Dining On A Dime

Guests:Joe Brown, Brennan Foxman, & Bill Beck Synopsis:We begin our show with Joe Brown, Executive Chef and Culinary & Food Bank Director for Harvest Cafe & Abundant Harvest Catering at Bethany Baptist Church.  Chef Brown brought his unique fusion of Cajun & Italian cuisine to the culinary community when he burst onto the restaurant scene with his first location for Melange. Brown grew his name & brand when major media took notice of the culinary community, and found himself within that notable group.  Some of the numerous appearances he made include TV shows like Discovery, National Geographic, & Food Network, as well as in publications like Ebony, Black Enterprise, & Health Quest. Unfortunately he had to close the doors to his restaurants in 2010, but his love of creating delicious meals for people still beat strong. As such, Chef Brown now leads the kitchen as well as inspires future generations inside Harvest Cafe.  In addition to that, he just published his second book, Melang

We begin with our home-base in Philadelphia, with a Philly favorite: Scoop DeVille. We spoke with Spencer Phillips, who is the current owner and operator behind the thirty year-old ice cream spot. Spencer discussed how he came to know Scoop DeVille, and years later became the owner 10 years ago. Initially Phillips stuck to all the original processes. However, Phillips now creates his own flavors, ice creams, and hot chocolate floats which are sought after treats all year long! Stay tuned for more about Scoop DeVille and all that you can look forward to for your next favorite frozen treat! Tasting fabulous foods and beverages is always on our radar, so we spoke with the Creative Director, Joe Calerone, of New York's famous Serendipity 3. You may recognize the name, as this is a sweet spot for many celebrities, notable foodies, and from their notoriety on the small and big screen. Fame is not the only reason this New York City-based spot gained attention, they're also recognized for holding 9 different Guinness

There's a lot to celebrate on this week's Food, Farms, & Chefs Radio Show, as we spoke with Tamas Szene who is the Director of Operations for Fearless Restaurants.  Szene joined us to celebrate White Dog Cafe's 40th Anniversary, and this iconic restaurant that helped bring the farm-to-table movement to the culinary industry.  Fearless Restaurants has even more to celebrate, as they announce their newest location on our show!  So stay tuned to learn more about this trend-setting establishment, and where they are opening next! To continue with our celebrations, we asked Melissa Fernando to join our family of foodies.  Melissa is no stranger to bringing flavor to every dish, as she grew up learning the piquant flavors behind a variety of cuisines.  Born in Sri Lanka, and growing up in Chennai, India Melissa eventually moved to Philadelphia, PA.  This dynamic self-taught chef made a name for herself when she established Sri's Company and began offering delicious food at pop-ups {markets} around Philly.  She q

We began our episode by serving up the freshest meals in Camden County as we spoke with the co-owner and Chef of Corinne's Place.  Originally born from a small catering business, the Founder Corinne Bradley-Powers grew her business into a beloved neighborhood spot; offering scratch-made foods that visitors from all over would travel to enjoy. Eventually word spread and her meals became so enticing that even celebrities and food critics became repeat customers.  Mrs. Bradley-Powers eventually sold her business to Trevor Vaughan & his partner, Craig Sawyer, but not without Corinne's blessing; Corinne's new role within her famed restaurant is being the new owner's consultant.  After ownership of the restaurant changed hands in 2019, Corinne's Place was nominated (and won) the James Beard Foundation's "America's Classics" Award, which is given to establishments that have remained open for at least 10 years, and reflect the character of its community.  We touch on all of this and more, so stay tuned to hear ab

To start, we're celebrating two new concepts from FCM Hospitality that just opened in Philadelphia!  Neina Langford, FCM Hospitality's Director of Special Events, joined us to chat about the delicious new breakfast & lunch offerings from Rosy's Cafe--and to help celebrate it, she delivered some of the tantalizing menu items to the studio!  So not only did we chat about how delightful the food is, we can attest to it from first-hand experience!  From flavorful bites of tortas, to tacos--this new spot is sure to please your palate!  Then, we danced our way into the night with NoChe!  NoChe, which is also part of the FCM Hospitality's ever-expanding and trend-setting concepts, offers elevated bites and cocktails that will tantalize all your senses.  If you're looking to impress, then tune in to find out just how impressive these two new spots are! Then, we had the pleasure to introduce Olga Sorzano, the amazing entrepreneur behind Baba's Brew aka Baba's Bucha--a kombucha with so much heart behind it, that I'

We are still out having some fun, so for your listening enjoyment we're re-playing one of your fan favorites of Food, Farms, & Chefs! On the episode, which originally aired in 2021, had Jimmy Kunz whose undeniably tasty products from The Truffleist will tempt any foodies taste buds. Then, for our sports fans who also happen to be foodies, we had NFL/CFL player Justin Renfrow on to talk about the amazing things he does to help out feeding those in need. And for our final segment we also had the multi-talented Mark Cassasanto on. Mark, who is the Director Of Operations at Imperial Events Security and a featured columnist at "Philadelphia Row Home Magazine," has worked in the food and hospitality industry for years, and brings his delightful demeanor (and wealth of experience) with him everywhere he goes!

We appreciate all of our Food, Farms, & Chefs Family for supporting and listening throughout the years, and as we take a break to celebrate the Holiday Season with our families we wanted to share one of your favorite episodes with all of you again.  So please enjoy our wonderful guests, and if you can find time to visit them--I'm sure that they would love to see you just as much as we do!On that note, for your listening pleasure:We're starting our show with Chef Tim Pervizi and owner of Heirloom in Doylestown, PA!  Chef Tim Pervizi considers that all knowledge and talents are an Heirloom that is passed on from mentors and colleagues, and in that spirit he has become proficient in his own culinary talents under some highly acclaimed Chefs, including David Pasternack, a James Beard Award Winning Chef,  and Food and Wine's Best New Chefs, Missy Robbins and even attaining his skills by acknowledging the differences in how every kitchen is run.  He will take us on a wonderful look into his own culinary backgro

This week's episode of Food Farms & Chefs radio show is happy to welcome our friend, and celebrity chef, Georgeann Leaming back to discuss all her numerous endeavors, including the newly established pop-up concept; Zang Croissants. These buttery, flakey, and Super-sized pastries caught our attention, as I'm sure they will catch yours too! She's also joining us to chat about her role as one of MAPP's Ambassadors; MAPP stands for: Mentor, Advocacy, Purpose, Power of women. And how her involvement within the supportive community of MAPP coincides with other groups that she is involved with. All of whom offer equal support and comradery for women within the culinary and hospitality industry. We'll then take you into the hustle and bustle of becoming a chef when we took a behind the scenes look at Chef Barry Galasso as he taught his students (and our co-host Amaris Pollock) how to prepare a crab cake from scratch. Yes, you'll even get the recipe that Chef Galasso used to create this foodie-favorite dish,

This week's Food, Farms, & Chefs show has ALL the spirits! We're bringing you a lot of holiday cheer from stateside to across the globe! As we begin, we spoke with our favorite libations expert, Frank Pagliaro. Not only did he offer recommendations of the best wines and spirits that are trending this season, he also delivered on a holiday treat! If you stop into Frank's Wines in Wilmington, DE you'll have the chance to win big! If you're wondering the "how's and what's" just stay tuned in on this week's episode to find out! Then we take another trip around the globe to celebrate the holiday season with both co-hosts Gene Blum and Amaris Pollock as they take turns describing some of the fun and interesting traditions and places where cheer across the United States as well as some traditions across the globe! We're talking about food traditions, fun places that you can visit for amazing holiday experiences, and events and locations that you might not know about. We rounded out our show with two amaz

On this week's episode of Food, Farms, & Chefs we're mixing it up with a celebrity chef, a cocktail guru, and ending the show by celebrating Christmas around the globe! We begin this week with celebrity chef, and friend of Food, Farms, & Chefs Radio Show, Chef Clara Park. Clara joined us to chat about her latest television appearance on Netflix's new series, SNACK vs CHEF! But before we dive into the details related to that, Gene Blum and Clara dug a little deeper into Chef Park's background and how what inspired her to follow the path to her culinary career. We also touched base on some of her other exciting foodie adventures, and how she is inspiring and teaching future generations to enjoy, be informed, and fully immerse themselves within the plethora of culinary cuisines! After delving into the prestigious world of highly acclaimed chefs, we'll journey over to one of America's favorite brunch-time cocktails--Bloody Mary's and the pre-made K Bloody Mary Mix. Believe us when we say that Khia

Rocco Gallelli who is a friend of the show, culinary genius, and Chef/Owner of Innovative Catering Concepts opened our latest show with a discussion of one of the most celebrated culinary traditions: the Feast of the Seven Fishes. Chef Gallelli joined our co-host Gene Blum to chat about the significance behind the celebratory meal, what would be eaten in the past and why, as well as where the Feast of the Seven Fishes originated. I'm sure that the discussion will pique your interest, not only with the history behind the Feast, but after hearing all the delicious foods that are eaten during the meal--you'll begin to get hungry for more. Which is why we also introduced Chef Joe Muldoon to all of our Food, Farms, & Chefs family. Chef Muldoon joined us from inside his boutique foodie haven, Haddon Culinary. The food-driven market offers a variety of prepared foods as well as numerous products that are locally and globally sourced, bringing you the best foods and culinary delights from all over the world.

We begin our show with our very own Culinary Historian, Gene Blum, as he informs us of the surprising history behind how Thanksgiving began, what was offered at the table when it first began, and how gradually it became the traditional gathering that we now know. Some of the history may even shock you (especially if you're a food lover). Like how an elevated menu item that we pay extra for at restaurants today originally was considered to be undesirable. And then he goes on to describe how beer played a large role in the celebrations of thanksgiving. We then move onto a fun interview with Chef Sophia Morris, who gave us an insiders look into what it is like behind the scenes inside a professional kitchen, and all the passion that goes into working within the culinary community. Chef Morris then goes into some of the delightful menu items that she has created to entice you to visit Cake & Joe in Philadelphia, including some of her own favorites off the menu. Lastly, we'll hear from our new Food, F

Stay tuned to hear from Bravo TV's Below Deck star, Chef Ben Robinson while he sat down to discuss what it's like to create a multitude of culinary works of art on a yacht, where to find the best markets while in-port across the globe, and even what his favorite cuisine to create is.  Then we spoke with friend of the show, Chef Brian Duffy as he dishes out what some of his favorite finds were during the Taste of Lancaster this year, what he has been up to lately, and what he was dishing up during his demo! After a short break we'll also hear from Chef Edward Covino and how his scratch-made soups and stews are not only packed with an abundance of nutritious food, the meals are an ideal way to feed your hunger without worrying about all the prep work.  We'll dig into how his pre-portioned and packaged meals are also perfect to bring out some of your own creativity in the kitchen too.  And afterwards we will speak with Chef Barry Sexton as he represented all of NJ, PA, and beyond while he created his flavorful m

We're taking you on a journey to discover some delicious foodie spots in what is now called University City, but has been a long-standing foundation in West Philadelphia. Rich in its own historical significance in the region, Clarkville has become a wonderful local spot to grab some comfort food, local beers, and hang out for a while. We spoke with Clarkville's owner and Chef, Brendan Hartranft, to find out how he began his path to ownership as well as some of the daily 'insiders' experiences along the way. Of course we love hearing about what everyone is preparing inside their kitchens. So naturally, we discussed his menu and beverage offerings to tempt you to try them too! We also spoke with Chef Matthew Fein, whose career began at an early age, and became official while studying at The Cambridge School of Culinary Arts. While there, Fein's self-driven nature and budding talents landed his first experience of running his own kitchen. After graduating, Matthew worked inside several prestigious kitchens

We begin this week's episode by giving thanks to the Veterans who have served our country as All About Events' Bree Tomar discusses the details of the parade, along with some of the delightful stores (and foodie spots) within the Reading Terminal Market. Then we hear from several of the amazing Chefs who participated at Taste of Philadelphia! We'll hear interviews from Chefs Frank Benowitz and Guy Mitchell who have offered their culinary skills within several terms at the White House and who can also be seen on The Food Network. Then we had a lot of fun speaking with Hell's Kitchen Chefs Barret Beyer and Christine Hazel who were offering cooking demonstrations and tastings during the Taste of Philadelphia-- and we cannot wait to share their stories with all of you!

Live at Achieveability's 40th Anniversary, Food, Farms, & Chefs was on-site to chat with the individuals who made the event and has made the past 40 years possible.We spoke with Executive Director Jamila Harris-Morrison for a short introduction to the event before she needed to head off to be a gracious host.  And as the evening went on, Food, Farms, & Chefs co-host Amaris Pollock interviewed many of the individuals who work tirelessly to help raise Philadelphia up and become successful--bringing the residents and business owners above the poverty dividing line.  The night was full of food, beverages, and honorees who have worked closely as a sponsor, contributor, and member of Achieveability making a positive impact on the region, and we were honored to have the opportunity to introduce some of these heroes of the community to our own family of fans.And for anyone wanting to know who we spoke with, as an easy reference:Jamila Harris-MorrisonAliyah Stangir/Brenda RiosBriana CianciJes LawsonSteven C Sa

We first take a deeper dive into the Taste of Philadelphia and Taste of Lancaster's lineup of celebrity Chefs and Guests.  Not only will we discuss the Gogi Wines Movie Star proprietor, we'll give you a sample of some of the television show celebrity chefs as well as Chefs who have played integral parts both on AND off the field--that's right, there are names dropped that are tethered to champions of the NFL.  And speaking of champions--Taste Philadelphia and Taste Lancaster worked closely with Vet Tix to help provide the greatest people of all time, aka all of our Vets who protected our freedoms--a chance to experience these amazing events too!  And now so can you--by grabbing your tickets as a BOGO by using the code "SOCIAL" We then hear from another kind of hero, The founder of The Trauma Survivors Foundation and The Hospital Heroes Food Drive, as he joins us to invite all of you, our Food Farms & Chefs family, to attend his 10th annual Black Tie and Sneakers Gala, being held for the first-time ever in

This week's Food, Farms, and Chefs will bring you all the upcoming events happening in Philadelphia and beyond! You can look forward to meeting the individuals who help support others, or join us at one (or more!) of the events where you can meet celebrity chefs while sampling some of the finest wines, whiskeys, and foods around! If you want to find out more--be sure to tune in to the full episode and find out what events are happening, when they're occurring, and some of the local and global celebrities you might run into!

This week's Food, Farms, & Chefs Radio Show is starting out with a few announcements from our very own Gene Blum and Amaris Pollock.  With a somber note extending our well wishes to those affected by Hurricane Ian, as well as a few changes that have been happening within our small group of food-loving co-hosts, and an exciting announcement that we want to share with all of you--so you can join in on the fun! We then take a look at a new start up in Philadelphia, from Dave McMullin, Jr. or better known as Dave Mack.  Dave is joining us to talk about what's brewing over in West Philadelphia, and all the intricacies that go into making a craft beer.  His passion for beer began in 2014 as a home brewer, and through learning and experimentation with ingredients Dave's home brewing efforts evolved into a business called Mack Brewing Co. And rest assured, we'll keep you updated with Dave Mack's journey as he continues from startup to owning a brick-and-mortar location as soon as he finds a home to brew in! And

On this week's Food Farms & Chefs Radio Show we took a pit stop at some of our favorite diners across the US, including the state with the most diners and the oldest running diner in the US.  After that, we visited a chic restaurant that offers elevated takes on food that you find comfort in before moving onto our final guest, who was a piece of cake to speak with--especially when every meal is best served with dessert! We began our show by discussing the history behind America's iconic diners, and then forked up some of our favorite spots!  Of course some of these beloved diners are located in close proximity to PA and South Jersey, but when you love to eat, you love to travel too!  So be sure to tune in to hear some of the lovely memories that Gene Blum and Amaris Pollock have from years of their own foodie adventures!  And what better way to celebrate something new than giving back to others in need?  Which is exactly what Chef Derek Davis of Libertine in Philadelphia is doing with the launch of thei