In The Weeds with Ben Randall

Today we're celebrating 400 episodes by answering (?) the question "Sure, you've defined 'chef', but how do you be a GOOD one?" Well, at least we try to answer it. You tell us if we nailed it or not.As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.comhttps://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/[email protected]

Introducing our new show, MilkCrate Manifesto! Is there a problem in the hospitality industry that you are PASSIONATE about but nobody's listening to your solution? We Will Listen! Now accepting guest pitches! Email them to [email protected] today!As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.comhttps://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Today we're talking a little quitting-the-job-update, and what does the word 'chef' mean in America?As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.comhttps://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Bombshell tonight folks. Bombshell.https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.comhttps://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Today we're talking kitchen innovations & technology, timers, the demise of Foxtrot/Dom's, Cafe Selmarie's elegant closing and how many circulators it would take to cook a turkey in a bathtub.As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.comhttps://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Today we're talking Lil Caesar's (trash), DoorDash (trashdash), gardening, work stress, vacations, deep-fried burgers and Flippy gets a demotion.As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.comhttps://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shopeatbenrandall.com

Today we're talking chili walks, Just Coffee, the Mac & Cheese Festival, hospitality industry stress and a little bit about what it means to be a chef.As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.comhttps://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Today we're talking Starbucks vs Intolerances, robot servers, vegan sushi and fictional space restaurants.As always, you can find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.comhttps://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

We're back! Today we're talking Maine health inspections, ghost kitchens and down hours in restaurants, burn-away cakes, AI is trying to convince you to self-poison with mushrooms, and Stargate SG-1? Ok.As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.comhttps://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Today we've got an update show! You'll hear about Etta's long, slow dissolution, Amos Miller still wants to flout all of the rules and get people sick, and a listener adds to the 'vegan' donut discussion!As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.comhttps://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Today we're offering up gardening updates, talking about food additives, a proposed NECI-fest and investigating massive hybrid sheep.As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.comhttps://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Today we're talking gardening, Dune 2 (not food-related), Infinite Celery, a massive & suspicious cinnamon recall and non-vegan donuts.As always, follow us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.comhttps://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Today we're talking sourdough (of course), Wendy's 'dynamic pricing' (gouging), is Flippy racist and the 'sovereign citizen' (not a real thing) Amos Miller.As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.comhttps://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Today we talk spring gardening, leaded & unleaded soil, Flippy's "restaurant", the trend toward Counter Service, and GMO bananas!As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.comhttps://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Surprise Mini Episode! Today we're speculating on D-list celebrities' restaurants, plus we have an update on that server in Michigan who was fired following receiving a $10,000 tip!As always, you can find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Today we talk the looming extinction of Brie, fancy cookies/twinkies (?), Supply chain issues and what is an expiration date anyway?As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Today we're talking (reluctantly) the SuperBowl, towns fighting with health inspectors, dead ballerinas and chili, as well as Stanley Cups (not hockey) and Pennsylvania farmers not following the rules.As always, you can find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

This Empty Glass is back with a brand new episode. Tonight we're tackling Personal Responsibility. Spoilers, there's not much good news.As always, you can find me here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Today we're talking restaurant inspections, chicago restaurant corruption/malfeasance, The Bear (again) and our prediction about counter-service was correct!As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Today Steve & Ben get COMPLETELY sidetracked roasting some restaurants who have decided to forgo plates in favor of, you guessed it, shovels. Among other non-plate items. https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

We're back from vacation! Today we're talking avocado toast, weather witches, diner slang, butter boards and french kitchen hazing.https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Today we're talking Christmas Roast Duck, hiring & firing (again), colonoscopies and cantaloupes. https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Today we're talking more child labor violations, lasagna, sourdough, our 2024 food trend predictions and McDonalds has a super popular drink-heavy drive-through? What?https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

We're back! Today we're talking Thanksgiving, restaurant closings, people finding people in food and deadly cantaloupes. No joke, Canadians are dead.https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

It's our annual Thanksgiving episode! We're talking sides, travel and what is the deal with cranberries?As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Today we're talking kitchen witchery, specifically Tyromancy (fortune telling with cheese)! I love it when I get to learn stuff!https://kitchenwitch.substack.com/As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Today we talk Canadian daycare closings, Australian mushroom murders, fine dinign restaurant closures and Twix sourdough?As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Today we're sitting down and talking to Rachel Martin, owner of Oceano and Oceano Zero Wines, to talk about the winemaking industry and process, as well as her extremely exciting new alcohol-free Pinot Noir! Find Rachel here:https://oceanowines.com/oceano-zero/https://www.instagram.com/oceano.zero/And find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Today we're talking kid fees, Mario stinkin' Batali, food mods and general restaurant rudeness, Papa John's is high as hell and cookbook signings.As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Today we're talking canadian cruises, murder mysteries, maybe actual murders, steamed cheeseburgers, New Years Cheese and "Pepper X".As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Today we talk peanut butter (Koeze), hiring & firing (again), Chicago 86ing the tipped subminimum wage and Cheese Magic!https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Today we talk inside baseball for restaurants! Also there's listener mail, a big week for Ben and other shenanigans!As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

What a Frankenstein's monster of a show. We had 2 days of different tech issues, so this is a bit of a ride. Today we talk economics, restaurants closing, Salmonella outbreaks and we develop yet another Imaginary Restaurant.https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Y'alls, we finally made the trip up to Middleton, WI to go to the National Mustard Museum! Today we talk about that trip, as well as more kids working, more kids sick, and a red wine flood in Portugal.https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Ok, I know I said that the last one was The Last One, but I had a little bit more to say.

Today we're talking restaurant surcharges (again), garbage cereals, aging wine at the bottom of the ocean and TinyBuns.https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Today we're talking donuts, sandwiches, Arby's buying Subway, badly managed franchises, the new school year and more!As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

I'm wrapping up my 'sobriety in the restaurant industry' show with this episode. If you are sober, newly sober or sober curious out there in the madcap circus that is the restaurant industry, be aware; you are not alone.

Today we're talking meat processing accidents, climate change affecting foodborne illnesses, MUSHROOM MURDER, cheese divination and more!As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Today we're suing Taco Bell for 'false advertising'(?), we're talking giant cucumbers and zucchini, and we discuss a really neat, self-contained, automated stock-cropping farming method from Iowa! (https://civileats.com/2023/02/13/could-this-mobile-solar-powered-livestock-barn-reshape-the-corn-belt/)As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Weird episode today, as we fight our way through tech issues, and ultimately give up. Before then, we talk about Counterfeit Sauce, training/promoting/moving on and growing your own food!As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Today we're talking travel (East Coast and Iowa?), protecting wage employees, odd produce and you can smuggle cocaine in cheese?As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Today we're talking cheeseburg, more hiring news, odd ice cream flavors, more child labor, 3rd party delivery companies crying about having to pay their employees, and smoking.As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Kids, it's hiring season again! At least for me! We're also talking gardening, PickleFest and sandwich definitions. Again.As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Today we're talking work travel, The Bear (and Rick Bayless' wild take on it), lab-grown meat and people who think that bacon is healthy.As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Today we're talking ghosts, energy drinks, Labor unions & child labor as well as World Central Kitchen!As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Today we're talking weddings, business travel, dunkin' on Dunkin and wage theft (likely not related).As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Today we find out more details about the drama at Horses, we give a gardening update and answer the longtime question: should you bring your own food to a restaurant?As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Today we're talking gardening, vegan car purchasing, Papa Ganoush, the National Restaurant Association's continued quest to hurt restaurant employees, chef marriages falling apart and the increasing pork regulations in California.As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop

Happy Mother's Day! Today we're talking brunch, the James Beard Awards, McDonald's is employing 10 year-olds, and bye bye PSSI.As always, find us here:https://www.facebook.com/groups/774902433251568https://www.instagram.com/chefbenrandall/ (instagram)https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-weeds-with-ben-randall/id869521547intheweedswbr.com@wurstharold (twitter)https://www.redbubble.com/people/enzwell/shop