flavors unknown podcast

Emmanuel Laroche - Show Host
  • 5.0 (30)
  • FOOD
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
flavors unknown podcast

Curious about exploring the culinary space, my podcast, ‘flavors unknown’ shares inspirational stories of U.S. famous and emerging Chefs, Pastry Chefs, and Bartenders who are redefining and disrupting the industry with flavor innovation and talent. I have conversations with culinary leaders who share how their successes, failures, and cultural identity shaped their creativity and have enabled them to develop trending restaurants and bars that are sought out by foodies today. Stay tuned every other week for a new episode, featuring some of the most sought out chefs, pastry chefs, and bartenders of restaurants and bars that you won’t want to miss! Listen to 'flavors unknown' on any podcast platform at https://pod.link/1438591377 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @flavorsunknown

  1. 4D AGO

    From SFO to the Hawaii: Mourad’s Next Chapter

    Considered by many as the pioneer of modern Moroccan cuisine, Mourad Lahlou never envisioned becoming a world-famous chef.

    1h 9m

  2. MAR 11

    Dirt Candy’s Amanda Cohen: Breaking Culinary Norms

    Amanda Cohen is the chef and owner of Dirt Candy restaurant in New York City. Although she specializes in vegetarian cuisine, she herself is not a vegetarian.

    37 min

  3. FEB 25

    How Chef Rivera is Redefining Sushi at Bakku in Puerto Rico

    Bakku Japanese Eatery & Crudo Bar is located at Rincòn on the West side of Puerto Rico. The chef there is Joe Rivera.

    39 min

  4. FEB 11

    Chef JJ Johnson: The Power of Rice and Culinary Heritage

    JJ Johnson is an American chef and author best known for cooking the food of the African diaspora.

    40 min

  5. JAN 28

    Inside the Mind of Puerto Rican Chef Mario Pagán

    Chef Mario Pagán is more than just a chef; he is a passionate ambassador for Puerto Rican cuisine. For over 20 years, he has been at the forefront of elevating his homeland's culinary heritage on the world stage.

    57 min

  6. JAN 14

    Exploring The Charleston Food Scene with StarChefs Rising Stars

    Discover the Charleston Food Scene. I attended the StarChefs RisingStars event in Charleston to celebrate the region's most talented up-and-coming food and beverage professionals.

    1h 18m

  7. 12/31/2024

    Alexander Smalls on African Cuisine and Culture

    In this episode of Flavors Unknown, I sit down with the extraordinary Alexander Smalls—Harlem-based chef, opera singer, storyteller, and James Beard Award-winning author. Alexander recently released his latest book, The Contemporary African Kitchen, a celebration of African culinary traditions and the chefs shaping its future.Recorded in the intimate setting of Alexander’s Harlem apartment, we explore the photo-lined hallway that pays homage to his South Carolina roots. Our conversation is a deep dive into the intersection of music, food, and identity, with Alexander sharing how his Gullah Geechee upbringing shaped his approach to bringing the vibrant, often-overlooked flavors of Africa to fine dining tables around the world.From his early days performing opera to becoming a culinary ambassador of the African diaspora, Alexander Smalls reflects on the personal stories, cultural connections, and bold ideas that drive his work. What you'll learn from Alexander Smalls Misconceptions about African cuisine – 3:45What makes African food unique – 4:49The overlooked respect for African cuisine – 6:09Writing The Contemporary African Kitchen with his Ghanaian co-author – 8:14Resistance from other African chefs – 11:33Connecting regional flavors and ingredients – 13:21Colonialism’s influence on food – 17:15Music, family, and food in his South Carolina home – 18:42The role of Alexander Smalls uncle and Gullah Geechee roots – 19:40Standing out in his Southern community – 20:50Visiting West Africa and connecting with his grandfather’s spirit – 23:40Learning the art of entertaining – 24:48Championing African food’s rightful place in fine dining – 25:46Elevating African dishes through French techniques – 27:36African cuisine vs. Southern soul food – 28:39Filling the gap for upscale African restaurants – 30:27Alexander Smalls unexpected opera talent as a child – 32:44Helping integrate the school system – 35:10Why Alexander Smalls left music professionally – 36:25World travels through music – 37:55Honoring Negro spirituals through a passion project – 40:11Launching his restaurant vision – 42:40Training in European kitchens – 44:00His best-selling plate from the early days – 45:15The “shoebox lunch” tribute – 47:40Creating America’s first black-owned Best New Restaurant – 49:00African origins of a popular dish – 49:57Reflections on Menton’s concept – 52:22A pandemic project and a surprising Dubai connection – 53:22Telling his childhood story through food – 56:02Harlem’s vibrant food scene – 58:02His guilty pleasure food – 1:00:35Dishes Alexander Smalls cooks for friends – 1:01:54The pie that reminds him of childhood – 1:02:32His ‘what if’ career path – 1:03:25 I'd like to share a potential educational resource, "Conversations Behind the Kitchen Door", my new book that features dialogues with accomplished culinary leaders from various backgrounds and cultures. It delves into the future of culinary creativity and the hospitality industry, drawing from insights of a restaurant-industry-focused podcast, ‘flavors unknown”. It includes perspectives from renowned chefs and local professionals, making it a valuable resource for those interested in building a career in the culinary industry.Get the book here! Overview of My Conversation with Alexander Smalls The truth about African cuisine – misconceptions, uniqueness, and the lasting impact of colonialism.The art of storytelling through food – how Alexander’s childhood, music career, and global travels shape his approach to cooking.Voices of Africa – the collaborative process behind The Contemporary African Kitchen and the surprising resistance he encountered from chefs along the way.Cultural connections – the links between West Africa and his family, and how visiting the region grounded his culinary path.From music to food – why Alexander transitioned from opera to the kitchen,

    1h 6m

  8. 12/17/2024

    Chef Dave Beran: Innovation at Pasjoli and Seline

    Chef Dave Beran on Fine Dining and Santa Monica’s Culinary Scene and lessons from Alinea to Pasjoli and Seline.

    55 min
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    5
    out of 5
    30 Ratings

    About

    Curious about exploring the culinary space, my podcast, ‘flavors unknown’ shares inspirational stories of U.S. famous and emerging Chefs, Pastry Chefs, and Bartenders who are redefining and disrupting the industry with flavor innovation and talent. I have conversations with culinary leaders who share how their successes, failures, and cultural identity shaped their creativity and have enabled them to develop trending restaurants and bars that are sought out by foodies today. Stay tuned every other week for a new episode, featuring some of the most sought out chefs, pastry chefs, and bartenders of restaurants and bars that you won’t want to miss! Listen to 'flavors unknown' on any podcast platform at https://pod.link/1438591377 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @flavorsunknown

    Information

    • Creator
      Emmanuel Laroche - Show Host
    • Years Active
      2018 - 2025
    • Episodes
      181
    • Rating
      Explicit
    • Copyright
      © 2018 flavors unkown
    • Show Website
      flavors unknown podcast

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