We first heard from Jack Vo who owns the Baltimore, MD location of Bambu. According to their website, "In 2008, four Vietnamese sisters – Anh, Kelly, Jenny & Julie – opened their first Bambū Shoppe in the heart of the Vietnamese community in San Jose, California. Their exceptionally friendly service and large menu of fresh, healthy, and authentic Chè dessert drinks, crisp boba milk teas, signature Vietnamese coffees, real fruit smoothies and exotic juices captured the attention of the entire San Francisco Bay Area. Today, there are 63 Bambū Shoppes located in 24 states, Canada, and the Philippines and 9 Shoppes in development. Today Bambū continues to deliver a great customer experience and serve their one of a kind unique and 100% vegetarian drinks “Just the way you love it.”
https://www.drinkbambu.com/

John Cohl, who is an OG of the food culture, former host of Dining On A Dime, and currently a Moderator of South Jersey Food Scene joined the show with an update on what's been happening with him since retiring from the radio waves. With a history deeply embedded in the catering business, food trucks, & restaurant consulting world--this guru of all things SJ foodie has a lot to say on what makes a business bloom. Listen in to hear John Cohl's words of wisdom on what can help your (current or next) venture work, and be sure to check out what he's been up to by visiting SJ Food Scene on FB, IG, and BlueSky.
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19ZMtWByRK/

If you're a lover of caffeine then our next guest will pump up your day! The Owner of The Roaming Bean, Penny Folino, joined Food Farms And Chefs to discuss how her traveling coffee carts came to be, and how she is keeping all of us going...one cup at a time.

According to The Roaming Bean's About Us page, "With over 40 years of hospitality experience, our owner understands the importance of quality service and attention to detail. We strive to go the extra mile to ensure that our customers are completely satisfied with every aspect of our service. From using only the freshest and highest quality ingredients to implementing strict cleanliness and hygiene protocols, we are committed to providing our customers with a safe and enjoyable coffee experience. We also pride ourselves on our creativity and work hard to stay up-to-date with the latest coffee trends and innovations. Whether you're looking for a classic cappuccino or a unique and creative latte, we have something for everyone."
https://theroamingbean.coffee

From a food truck, to a new owner, and a sneak peak at a new restaurant--this week's Food Farms And Chefs Radio Show opens the door to hear from the individuals that make dining out an amazing experience!
We first heard from Jaime Juliano, who is the Owner & Pitmaster behind Big Papa Jai’s BBQ. Jaime's business was born from several influences and inspirations: From family members who influenced him, recipes he loved as a child, and finding inspiration while watching a Food Network show with his wife during the pandemic--Jaime found his passion for all things BBQ. Soon after, Jaime was using his skills as a mechanic to weld together a custom smoker so he could have a traveling barbecuer. Today, Jaime has since updated his BBQ equipment as well as offering creative takes and tried-and-true staples for Big Papa Jai's BBQ.

Speaking of staples, the owner behind one of Philadelphia's favorite ice cream shops joined us on the show. Cristina Torres, who acquired Weckerly's Ice Cream about a year ago, gave us the scoop behind what inspired her to go from a corporate job to owning the beloved ice cream shop based out of Philadelphia's Fishtown area. Weckerly's is known to have some of the best ice cream around, and we found out why. So if you're curious to hear what makes Weckerly's such a big hit, as well as finding out the exciting new flavors & opportunities in-store for this fall, then stay tuned to Food Farms And Chefs Radio Show to find out!

Oy Rathpakdy, who is Fearless Restaurant group's Regional Manager for White Dog Cafe, was on to announce White Dog Cafe's new Fall menu, their events coming up, and even more exciting: The opening of Testa Rossa in Glen Mills! Fearless Restaurant Group's White Dog Cafe and their other brands are loved by both locals and visitors to the Philadelphia dining scene, so it's exciting news to share that they're opening a new restaurant for everyone to enjoy. That's not the only exciting announcement--White Dog Cafe has something new to pour over for their cocktail menu too! And stay tuned to find out how you can join in on a howling good time with several other events happening this Fall on Food Farms And Chefs Radio Show!

You may want to pay attention to what goes into your body, including where the foods and beverages you consume are grown and raised. This is one of the things that Ecologist Mark J. Easter discussed on the show and in his newly published book, "The Blue Plate: A Food Lover's Guide to Climate Chaos." The impact that microbes have, whether negative or positive, on Earth's environment can change based on actions we take. In his book, he combines his years of research and experience in his field and focuses his attention on what fuels Earth's carbon emissions crisis, and how we can help reverse the cycle through our consumption of food. He breaks down each chapter like a plate of food while attending a dinner party, combining his scientific knowledge with personal history and stories. If nothing else, it may change your mind and view on where you buy, eat, and discard your meals and perhaps inspire you after reading Mark's book, "The Blue Plate."(https://www.patagonia.com/product/the-blue-plate-a-food-lovers-guide-to-climate-chaos/)

There is clearly a significant theme for this week's show, and what better way is there to highlight regenerative and sustainable farms than focus on an author who is aiming to heal the Earth through what we grow and eat, as well as spotlighting a group that are looking for the most nutrient-dense, organic agricultural and farms.

So, stay tuned to hear from Matt Kirchner, one of the Co-Owners for Local Bound Collective (LBC). LBC consists of like-minded individuals who wanted to organize a way for organic and sustainably-focused farmers to offer their produce, meats, and products to be available for restaurants, grocery stores, and markets in one place! Matt has worked on farms and inside local grocer chains, and saw a need to advocate for organic farmers who offer bountiful produce, meats, and cheeses so they can help connect restaurants & stores to their local farms. Their initiative also helps to reduce food waste: It aids in providing farm-fresh products for consumers to purchase at local stores, with an eye on the details of the business' needs. IG: https://www.instagram.com/localbound.pa/Web: https://philly-hub.localline.ca/shop

I also popped on to highlight some of Food Farms And Chefs Radio Show guests who focus on maintaining and supporting the farm-to-table, regenerative, organic, and sustainable agriculture & livestock practices. Later, I also dropped some information on some of the places that I've recently found during my driving adventures, which includes restaurants and fast-casual eateries & bakeries in NY, NJ, and DE. So listen to the last short segment in case you want to visit some of the spots that I've been to!

You'll be delighted to know that the NJ farming community is looking out for your best interest, in particular a group of like-minded individuals who formed the Northeast Organic Farmers Association (NOFA) New Jersey chapter. In doing so, they've created an organization which focuses on providing information, fun activities, and yes--produce, from the local farmers, interest groups, educators, and AGRO enthusiasts alike. We've said it numerous times, and I'll say it again: Without farmers, we wouldn't have clothes, food, or beverages. The same goes for all the small (and large) vendors who create goods and services to make those provisions available to all of us, and NOFA is aiming to bring all of them together so everyone can benefit from fresh organic goods, shelf-stable organic products, and so much more! You'll have a blast learning about NOFA , and stay tuned to find out some of the exciting events that NOFA is offering this Fall and Winter!
(https://nofanj.org)

Next, you'll hear from Casey Carroll who owns Coray Kitchen in Delmar, NY. Casey and her husband, Chef Javier Villatoro, their farm-to-table restaurant offers delicious and creative selections that reflect Chef Vialltoro's heritage and culinary innovations from his own garden! He builds upon his menus each year by saving the seeds from what he harvested & used on his menu, which is something he learned while growing up in his hometown. Casey, who loves the benefit from having Chef Javier as her business partner and husband, shares the love behind what brings patrons to Coray Kitchen time and time again, along with the story behind the name, how they met, and what you'll experience when you join them for a meal.
(https://www.coraykitchen.com)

I last spoke with Victoria Lambert, who is a bio-lab technician who's taken her love of science and research into the kitchen when she started her business, Happy Bakery. Victoria first opened her bakery with one vision: Offering cinnamon buns that had creative flavors and options. She soon found success, as well as a need to re-imagine the offerings since she quickly sold-out of menu items on a daily basis. So today, you'll find those warm, fragrant buns along with other items to hit your sweet-loving spot, like fudgy brownies and dense cookies. Need I say more to tempt you? You can find where she's vending at by following her online on her instagram handle at @happybakerywc!

Passion for creating and enjoying the highest quality of chocolates are what drives the owner of Le Rouge Handmade Chocolates and Cakes by Aarti to begin her business. Aarti Khosla was inspired by memories of her father bringing home chocolates from France. Years later, Aarti noticed there was a lack of artisanal chocolate shops where she and her family resided. Seeing a need, she began her pursuit of owning a chocolatier business in her hometown of Westport, CT. Today, her decadent chocolates and custom cakes have won her many accolades from her community and localized media, as well as gaining the attention of our own host Amaris Pollock. Aarti, who's passion for chocolate-making stems from worldly influences, combines unique flavors to tempt everyone's palates and creates each one by hand. So if you're craving richly decadent chocolates, make sure to stay tuned for the full hour of Food, Farms, & Chefs! (https://lerougebyaarti.com)

"Big Mike" Peacock began his Australian meat pie business in the early 2000's, under the original name Flying Pie Guy, having crossed paths with Food Farms and Chefs Radio Show's host since he first started out with a food truck. Years later, and after several big opportunities had been successfully reached, Big Mike is the Founder and CEO of the newly-named G'Day Gourmet with his partner - someone very familiar to Philadelphia Eagles fans! Armed with a streamlined selection of Aussie meat pies, sausage rolls, and a new dessert option, Big Mike and his partner Jordan Mailata's pies are selling out fast from their location out of Lincoln Financial Field, in stores, and online! If you want to hear Mike's story and where to find him next just tune in to Food Farms and Chefs Radio Show, Episode 297!
(https://gdaygourmet.com)

Hanging out with friends to watch the big game is a lot more fun when you're surrounded by the energy of a whole crowd, which is why visiting State Street Pub in Media, PA needs to be on your game-day hangout list. Why? Well, our next guest aims to make every night fun, especially when there's a specific event to celebrate! Caitlyn Bramanti has worked in the industry, honing her skills of being the best host, manager, and server at her family's restaurant. Which helped shape her knowledge on how to plan and host some of the most exciting events inside State Street Pub! And be sure to check them out when you attend this year's final week to celebrate Dining Under the Stars, as they'll have exactly what you're hungry for on their menu!
(https://www.statestreetpubmedia.com)

We began the show with a venue that celebrates all things Austrian & German year-round, with surprisingly delicious twists to what you might think you'd find at a German-inspired pub. Entrepreneur Bibi Singh and her Culinary Director, Chef Pablo Torres decided to start an open The Hoboken Biergarten after Singh acquired The Pilsener Haus & Biergarten--a former business which is well known to locals and visitors alike. Armed with ideas on how to update and expand upon the venue and menu, they made sure that Hoboken Biergarten's food offerings are approachable to everyone's dietary needs--something that has already gained their pub-restaurant some notable attention. Currently, both Chef Torres and Singh are preparing for this year's Oktoberfest, so keep an eye out for specials, events, and so much more! Tune in to find out more about both Bibi Singh and Chef Torres, what they offer, and how you can enjoy your next happy hour when it's actually convenient by listening to Food Farms and Chefs Radio Show!
https://www.thehobokenbiergarten.com

Careful when you tune in to our last segment - as it's a smokin' good time for your taste buds! Owner and Pitmaster, Nick Hancock joined me on the show, and we dug into all the delightful details on how he began his pop-up business, OK Charley's! He landed on creating foods based on Texas-style barbecuing after taste-testing a variety of smoked meats, and felt that he found the GOAT of BBQ styles. Over time he kept his focus, refining the exact recipes and process to offer his smoked products for all to enjoy! And with some of the best timing possible, he joined Food Farms and Chefs Radio Show just in time for another of Philly's pig-skin love: It's E-A-G-L-E-S season!!! That not to say you can't enjoy his BBQ while watching other sports, celebrations, or as a regular meal--however, tailgating can be so much easier when you have it catered. So dig in to this week's Food Farms and Chefs Radio Show to find out how!
https://okcharleys.com

We began with an inside look with Jake Kahan, the Chef and Partner of Sam and Maggie's Dockside Grill, located in Pasadena, MD. Having owned properties under Rockcreek Management Co. at Fairview Marina, it was a life-long dream of Jake's father to own a restaurant. Although neither Marc nor Jake have attended culinary institute, both father and son dove into owning a family-run restaurant business with a huge success! Extending the awe-inspiring vibes with views of the marina, each week the team of family members work together, creating a new menu for guests to enjoy. Sam and Maggie's offers latin and caribbean-inspired cuisines, along with cocktails that are just a seasonally inspired as their dining options. If you're looking to host an intimate wedding, gathering, or simply wish to enjoy a delightful night out--tune in so you can taste what the best of Pasadena, MD offers! (https://www.samandmaggies.com)

Patrick Kohr is a third-generation of ice cream aficionados, and his family's name might ring a bell for anyone visiting the East Coast. Although related to the original Kohr's Bros brand, his mother (Eva) decided to break tradition and offer creative takes on ice cream flavors based on her Filipino roots. So they began offering takes on UBE ice cream, Mango, and other Filipino favorites at their Kohr Soft Ice Cream business, located in Little Egg Harbor, NJ. The new flavors were a huge hit with locals, and now visitors to the non-traditional ice cream spot keep coming back for more of their small-batch ice cream, soft serve, and more! You can hear more about Patrick and his family's Kohr Soft Ice Cream by tuning in to Food Farms and Chefs, or visit them in-person for a flight! (https://www.facebook.com/KohrSoftIceCream/)

Lastly, I chatted with my long-time friend, influencer, and owner of Cultinary Family Farms, Eric de Grandmont. I first came across Eric while scrolling through my social media threads, little did I know that he and I would constantly cross paths by knowing the same friends, covering the same places, and subsequently being at the same place and time. So over the years I've come to know Eric and some of his family members-each time learning more about him and what he does. So, it only made sense to bring him on so all of you can learn about Eric de Grandmont and his family-owned business: Cultinary Family Farms. Eric's family grows garlic and other produce on small plots of land in south jersey, eventually roasting & producing his Vampire Killer-a black garlic-forward pesto (nut free). Find out what else Eric offers and how to purchase his products by tuning in, and be sure to check out his foodie adventures on Cultinary Road Trip (https://www.instagram.com/cultinaryroadtrip) and his family farm (https://www.facebook.com/CultinaryFamilyFarms/)

Frank Sinatra had it right when he sang, "Luck be a lady...tonight," as my first two guests are co-owners of The Lady Fingers Bakery & Bar, located in Bloomfield, NJ. Owners Lauren Kavourakis and Samara Cinque met while working, and continued working inside restaurants in New York and New Jersey, and at one point came up with a plan to start their own business. Today, they are serving up a wonderful array of baked goods, meals, coffee, and cocktails that visitors keep coming back for. And soon, they will be celebrating their one-year anniversary of Lady Fingers on Sept 28th, so stay tuned to find out how you can taste what they have to offer and help celebrate their first year!
related link: https://ladyfingers.com

Philadelphia's known for their love of a good 'underdog' story, and my next guest, Richie Tevlin is banking on his up-coming brewery's branding, Space Cadet Brewing Company. Richie's focus is to offer single-batch brews that offer unique only-offered-once craft brew experiences. He coupled this with a mascot/on-going graphic story that reflects Richie's own journey into brewery ownership, with the concept that each unique can will also be a collectors item. Launching sometime in October, Cadet Brewing Company will offer area bars and restaurants a once-in-a-lifetime chance to enjoy what he has brewing. If you're curious as to what he'll launch first, where he's brewing, and where his launch-party will be held then keep your ears peeled for what Richie has to say!related link: https://spacecadetbeer.com // https://www.instagram.com/spacecadetbeer

Lastly, let's not graze over one of everyone's favorite party platters--Charcuterie Boards! April Collison started Grazing Affair in 2018; the business was such a new concept that there was no previous precedence for it. So, April sought out township officials to ensure her business wouldn't end before it had a chance to begin. Years later, the steps she took to establish her grazing-friendly foods landed her great success, and today she creates everything from 'A Graze for 2' to a full Wedding Table set up.
related link: https://www.grazingaffair.com