Brenda Villacorta on mastering the art of pastry + entrepreneurship
Sunday Sauce
On today’s episode, meet award-winning baker Brenda Villacorta, the creative force behind Sucré Table. We chat about Brenda's journey from the vivid culinary scene of New York City to what it’s like owning her own bakery in Tampa, Florida. If you’ve ever been curious about the intersection of food and entrepreneurship, this episode digs deep into the reality behind the wins we often see on Instagram and in the media. Join us as we unravel the layers of her culinary expertise, her experience leading pastry at a 3-Michelin Star restaurant, and the sweet story behind her Sucré Table....
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BTS of cooking competition show, Blind Kitchen, w/ Emily Ellyn + Josiah Candelaria
Sunday Sauce
What goes on behind the scenes of a cooking competition show? Found out on today’s episode of Sunday Sauce, where I’m joined by Retro Rad Chef and Food Network queen, Emily Ellyn, and Chef Josiah Candelaria. The three of us recently appeared on Orlando-centric cooking competition show, Blind Kitchen, and reconvened to tease out exclusive behind-the-scenes moments. We share anecdotes, surprising incidents, and memorable experiences that occurred during the filming of the show. Get a glimpse into the making of this innovative production. P.S. If you loved this episode, don't forget to...
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Demystifying wine with sommelier Dustin French
Sunday Sauce
Hard truth: talking about wine is not nearly as easy as drinking it. In fact, it takes talent, a massive amount of knowledge and a trained palate to be an expert in the industry. On today’s episode, I’m joined by 16-year restaurant professional, Dustin French, who’s not only a sommelier at one of the best steakhouses in the country, but the keeper of the keys to the world’s largest wine cellar. Tune in to hear an honest conversation about wine, including everything from the basics to the intimate details of making juice that lives on for generations. Tap the links below to connect with...
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Cassandra Gonzmart-Hill on setting the table
Sunday Sauce
Tableware nerds, rejoice! On today’s episode, I’m joined by 5th generation restaurateur and the Director of Sales at Fortessa, Cassandra Gonzmart-Hill, to chat about how the art of plating, and quite literally the plate, helps shape the way we see, eat and interact with food. Cassandra and I cover topics like plate design trends and her transition from restaurant life to selling tableware, plus we tease out some of Fortessa’s upcoming collection. Tap the links below to connect with Cassandra: LinkedIn: IG: Website:
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“Do you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions?” A chat w/ Chef Bryce Bonsack
Sunday Sauce
What are chefs really thinking when a ticket with a food allergy gets rung into the kitchen? Find out on today’s episode with Chef Bryce Bonsack, where we chat about food allergies from a chef and guest perspective. Bryce is the Executive Chef and owner of Rocca, an Italian restaurant that recently received a Michelin Star in Tampa. If anyone’s familiar with the request for a gluten-free plate of pasta, it’s this guy. Tap the links below to connect with Bryce: Bryce’s IG: Rocca’s IG: Website:
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The story behind becoming a 6-figure private chef w/ Hannes Hennche
Sunday Sauce
Say hello to , a former Michelin star restaurant chef who now specializes in teaching chefs how to earn six figures working in the private service industry. On today’s episode, Hannes comes to the table with tools on how to stop trading time for money, the keys to finding your ideal client and an entire masterclass on securing financial and personal freedom as a chef. I loved our conversation, and I know you will too! To learn more about Hannes' story, connect with him below: LinkedIn: Facebook: Instagram: Podcast:
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Little treat culture. What's it all about?
Sunday Sauce
You may have seen people on Instagram talking about not being able to leave the house without buying themselves a little something to eat, drink or admire. It's a moment in time thats officially been proclaimed “Little Treat Culture.” But the power behind this emerging mindset is so much more than a social media trend. It’s something that restaurants and food brands can integrate into their marketing and communication strategies. Press play to learn about how to join the little treat party as a business. Instagram: Email: Website:
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How to define your voice as a chef w/ Robb Garceau
Sunday Sauce
This episode explores the power of finding and owning your creative point of view -- and why it’s so important in the kitchen. Joining the conversation is Executive Chef Robb Garceau, who’s developed a cooking style that’s uniquely his and stands out in the marketplace. Throughout his culinary journey, Chef Robb has led some of New York’s most prestigious catering and events companies like Union Square Events, Sonnier & Castle and Neuman’s Kitchen. Today, he’s a pioneer in the catering and events industry, and serves as the Director of Culinary at New York Hospitality Group....
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Who the f*ck is Melissa Santell? A Q+A led by Jenna Troyli
Sunday Sauce
You asked. We delivered. Since the launch of Sunday Sauce, you’ve been asking for someone to interview me. On today’s episode, food writer and editor, Jenna Troyli, played host and did exactly that. Our conversation is casual with a hint of “how I built this,” including stories about my biggest challenges as an entrepreneur, advice for freelancers and some career moments I’ve never spilled the tea on. So there you have it! My story in an interview with a friend I admire. As always, stay connected with me on social + email! Tap the links below and say hello: Instagram: Email: ...
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Cousin Vinny's takes Tampa
Sunday Sauce
Get ready for an energetic episode featuring Russell Leone, AJ DeSimone and Vinny Andriotti. This trio is responsible for the day-to-day magic at Cousin Vinny’s Sandwich Co. a Tampa based restaurant that specializes in New York style Italian heroes and salads. There's never a dull moment when the three of them are in the room, and this episode is no different. Tune in to hear their story about building Cousin Vinny's brand from the ground up, including key insights they learned from humble beginnings in a test kitchen, insights on how to successfully work as a team and the secret sauce...
info_outlineWelcome to my first personal, yet professionally relevant podcast episode featuring what I learned this year. In 12 minutes, I take you through 5 lessons to bring into 2023, while encouraging you to reflect on your current experiences and plan for the year ahead. From a little piece of my heart to yours -- I hope you enjoy it.
Links I mention along the way:
- Will Guidara's Book, Unreasonable Hospitality: Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect
- Jonah Hill's documentary, Stutz, on Netflix: Want to Change Your Life? Start with Stutz’ Tools from Jonah Hill’s Therapist
- Phil Stutz book, The Tools: The Tools: 5 Tools to Help You Find Courage, Creativity, and Willpower--and Inspire You to Live Life in Forward Motion
P.S. If after listening you feel inspired to share your personal takeaways from 2020, I'd love to hear them. Send me an email at [email protected] and let's chat!
Sunday Sauce cheers to you.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/melissa-santell/support