Dining On A Dime

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

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.comPhiladelphia'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

I was first joined by Executive Chef Maurizio Peccolo from Ristorante Lucca, located in Bordentown, NJ. Chef Peccolo has traveled the globe, sharing his vast experience in the creative art of authentic Italian cuisine. Having earned global recognition, awards, and author of several recipe books, Chef Peccolo shares his background and passion for the industry he loves. His passion far exceeds the simplicity of an indulgent and delicious meal - as he takes pride in his achievements, Including showing a medal of honor given to him by (fill in the blank), as well as the honor of being a International Judge of the Tiramisù World Cup in 2021. His many achievements are remarkable and well-deserved, however, what he loves most is to create dining experiences for all to enjoy. So, he joined me to chat about the menu and desserts that he's created for Ristorante Lucca, and how you can indulge all your senses in them too.Related Links:https://ristorantelucca.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/maurizio-peccolo-20264323b/

Sydney Grims' family has been involved in the hospitality industry for several generations, a family that strongly believes in supporting the organizations and communities surrounding them.  So when the original owner of White Dog Cafe was looking to sell her restaurant, one that Judy Wicks founded through her passion for preservation, the Grims' and their equal passion were the perfect fit.  Years later, Sydney Grims and her father, Marty Grims have continued to grow the White Dog Cafe brand by acquiring, renovating, and offering a delicious variety of experiences through their company FearlessRestaurantsGroup (FRG). Having recently opened White Dog Cafe in Chester Springs, Grims is preparing to open three new concepts under Fearless Restaurants; if you want to hear more about them, then be sure to listen to the show and hear all about it from Sydney!(https://www.fearlessrestaurants.com)I next spoke with Koren Draper, who has worked within the catering industry for years. As a result of the pandemic she shif

The world is a busy place, and we all know a good thing when we taste (and smell) it...and my next guest, Jonathan Pastore and his company Bean2Bean Coffee, is here to help you keep up with life's demanding pace. Jonathan is no stranger to the allure of a rich, dark brew--he started out working in the culinary industry since he was a youth. His passion for the industry grew stronger as he moved onto college, learning the business behind marketing food and beverage companies. Today, his passion for an eye-opening cup-o-joe filtered into providing locals a comforting cup through both the Bean2Bean Cafe, located inside of Billy Penn Studios and to anyone interested in buying their products wholesale. But our focus wasn't limited to that--tune in to hear from Jonathan what else is brewing for this coming September--you'll be barking up the right tree if you do!My next guest who is the Owner of Lost Worlds Brewing Company, David Hamme, joined Food Farms and Chefs to talk about how he transitioned from his care

Whatever you're looking for, whether to eat, drink, or wear an item...it boils down to the farmers that grow and tend to the land and animals. More importantly we need farmers like Matthew Braud who co-owns Hollow House Farms in Furlong, PA to help bring the farming community new ways to maintain regenerative and sustainable practices, so that local produce, livestock, and products will be available for generations to come. Matthew joined me to discuss the importance of his farming practices, what he and his wife offer, and a deeper understanding of what sustainable aquaponic farming is.I next spoke with a long-time friend of the show, Megan Hilbert who is the CEO and Owner of Reds Rolling Restaurant I, II, and III. Megan originally joined the show in 2020, and has since grown her business from owning one truck to now having a fleet. There's a reason for that, as her entrepreneurial spirit was backed with a PR & Marketing education, along with a history within the food-truck and restaurant industry.

Our friend, Niki Toscani, joined us on the show and we did a deep dive, discussing the many collaborations that both she and her co-founder (and husband) have participated in, including their about-to-launch collaboration and turning lemonade into a refreshing and unique mix! I know I was excited to hear about it, and even more excited to taste it once it launches!!! But you don't have to wait to bite into some of their delicious and crisp pickles--you can either pick up a batch at your local store, or have them shipped to your door (nationwide!)!!! If you want to hear more about it, and what Niki and Mike are doing in the very near future (including a sneak teaser for Philly Magazine's Best Of Event)...tune in till the end and find out!Speaking of collaborating for the benefit of everyone...my next guest is the Market Manager for Rancocas Woods Farmers Market (RWFM) which happens every Sunday running until Oct 13th. Allison Coulter, who goes by Allie, is well versed in farming and the farmers market cult

We began with Jess Remshard and Liz Denon, two cousins who just happened to bartend in order to make a little extra money.  That side-hustle eventually blossomed into a business idea now known as Spartacus Events.  Their mobile bar can accommodate whatever your party-planning needs are including options for a full bar, a smaller pop-up bar, and more!  So reach out to Jess and Liz  to add that extra wow-factor for your next party, celebration, or event!Family means everything to our next guest, which includes making you feel like part of the family when you visit his restaurants in Hatboro, PA.  Bob Ross and his wife both worked in the culinary industry, and according to Bob, he always wanted to start a restaurant of his own.  Years later that dream came to fruition as he and his wife opened Gypsy Blu.   Their new venture was a huge success, so the Ross' decided to expand on their dream and have since opened a second restaurant, Ross & Co.  And stay tuned to find out the exciting new events and offerings a

My first guest offers a wealth of insight and availability for enjoying healthy, energizing, and chef-driven meals for at home or on-the-go. Anjali Gupta began her career in the corporate world, but found herself drawn into the culinary industry. She was drawn there as a result of leading a too-busy life and wanting delicious and healthy meals that were easy to prepare for her family. This eventually led to her creating Pinwheel Provisions. Now, listeners like yourself (and everyone you know) can eat hearty and nutritious meals while traversing your busy lives. Pinwheel Provisions offers flavor-packed ready to heat and eat, and build-your-own meals inside her BrynMawr-based business. And if you're not looking to cook at home, there's something for everyone--as Pinwheel Provisions also offers a select menu that you can grab-n-go at anytime!Friends are like family and so are our pets, so I was excited to have my friend, Jaimi Blackburn who is the Director of Public Relations for Fearless Restaurant Group on

Will Porras, who is the Executive Chef at Vault Brewing Company in Yardley, PA learned and honed his knowledge as a chef while working inside various kitchens while growing up, and further refined his craft under some very esteemed chefs. I spoke with Will, learning about his history within the culinary industry and what led him to become Vault Brewing Company's Executive Chef. Taking on the role of an Executive Chef is not for the faint of heart-something that Will has excelled at. Speaking of excelling at things, Vault Brewing Company has created a delicious combination of beers and elevated dining menus that they're now looking to expand (spoil alert--and you heard it first on Food Farms and Chefs Radio Show!). So be sure to keep an eye out for their official announcement by following them on their social media pages, as well as when you visit them in person!https://vaultbrewing.comMy next guest, Joseph Staffieri, is the owner behind Fusco’s Water ice with two locations in Delaware. Joseph is a chip of

There was a lot of energy and positive vibes as Co-Chairs of the Leverage Event, Howard Lebold and Haley Schmidt, along with CDC's 2024 Linchpin recipients Victoria Williams and Co-Founder of Tiny WPA Alex Gilliam, Esteemed 2024 Leverage Awardee Prema Katari Gupta who is the President and CEO of the Center City District (CCD), Co-Owners Mallory Stetter and Justin Scott of Logo Cookies Direct who donated 200 cookies for the event, Head Distiller of KLYR Rum, Rebecca Foxman, Owner and Chef of Fox & Son, Diana Widjojo of Rice & Sambal, and Kyle Cuffie-Scott of Darnell's Cake.The Leverage Event represented each borough of Philadelphia with amazing Chefs and Restaurateurs, and everyone in attendance were able to sample the decadent small bites and beverages available throughout Philadelphia's Center for Design building--where the event was being held. And all eyes were on center stage as awardees were announced during the evening before CCD's President & CEO Prema Katari Gupta took the stage to remark

I'm certain that all of you LOVE a cup of tea or coffee in the morning, and our first guest is brewing up a great start to your day with her business, The Rose Room Cafe. The coffee and baked goods come with a lot of love, as Jess Sabine and her staff make freshly-baked pastries and other foods from scratch to accompany your cup-o-joe (or tea). The love doesn't end there--The Rose Room Cafe has created a space for the community to get together, hosting events which include first Fridays, private parties, and so much more! So, if this sounds like your cup of tea ;) then make The Rose Room Cafe part of your next destination! (https://www.theroseroomcafe.com)From Coffee to Bagels...I chat with Managing Partner of Bagels & Co., Mike Marsh. Mike is very invested in what Bagels & Co. has to offer, including the lengthy list of cream cheeses crafted to compliment their abundantly large bagels of your dreams. New York arguably has the best bagels this side of the world, but theirs can give New Yorkers a

I began with Executive Chef Kyle Timpson, who started out with aspirations to be a pastry chef. Sometime after graduating Atlantic Cape Community College, he found that challenging himself within a larger spectrum was appealing, and cultivated a space where he could continue to grow in the industry. Today, Executive Chef Timpson joined us to talk about the delicious steakhouse and beverage menus at SIN in Philadelphia, and what to look forward to in the coming weeks. (https://www.sinphiladelphia.com)I next spoke with Army Veteran, Cookbook Author, three-time Food Network winner and Executive Chef Kevin Cooper aka "Chef Steek." Chef Steek sat down with me to discuss how he began in the culinary world, what influenced his progression within the industry, and what it was like to not only appear on the Food Network, but also win and be able to open the Chicken Guy in King of Prussia. Chef Steek and I also dug into the menu items available at the Chicken Guy, along with some of the milkshakes too--have I mentioned

Our first guests formed a partnership that's brewing up some fun in Roxborough; Sweet Java Cafe's owner, Victor Young, and Sales Manager for Mermaid Spirits, Joe Berendsohn joined me to chat about the newly-opened cafe & cocktails spot. This is Victor's first time opening up a coffeehouse, and thanks to a mutual friend of theirs, a partnership was formed with Mermaid Spirits. And what was the result? A large space where the community can grab a cup of their favorite coffee on the way to work, or even work remotely inside of while also enjoying some of the scratch-made pastries. And when it's a little later in the day--be sure to try out one of the coffee-infused cocktails or other mixed drinks and enjoy the fun vibes of the space and neighborhood! https://order.toasttab.com/online/sweet-java-cafeKeeping caffeinated is top priority for most individuals, so we spoke with co-owner Luisa Toro from Roosters Coffeehouse which is located in Ledgewood, NJ. Roosters Coffeehouse is also the first cafe business t

Annette Anthony began her career as a counsel with the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, and has since become an attorney, executive coach, accredited mediator, founder of a VC fund, a business coach, and now has collated recipes and tales from her travels around the globe. Food is a universal love language; it brings family, friends, and even strangers together at one table...or into one space. And being open to try new things was how Annette was raised, so finding herself traveling to different countries opened her palate to more flavor, experiences, and cuisines. Her journey from family recipes to meals from other cultures are now at your fingertips with her new book, Always Enough: A Global Food Memoir. You can find her, and a link to purchase her book on her website: https://annetteanthony.com.My next guest, Chef Chad Durkin, is breezing in with a brand-new spot in South Philly called Breezy's Deli & Market. Chef Durkin has a remarkable pedigree within the culinary community, having worked for Le

Brett Naylor and Nicole Barrick are seasoned veterans in the culinary world, and together they opened Wilder in the Rittenhouse area of Philadelphia.  Their fresh takes on their menus offer diners a delicious array of pizza, raw bar, pastas, cocktails and mocktails, and desserts.  With three floors to accommodate your dining needs, they offer a private event space, brunches, happy hour, and classes that you can take advantage of too!  Stay tuned to find out more about them, their venue and menu, and what's in store for the summer!Noelle Blizzard made a name for herself and her business, New June Bakery, after she tried her hand at all the pandemic baking trends.  She soon found herself baking in the early mornings as well as late at night after she put in her regular hours as a mother and for work.  As time passed, Noelle began baking for friends and co-workers as a business, quickly gaining notoriety for her delicious and beautiful cakes, galettes, and cookies, and was (not surprisingly) featured in publicat

Amaris spoke with Dave Welsh, the owner behind Mile Bar and South Jersey Running Company. He joined us to introduce all of you to the newest addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors: The newly-opened multi-dining concept with a bar, Poppy Taco, Chicken Joint, and Local Standards under one roof called Reunion Hall in NJ! Another fresh offering for the dining scene is from Chef Rob Miskell and his new concept, SauceBoy! Chef Miskell marries a family favorite--scratch-made pastas with sauces (eh-hem...or shall we say, gravy). You can find him online to order your next meal, or feel free to reach out to him if you're looking to have your next get together catered!Lastly, we spoke with Nick Beam, one of the co-owners behind Phat Jawns. The name says it all...they combine Philly foodie favorites that are large and in charge, with some rather interesting and turn them into hunger-inducing creations--until you satisfy your hunger by taking a big bite!

We began with a round-table discussion with Executive Director of Community Design Collaborative (CDC) Tya Winn, Kiersten Hanna from KLYR Rum, and Kris Parsons of Kris Parsons PR regarding CDC's Leverage Event happening June 18th, 2024 at The Center for Design Philadelphia from 5:30pm to 8:30pm.  The Leverage Award Reception themed “Our Home, Our Neighborhoods”, will highlight several schematic design projects led by the Community Design Collaborative from neighborhoods across Philadelphia.  And Kris Parsons proudly discussed the details on what guests can look forward to dining on during the event! local Chefs, Attendees can also sample the signature cocktail for the event: The Developer's Daiquiri from KLYR. KLYR's representative, Kiersten Hanna joined us to highlight their new rum which is redefining the industry with its new distilling process.  You can also look forward to meeting Cherri Gregg, WHYY Anchor and Afternoon Co-host for Studio 2 Podcast will Emcee the event. Also look for Philly Current (PC)

To start, I spoke with the immensely impressive Rhys Powell, who transitioned from Wall Street to Founding Red Rabbit.  Red Rabbit is leading the way to provide meals which represents more culturally diverse cuisines so all students can enjoy a lunch that reflects what they would partake of at home. These meals and menus are curated by professional chefs who live and grew up within the same culture and heritage of the surrounding communities, and those meals are provided through Red Rabbit's lunch programs which are currently being offered within the Tri-State region, with plans to continue to expand. So, what does that mean to you?  Tune in to find out, and share with anyone you know who is a teacher, parent, or advocate for nutritional meals for children in schools.Speaking of schools and food...my next guest, Zach Poznan, was formerly the math teacher at Conwell Middle School in Kensington.  The math teacher-turned-baker began his path to owning Brass Monkey Bread Co. during the pandemic, and after several

We began with Robert Dumont, owner and Chef behind Farmstead Foods - a mobile catering concept which focuses on locally-sourced ingredients that caters to your preferences. What does that mean? He has a wealth of experience, having previously worked inside the kitchens of restaurants and prepared food markets along the eastern coast. His vast knowledge of various cuisines lends itself to his ability to create any number of menu options that you would want, however he does have some select fan-favorites, especially when he sets up at local breweries or events. If you want to know where he will be at--tune in to Food Farms and Chefs to find out!Next, we spoke to an owner whose business is located in the heart of East Passyunk Ave in Philadelphia! Nano Wheedan owns Taco Heart off of the food-trendy portion of Passyunk Ave, bringing his love of breakfast tacos from Texas to Philadelphia. Wheedan was enlightened to the delicious breakfast treat several years ago while living in Texas, also learning that tort