Logo
    Search podcasts and episodes

    From famed restaurateurs to celebrity rosé, we're sampling some of the greatest spots for you to celebrate Lent, Passover, Easter, and the start of rosé season on Food, Farms, and Chefs Radio Show!

    enApril 05, 2023

    About this Episode

    Guests:

    Kevin Meeker, Bill Elmer, Mike Dalewitz, Jesse Bongiovi

     

    Synopsis:

    This week we're focused on all the greatest hits--meaning some amazing restaurateurs who have adapted their venues (and menus) to come up with delightful dining options that everyone can enjoy!  And we love to wet your appetite, so we're plating up those heavenly dishes with a rosé that everyone's raving over!

    We first spoke with Keg & Kitchen's Chef Bill Elmer and Owner, Kevin Meeker.  Although the two have known one another for years, this is the first time Elmer has worked for Meeker. These two friends have years of experience and familiarity with one another, which lends itself to scrumptious results that patrons of Keg & Kitchen can enjoy.  Chef Elmer, who is familiar with Owner Meeker's famed Philadelphia Fish Company, designed specials based on the former PFC's menu. Those specials are currently available throughout Lent, Easter, and some will be integrated into their Spring & Summer seasonal menu too.  Look for those specials, along with daily Happy Hour options (including General Manager Matthew Marks inventive cocktails and mocktails), and other exciting events happening at Keg & Kitchen!

    Afterwards, we had an in-depth discussion with Attorney turned Restaurateur, Mike Dalewitz.  Dalewitz, who is the Founder of 618 Hospitality Group and Co-Owner of The Borscht Belt, joined us on Food, Farms, & Chefs to chew over how his career path ventured into the hospitality business.  The highly driven, and self-motivated entrepreneur had a knack to fish out a niche; one of which led him to meet Co-Owner and Chef, Nick Liberato.  And a love of all things delicatessen bloomed, opening The Borscht Belt in Stockton, NJ.  Due to certain circumstances the former location of the Borscht Belt needed to be closed, but the pair are excited to announce the launch of The Borscht Belt in Newtown, PA this coming April, and The Borscht Belt Museum will be launching this month in Ellenville, NY along with hosting the first Borscht Belt Fest this summer!

    Lastly, we hear from Jesse Bongiovi--yes, that name should sound familiar--who invited all of us to spring into rosé season with his latest vintage of Hampton Water.  Creative minds must think alike, seeing as Co-Owners Jesse, his father Jon Bon Jovi, and long-time friend Ali Thomas joined forces to create a Rosé with Vintner Gerard Bertrand.  Their 'pink juice' was inspired after years of traveling with Jesse's father and indulging in Rosé, oftentimes during visits to the Hampton's.  And this is not some insipid label being brandished by someone famous; the Rosé has been awarded 90-Points for every vintage produced since its inception.  Hampton Water Rosé is a blend of 60% Grenache; 15% Cinsault; 15% Mourvèdre and 10% Syrah which is then fermented inside French Oak barrels--it tastes wonderful on your palate, or feel free to create cocktail using Hampton Water Rosé as your base.  

    Recent Episodes from Food Farms & Chefs

    St. Patrick's Day Celebrations from New York's Dead Rabbit, South Jersey's Dooney's Pub, and Celebrated Chef and Author Ray Sheehan

    St. Patrick's Day Celebrations from New York's Dead Rabbit, South Jersey's Dooney's Pub, and Celebrated Chef and Author Ray Sheehan

    Our first guest has accomplished a lot since he began working as a glass collector in his hometown of Belfast, Ireland. Jack McGarry began his career in Ireland and worked his way to a pub in London, eventually crossing the ocean to open the Dead Rabbit in New York. Since then, McGarry's desire to create Pubs that elevate the 'Irish pub experience' has found its place, along with numerous well-earned awards celebrating 'The Best Bar in the World.' How does he do it? By crafting an intriguing selection of menu items along with an experience that showcases Irish culture, history, and customs. However, the Dead Rabbit is not this entrepreneur's only accomplishment-but you'll have to tune in to find out more about Jack, what he's accomplished, and what to look forward to during the Dead Rabbit's "It's Paddy's Day NOT Patty's Day" events!

    This week is looking up, especially for anyone celebrating St. Patrick's at Dooney's Pub in Delran and Voorhees New Jersey! Dooney's Director of Operations, Ariane Bonnes, joined us to announce their annual Kegs and Eggs in Delran, along with their other popular menu items that are fan favorites each year. On top of that, visitors can look forward to live music at both locations, dancers, bagpipers, and green beer to amplify the fun! In addition to their weekend-long celebrations, you can keep the celebrations going with their month-long cocktail and menu specials. But don't take it from us--turn your dials to Food Farms and Chefs to hear more about what you can look forward to from Dooney's Pub!

    Our final guest is bringing the band back together again, and we couldn't be more excited to have him on! Ray Sheehan, who is an expert on all things Barbeque, shared his journey as a chef, author, contributing writer, and guest host for Baseball and BBQ Podcast. After what has happened since we last spoke with him, we further discussed the importance of mental health in the culinary industry and the ability to adjust and think on your feet. Which led to a huge announcement, that you'll hear first on our show! Ray joined us to announce some exciting news for the first time on our show! But we don't want to spoil the surprise, so tune in to hear from Chef Sheehan and what you can look forward to in the very near future!

    Eat till your heart's content as this week's Food Farms and Chefs Radio Show is Baked (and fried) with love

    Eat till your heart's content as this week's Food Farms and Chefs Radio Show is Baked (and fried) with love

    We had a burning desire to share our first guest's full story with you, especially after Kaylyn Kahana's business, Kay Kay's, became a viral sensation! As Kaylyn described her love of baking to us, she also explained how her knowledge in the culinary world blossomed, and how baking became a passion for her. In fact, Kaylyn's passion was so strong that she switched careers in order to start her own business. As luck would have it, the 'stars aligned' for her while she was transitioning from her startup kitchen into a professional kitchen, and she landed on a location in South Philly. Today, Kay Kay's is now the hottest spot to grab your next birthday cake--and feel free to check out Kay Kay's breakfast, lunch, coffee, and catering options too!
    ( https://www.facebook.com/KayKaysCakes/ )

    Our next guest, Chef Andy Kahl, is a well-traveled individual who went from working in the culinary industry to becoming a photographer, and is now the Chef inside the newly opened Soko Bag in Phoenixville, PA. I know, you're probably wondering what Soko Bag is. If you've ever heard of Korean Fried Chicken, well, Soko Bag specializes in it. The concept was realized when Shea Winter Roggio and J.H. "Allie" Chang were living in Gumi with Allie's family during the pandemic. That's when the idea to create a fun, local, hangout spot for sports, beer, and Korean Fried Chicken was conceptualized by Shea. Having been friends for years, Shea reached out to Kahl. Now open, Phoenixville residents (and anyone who visits) can enjoy their extra crispy, bountiful flavored Korean Fried Chicken and beers at Soko Bag! ( https://sokobag.com )

    We love to bite into a decadent dessert, scrumptious scone, or rich cheesecake, which is exactly what Sunflour Bake Shop specializes in. Owner and Chef Maggie Alfinito joined us for some cupcakes and a chat about what it took to open her bakery, and the growth that she has seen over the years. As a graduate of Walnut Hill College in PA, Maggie began her career working at local restaurants. Her brother, however, encouraged her to pursue her dream of owning her own bakery, and now 10 years later she is still going strong. And that continued growth is what led our co-host, Amaris Pollock, to finally learning of Sunflour Bake Shop. After Maggie expanded into their new (and much larger space) Amaris was introduced to Maggie, and fell in love with Maggie's delicious baked goods. ( https://www.sunflourbakeshopnj.com )

    Fine Dining, Private Chefs, and Award-Winning Cheeses on Food Farms and Chefs Radio Show Episode 269

    Fine Dining, Private Chefs, and Award-Winning Cheeses on Food Farms and Chefs Radio Show Episode 269

    Our first guest is FORK's Executive Chef, George Madosky. Chef Madosky, who has worked inside numerous well-known restaurants in the North East, joined us to discuss his background in the culinary industry as well as other restaurants from the High Street Hospitality Group. To say the menu offerings at FORK and High Street Market are excellent is an understatement. From the moment you walk through the doors to when you see and taste each plated dish, Chef Madosky and High Street Hospitality Group's passion to offer the most outstanding experience emanates through every detail. For their current menu offerings and to make a reservation, visit https://forkrestaurant.com.

    During our next segment, we spoke with the Chef and Owner of Culinary & Restaurant Solutions LLC, Chef Steph Musick. Chef Musick began a career in an entirely different field. As fate intervened, Chef Musick was drawn to the culinary industry, eventually earning her Culinary Degree at the Art Institute of California and her Culinary Management Degree from the Art Institute of Philadelphia. After working inside some of the more prestigious kitchens in Philly, and as fate intervened once again, Chef Musick founded her business, the Culinary & Restaurant Solutions LLC where Steph and her team of fellow Chefs offer dining experiences and/or meals curated to your needs. If you want to find out more--listen till the end, and then visit https://www.chefstephmusick.com.

    Our final guest literally offers the cream of her crop to all of us; Sue Miller co-owns and operates Birchrun Hills Farm located in Chester Springs, PA. The first-generation and family-owned and operated farm offers cheeses produced from the milk of the 80+ holstein cows they raise. Their award-winning cheeses can be found inside the kitchens of local restaurants, at farmers markets, and on-site at Birchrun Hills Farm. And for anyone curious about their cheeses, tune in till the end of our show to find out how you can sample some for yourself! For more information about the Miller's, Birchrun Hills Farms, and locations their products are sold, please visit https://birchrunhillsfarm.com.

    Breaking News with Entree BYOB, Enswell Philly, and Santino's Tap & Tavern on Food Farms and Chefs Radio Show Episode 268

    Breaking News with Entree BYOB, Enswell Philly, and Santino's Tap & Tavern on Food Farms and Chefs Radio Show Episode  268

    Chef Andrew Farley of Enswell in Philadelphia has honed his culinary skills under the tutelage of some very prestigious restaurateurs over the years, making a name for himself in doing so. So when the Rival Brothers Coffee owners, Jonathan Adams and Damien Pileggi, wanted to create a coffee and cocktail bar--Chef Adams reached out to someone he worked alongside with in the past - Chef Farley - to run the kitchen. Now, armed with a selection of creative menu items, the coffee & pastries in the morning-cocktails & plated lunch/dinner menus later in the day venue will meet all your beverage and meal desires throughout the day! And if you're curious to find out more about this unique venue, coffee & cocktails bottle shop--stay tuned till the end to hear all the juicy details!

    We next spoke with the owner of Entree BYOB, Chef Kevin Addis. Chef Addis is a seasoned restaurateur, whose venture into the culinary world began as a youth inside the Hummingbird Room. After graduating from Johnson and Wales, Chef Addis worked inside numerous kitchens in Rhode Island, Massachuesettes, and Pennsylvania--eventually opening restaurants of his own; Entree BYOB in 2013 and Mari BYO in 2020. Mari BYO has since closed, and Chef Addis joined us to talk about the closing and move for Entree BYOB, along with the opening of a brand-new concept in the Pocono's--and if you want to learn more about Kevin's new announcements just keep your streaming devices tuned to Food Farms and Chefs Radio Show to find out!

    Lastly, we spoke with Chef and Owner, CJ DeMarco of Santino's Tap & Table. CJ grew up learning the business from his father inside their Ridley, PA location. CJ's family's restaurant emerged when there was an Italian restaurant 'boom' in the area, so they sought out a way to offer craveable favorites with a Philly twist. Today, you can try some of their fan favorites, like the Sausage, Pepper, and Onions appetizer or their Scrapple Stuffed Pork Chop entree--all with an interesting take on an Italian classic--both of which made co-hosts Amaris and Gene drool. Want to hear more? Tune in till the end and you'll be drooling too!

    Building Connections through Food, Coffee, and Fun on Food Farms and Chefs Radio show

    Building Connections through Food, Coffee, and Fun on Food Farms and Chefs Radio show

    Partners since birth, our first guest Stephen Servis owns Servis Events with his twin brother Nicolas. Stephen joined us on the show to discuss how both he and his brother became chefs through some pivotal decisions made earlier in their lives. Years later, Stephen and his brother built a reputation based on being heavily tattooed twin Chefs. Post pandemic, they decided to try something new and found WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) while staying with at a farm to work. This led them to another farm, located in Maine, where the seeds for Servis Events were planted and began to bloom. Now, they're back in Bucks County, sourcing the most nutrient-rich ingredients from local farms, providing a multi-course Chef's Tasting Menu to individuals looking for their services as private Chefs through Servis Events.

    Our next guest helps Center City celebrate Vietnamese cuisine and culture, along with so much more at Miss Saigon. Chuong Nguyen is the Operating Manager and one of the co-owners of Miss Saigon in Philadelphia. The multi-level restaurant and bar offers an elevated take on Vietnamese street foods; providing menu options that are served family-style to encourage patrons to experience a variety of the tastes and flavors of the culture's cuisine. In addition to celebrating Vietnamese cuisine, the venue also provides a celebration full of PRIDE through their cocktail menu: There is a cocktail created for every color of the PRIDE flag! And be sure to reserve your opportunity to eat, drink, and sing inside their private Karaoke room with your friends! And keep your ears peeled through the end of this week's episode to find out when their first drag show will happen!

    Our last guest has brought people together on a global level! Gizem White, who is an expert in Gastrodiplomacy and is the Founder and CEO of the Turkish Coffee Lady located in Alexandria, VA. Gizem's story began as she desired to share the history--and cups--of Turkish coffee with like-minded individuals. And in 2012, Gizem created a non-profit food truck called The Turkish Coffee Truck, where she handed out free cups of brewed Turkish Coffee. Years later, her efforts brought her media attention and recognition, including an article which stuck and later became synonymous with her brand. So in 2017, she created the Turkish Coffee Lady brand in the U.S. Now, after visiting several countries and cities across the globe, Gizem and her brand Turkish Coffee Lady are considered as a "Friendship building initiative between Turkey and the USA," according to the US government. I don't know about you, but the love of a great cup of coffee is a perfect way to bring people together--so stay tuned until the end to hear how you can buy some of her Turkish Coffee Lady blends and enjoy it with some new friends!

    Get Ready for the Super Bowl, Valentine's Day, and Mardi Gras with this week's guests on Food Farms and Chefs Radio Show!

    Get Ready for the Super Bowl, Valentine's Day, and Mardi Gras with this week's guests on Food Farms and Chefs Radio Show!

    Continuing traditions is big for most families, and our first guest did so in a huge way by opening Iron Oven in Southampton, PA. Alex Nalbandian grew up learning the restaurant industry from his parent's well-known business, Rising Sun Pizzeria. Years later, Alex took over the management of his parents restaurant, furthering his familiarity with the industry, managing staff, and running a business. Nine years later, Alex was Inspired to open his own restaurant, and opened Iron Oven. Now, you can look forward to biting into their most popular item--Philly's beloved Cheesesteak, or chow down on one of their burgers, pizzas, or strombolis.

    If you're a fan of fusion-based restaurants, then be sure to check out Blue Sunday Bensalem. The American and Asian Fusion based restaurant offers a modern twist for any foodie to delight in! If you're craving a steak, seafood, or note-worthy cocktail then visit Blue Sunday Bensalem. The venue offers a delicious variety of foods, ranging from Singapore Noodles to Gumbo or feel free to make it an intimate date night and share a Seafood Boil with your loved one! Or, should you and your friends want to hang out for some drinks and quick bites--be sure to check out Blue Sunday Bensalem's Happy Hour--it happens every day, including on the weekends!

    We love a sweet ending, or in our next guests' case--a sweet beginning! Beri Maeda is not new to owning and running a successful cupcake business; her first venture began at age 14 with Baked by Beri. Years and a successful business venture later, Beri Maeda is currently attending the Wharton School of Business, where she met her fellow classmate and business partner, Allene Yue. After the pair discussed Beri's former venture, they decided to begin a startup together, named Velvet Cupcakes--offering unique and intricate cupcakes created with the same delicious recipes that founded Beri's first successful cupcakery business. Be sure to follow them on instagram: @velvetcupcakesbakery and check out their tempting array of sweet treats!

    Empanadas, Guacamole, Gelato, Pastries, Puppies & Craft Cocktails are all being highlighted on Food Farms and Chefs Radio Show this Week!

    Empanadas, Guacamole, Gelato, Pastries, Puppies & Craft Cocktails are all being highlighted on Food Farms and Chefs Radio Show this Week!

    Born in and raised in Ecuador, Veronica Fitzgerald moved to the US with her family in North Carolina as a teen. Growing up she was treated to her grandmother's empanadas on a regular basis, eventually learning how to make them as well. Years later, she treated her family and friends to her empanadas, and subsequently the pandemic inspired Veronica to create her business, V Empanadas. Soon thereafter, V-Empanada's was a hit, and she opened a shop inside Lancaster County Farmers Market. So, the next time you visit, be sure to check out Veronica's freshly made Empanadas and scratch-made guacamole, sauces, and desserts when you're there!

    The best way to end a meal is with something a little sweet--something that Pastry Chefs Sally Gadea and her husband Jemil know a lot about. Both Allison and Jemil have years of experience working as Executive and/or Corporate Chefs for high-end restaurants over the years; a key aspect that has helped refine what they offer inside their Yardley, PA-based business, Panna Gelateria. Of course owning and running a business takes a lot of skills too--and the pair sought out help from SCORE in Bucks County, PA. to aid them in getting started. So, a little help from their SCORE business mentor and the combined culinary pedigrees from both Chefs later...Panna Gelateria and Bakery was born. Now, you can indulge your sweet & savory cravings when you visit Panna Gelateria. Their menu offerings will always keep you interested--they have an ever-changing menu of small-batch gelatos, pastries, and more!

    Who let the dogs out? Allison and Sam Mattiloa did! And they invited all of your (fully vaccinated and trained) pups to the party too! Inspired by the pandemic to finally add a fur-baby to their family, Allison and Sam adopted Buda into their lives. But the pandemic lasted longer than anticipated, so the Brewerytown couple were fur-ther inspired to create a human and dog-friendly space to safely socialize. That space, called The Boozy Mutt, incorporates a bar, restaurant, and an indoors & outdoors space for pups and their fur-friends to play. And if you haven't caught the ball on the theme just yet--you can fetch some food and drinks for yourselves, order some treats for ''Fluffy'' from their pet-friendly food menu, and let the paws hit the floor running at The Boozy Mutt! . Just remember to reserve your day, month, or yearly pass for your furry friends before you visit

    We're bringing you farm fresh foods, the new Chef/Owner of a popular restaurant, and NY based boozy ice creams this week!

    We're bringing you farm fresh foods, the new Chef/Owner of a popular restaurant, and NY based boozy ice creams this week!

    Our first guest grew up on his grandfather's farm, then valiantly served our country in the Airforce before returning to the states, taking a position in the corporate world. Nate Layton, whose desire to find healthy, organic food for his family found the stores lacking in non-chemically-treated, pesticide-free foods, so he made a decision to return to his roots. After re-establishing himself by raising chickens and selling eggs, Nate purchased land in Pennsylvania and began his venture in livestock farming. Now, you can hear more about his path to owning and operating Hershberger Heritage Farms, his CSA: Berger Box, and how you can purchase and have a Berger Box filled with farm-fresh, grass-fed, products shipped directly to you by tuning in! (Link: https://www.hhf.farm)

    Worthy of numerous accolades, John Hearn is the new owner of the popular Swarthmore, PA restaurant: Village Vine Wine Bar & Bistro. John recently purchased Village Vine Wine Bar & Bistro from Lori Knauer and Jill Bennett Gaieski this past November, and immediately resumed lunch and dinner service--taking on the restaurant like it was business as usual. Locals knew of the change, and lucky for them-- the hard-to-please citizens of Swarthmore found John's touches to the venue and menu delightful! If you want to hear more about what John is working on to jazz up the menu and offerings--stay tuned till the end of the show! (Link: https://www.villagevineswarthmore.com)

    Have a flight of some boozy 'hot' chocolate, Spiked Mint Chip, and bourbon-infused vanilla ice cream as a treat for tuning in! Owner and Founder, Melissa Taviss, tapped into her family roots when she established her business, Tipsy Scoop. She began her Tipsy Scoop as a startup, selling her alcohol-infused frozen desserts out of a pushcart at popups around the city. Today, she not only has a permanent location, she also has a cookbook, and has grown her New York-based business into a recognized brand. A brand which now offers franchise opportunities on top of shipping products nationwide. If you want to learn more about Melissa and Tipsy Scoop, and to score a sweet discount code, just tune in to Food Farms and Chefs Radio Show! (Link: https://tipsyscoop.com)

    It's all about the Craft, as Forged Irish Stout, Buck's Beer Bash, and Yah Brew joined Food Farms and Chefs Radio Show!

    It's all about the Craft, as Forged Irish Stout, Buck's Beer Bash, and Yah Brew joined Food Farms and Chefs Radio Show!

    Born and brewed in Ireland, Forged Irish Stout was created by MMA Champion Conor McGregor as a specialty beer for his Irish pub, The Black Forge Inn.  After its initial launch Forged Irish Stout was met with a positive reception, and McGregor decided to expand the brand, buying the collaborating brewery to focus on larger-scale production with the intention to launch internationally.  So in October of 2023 McGregor launched his brand inside Bartley Dunne's in New York City with a huge tasting event.  Now, you can purchase Forged Irish Stout at specific locations in NY, NJ, PA, and beyond--so grab one and taste Conor McGregor's Forged Irish Stout for yourself!

    Bringing everyone together is what our next guest is all about--Buck's Beer Bash's Event Producer, Geff Rapp joined us for the 4-1-1 on this inaugural event.  Brewers and other vendors will be on-site for you to taste your way through a huge representation of what Buck's county and the surrounding areas have to offer.  What's even sweeter than a way to try so many beers at once?  A portion of every ticket sold goes to CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia).  So bring your bestie and share the beer cheer at the first annual Buck's Beer Bash happening on March 9th at The Fuge!

    You'll feel like the King of Queens when you bring your F∙R∙I∙E∙N∙D∙S to check out Yah Brew in Hershey, PA, this '90's-themed brewery was founded in 2022 by Justin and Annie Hoak, and officially opened their doors to a brick and mortar location in the Spring of 2023.  If you're a fan of the 1990's era, you'll find this foodie-based News Radio show is bringing you a fun spot to indulge in beers, cocktails, food, and more at Yah Brew.  And don't go chasing Waterfalls; instead, crack open one of their Hazed By The Bell, a hazy IPA or an Orange Sherbert Push Pop (a fruited sour) and chow down on some of the tasty menu items!

    New Year, New Episode of Food Farms and Chefs with NoProof Seltzer, Bitchin' Kitten Brewery, and Philly Waffle Cabin

    New Year, New Episode of Food Farms and Chefs with NoProof Seltzer, Bitchin' Kitten Brewery, and Philly Waffle Cabin

    "Dry January" and healthier lifestyle choices are two of the top resolutions we hear you're making, so we asked Chris Carney, the owner of NoProof Seltzer to join us on the show. NoProof is a non-alcoholic energy drink with an orange-citrus flavor, infused with beneficial vitamins, no sugar added, and a light caffeine kick. Chris started his company when he was looking for something that was alcohol free, healthier for you to consume, and offered a caffeine boost - without the unnecessary added sugars and artificial flavors. When he couldn't find anything on the market, he found a way to create his own, and now you can enjoy the benefits and refreshing taste of NoProof Seltzer!

    Now, we're aware that not everyone participates in "Dry January," so we spoke with one of the co-founders of Bitchin' Kitten Brewery, Michael Crosson. Michael and his wife, Bridgette, started the brewery inspired by her Bridgette-smitten kitten (Shadow) and Michael's enthusiasm of home-brewing. After years of successfully being a home-brewer, Michael landed an apprenticeship at Tindall Road Brewery to gain more experience and knowledge of brewing on a larger scale, and in October of 2021 they opened the doors to their brewpub in Morrisville, PA!

    Some people like beverages, others have a hankering for something sweet which is why we spoke with Jenny Gardner who owns Philly Waffle Cabin! What is Philly Waffle Cabin? Well, it's one of those delightful joys where you'll smell the tantalizing scent of freshly-made Belgian waffles in the air before you find where the fully mobile version of the Waffle House Cabin franchise is located at. Born from the slopes, this skier-friendly treat can now be wherever you would like! So, if you're familiar with the tasty treats then you already know why you'd want to seek some out--but if you're not, then let us introduce you to Philly Waffle Cabin and why they're so sought-after on (and now off) the slopes!