129. Dave Beran: The Courage To Reinvent
On The Pass
This week, we’re joined by a chef who’s made reinvention his signature — building, breaking, and reshaping what fine dining can be. Chef Dave Beran joins us from Seline, his most personal project yet. A restaurant named after his daughter, rooted in emotion, intention, and the culmination of a lifetime in kitchens. We talk about what it means to truly start over, the evolving landscape of fine dining in Los Angeles, and how becoming a father has transformed the way he cooks, leads, and creates. From cookbook walls to mood boards, from training actors for The Bear to chasing...
info_outline
128. Hot Spot: Scott Linder of Matū + Matū Kai
On The Pass
In this episode of On The Pass, host Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Scott Linder — chef, creative collaborator, and co-founder of Matū and Matū Kai, two standout restaurants in Los Angeles that are quietly, and powerfully, reshaping the steakhouse as we know it. Scott takes us behind the curtain of Matū’s vertically integrated model — built in partnership with First Light Farms in New Zealand — and shares why owning the full story of the beef, from soil to service, was the only way forward. This isn’t about indulgence — it’s about responsibility, intention, and the pursuit of...
info_outline
127. Aitor Zabala: Somni Reimagined
On The Pass
This week, Gabriel sits down with the deeply imaginative and visionary chef Aitor Zabala, the creative mind behind the newly reimagined Somni in Los Angeles. In this expansive and intimate conversation, Aitor opens up about the last five years — from losing precious creative time when the original Somni closed, to rebuilding not just a restaurant, but a philosophy. He shares how failure became a tool for growth, how time has reshaped his approach to leadership and storytelling, and why fine dining must be about more than just impressing — it must be about meaning, memory, and human...
info_outline
126. Pablo Rivero: Powering Restaurants in a New Era
On The Pass
Pablo Rivero is CEO of Resy + Tock and SVP of American Express Global Dining, leading the charge in reshaping how diners connect with restaurants worldwide. With a deep background in both strategy and hospitality, Pablo brings a rare blend of tech-forward thinking and boots-on-the-ground understanding of the industry. In this episode of On The Pass, Gabriel and Pablo dive into how he stays close to the heartbeat of restaurants even as his role becomes increasingly strategic. They discuss the evolution of Resy’s mission, the current structural challenges facing independent restaurants,...
info_outline
125: Hot Spot: Kwame Onwuachi of Tatiana
On The Pass
You may know Chef Kwame Onwuachi from his remarkable origin story — immortalized in his bestselling memoir, Notes from a Young Black Chef, celebrated on Top Chef, and most recently, reimagined on the latest season of Netflix Chef’s Table. His Harlem-born, Bronx-raised perspective, blended with global influences and deep cultural roots, has positioned him as one of the most compelling voices in food today. His New York City restaurant, Tatiana, has quickly become one of the most exciting and culturally significant dining experiences in the country — earning praise from The New York Times,...
info_outline
124. Andrew Wong: Our Chinese Restaurant
On The Pass
Our next guest is Chef Andrew Wong — chef, anthropologist, and cultural historian. Born in Britain and of Chinese heritage, Andrew’s culinary journey is a compelling blend of personal legacy and academic curiosity. It all began in 1985 when his parents opened a traditional Cantonese restaurant in London’s Pimlico neighborhood — the same location where his celebrated, two Michelin-starred restaurant, A. Wong, now stands. Since taking the reins in 2012, Andrew has reimagined what it means to serve Chinese cuisine in the West. Drawing on years of academic research, travel, and immersion...
info_outline
123. Hot Spot: Fariyal Abdullahi of Hav & Mar
On The Pass
Our next guest truly embodies joy—a sentiment beautifully reflected in the meaning of her name within her culture. Chef Fariyal Abdullahi is a multifaceted talent: an accomplished chef, entrepreneur, television personality, and the Executive Chef at Marcus Samuelsson's Hav & Mar restaurant, in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood. Born and raised in Ethiopia as the youngest of six siblings, Fariyal's culinary passion was deeply influenced by her mother's exceptional cooking and the vibrant markets of her childhood. She fondly recalls assisting her mother in the kitchen and cherishing...
info_outline
122. Ryan Cole of Salsify at the Roadhouse
On The Pass
In this special episode of On The Pass, we’re joined by Chef Ryan Cole, the visionary chef and co-owner of Salsify at The Roundhouse in Cape Town, South Africa. Recently recognized by 50 Best Discovery and acclaimed for its innovative approach to modern South African cuisine, Salsify was everything we could have hoped for—and more—for our first proper sit-down meal in Cape Town. Set within a historic landmark overlooking the breathtaking views of Camps Bay, Salsify blends heritage with culinary artistry, offering a dining experience that feels both rooted in tradition and refreshingly...
info_outline
121. Laurent Gardinier: Leading Relais & Châteaux
On The Pass
Many of my most unforgettable hospitality and culinary experiences have been meaningful not just because of their quality, creativity, or service, but because they fostered a deeper connection to the local culture, people, and traditions. These experiences go beyond excellence—they tell a story, evoke emotion, and create lasting impressions. This is exactly what our next guest has dedicated his career to curating, preserving, and championing. Joining us on this episode of On The Pass is Laurent Gardinier, President of Relais & Châteaux, a prestigious global association of...
info_outline
Effects Of Change Ep. 6: Fawn Weaver + Series Round Up
On The Pass
In Episode 6 of Effects of Change, Jamila and Gabriel sit down with Fawn Weaver, entrepreneur, author, and spirits mogul, CEO of Grant Sidney Inc. and owner of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey. They discuss leading as your authentic self. Jamila and Gabriel close out the series by reflecting on everything they've learned through these conversations, the progress that has been made, and the work that still lies ahead. Learn More about Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey: Follow Fawn Weaver on Instagram: Follow On The Pass on Instagram: Follow our Host,...
info_outlineIn this episode of On The Pass, host Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Scott Linder — chef, creative collaborator, and co-founder of Matū and Matū Kai, two standout restaurants in Los Angeles that are quietly, and powerfully, reshaping the steakhouse as we know it.
Scott takes us behind the curtain of Matū’s vertically integrated model — built in partnership with First Light Farms in New Zealand — and shares why owning the full story of the beef, from soil to service, was the only way forward. This isn’t about indulgence — it’s about responsibility, intention, and the pursuit of better: better farming, better flavor, better systems.
We explore:
- Scott’s journey from private chef to purpose-driven restaurateur
- Why First Light Wagyu is considered the most sustainable red meat on the planet
- The philosophy behind vertical integration and how it impacts quality, ethics, and experience
- What Matū is not — and why dismantling steakhouse clichés matters
- Lessons for chefs and operators looking to build mission-aligned models
- Scott’s vision for the future — of hospitality, of steak, of leadership
Whether you’re a chef, a restaurateur, or just someone who cares about where your food comes from, this episode invites you to think more deeply about what’s on your plate — and who’s behind it.
Learn more about Matū + Matū Kai:
Follow Matū + Matū Kai on Instagram:
Follow On The Pass on Instagram:
Subscribe to On The Pass on YouTube:
Watch On The Pass Original: RARE, A Chef's Story:
Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas:
Learn more about On The Pass:
Lets work together! Get in contact: