Raw Ingredients podcast

Join Chef Pete Blohme as he travels around the world, meeting up with food personalities, and chatting all things food!

Catering Well with Chef Bell 05/18/2023

Creating Unforgettable Dining Experiences with Chef Eric Rivera of Vintage Hospitality Group 05/11/2023

Hanging in Monti Carlo's Spanglish Kitchen 05/04/2023

Kayla Robison: The Commander in Beef 04/27/2023

Going Around with Get Around Brown: Todd Brown 04/13/2023

Exploring the Culinary World with Jay Hajj 04/06/2023

Exploring the Flavors of Bulgaria with Nina Manchev of Forte Tapas in Las Vegas 03/30/2023

Michael Guinta 02/23/2023

Celina Tio 02/16/2023

Heather Gardea 02/09/2023

Arti Sequeira 02/02/2023

Maneet Chauhan 01/23/2023

Terry Jaymes 01/17/2023

Tokiwa Sears 01/10/2023

James Briscione 01/03/2023

Brian Duffy part 2 12/19/2022

Bear Walker 12/13/2022

Mike Finelli 12/06/2022

Mike Fernandez: Moes Original BBQ 11/29/2022

Kelsey Barnard Clark 11/21/2022

Evan Mathis 01/04/2022

Misty 12/28/2021

Misty This week's episode is smokin' hot, so if grilling and barbecuing lights your fire, you're going to especially love it, as Chef Pete sits down with the Mama of Meats Misty Bachero - best known on Instagram as the popular account Seattle Butcher's Wife, where she shares and showcases smokin' and sizzlin' sustenance to over 50,000 people across the globe and schools them on how simple it is to start cooking with live fire. Of course, she has bone-a fide credentials in the metier of meats, as her husband Angelo is a fourth-generation butcher boss at Mondo & Sons, home of the famous and well-loved Banchero sausage that remains a highly-guarded family secret that should be put in the vault with the Original Coca-Cola recipe and the Colonel's 13 herbs and spices. They also custom-craft hams, bacon and other mouthwatering meat products while also making sure everything stays as sustainable and locally sourced as possible. Misty talks to Chef Pete about how she got going in the grilling game, when she grabbed hold of a Traeger grill and it ... literally lit a fire for her to share her culinary creations and spotlight the family business and the hard work generations of Bancheros have put into it. And it's important to Misty to be a woman in the grilling and chilling world, as she feels that what she does helps more women feel more comfortable and confident in using a grill or smoker - the Spice Girls had "Girl Power"; should Misty's be "Grill Power"? "Grill Girl Power"? Let us know in the comments... Misty also takes on her role as the baroness of branding, taking you through ways to get support for your brand, collaboration advice and how to blend your brand with other partners while still keeping your individual feel and flavor - and she reminds us all that what we do should be about passion and love, not just making a buck or two. This week's episode is stuffed full of spicy, smoky sweetness, so sit down and enjoy the experience. Connect with Pete: , , , , , Pete’s Restaurants: , , , , /episode/index/show/hotppodcast/id/21392822

Michael Tipps 12/21/2021

Michael Tipps Grab your glass and let's raise a toast for this week's special guest Michael Tipps, master mixologist and expert from the hit TV show "Bar Rescue," as he and our humble host Panini Pete pop some bottles and serve up some sensational soundbytes that will be a handcrafted cocktail for your ears. With over 26 years of experience in the hospitality world throughout hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs - our guy Michael has done it all, from tending bar to managing some of the country's biggest and best venues. His story starts in South Florida, where he quickly rose through the ranks in an assortment of front of house positions in the food and libation game, but young Michael had his sights set on the capital of the culinary world: New York City. At the tender age of 19, he packed up and headed to the Big Apple, eventually landing a grand gig behind the bar at the prestigious Tribeca Grand Hotel. Through hard work and his inherent skills and unique abilities, this wunderkind was whisked into a plum managerial role - not an easy feat for someone so young - and he wowed the brass by creating and implementing multiple food and beverage programs that increased revenue while decreasing costs ... but without sacrificing quality. His innovations in improving guest services and getting greater returns from his staff are tremendous tips that shouldn't be missed. And, of course, he then heads to "Bar Rescue," but his champagne dreams of TV stardom and fame turn to warm beer realities after he has to leave the show. Down and out, he's not too proud to admit he had to beg for bar and hosting jobs for pennies on the dollar to try to get back on his feet. But, our boy Michael ain't a quitter - and through hard work and getting his hands dirty, he's got up out of the gastro gutter and slugged his way back to being the best and brightest in the bartending business. He maneuvered his way into the "Mixology" craze through the help and guidance of Sasha Petraske (of Milk & Honey fame, of course) and used his sharp mind and hardworking hands to bring the class back to the classic cocktail. Now, he travels all over the country, sharing his wisdom as a consultant to help every eatery he can find ways to construct captivating culinary and cocktail creations while also building a better sense of how to serve their community better. The shots of savvy suggestions he serves about entrepreneurial spirit, investing intentionally, and the art of serving will have you clamoring for one more round before the podcast hits last call. And, don't worry - you won't need a chaser for this week's episode: from start to finish, it goes down smooth and sweet. Here's cheers! Connect with Michael: Connect with Pete: , , , , , Pete’s Restaurants: , , , , /episode/index/show/hotppodcast/id/21392840

Chef Brent Lahaye 12/14/2021

Chef Brent Lahaye This week's episode features a guest that has an important connection to Chef Pete's life and ... well... to people who love paninis in general since he's apparently related to the guy who invented our favorite pressed sandwich: Chef Brent Lahaye, owner of Noodles Panini in Fort Lauderdale. His career is a family tradition, as his dad is one of the founders of the legendary Fort Lauderdale spot and Florida icon "Shooters on the Water," which has a special place in our host's history, as Chef Pete worked there early in his career as a busboy. Brent began his career working at "Club Dallas," his father's night club and then joined the team that helped launch the Shooters restaurant, which continues to set the Florida culinary world ablaze year after year. But, he and Chef Pete will go into their shared history with that benevolent bar and institution in a way that will make you feel reminiscent of a good ol' fashioned family reunion - without the worry of Aunt Mildred and her nasty potato salad with the raisins in it. Brent will also discuss his culinary school journey and several other stops along the way (you know we're #TeamNoSpoilers here) before opening Noodles Panini, a place of his own that he might have had an old friend come to help advise him with along the way ... couldn't possibly think of who that might be, but his name might rhyme with Shmanini Shmete. Apart from the tidal wave of nostalgia in this week's episode, you'll also get advice on how to navigate the path to your desires and how to build the business of your dreams even while fighting the vampires of self-doubt, lack of fulfillment and decision questioning. You definitely don't want to be the only family member not at the old homestead for this week's The Raw Ingredients, so go throw on your reunion t-shirt, come on down, grab a plate and get ready for some hemming, hawing, hilarity and helpful hints. And we'll make sure Aunt Mildred can't get in - seriously, that potato salad might actually be a war crime... Connect with Brent: Connect with Pete: , , , , , Pete’s Restaurants: , , , , /episode/index/show/hotppodcast/id/21203732

Dan Phelps 12/07/2021

Chef Gloria Chabot 11/30/2021

Chef Gloria Chabot This week on The Raw Ingredients, Chef Pete shoots straight with a lady who truly is the Service in Food Service - the glorious Gloria Chabot - as they get to chew and chat about her 40-plus year expedition throughout the hills and valleys ... and Taverns on the Green ... of the food industry. Gloria knew she loved food service at a young age, but almost didn't enter the culinary kingdom because she wanted to be a teacher (We think she would have made a great teacher, but education's loss is culinary arts' gain). Thankfully, before she made the choice to teach the children well, high school aged Gloria got some good guidance from the great Chef Joe Baum, the CEO and Chef of landmark New York high-class icons Tavern on the Green and Windows on the World (Tavern on the Green was even featured in the cinematic classic Ghostbusters - you know you've made it in the gourmet game when your restaurant is in a film where Bill Murray battles ghosts and cracks wise ... even if your restaurant is the site where Rick Moranis' character gets turned into some kind of demon dog thing). From Chef Baum's good advice, she went on to the prestigious Johnson and Wales University, one of the crown jewels of culinary education, and has worked her way up the food industry ladder rung after rung ever since. From her roles at some major and popular restaurants to her providing perfect provisions and peace for all of her partners with food service mainstay Sodexo, Gloria's story is an epic journey that you will be educated, enlightened and entertained by, even if you aren't in the eatery employ. Her recipes for success in food service include teamwork, consistency, and, above all, abundant kindness that has helped her in a career where doors have opened that never seemed possible for her. And Pete's ol' pal Food Network legend and denizen of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives Guy Fieri just might come up in the conversation - so we guess you'll have to listen to find out, won't you? Don't you dare pass this podcast plate - take a heaping helping of this week's episode and enjoy our scrumptious sermonizing. Connect with Pete: , , , , , Pete’s Restaurants: , , , , Connect with Gloria: , , /episode/index/show/hotppodcast/id/20988800

Chef Kevin Des Chenes 11/23/2021

Chef Kevin Des Chenes Executive Chef, "Private Chef to The Stars" & Author of "Beyond My Chef Coat" Kevin Des Chenes has over 24 years of experience in the Hospitality industry. He was named "Top Chef" by Las Vegas Food & Wine and is the winner of "Top Celebrity Chef Showdown" He has been a Chef Expert for Gordon Ramsey and appeared as a Featured Chef on Food Network's Chef Wanted, Great Food Truck Race & Beat Bobby Flay, as well as The Today Show, Nationally Syndicated Better Show, CT Style, Pickler & Ben, Fox Morning Show & The Rhode Show among others. He is also an advocate for such charities as Boston Children's Hospital & The Light Foundation.Chef Kevin's creativity in the kitchen & on the screen has not gone unnoticed. Having served as Executive Chef at such New England landmarks as 156 Bistro, Centro Martini & Washington Square Tavern, He has since Launched a successful Private Chef Company and is one of the most sought after Chef's in the industry, working with some great people including; John Legend, Giuliana Rancic, Kathie Lee & Hoda, Isiah Thomas, Jim Courier, Little Big Town, Various New England Patriots & Red Sox players and coaches, among others. You never know what he'll do next so keep your eyes peeled for this seasoned Chef, and if you find him in a city near you take your taste buds on an Epic Journey with Chef Kev D. Kevin's journey begins with cooking with his grandmother preparing family meals which set the tone for the rest of his life. What Kevin is passionate about still today is bringing people together around a good meal. Kevin and Pete talk about so many things on this episode that are valuable for everyone. Topics on today's episode are networking, conflict resolution, adjusting on the fly, building a brand and so much more that will help you gain the raw ingredients to be successful. Connect with Pete: , , , , , Pete’s Restaurants: , , , , Connect With Kevin: /episode/index/show/hotppodcast/id/20988752

Jamie Deen 11/16/2021

Jamie Deen Jamie is an entrepreneur, businessman, author and, of course, one of the sons of Southern cooking and lifestyle icon Paula Deen. With his mother and brother Bobby, they helped put Savannah cuisine into the national spotlight with the world-famous restaurant The Lady & Sons that had its humble beginnings as a bag lunch business in its early days. Not satisfied with just helping run one of the South's most successful restaurants, Jamie also owns Paula Deen's Creek House in Savannah, he and his famed family have been on several Food Network shows throughout the years, and he has written four books with his brother and 2013's Good Food solo, which is definitely a read you won't want to put down until you finish it. You'll love Pete's talk with Jamie this week as they dine on a variety of delicious details: whether its Jamie's humble beginnings in the food industry at 15 years old at a car auction house grilling up burgers, helping his mother go door-to-door across Savannah asking folks if they wanted to buy any of their home-cooked food for their start-up catering service "The Bag Lady" (Pro tip: if Paula Deen or any Deen family member shows up at your door asking if you want to buy their home-cooked food, you always, always say YES!) to building a Southern food syndicate that keeps satisfying and going strong. Jamie's tales of grit, drive and determination are a must-listen for any restaurant owner who needs that bit of inspiration to keep pushing forward - or anyone who needs a little life coaching on what it means to work hard and never give up. And, as we learn from the first-born Deen son, there is no such thing as instant success overnight - it takes time, talent, effort and hard work to build the foundation on which a culinary and cultural empire can be born. And don't miss Jamie's great guidance on attracting and keeping good employees - as he's had some of the folks working with him be a part of their Deen family for over two decades. These wise words aren't just for the restaurant ringleaders - there's a clear recipe for success here that any engaging enterprise definitely needs to know. We hope this is enough to whet your auditory appetite because this week's The Raw Ingredients isn't just an amuse bouche - it's the whole darn meal, Southern fried and Deen approved, so you know it'll be finger-lickin' good. Connect with Jamie: Connect with Pete: , , , , , Pete’s Restaurants: , , , , /episode/index/show/hotppodcast/id/20741909

Brian Harsney 11/09/2021

Chef Rich Bacchi AKA Gorilla 11/02/2021

Chef Rich Bacchi AKA Gorilla Gorilla Rich is a fellow Mess Lord, Fellow Triple D family with Pete. Gorilla Rich has an amazing bbq stand located in a train-car in Pacifica, California.Featured on Food Networks Diners, Drive-In, and Dives (DDD), Gorilla BBQ offers a unique experience using fresh ingredients and slow cooked meats that melt in your mouth! The nick-name “Gorilla” was given to Rich Bacchi by his dad. "I've always been a little bigger than normal!" Says Rich. His name, his personality, and his food are all large and in charge! Rich Bacchi, a native Pacifica resident, comes from a long line of restaurateurs. His family owned and operated a restaurant just down the street from where Gorilla BBQ stands today. You could say he was raised to have his own spot and cook/BBQ some amazing food! Gorilla Barbeque LLC was officially established by Rich in 2006. As mentioned above Rich’s parents owned a restaurant (which was a Mexican restaurant). All the way back since Rich can remember he was working at his family owned restaurant. The workforce consisted of his siblings, cousins, and the leaders were his mom and aunt. Because of his restaurant background his friends would always choose Rich as the one to cook. Most of the time his food of choice to cook would be BBQ. The restaurant business was not Rich’s career of choice. Rich started out working for Track Magic traveling the country prepping and building racing go-carts. Rich started out as screwing in bolts to leading the team. While doing this Rich would BBQ for the team during events and such. However, once the company’s owner passed Track Magic met its demise. Shortly after Rich’s parents became ill and Rich needed to be closer to home. The train-car that now is the home of Gorilla BBQ became available and not knowing what he was going to use it for Rich bought the train-car. Then during a conversation with one of his friends the idea was born for Rich to open up a BBQ joint in the train-car. Specific topics that Pete and Gorilla talk about in this episode are: Be nice to the public. Teach your people to be nice to people. The small things matter. Overly communicate to your customers so they know what is going on and do not make assumptions. When customers make assumptions they are normally bad. You have to read your guest and tend to their needs. A hostess can walk people to a table, a bar tender can make great drinks, a server can get the order perfect, but can we make people feel welcomed? That is what makes restaurants great. Consistency is key. It all starts with setting standards to say “I can’t allow this because it will hurt the business. Set standards and train your leaders to make sure all the employees live up to that standard. Even when employees say they can make it better and they change something it will hurt even if it’s good people will come in and say this isn’t what I get it’s different. People do not like change. Mastery is doing the same thing day in and day out. How to overcome the struggle of COVID-19. Things like price increase of products, less staff, taking care of your facility (all good operators had clean facilities before COVID) That is just a glimpse of todays episode of “The Raw Ingredients” you will definitely want to listen to this conversation between Rich and Pete. Links: Connect with Rich: Connect with Pete: , , , , , Pete’s Restaurants: , , , , /episode/index/show/hotppodcast/id/20737463

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