The Center for Advancement of Foodservice Education, where our mission is to: “Connect the Foodservice Industry with the Foodservice Classroom.”CAFÉ is the most dynamic resource for those who TEACH, TRAIN, MENTOR, IDEATE, INTERACT WITH, ADVISE, AND CHALLENGE students of the culinary arts. With nearly 1,000 culinary and baking programs from coast to coast. CAFÉ is the most respected support organization for those involved in educating tomorrows chefs, bakers, pastry chefs, savory chefs, and culinary entrepreneurs.
The Center for Advancement of Foodservice Education, where our mission is to: “Connect the Foodservice Industry with the Foodservice Classroom.”CAFÉ is the most dynamic resource for those who TEACH, TRAIN, MENTOR, IDEATE, INTERACT WITH, ADVISE, AND CHALLENGE students of the culinary arts. With nearly 1,000 culinary and baking programs from coast to coast. CAFÉ is the most respected support organization for those involved in educating tomorrows chefs, bakers, pastry chefs, savory chefs, and culinary entrepreneurs.
5/20/20 • 04:49
Although not a chef, Mary has been involved with setting standards for a chef’s educational experience as well as providing ongoing experiences linking the foodservice industry with the foodservice classroom. Her experiences include ACF accreditation and certification criteria as well as setting up summer institutes and other events for culinary educators in order to help them maintain their expertise in both cooking and education. She looks at the current challenges facing educators and is proud to help them pivot their programs to include new delivery methods and even more importantly, discover new partnerships with industry via the CAFÉ website, Gold Medal Classroom magazine, and events such as the annual Deans and Directors Retreat and yearly Leadership Conference.
6/30/20 • 30:06
Born with his feet planted firmly in the soil of Louisiana and the swampland of the Bayou, John Folse grew to become Louisiana’s worldwide ambassador of food. As the foremost practitioner of Cajun cooking – Chef Folse represents this melting pot cuisine through his original restaurant Laffite’s Landing and currently in partnership with Chef Rick Tramonto at restaurant R’Evolution Additionally, his John Folse Companies include catering at White Oak Plantation, a PBS television series, publishing company, food manufacturing facility, and the John Folse Culinary Institute at Nichols College. This authentic southern gentleman has been there for Louisiana as it recovered from incredible disasters such as Hurricane Katrina. Chef Folse fought with the chefs, cooks, and restaurateurs of Louisiana to preserve and rebuild the region's strong culinary culture. Join us for an inspiring conversation with Chef John Folse.
7/1/20 • 41:25
Since the early days of America’s great restaurants it has been the restaurateur – the person with the extended hand, warm smile, great stories, nurturing hospitality and firm handle on how to control the fragile finances of operations that defined an industry so essential to American lifestyle. The need to gather, break bread, enjoy wonderful meals with family and friends, and feel that special touch of sincere welcome is core to a quality life. Those restaurateurs may share the limelight with well-known chefs, but make no mistake - they are the reason why a restaurant may flourish. One of the most prominent restaurateurs in America is Drew Nieporent – the founder and inspiration behind the Myriad Restaurant Group that has opened nearly 40 restaurants around the world over the past 30 years. Drew, a graduate of the Cornell Hotel School, is responsible for restaurants that we are all familiar with: Tribeca Bar and Grill, Montrachet, Batard, Corton, and of course: Nobu. All of his restaurants are award winning, reflecting the level of excellence that he expects – the New York Times and Michelin Guide agree. Join us for a chat with Drew Nieporent on CAFÉ Talks podcast. Listen in as he shares his thoughts about the current state of the restaurant industry, the challenges ahead, the role of the restaurateur, and what culinary graduates need in their bag of tricks to find success in their chosen career.
7/15/20 • 47:19
What will tomorrow bring? This is a question that keeps many people awake at night. How do I prepare for what is uncertain - is it possible to really plan ahead? Jack Uldrich is a future thinker – a person whom many organizations lean on for guidance as they realize that the only thing that is certain is that change will come with them on board or in spite of them – so they had better collectively become proactive. Join us for another great episode of CAFÉ Talks as Jack Uldrich walks us through a process of “unlearning” so that the stage can be set for effective personal and organizational evolution and a “strategy set to survive and thrive in an era of unparalleled change.” Jack’s work with Fortune 100 companies, venture capital firms, not for profit organizations and regional governments has set him apart as a true visionary on those factors that will alter the way we think, work, and act in the future. This “not to miss podcast” is high energy, focused, and so very relevant-today. Whether you are a chef, restaurateur, foodservice manager, educator, or student – you will feel Jack’s spark of enthusiasm and positive logic as he addresses change process, innovation, and planning for the unexpected.
7/29/20 • 52:51
From his early days growing up in New Jersey within a family deeply rooted in great cooking, Chef Keith Taylor loved everything about the kitchen. Visits to New York City restaurants with his uncle and alignment with his grandmother – a professional cook – Keith would eventually meet and spend quality time in the kitchen with Chef Patrick Clark – a chef of great renown in America. His career was self-determined at an early age and through culinary school and later working at Disney, Hilton Hotels, sporting arenas with teams like the NJ Devils and the New York Giants – Chef Taylor developed a reputation as a solid culinarian who knows logistics, is a strong leader, and a strong personality with the knowledge to run a profitable operation. Now the owner/operator of Zachery’s BBQ and Soul Food and Chef Soul Enterprises, Chef Taylor has earned a reputation as one of America’s premier proponents of Soul Food and the flavors and history of southern style cooking. He is an eloquent speaker, a motivational force, a successful entrepreneur, and a spokesperson for operating kitchens with heart.Join us for a deeply personal and inspirational episode of CAFÉ Talks with Keith Taylor – chef, businessman, leader, husband and father.
8/12/20 • 65:58
Thinking creatively is natural during youth and not so much so as we age. Factors including group dynamics, the structure of formal education, peer critique, and fear of being scorned for thinking outside the norm – make it far more difficult to be creative in our approach toward opportunities and challenges. Bob Eckert is the CEO of New and Improved – a company dedicated to helping others work together, reinvigorate their creative energy, and in the process innovate towards new and improved ways of solving problems and creating those opportunities. Join CAFÉ Talks for a lively, reflective discussion with Bob Eckert about this creative process and how it might help individuals, businesses, teams, and schools address their challenges and set a course for a bright future.
8/26/20 • 59:43
The experience of dining would not be complete without a great, appropriately matched bottle of wine. What goes into the production of that bottle is a long process that begins with the farmer and the terror. The quality of the wine, as every vintner will tell you, is determined by the quality of the grape and the grape depends on the soil, the sun, the temperature, amount of rainfall, and nurturing from the person who works the soil and cares for the fruit. Great wine makers try to let the juice of the grape and the fermentation process speak for itself. After harvest and the crush, the juice of the grape, through fermentation - is allowed to evolve – converting natural sugars into a juice that reflects the character of the terror and the palate of the wine maker. Understanding the complexity of the process, the passion of the vintner, the science of the wine maker, and the vision of the chef who must match food and wine for the best experience, is the craft of the importer and exporter. Join us as Jack Edwards of The Jack Edwards Collection talks about his role in helping to bring the very best wines from their source to the restaurant table and his thoughts about the importance of wine education. Jack’s experience with the people of wine, and knowledge of the product itself will open a fruitful discussion on this podcast episode. You won’t want to miss it.
9/9/20 • 48:23
Flavor is that elusive key that opens up the experience of eating, it is something that chefs spent their careers in search of, food manufacturers toil over, restaurant customers embed in their memories, and culinary instructors try to teach – yet few people really understand it like a flavorist. This is the person with the knowledge of a food scientist, the palate of a great chef, the memories of a food lover who has picked that sun ripened tomato in July and enjoyed the richness of the fruit, remembers biting into a first pick September Macintosh apple, savors the smell and flavor of caramelized onions or sautéed wild mushrooms, and closes his or her eyes to bring back the smell and taste of a fall pumpkin pie just pulled from the oven. Sweet, sour, bitter, salty, or umami -to truly understand flavor is to have the power to control it and re-create it time and again. Join me for this episode of CAFÉ Talks as I welcome one of the country’s most accomplished flavorists: Dolf DeRovira – founder of FlavorDynamics – a business dedicated to the art and science behind the products that we enjoy.
9/23/20 • 45:33
A seasoned chef, Ph.D. in food studies, culinary educator, program administrator, research chef, sustainability advocate, and food waste warrior – Chef Jonathan Deutsch is on a mission to help us all see the big picture. The fragile food supply chain in America is broken and our collective malaise concerning food waste is a crisis that must be addressed. According to a United Nations study – nearly 1/3 of all the food produced for human consumption is wasted. With an alarming percentage of the world’s population experiencing food insecurity or worse – this is simply unacceptable. Carry this through the issues of over-packaging and transportation energy costs associated with the food supply chain and it is easy to see why Chef Deutsch and many others are raising the red flag about a needed sustainability attitude. Join CAFÉ Talks podcast as we learn more about what Chef Deutsch is working on at Drexel University and how we all might help to make a difference for our industry, for our country, and for the world. As educators we can make that difference through one student at a time.
10/7/20 • 52:34
A highly successful chef chooses a different direction – a chance to give back, to be a mentor for others, to open eyes and open doors – to teach. Years later, his personal accomplishments are transformed into student accomplishments. He built a program based on an experience that goes beyond the classroom and beyond the curriculum. He created and maintains lifelong connections with students who became part of his commitment as a teacher. Join CAFÉ Talks for a close up look at Chef Peter Sproul, learn about his acquired philosophy of teaching and training, and feel his passion for making a difference.
10/21/20 • 62:38
A systems advocate throughout his career – Kevin O’Donnell has taken his career from convention center management to high-end hotels, a Sun Valley exclusive dude ranch to elegant New England country inns, and busy co-op grocery stores to teaching kitchens and dining rooms of hospitality and culinary schools in New York and Vermont. A problem solver, logistics manager, creative thinker and mentor to many – Kevin stands out as a true example of leadership in the field of hospitality. Join us for a candid and insightful interview as Kevin is engaged in a conversation about alternate career options, unique internships, the need for change, and the attributes of a successful foodservice manager or chef in today’s challenging environment.
11/4/20 • 57:10
We all have an opportunity to make a difference or as Steve Jobs once said: “Make a dent in the universe”. Some of us work hard at pushing change and opening minds while others simply sit back and wonder what could have been. CAFÉ Talks is proud to offer a conversation with Chef Jeremiah Tower - a truly remarkable chef/restaurateur who made such a dent introducing the world to California Cuisine, partnering with Alice Waters at Chez Panisse, and opening “Stars” in San Francisco – a spectacular theater of food and beverage that defined what was possible in the world of restaurant experiences. Listen in as Chef Tower talks about his career, sheds light on what it takes to be excellent, shuns the presence of mediocrity, and proclaims that the restaurant business needs an Einstein Moment to set a positive path for the future. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
11/18/20 • 49:14
The food industry provides limitless opportunities for careerists – opportunities that are incredibly diverse. As you walk through your local grocery outlet or browse through that vendor’s catalog of ingredients at a chef’s disposal – it is enlightening to note that there is a product development person behind each one of those ingredients on the shelf or in the catalog. Each product is the result of tireless ideation, testing, tasting, scaling for production, subjected to a finely tuned marketing strategy, named, packaged, and distributed through numerous channels before it gets to your cart or your back loading dock. Join us for a fascinating discussion with Kirsten Schimoler Sutaria – the creative energy behind Wonderlabs Doozy Pots – a plant based ice cream substitute that is nutritious and delicious. Kirsten talks with us about the creative process, the challenges, and the opportunities for a career in food that blends art, science, and loads of problem solving.
12/2/20 • 57:27
Coffee is the universal elixir, the beverage that keeps our personal motors running, a boost of energy or a soothing friend, the start to our day and the end to a great meal – coffee is an integral part of our every day. Those who are deeply involved with the history, agriculture, traditions, brewing techniques and artistry of presenting the perfect cup are also pillars of local communities and supporters of the conversations that bring that community together. These are the people of the coffee experience. If you are a student of food, a chef, restaurateur, educator, philosopher, budding entrepreneur, or simply a lover of coffee in all of its forms – then you will enjoy our conversation with Jecinda Wilson of Origin Coffee in the Adirondacks of New York State. Make sure you have your finger wrapped around the handle of your favorite mug and sit back as we talk with this successful entrepreneur.
12/16/20 • 60:38
When a person has that a’ha moment, you know that moment when he or she thinks: “This is what I was meant to do with my life”. At that moment there is a rush of adrenaline that provides the fuel for a sense of purpose. It may be said that people choose a career, but with chefs the rule is that the career chooses them. From that point on, a person becomes a sponge – seeking to learn whatever he or she can, engage in every opportunity, embrace the challenges thrown his or her way, and relishing the experiences that result. Join our conversation with Chef Michael Beriau, a career chef of extraordinary talent and a passion for the people and the environments of the kitchen. He is a competitor and a mentor, a person who truly loves what he does. When asked how important culinary competition is to a chef’s career, he states: “After competing at the highest level I found that I never viewed food and how I approached it in the same manner.” There was only one way to approach his craft – all in. Doing every task at the highest level was the only way to approach the job.
12/30/20 • 53:22
That simple dish that your grandmother made – a dish likely passed down from her grandmother is more than just a memory. That dish reflects an understanding of source, tradition, culture, family, good times and challenging ones, economics and place. As important as it is for young cooks to understand how to cook, it is equally important to know the history of why to cook a certain way – what brought that dish to this place, at this time. Join us for an interesting conversation with Jeff Roberts of Cow Creek Creative Ventures. Jeff is an author, food historian, and an advocate for farmers, cheese makers, and food artisans of all types. Listen in as we share thoughts about the importance of history to the art and science of cooking.
1/13/21 • 51:52
Every chef has the dream of entrepreneurship, yet only a few are willing and able to take the leap. Regardless - the dream remains alive throughout a chef’s career. Those who are able to bring their dream to fruition understand that there will be sacrifices, but those who succeed know that compromising what they believe in is not an option. Join us for a lively and candid interview with Chef Tim Hardiman – chef/owner of The Tailor and the Cook award-winning restaurant in Utica, New York. Learn about Hardiman’s four important “stakes in the ground”: Know your Source, Sense of Place, Quality First and Always, and Create a Story Behind Every Plate. Relish the chef’s passion, commitment to constant learning, and ability to find work/life balance.
1/27/21 • 61:11
A touch of chocolate, the crunch of a tuile cookie, some fresh fruit, crème anglaise on the plate, and a quenelle of mocha gelato – this is an incredible end to a memorable meal. The role of the pastry chef is to create these memories, to solidify the guest experience and to keep them wanting more. Whether it is a flaky croissant, a fresh fruit Bavarian, beautiful chocolate truffles, fondant coated petite fours glace, or an amazing centerpiece of pulled and blown sugar – the pastry chef is the conductor and the orchestra of the dining experience. Join us for a lively discussion about lasting impressions with pastry chef Susan Notter – a world-class competitor, pastry artist, and teacher as she walks us through the role of pastry chefs in the modern food experience.
2/10/21 • 49:22
Ah… artisan bread – such a gift, such an incredible statement of craftsmanship, such an important part of the human experience. Those who work with the four primary ingredients of bread: flour, salt, water and yeast (or starter) are a special breed. They are individuals who dedicate their lives and passion to mastering the process of mixing, shaping, proofing, and baking those incredible loaves of goodness. The job is physical, emotional, and at some level – spiritual in nature. Bread bakers are “all in”. Join us for an enlightening talk with Matt Funiciello, one of Americas’ premier artisan bread bakers who owns and operates Rock Hill Bakehouse in Glens Falls, New York. Matt is an advocate for wholesome food and shares that advocacy with his crew and customers. Vogue Magazine referred to Matt as “the paragon of purism” and Mimi Sheraton of the New York Times stated that Matt and his crew make the “Best Rye Bread east of the Mississippi”. Walk through a day in the life of bread baking and feel what it is like to work with, what many call the “staff of life”. This is a must listen episode for anyone who studies food, works in a professional kitchen, teaches others about the craft of baking, or simply enjoys the fruits of the baker’s labor.
2/24/21 • 63:59
Sometimes it’s a spark of interest at an early age, for others it may come late in life – but many young cooks experience that a’ha moment when it becomes clear that a career in the kitchen is just the ticket for them. Those who achieve their goals do so through a commitment to the foundations of cooking and the transferable skills that a kitchen can provide. Join us for an insightful discussion with Chef Chris Koetke whose career began with that spark of interest at the age of 14 with money from his paper route spent on cookbooks. Through his time in kitchens around the Chicago area and some exciting stage’ opportunities abroad – Chef Koetke eventually found himself in the role of culinary instructor. After more than 20 years his path included Department Head and eventually College Vice President at Kendall College and International oversight of more than 40 programs, in 12 countries through Laureate International Universities. Now as consultant/founder of Complete Culinary ,LLC - Chef Koetke walks us through his career, the foundations that lead to success, his commitment to sustainability, and what lies ahead for the industry of food.
3/10/21 • 48:24
Food Truck Entrepreneur to serial restaurateur opening Mission Chinese in San Francisco and New York, operator of what Bon Appetit called one of the 10 Best New Restaurants, and one of the most important restaurants in America; James Beard semi-finalist for Best New Restaurant, and chef/operator of The Perennial – an environmentally sustainable restaurant. Recently, the James Beard Foundation as their Humanitarian of the Year recognized Chef Myint and his organization. Chef Anthony Myint is a man who never stops thinking about how to make a difference. His efforts and passion are now focused on “zerofoodprint”, a collaborative effort to engage restaurants in helping to combat climate change and save the planet through regenerative agricultural practices and a carbon neutrality focus. Join us for an interesting conversation about how chefs, restaurants, and culinary educators can unite to have a dramatic impact on the health of our planet.
3/24/21 • 47:41
An accomplished restaurant and resort chef, former executive chef for the enormously complex Opryland Hotel, leader of the Culinary Team at London’s Olympic Park and Stadium, Certified Executive Chef and Board Member of The American Culinary Federation Education Foundation – shifts his career direction to healthcare foodservice operations. Working as Corporate R and D Chef for Morrison Healthcare – Chef Jeffrey Quasha is as enthusiastic about his current position and as passionate about his role as he was a chef working for exclusive fine dining restaurants and resorts. “Morrison’s is a chef-centric company that resembles a classic organizational brigade”. A company that lives two important core beliefs: they believe in the Power of Food and having a Passion for Life’s Flavor. Learn about this groundbreaking company that is focused on helping people live a full life through great tasting, healthy eating. Where will young culinary students and seasoned chefs pursue their careers in the future? Once you listen to Chef Quasha your eyes will be opened to the possibilities that this important foodservice segment offers. Join us as Chef Quasha gives us a glimpse of his journey and his altruistic commitment to making a difference with food.
4/7/21 • 55:10
From a young teenage boy in Detroit riding his Stingray bike to that first job as a dishwasher to one of America’s extraordinary Certified Master Chefs – Dan Hugelier talks about his journey. Those humble beginnings of mastering four egg pans and a griddle as breakfast cook to earning gold medals in the Culinary Olympics – this exceptional chef demonstrated the craftsmanship, discipline, inquisitiveness, willingness to learn, and talent necessary to be at the top of his game. A former executive chef at restaurants, clubs and hotels serving thousands of meals a day to the culinary classrooms of Schoolcraft College as a highly respected instructor Chef Dan reflects on what is most important: to give back, to remain humble, to know that mentoring others and encouraging discovery, fairness, a commitment to foundational cooking, and relishing the success of others is what a true professional does. Join us as we become a master chef’s students for an hour and learn to tuck away the attributes and beliefs that will help to guide us and those we mentor, toward a successful life behind the range.
4/21/21 • 73:18
Carpenter or chef – the choices were there and a chance visit to a culinary classroom solidified his decision. Frank Costantino loved cooking since he was very young helping his dad cook at home on the weekends. Little did he know at that time that his life would be filled with the challenges and joys of being a chef and educator. From an early beginning when a guidance counselor proclaimed that he was not college material until he completed the requirements for a doctorate in education – Chef Costantino proved the skeptics wrong. Listen in as this now Vice President and Program Director of the New York Culinary Institute at Monroe College, culinary competition coach, accomplished chef, and self-driven entrepreneurial spirit talks about his three guiding principles: Pride, Passion, and Professionalism. He has always set the bar high and in the process built a team of like-minded professionals who are dedicated to investing in student development and success. This is an inspiring interview for every program director, culinary instructor, college administrator, culinary student and chef who seeks to hire well-trained graduates.
5/5/21 • 59:23
Club and resort chef in quality, high –volume kitchens to classrooms preparing the next generation of cooks – Chef Pliska has always wanted to be in a position to give back. He feels fortunate to have enjoyed the work and positions that he held in operations from Washington, DC to Dusseldorf – West Germany. Today, he spends his time mentoring students at Ozark Technical Community College – a place where he has found his calling.“It’s all about work ethic” claims this accomplished chef. Learn how he is able to stress this in his classes and in the program-operated restaurant. His commitment to skill development through repetition and immersion in real environments where students develop that confidence and sense of urgency is evident in his passion and unrelenting example. “I ask my students: do you love food, and are you willing to make the commitment to learn?” His words ring true as he points to the reality that not every student is born with natural talent, a perfect palate, or that artistic touch that is highlighted on a plate of food, but every student, regardless of their natural skills can choose to practice a great work ethic. “It is our responsibility as educators to encourage this and provide a platform that demands a student’s very best effort.” Join us for a lively talk with Chef Daniel Pliska.
5/19/21 • 48:10
Growing up in the home of Chef Roger Verge and his wife Denise – Cordelia Verge was likely unaware, at an early age, just how influential her parents were. The “Cuisine of the Sun” or the new style of French cooking was the way that Chef Verge approached his craft. Bringing out the natural flavors of ingredients without masking them with excessive sauce work, butter and cream, was what Verge saw as natural – chefs were meant to support what Mother Nature provides. In their initial restaurant Moulin de Mougins and subsequently L’Amandier de Mougins Verge grew in recognition as a recipient of more Michelin stars than any other chef of the time. He stood tall as the orchestrator of what took place in the kitchen and his wife – Denise was equally adept at mentoring the front of the house. Together they trained many of the greatest chefs of the modern era and partnered with those already firmly established. Bocuse, Boulud, Ducasse, and Troisgrois, to name a few, were part of Verge’s network – some even trained in his kitchens. He was also a teacher who embraced both traditional culinary school training as well as apprenticeship. Join this heartfelt CAFETalks conversation with Cordelia Verge as she reflects on her father’s life and how it shaped her own.
6/2/21 • 44:55
“Good food is the foundation of genuine happiness.” This was the core of Chef Auguste Escoffier’s beliefs and the basis by which he established standards of organization, conduct, and excellence in cooking. Michel Escoffier, the chef’s great grandson has made it his mission to present, perpetuate, and grow the legacy and teachings of the Escoffier name. Listen to this podcast interview with Michel and know that the King of Chefs and Chef of Kings promoted the attributes of a true professional: remain humble, know that learning never stops, be passionate about your craft, give back, and approach your work in the kitchen with gusto and finesse.
6/16/21 • 51:10
Moving the bar from good to great is driven by a commitment to building a team, engaging their thoughts, and aligning everyone with the concept of excellence in everything they do. Great is not a destination, but rather an attitude that even the smallest of tasks deserves the very best effort and those involved never being truly content – always striving to improve. Great is the polar opposite of mediocre and in an environment of “great” – mediocre cannot find enough oxygen to survive. Join CAFÉ Talks as we chat with Chef Michael Carmel, the Director of the Culinary Institute of Charleston and a seasoned chef and educator, as he tells his story of moving any institution from good to great.
6/30/21 • 48:58
Do we tend to discount and fear what we don’t know? Are untapped experiences a gap in real learning? The Rochester Institute of Technology (R.I.T.) has embraced an international presence for its programs, both here and abroad for decades. “This is where students learn to accept ambiguity, become real problem solvers, experience the joys and challenges of pure trust, and become better citizens of the world” states Jim Myers, Associate Provost of International Education and Global Programming at R.I.T. International experiences may very well be a rite of passage for students of any discipline today – a chance to dispel preconceived ideas about the world and its citizens by walking a mile in their shoes. Tune into this podcast interview with Jim Myers as we talk about the highlights and challenges of operating international programs and integrating an international experience into degrees of all types. Listen in as Paul Sorgule chats with this PhD in Natural Resource Economics, a Food Systems Manager, a Restaurateur and Bread Baker all rolled into one person – Jim Myers – a teacher on a mission to bring the world closer – one student at a time.
7/14/21 • 54:04
