Ever wonder what it really takes to win a James Beard Award? In this special episode of Chef's PSA Podcast, host Andre Natera sits down with Dawn Padmore, Vice President of the James Beard Foundation, and award-winning chef Elizabeth Falkner to uncover everything you need to know about one of the culinary world's most prestigious honors.

We dive deep into the nomination, selection, and judging process for the James Beard Awards, offering a rare inside look at the history, criteria, and recent changes in the award categories. We also discuss how these awards impact chefs, restaurants, and the culinary industry as a whole. From ensuring diversity and fairness to understanding the journey from nomination to victory, this episode provides all the details you won't find anywhere else.

Links Mentioned:

• James Beard Foundation Awards: ⁠www.jamesbeard.org/awards⁠

• Enter Recommendations for Restaurant and Chef Awards: ⁠https://jamesbeardawards.awardsplatform.com/⁠

• Eligibility Guidelines for 2024 Awards: ⁠https://jbf-media.s3.amazonaws.com/production/page/2024/9/30/093024_RC_AWARDS_CRITERIA.pdf⁠

• If you're curious about what it takes to be a nominee, the influence of the James Beard Awards on the restaurant industry, or the evolving food landscape, this episode is your comprehensive guide to the Oscars of the food world.

  
  

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Culinary Excellence with Chef Junior Borges: Michelin Impact, Brazilian Cuisine, and Mentorship

Junior Borges Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/chefjuniorborges/

Welcome to another episode of the Chef's PSA Podcast! In this episode, host André Natera is joined by Chef Junior Borges to explore his culinary journey—from the bustling kitchens of New York to the innovative culinary scene of Texas. Chef Junior Borges, a key figure in elevating Brazilian cuisine at Meridian, dives deep into his experiences, the impact of Michelin-starred hotels in Texas, and how mentorship shaped his career.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

•Michelin’s Impact: Discover how Michelin-starred establishments have influenced Texas' culinary landscape.

•Evolution of Brazilian Cuisine: Gain insights into Chef Borges' creative process in evolving Brazilian cuisine at Meridian.

•Mentorship and Legacy: Understand the vital role of mentorship in shaping successful chefs, and hear about Chef Borges’ collaborations with renowned mentors.

•Culinary Challenges: Learn how Chef Borges manages pressure from critics, maintains high standards, and balances consistency vs. creativity in his culinary art.

•Networking in the Industry: Hear about the power of a strong network in the culinary world and Chef Borges' memorable experiences that illustrate its importance.

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Unwritten rules and hard-learned lessons—these are the realities of the kitchen that culinary school often doesn't prepare you for. In this episode of the Chef's PSA Podcast, host André Natera pulls back the curtain on the professional kitchen, revealing the unwritten rules that every chef needs to know to truly thrive.

André shares his personal experiences and stories from the trenches—discussing the pace, intensity, and hierarchy of real-world kitchens. If you're a young chef or culinary student wondering what it's really like out there, this episode is packed with practical advice on how to navigate the pressures, communication breakdowns, and sometimes brutal efficiency of the professional kitchen.

Whether it's understanding how the kitchen hierarchy works, learning the importance of speed and repetition, or getting a handle on how to communicate clearly in high-stress moments, Andrea lays it all out so you can avoid common pitfalls and rise to the occasion.

Looking for more insights to boost your culinary journey? Chef André has also published six books packed with lessons and stories that can help guide you to success in the industry.

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From Dishwasher to Michelin-Starred Chef: Chef Rogelio Garcia’s Inspiring Journey

Rogelio Garcia Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/chefrogeliogarcia/

Welcome to another episode of the Chef's PSA Podcast! In this episode, host André Natera interviews Chef Rogelio Garcia, a Michelin-starred chef and author of the cookbook Convivir. Chef Rogelio shares his incredible journey from immigrating to the United States, starting out as a dishwasher, and climbing his way to the top of the culinary world.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

•Overcoming Challenges: Hear Chef Rogelio’s inspiring journey from immigrating from Mexico City to building a career in fine dining, overcoming language and cultural barriers along the way.

•Michelin-Star Insights: Get a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to work at Michelin-starred restaurants and the significance of the Michelin Guide expanding to Texas.

•Cookbook Creation: Discover the process, inspiration, and dedication behind Chef Rogelio's new cookbook, Convivir.

•Honoring Heritage in Cuisine: Learn about Chef Rogelio’s personal commitment to celebrating his Mexican heritage through his dishes.

•Maintaining Wellness: Find out how Chef Rogelio balances the demands of a high-pressure career with physical and mental wellness, including his passion for martial arts.

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⁠ https://www.instagram.com/misefootwear/ ⁠

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Mastering Culinary Hostile Takeovers: Strategies for New Chefs

In this insightful episode of Chef's PSA Podcast, host Andre Natera delves into the complexities of culinary hostile takeovers. He examines the scenarios where new chefs suddenly take over kitchens or restaurants and face resistance from existing staff loyal to previous regimes. Andre shares personal experiences and provides practical strategies for navigating these challenges, including re-interviewing staff, making swift hiring and firing decisions, and implementing new work cultures. Listeners will gain valuable tips on gathering information cautiously, maintaining professionalism, and avoiding negative talk about previous chefs. This episode is essential for any chef looking to lead a successful kitchen transition and build a team aligned with their vision.

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Fermin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chiefnunez/

Navigating the Culinary World: A Candid Conversation with Chef Fermin Nunez

Welcome to another episode of the Chef's PSA Podcast! In this engaging episode, I, André Natera, sit down with Chef Fermin Nunez, the culinary mastermind behind Austin’s acclaimed restaurants Suerte and Este. Together, we explore the realities of the culinary industry, discussing the challenges and highlights of running esteemed establishments, the impact of the Michelin Guide in Texas, and the vital role of leadership in managing multiple restaurant operations.

What You'll Learn:

• Michelin Guide Impact: How the Michelin Guide influences Texas restaurants.

• Leadership Strategies: Effective methods for managing multiple kitchens.

• Personal Branding: The importance of building a strong personal brand as a chef.

• Social Media Influence: How social media shapes culinary reputations.

• AI in Kitchens: The role of artificial intelligence in streamlining kitchen operations and recipe development.

• Authenticity in Cuisine: Maintaining authenticity and staying true to culinary roots.

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A Day in the Life of a Chef

In this episode of the Chef's PSA podcast, hosted by Andre Natera, listeners are taken through a detailed narrative of what a day in the life of a chef looks like. From handling daily operations in a small restaurant to managing a large luxury hotel kitchen, the intricacies of each position are dissected. With personal anecdotes, such as shadowing an executive chef and dealing with kitchen staff, the episode offers a glimpse into the demanding and diverse world of culinary leadership. The podcast also touches on varying responsibilities depending on the type of establishment, and the importance of maintaining high standards and efficient management. Tune in for insightful stories and a closer look at the challenges and triumphs chefs face daily.

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From Pastry Chef to Savory Chef: Chef Phillip Speer's Culinary Journey

Philip Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/philipspeer/

https://www.instagram.com/comedortx/

Join Chef Andre Natera on the Chef's PSA Podcast as he engages with Chef Philip Speer, the visionary behind Comedor Restaurant in Austin, Texas. Discover Chef Philip's transformation from a pastry chef to a savory expert, explore his iconic desserts, evolving chef uniforms, and how Michelin Guide might award stars in Texas. Get insights into identifying culinary talent through purpose-driven qualities and body language. They also share favorite hip-hop artists and reminisce about top breakfast cereals.

01:21 Chef Uniforms: Evolution and Trends

04:55 The Uchi Legacy: A Culinary Journey

07:28 Pastry to Savory: Chef Phillip's Transition

15:25 Brunch: Love and Trauma

22:23 Art vs. Craft in Pastry

30:11 Top Three Desserts and Their Significance

31:23 The Story Behind the Tobacco Vanilla Dessert

36:10 Michelin Guide's Arrival in Texas

48:55 Mount Rushmore of Pastry Chefs

53:04 Greatest Hip Hop Artists and Groups

57:19 Advice for Young Chefs

58:45 Identifying Talent in the Kitchen

59:51 Conclusion and Where to Find Chef Philip Speer

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