stew of challenge; a stew that needs the right amount of seasoning from educational leaders, faculty members, and potential students. Join Robert (Skip) Meyers, PhD as CAFÉ Talks leads a discussion...
info_outline CAFE Ep 90 - The Artist in Us AllCAFE Talks Podcast
As chefs we have an opportunity to make people smile, to satisfy a need, to inspire, to bring people together, and to express our art on a plate. There is an altruistic side to cooking that not only complements the pragmatic need to operate financially successful kitchens, but to also make a difference in people’s lives. Join CAFÉ Talks as we chat with Chef John Schopp – culinary educator, seasoned chef and pastry chef, caterer, entrepreneur, and lover of all art forms as we delve into that altruistic side of cooking that draws so many into the profession.
info_outline CAFE Ep89 - Real Life Repetition Leads to True CompetenceCAFE Talks Podcast
Everyone learns differently, yet many educational models focus on a standardized approach. To some, a traditional college education sets the stage for a successful future while for others a trade school is more appropriate. With respect to culinary education there is little argument over the value of a hands-on approach and the importance of real-life experiences. Evolving from the early apprenticeship model, culinary schools have been very successful at teaching the “why” associated with skill development and only with the addition of “how” experiences such as on-campus restaurants,...
info_outline CAFE Ep.88 - In Service of the PotatoCAFE Talks Podcast
We may think that a protein is the center of the plate for most restaurant menu items, but based on popularity, variety, and pure satisfaction – the potato reigns supreme. From baked, mashed, hash browns, roasted, and scalloped to the mighty French fry, people love potatoes. Idaho produces nearly one third of all the potatoes available on the U.S. market. The “spud” state offers a perfect environment for growing exceptional potatoes, especially the classic russet. The volcanic soil, desert climate with more than 280 days of annual sunshine, and a commitment to 100% irrigation make Idaho...
info_outline CAFE Ep 87 - Teaching not to forget - An International ExperienceCAFE Talks Podcast
To understand the history and traditions of a country, to walk the vineyards and farmlands, enjoy the aroma of Prosciutto di Parma hams hanging through a long cure, to slice into a wheel of 24 month aged Parmigiana, or savor the deeply rich, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor of barrel aged balsamic – this is a real education. Walk through ancient Rome and feel the energy of a thousand years of societal evolution, to be in the presence of skilled craftsman who built this country of Italy over dozens of generations and step into the trattorias that are the centerpieces of Tuscan villages with...
info_outline CAFE Ep 86 - No Child HungryCAFE Talks Podcast
TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE – This is what drives chefs and cooks – we want to use our craft to have an impact on how people feel, act, interact, and enjoy life. A well-prepared plate of food is the ultimate vehicle for expressing our feelings, our heritage, our belief in humankind, and how we inherently want to bring joy to other’s lives. For some, that plate of food is hard to come by. Food insecurity and a lack of understanding how to prepare and present wholesome food for a balanced diet remains one of the greatest travesties in our country and around the world. Chefs can have an impact on...
info_outlineAs chefs we have an opportunity to make people smile, to satisfy a need, to inspire, to bring people together, and to express our art on a plate. There is an altruistic side to cooking that not only complements the pragmatic need to operate financially successful kitchens, but to also make a difference in people’s lives. Join CAFÉ Talks as we chat with Chef John Schopp – culinary educator, seasoned chef and pastry chef, caterer, entrepreneur, and lover of all art forms as we delve into that altruistic side of cooking that draws so many into the profession.