Hot Off the Press Podcast

Catering Well with Chef Bell

Welcome to the Raw Ingredients podcast with your host, Chef "Panini" Pete Blohme! In this episode, Chef Pete is joined by special guest Chef Bell as they explore the diverse career paths available in the culinary world. With decades of combined experience in the industry, Chef Pete and Chef Bell discuss the various career options available to aspiring chefs, including catering, personal chef services, culinary education, and more. Throughout the episode, they provide valuable insights on...

Creating Unforgettable Dining Experiences with Chef Eric Rivera of Vintage Hospitality Group

Welcome to the Raw Ingredients podcast, a show that delves into the world of culinary arts with some of the most innovative chefs and food enthusiasts. Hosted by Chef "Panini" Pete Blohme, this episode features a special guest, Eric Rivera, founder of the Vintage Hospitality Group in Montgomery, Alabama. In this episode, Eric shares his journey as a chef and entrepreneur, from running hotel restaurants to creating one of the most innovative restaurant groups in Alabama. Listeners will hear...

Hanging in Monti Carlo's Spanglish Kitchen

Nestled between the base of the French Alps and the Mediterranean Sea, this world-famous gambling haven … (checks notes) … apologies. Wrong Monte Carlo. (And, to be fair, we were wondering how Chef Pete managed to interview a geographic region of a European principality). No, on this week’s Raw Ingredients Podcast, Chef Pete sits down with Masterchef finalist Monti Carlo, who we are reasonably assured is not a region in Monaco because of the amazing journey she will take you and Chef Pete ...

Kayla Robison: The Commander in Beef

  Are you mired in a moor of mediocre? Do you long for the glories and triumphs of days past but lack the knowledge and know-how you need to make everything old new again? Well, listeners, you’re in luck this week because for the low, low cost of … well, absolutely nothing … on this week’s Raw Ingredients Podcast, Chef Pete has an off-the-menu special that is tailor-made to satisfy your appetite for amazing advice - it’s the charismatic and riveting Kayla Robison, the chef and culinary inf...

Going Around with Get Around Brown: Todd Brown

There’s a lot of famous Browns out there - from Bad, Bad Leroy to kid detective Encyclopedia, Godfather of Soul James to Stranger Things’ Millie Bobby - but this week, Chef Pete sits down with one of the best Browns of them all … Friend of the Podcast Todd “Get Around” Brown. Get Around Brown has … well … gotten around as a chef, caterer and restaurant consultant, so he has relevant and useful experience in almost every aspect of the industry and he and Chef Pete talk about his experiences...

Exploring the Culinary World with Jay Hajj

  We move the map from Eastern Europe slightly south to Lebanon this week, as Chef Pete sits down with Boston restaurateur and owner of Mike’s City Diner Jay Hajj for a delectable dialogue about the importance of cultural heritage within the culinary world. They’ll chew the fat about the challenges of running a successful restaurant, spoon out advice for aspiring chefs and even indulge in a little name dropping with some of Jay’s remembrances of cooking for some top-notch celebrities lik...

Exploring the Flavors of Bulgaria with Nina Manchev of Forte Tapas in Las Vegas

What do you know about Bulgaria? That it is the oldest country in Europe? That it has over 40,000 cultural landmarks? That it is the birthplace of yogurt? Well, maybe you knew none of those things, but after this week’s episode of the Raw Ingredients Podcast, you’ll know all about this beauty of the Balkans after enjoying Chef Pete’s amazing chat with Chef Nina Manchev from Las Vegas’ Forte Tapas. Get ready for an all-encompassing conversation about the importance of seasonal and local pro...

Michael Guinta

We’ve got an interesting invitee on this week’s Raw Ingredients podcast, as Chef Pete sits down with a fellow chef who has the honor of being a famous first - hailing from the great state of New Jersey, where he owns and operates the landmark Bayway Diner - it’s Chef Michael Giunta, whose Bayway Diner was the first restaurant ever featured on the iconic Food Network series “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” (and a shoutout to Best Friend of the Pod Guy Fieri, of course).   From learning the c...

Celina Tio

From her start at Bennigan's to winning a James Beard Award for Best Midwest Chef, this week's special guest on The Raw Ingredients podcast has gone the distance, shown persistence and is a model example for showing what a can-do attitude can, indeed, do - it's the owner and executive chef of the renowned Belfry restaurant in Kansas City - Friend of the Show Celina Tio.   Celina has worked in almost every possible part of the culinary world and has steadily risen through the ranks to e...

Heather Gardea

El Pollo may be Loco, but this week's special guest for The Raw Ingredients is far from Loco in her dedication and drive to continue to develop new ideas and opportunities within the food industry - it's Heather Gardea, Vice President of Research and Development for El Pollo Loco.   Heather, a fellow CIA alumna, and Chef Pete have a free-ranging, wide-spanning conversation about the food industry at large and the many different ways people can be a part of that ever-expanding economic dr...

Arti Sequeira

Loyal listeners and Friends of the Podcast, get out your Sunday best for this week's episode of the Raw Ingredients Podcast because we're having the best sort of event possible - not a just a swell shindig, not just a bountiful box social or a festive fete ... no, it's the best sort of get-together because it's an "Aarti Party" with Chef Pete and this week's special guest - celebrated chef and television hostess with the mostest, the amazing Aarti Sequeria.   As the winner of Season 6 of...

Maneet Chauhan

It's always important to have self-confidence, to be able to know and believe that you have the strength and ability to rise to any challenge before you - we can all agree that's a positive, right? But what happens when self-confidence turns into pompous self-absorption and our egos outpace our ability - thankfully, we have the perfect guide to answer this age-old question with Chef Pete on this week's Raw Ingredients Podcast - the ever-exceptional restaurateur and television personality Che...

Terry Jaymes

This week, Chef Pete brings you one of the most interesting individuals to ever grace The Raw Ingredients Podcast - the man, the myth, the legend ... both in his own mind and just in general ... it's nationally syndicated radio show host Terry Jaymes of the "Lex and Terry Radio Network" fame. You've often heard the phrase "The struggle is real," but no one has had real struggle like Terry Jaymes and still come through it all to turn failure into success each and every time - whether his ...

Tokiwa Sears

We're normally pretty humorous and cute with these notes here every week, but with this week's focal topic being mental health and taking time to take care of yourself, we thought it best to drop the schtick and focus on the importance of this issue and this week's guest, Tokiwa Sears, who fully understands the burnout and issues facing the food and drink industry.   Sears is the head mixologist for the iconic and James Beard Award-winning One Flew South at the Atlanta Airport. Both she ...

James Briscione

He's a frequent Food Network regular. An award-winning cookbook writer. A digital series host. A frequent talk show guest. One of People Magazine's "Sexiest Chefs Alive." And the first-ever two-time champion of the "Chopped" TV series. Figure out who this week's guest is? Of course, it had to be the man, the myth, the legend Chef James Briscione blessing us with his presence this week's episode of The Raw Ingredients. Chef Pete and Chef James will take you on a tonal trip through Chef Jame...

Brian Duffy part 2

This week on The Raw Ingredients Podcast, we've got a great treat for all you loyal listeners straight out of Philly, PA - no, not the Fresh Prince who was West Philadelphia born and raised, if we remember correctly - it's the hilarious and hard-working Chef Brian Duffy, the foremost public figure rocking the surname Duffy in America today (Sorry, Patrick Duffy, but you haven't really done much since "Step by Step" in the 1990s ... and we don't count the TNT "Dallas" reboot nonsense. Do be...

Bear Walker

Now, normally when the word "boards" comes up in conversation on our show, it's of course going to be a congenial chat about charcuterie - the bougie meat and cheese boards that people love to nosh on but can't pronounce or spell to save their lives. But this week, the Boards in question are Kodiak Boards made by Bear Walker Industries and this week's special guest Bear Walker - and while you could perhaps use them as interesting plating for a capicola or a nice hard smoked gouda, it's pro...

Mike Finelli

In life, sometimes we are lucky enough to come across a truly great human being, a sort of person who fits the trope of the "Renaissance Man," someone who has a vast amount of knowledge, expertise and wisdom in a large number of different fields - and this week on The Raw Ingredients, Chef Pete is serving straight to your table a sit-down session with just such a man - his fellow CIA alum Mike Finelli. Mike has run the gamut of the gastronomical game so when he talks, he means business (an...

Mike Fernandez: Moes Original BBQ

America may be divided in a lot of different ways but there’s at least one thing that we can all agree on - a deep and abiding love for barbecue. (Just don’t get into the regional “Here’s how WE prepare it argument,” or Kansas City, Memphis, Texas and the Carolinas will come out swinging… and that’s just the first tier)   So, who better to procure for this week’s Raw Ingredients podcast than one of the men responsible for spreading the Gospel of Good BBQ, the Prophet of Pulled Pork himse...

Kelsey Barnard Clark

Well, loyal listeners, we have got quite the amuse-bouche for you this week, one that is literally the top of the tops in the culinary circle - it's Top Chef Season 16 winner and Alabama's own Kelsey Barnard Clark here to share her wisdom and wit with Chef Pete. On this week's episode of The Raw Ingredients Podcast, we chew the fat with the famous fan favorite Chef Kelsey, the first Southerner to bring home that coveted TV title. From her start in high-end catering during her teenage years...

Evan Mathis

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...

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 ...

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 ...

Dan Phelps

This week, Chef Pete's special guest is a new friend and boss barbecue blogger Dan Phelps of Learning to Smoke. Dan's blog brings barbecue best practices right to your fingertips on your phone or tablet and his Instagram account (also Learning to Smoke) is just straight up droolworthy and will have you begging for brisket and pleading for pork. Much like the U.S. Mail service, neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night will stop Dan from his appointed task - giving the Good Word ...

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...

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, Fo...

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 hi...

Chef Brian Harsney

Having trouble building a brand or staying on track with your existing brand? Grab your spoon and dig into this week’s episode of The Raw Ingredients, as Chef Pete Blohme sits down for a session with Brand Man of the Beach Brian Harsany, co-owner of four beloved Orange Beach mainstays – Cosmo’s Restaurant and Bar, Maggie’s Bottle and ‘Tail, Luna’s Eat & Drink and BuzzCatz Coffee and Sweets. Brian takes Chef Pete through his journey in the restaurant business – from his start as a fill-in t...

Brian Harsney

Having trouble building a brand or staying on track with your existing brand? Grab your spoon and dig into this week’s episode of The Raw Ingredients, as Chef Pete Blohme sits down for a session with Brand Man of the Beach Brian Harsany, co-owner of four beloved Orange Beach mainstays – Cosmo’s Restaurant and Bar, Maggie’s Bottle and ‘Tail, Luna’s Eat & Drink and BuzzCatz Coffee and Sweets. Brian takes Chef Pete through his journey in the restaurant business – from his start as a fill-in t...

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...

Craft Cocktail Bartender Roy Clark

Roy Clark is GM/ Craft Cocktail Bartender at the Haberdasher in Mobile, Alabama. The Haberdasher is downtown Mobile's go-to bar for craft cocktails and an ever-rotating selection of craft beer, and the city's best spirits list. Bartenders mix classic concoctions as well as fresh and inventive original and contemporary drinks. The food bar is open nightly serving a variety of fresh, handmade bar foods and more. Roy' started off his journey of Bartending at the Alabama Music Box (a large ro...

Chef Trina Gregory-Propst

Today’s episode Pete sits down with Trina Gregory-Prost.  Trina is the chef/owner of SE7EN BITES in Orlando, Florida with her wife VA. SE7EN BITES servers southern nostalgic food with a modern twist.  Trina’s Grammie was the first person to introduce her to cooking/baking when she was very young. However, cooking was never anything other than a hobby for Trina. Trina’s love was for the Spa industry and Trina was in the Spa industry for 21 years. Trina love the Spa Industry the entire tim...

Chef Jim Smith

Jim Smith is Chairman of the Alabama Seafood Marketing Commission and Executive Chef of The Hummingbird Way. Chef Smith was the Executive Chef of the State of Alabama for eight years serving multiple Alabama Governor’s. As the state chef, he has placed an emphasis on using the best local ingredients and has made strides to encourage support of local farmers and Alabama fishers. He used his position as ambassador of food, to promote farmer’s markets and events that support Alabama food produc...

Chef Brian Duffy

  On today’s episode of The Raw Ingredients Pete talks to his good friend Brian Duffy.  Brian is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and has been working in the food industry since he was 14 years old as a dishwasher and busboy at a small restaurant called Castles.  Brian graduated Culinary School in 1994. Brain has opened over 100 restaurants across the country, been on multiple television shows (currently the host of Food Network, “Opening Night”), traveled the world, has cooked for the ...

Chef Tom Gray

Two time Best Chef of the South James Beard nominee. CIA Alumni and Chef owner of Town Hall & Prati Italia both in his hometown of Jacksonville.  Tom grew up loving food and wanting to become a chef. Working in the industry and gaining experience and passion. He ventured to the CIA to further his education and opportunities.  Then work in some of the countries best kitchen with amazing chefs in NYC, LA and Nappa Valley. He eventually circled back to his roots in Fl to help elevate the Food...

Chef Tom Grey

Two time Best Chef of the South James Beard nominee. CIA Alumni and Chef owner of Town Hall & Prati Italia both in his hometown of Jacksonville.  Tom grew up loving food and wanting to become a chef. Working in the industry and gaining experience and passion. He ventured to the CIA to further his education and opportunities.  Then work in some of the countries best kitchen with amazing chefs in NYC, LA and Nappa Valley. He eventually circled back to his roots in Fl to help elevate the Food...

Eddie Ledesma

Vice President of Operations, RAVEN Wine Management LLC During his time at The Culinary Institute of America - Hyde Park, Eddie immersed himself in CIA's rich campus culture by leading several student clubs & organizations. He graduated with Honors, Dean’s List commendations & multiple leadership awards. His passion for food, wine & hospitality fueled him to be a leader at prestigious hotels, premiere cultural centers, & top-notch restaurant groups including The Ritz – Carlton Naples, Th...

Pitmaster Big Jim Stancil

If you love BBQ, there is a very good chance you have heard of Big Jim Stancil, or at least his company, Bare Knuckles BBQ, which was featured during season 3 of BBQ Pitmasters on Destination America. Big Jim is a full time corporate caterer with 2 Grand Championships and a slew of category wins under his belt, which means he likely cooks some of the meanest BBQ you have ever tasted in your life.

Chef James Lili'i

Hotel Concierge with over 20 years of experience in 4 and 5 Star Properties. Opened 17 hotels as a Task Force Member, implementing programs, establishing expectations, and refining processes, having the highest levels of customer service as a result.

Chef David Rose

Chef David Rose was raised with a diverse and curious palate. Born in New Jersey to 2 chef parents, his culinary interest led him to enroll in Le Cordon Bleu Culinary College (Tucker, GA), where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. Living in Atlanta for more than a decade, Chef Rose finds inspiration in his surroundings and identifies as a southern chef, creatively reinterpreting classic southern fare by incorporating the refinement of his french culinary training, with his signature bold flavors, ...

Chef John Conelly

A background 30 years of restaurant experience - from subservient potato-flipping grill slave and floor-mopper at a local family deli in Phoenix to my present position as chief cook, tastemaker, and humble owner of Salsa Brava Mexican Grill in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Chef Peter Holt of Lupe Tortilla

Chef-Owners Judson and Peter Holt grew up watching their father nurture and grow the first Lupe Tortilla into a success. The first restaurant opened in a 1940’s frame house on the outskirts of Houston in 1983. Both sons are graduates of the Culinary Institute of America. They took over the family business in 1997, and have continued to build a dedicated following. Since Lupe Tortilla first opened in Addicks, Texas in 1983, the concept has had an unwavering focus on providing excellent food...

Chef Brooke Brantley

Chef Brooke Brantley has been a chef for more than 20 years, having led kitchens in restaurants, resorts and private clubs around the country. Before following his passion for cooking, he was an award-winning videographer, editor and television director.

Chris Blankenship

Blankenship earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from the University of South Alabama. He worked for the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) as a marine resources enforcement officer and rose to the position of director of marine resources in 2011.[2] Blankenship was named deputy commissioner of the ADCNR in March 2017 and acting commissioner in May 2017 following the resignation of N. Gunter Guy Jr. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey appointed Blankenship to ...

Chef Jim Binner

Jim Binner’s cooking career landed him several prestigious awards and recognition at a young age. Then extensive experience in foodservice sales, marketing and business practices, along with a desire to further his education, make him a logical choice for membership on the Alumni Council. Jim holds multiple degrees, including a Masters in Strategic Leadership. As an active member of the American Culinary Federation, New York State Restaurant Association, School Nutrition Association, and hol...

Chef Linkie Marais

The South African beauty queen, award-winning baker and grill master, Linkie Marais, is more than your average chef! With a love for exploring, cooking and the outdoors, Chef Linkie Marais' ‘will to grill’ stems all the way back to her unique blend of South African and Southern roots. Born in Evander, a town in northeastern South Africa, Linkie was raised in the kitchen, helping her mother prepare meals on a daily basis. With a lack of abundant fresh ingredients, she inher- ited her mothe...

Chef Michele Ragussis

Michele Ragussis is an American chef. She is best known as a finalist on the eighth season of the Food Network series Food Network Star.

Chef Greg Buschmohle

Greg Buschmohle  Founder L&N Seafood  Bayside Grill (Quality Restaurants inc.)  Chef at the new Safari Club located in the Gulf Shores Zoo

Chef Greg Buschmohle

Greg Buschmohle  Founder L&N Seafood  Bayside Grill Quality Restaurants inc. Chef at the new Safari Club located in the Gulf Shores Zoo