Meet The Chefs

Welcome back to another episode of Meet The Chefs! Another day and another country as I sit down with Ferdinand at one of Vienna's most historic coffee houses. 150 years old, Café Landtmann has been frequented by the likes of Sigmund Freud, and visited by Paul McCartney and Hilary Clinton. It's one of the most famous institutions in Vienna and it was fascinating to sit down with Ferdinand, part of the family's third generation who heads up Landtmann Das Bootshaus. We chat all things Landtmann, Vienna, Strudel, and the challenges of adapting from the world of rowing to running a restaurant.Be sure to check out the full article on the Landtmann and other Vienna spots when they go live on my website www.olieatsitall.wordpress.com and be sure to subscribe and check out the Instagram https://www.instagram.com/olieatsitall/ for more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to 'Meet The Chefs'! This is an entirely different episode as I sit down in the Caribbean with Matt Worswick. Matt has been on a really extraordinary journey and now finds himself running one of the most extraordinary restaurant groups I have ever encountered. That is headlined by 'The Cliff', the embodiment of 'no expense spared' in a restaurant.Check out the full article on another one of those restaurants, 'The Tides' on my website www.olieatsitall.wordpress.com and be sure to subscribe and check out the Instagram https://www.instagram.com/olieatsitall/ for more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello and welcome back to Oxford Eats! Today I'm back at Hervé Gatineau bakery and patisserie in Summertown. I wrote a full article on the cafe there a couple of months ago that you can read here (https://cherwell.org/2023/04/30/herve-gatineau-review/) and it was great to meet up again with Debra. This podcast is another fascinating insight into the Oxford food community. Even more than that though, be sure to listen in and hear about just how taxing and detailed the process of making baguettes and croissants is! Debra has done every role at the bakery so really covers a lot of ground - Enjoy!Be sure to check out the Instagram for more! https://www.instagram.com/olieatsitall/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello and welcome back to Oxford Eats! This is a really fun episode from another iconic Oxford location. Students might know them from their High St. location but I sat down with co-founder Lizzie in their Castle location. Listen out for a section about just how diverse and friendly the Oxford independent community is too!Be sure to check out the Instagram for more! https://www.instagram.com/olieatsitall/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello and welcome back to Meet the Chefs. Today, I’m chatting with Chet Sharma. Chet has been on an unconventional and winding culinary journey and is now the head chef at Bibi in Mayfair. The high-end Indian restaurant has been recognised repeatedly as among the top 100 in the UK and has firmly established itself as one of the places to dine in the capital. Chet has friends across the industry too and I’ve left in a section where a gift arrives, hand-delivered, from Fallow! I hope that you enjoy our chat…Be sure to subscribe and check out the Instagram https://www.instagram.com/olieatsitall/ for more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello and welcome back to Oxford Eats. Today, we visited the Oxford famous Barefoot Bakery in Jericho. We sat down with the two founders and owners and chatted about all things cakes, bakes, and drinks. This conversation is so good because it really is all-encompassing and focuses on everything from the business’ beginnings to its organic growth and the struggles of recent inflation across the board. As you’ll hear, there is an incredibly strong ethos right at the heart of everything at Barefoot and they have built a quite remarkable local community. Sit back, grab a brownie, and enjoy!Be sure to check out the Instagram for more! https://www.instagram.com/olieatsitall/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello and welcome back to Oxford Eats. Today, I sat down with Kate - the co-owner of Temptations Desert Lounge in Summertown. As you’ll hear, there is an incredibly diverse menu of options here and they cater to all manner of markets. Kate has a fascinating back story, so listen out for that and all things ice cream, waffles, and croffles (yes croffles!). Enjoy!Be sure to check out the Instagram for more! https://www.instagram.com/olieatsitall/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today it's time for a very special episode as we pay a trip to Bird and Blend. Of course, the brand isn't exclusive to the city but it's become a mainstay of the Oxford High Street for students and locals alike. Watch on Spotify for the full video version as we talk all things Bird and Blend journey, the full menu, retail, and even get a sneak peek at some new biscuit teas! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello and welcome back to Meet The Chefs. Today I’m joined by Eran Tibi - a chef who has been on a fascinating and unconventional journey. After a career in marketing, he felt unfulfilled and retrained in gastronomy before working at Ottolenghi. Then, he went it alone and has created his very own ‘Tel Aviv Fantasy’ at Bala Baya in Southwark. Listen out for Eran’s ethos - it’s all about a crazy mix of flavours that shouldn’t work but boy oh boy they do. The prawns I had today was one of the craziest I’ve ever had so sit back and enjoy.Be sure to subscribe and check out the Instagram https://www.instagram.com/olieatsitall/ for more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I paid a trip to Burnout BBQ in Summertown and sat down with co-owners Thomas and Malcom to chat about the amazing site that they have created here. Originally a street food business, during COVID they saw a chance and exploited a gap in the market for authentically American BBQ. The result is a love letter to all the US with Brisket, burnt ends, hot dogs, cheesesteaks, wings, floats, and any kind of food you can imagine. The atmosphere inside matches it too so sit back and listen to the sheer passion of these two and the success of their American dream. Be sure to check out the Instagram olieatsitall for more photos of all the crazy dishes I tried and subscribe so that you don’t miss any episodes of Meet the Chefs! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s even more chocolate on the menu for you today as I sit down with Sarah, the co-founder of Cocomelt on Wardour Street in London. Sarah has been inspired by her Syrian heritage to make the switch from auditing to create a chocolate cafe in the West End. It’s quite the career change and it is fascinating to hear the reasons behind it and what she loves most about the crepes, waffles, and chocolate items that she has created here at Cocomelt. We talk all things social media marketing, sweet tooths, and dream dinner parties in a chat that really does have it all - enjoy!Be sure to subscribe and check out the Instagram https://www.instagram.com/olieatsitall/ for more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello and welcome back to Meet the Chefs. Today I spoke to Louis, the chef and owner of Chez Louis at Mercato Metropolitano. If you haven’t been, Mercato is a street food heaven, home to countless cuisines and food types. Louis specialises in sandwiches and has taken the place by storm since opening just five months ago. This is a podcast with a twist though with Chez Louis going on hiatus over the summer as a result of rising costs and burnout – listen out for the real problems that are affecting so much of the industry, and the street food sector in particular. Be sure to subscribe and check out the Instagram https://www.instagram.com/olieatsitall/ for more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello and welcome back to Oxford Eats. This episode is a big one and perhaps the most requested I’ve ever had. Today, I sat down with Jens Knoop, the brains behind Knoops, the brand revolutionising drinking chocolate. Since opening his first store in Rye in 2013, Jens has been on a quite remarkable journey. I must give the disclaimer that I also work at Knoops and get to see the passion that Jens has for chocolate whenever he comes into the Oxford store. What this brand has done is really quite extraordinary and the rapid recent growth is a testament to that. So sit back, grab a hot chocolate, and enjoy as we talk all things business, travel, and of course, chocolate.Be sure to subscribe and head over to https://www.instagram.com/olieatsitall/ for more and to make sure you never miss an episode of Oxford Eats! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Help and welcome back to meet the chefs. Today we are changing things up and you join me stateside in the West Coast capital of food, San Francisco. It is my first time here and I sat down with Mark Dommen, head chef of the famous One Market restaurant. A leader in the San Fran food scene, Mark has been on a quite remarkable journey as a chef that has taken him from the Napa valley, to New York, and now back to San Francisco. Previously the holder of a Michelin Star, it is fascinating to hear about how he went about bouncing back from losing it and still maintaining those high standards. Sit back, imagine you were with me here in California, and enjoy.TimestampsGrowing up with ingredients [00:01:29]Mark talks about how growing up in the countryside with a vegetable garden laid the groundwork for his love of ingredients and seasonal cooking.Starting in the restaurant industry [00:02:04]Mark shares how he started working in a restaurant as a dishwasher and gradually moved up to cooking on the line, which eventually led to his decision to pursue a career as a chef.Learning and working in New York [00:07:07]Mark discusses his experience working at Park Avenue Cafe and Lespinasse in New York, where he learned about creativity, attention to detail, and advanced techniques that still influence his cooking today.The philosophy of farm-to-table [00:10:26]Discussion on the importance of local and seasonal ingredients and the influence of farm-to-table philosophy on British cuisine.Receiving and losing a Michelin star [00:12:27]Chef's experience of receiving and losing a Michelin star, the size of the restaurant, and the impact on the team.Adapting during the pandemic [00:16:18]Closure during the pandemic, adapting with to-go food, starting a Jewish deli concept, and incorporating it into the regular menu.The bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin with dandelion seed [00:22:07]Chef Mark shares how he came up with the idea of cooking dandelions and ended up creating a dish with mustard greens, roasted garlic cream, and bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin.Chef Mark's dream dishes for a desert island [00:25:29]Chef Mark discusses his choice of dishes for a desert island, including a white fish dish with a tomato variation, steak (preferably ribeye), and chocolate chip cookies for dessert. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello and welcome back to Meet the Chefs. Today, I am speaking to Leonardo Masi the co-founder and original chef of Dez AMORE. Leo has been on an incredible journey from his home in Florence to New York London, back to Italy and now back in the UK. He founded the street food Italian Burger and Pasta chain Dez AMORE with his friend Simone after COVID and now has five locations from Mercato Metropolitano to Camden with more on the way. The mash-up between Italian-inspired burgers with sensational homemade pasta is as interesting as his journey so sit back, relax, and dream up some Italian-themed dinners of your own!https://www.instagram.com/olieatsitall/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, I am speaking to Liam Nichols, the head chef and founder of in Stoke Mill. Here, he offers a really unique small-scale dining experience, as you’ll hear him explain. Liam has had an incredible career and has just been awarded his first Michelin star so it has been a seriously busy week. Thanks again to Liam for giving me the time and I hope that you enjoy our chat.Thanks so much again to Liam and to you for listening. There are plenty more exciting chefs and cooks to come on Meet The Chefs, as well as more episodes of Oxford Eats, so stay tuned! Also, be sure to like, subscribe, and follow me on Instagram at olieatsitall!https://www.instagram.com/olieatsitall/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello and welcome back to Oxford Eats and a very exciting new series called ‘Meet the Chefs’. In this series, I am going to be sitting down with some of the country’s most exciting chefs about their journeys into the industry, food in general, their restaurants, and what makes them tick. From Oxford street-food stalls to some of the hottest restaurants in London, there is a huge variety of episodes in store so stay tuned, buckle up, and get ready to meet the people behind your food! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to a new special series of the podcast, Meet The Chefs. In this series, I am going to be sitting down with some of Britain's most exciting chefs. In the first episode, I chatted to Giovann Attard, the Executive Head Chef of Norma on Charlotte Street in London. Giovann has been on quite the culinary journey with his career taking him from his childhood home of Gozo to Belgium, Dubai, and now London. At Norma, he delivers high-quality, authentic Sicilian cuisine with a Moorish influence.It really is a fascinating chat so sit back, enjoy, and stay tuned for more episode with more fascinating chefs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello and welcome back to Oxford Eats. Today we were lucky enough to visit El Rincon restaurant in Summertown. Joined by owners Juan and Rosaleen, we sampled a wide variety of the menu and heard about the truly authentic ethos behind the business. Here, authenticity doesn’t just mean tradition. Juan has previously worked at La Manor Quatre Saison and looks to incorporate avant-garde Spanish cuisine with traditional dishes, as well as adding English twists. What the couple have created in such a short space of time is extraordinary and I talked to them for hours. Here is just a small snippet of our chat so sit back and enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello and welcome back to Oxford Eats. Today we were lucky enough to visit Wilding wine bar and restaurant on Little Clarendon Street. Joined by owner Ken, we sampled a wide variety of the menu and hear about the truly unique ethos behind the business. Here, as you’ll Ken explain, wine comes before the food. There are so many different aspects to the business with wine on tap, available in their enomatic machine, from the store with a corkage free, or from the wine list. This really is one for wine lovers so sit back with a glass of red and enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today I’ve got a new host joining me, Alex, and we visited Pompette. Based in Summertown, this is the only double rosetted restaurant in Oxford. We sat down with owner Laura to talk about all things Alsace, food, wine, Brexit, energy costs, and more. The atmosphere here is what makes it so special. When we arrived, Laura spent 15 minutes at least talking to some regulars and this really is that kind of place. Great quality but never pretentious. Casual but smart and everything made in-house to the highest standard by Pascal. Grab a glass of wine and listen in to a fascinating 25-minute dive into the world of French food. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Over the past couple of weeks I have been lucky enough to visit the new Italian restaurant on the High Street here in Oxford, Gusto. Having got a chance to try a great variety of the dishes that they offer I then sat down with head chef Mukrram and sales manager Undine. This really is a fascinating chat - the site, in the old Mitre pub, is so unique and brings plenty of challenges as well as opportunities. More than that, just listen out for the passion this chef has for service and food - it’s really what makes the restaurant. So, sit back, grab cannoli, and enjoy!Thanks so much for listening and thanks to the whole team for having us. That sweet dough petal dessert is genuinely to die for and I can guarantee I’ll be back for it! Be sure to check out olieatsitall on Instagram for all of our behind-the-scenes footage and subscribe for more episodes of Oxford Eats. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we were lucky enough to visit the brand new Chickpea restaurant off the High Street. Founded by Will, the brains behind Alpha bar and Vaults and Gardens, it offers Middle Eastern flavours at an amazing price point. Will’s commitment to sustainability and the care for his food is more than clear and it tastes amazing too. I have no doubt that it is quickly going to become a student go-to for quick, reliable, nourishing, tasty, good-value lunches and dinners. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello and welcome back to Oxford Eats.  Today we visited Maya's downstairs in the Westgate centre.  Here, Moor offers unprecedented and unrivalled knowledge of all of his products. There is genuinely nowhere else that you can get this level of personal experience and education in Oxford. Each trip is like an education. A brief warning, we really get into the weeds in this one! Its one for coffee lovers for sure but hopefully will also be able to give others a view into just how much there is to learn and love about all things, coffee, hot chocolate, and cake! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today as a special treat I am bringing you a special episode from the Kent countryside village of Wadhurst! Amthuc Viet is a Vietnamese takeaway bringing a completely unique cuisine to this area of the country. In a first for us, they are a takeaway-only business and certainly represented a journey of culinary discovery for me. What you’re about to hear is the conversation I had with the brilliant couple who own and operate Amthuc Viet after I was lucky enough to visit them in their home and try their dishes over dinner just before Christmas.  Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello and welcome to the fourth episode of Oxford Eats.  This is the podcast where we take you behind the scenes of Oxford’s best and most unique independent eateries.From cafes to restaurants, to bars, we try their best dishes whilst chatting with the owners to discover what makes them special.This time we were lucky enough to visit the Thai restaurant Giggling Squid in Jericho. The restaurant is beautifully designed and offer a wide range of different dishes from across the country, as well as several of different menus to cater for all. They make a real pitch to the student market and it's definitely a great place to treat yourself and a group of friends at a very reasonable price. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello and welcome to the fourth episode of Oxford Eats.  This is the podcast where we take you behind the scenes of Oxford’s best and most unique independent eateries.From cafes to restaurants, to bars, we try their best dishes whilst chatting with the owners to discover what makes them special.Today we pay a visit to Sartorelli's in the covered market.  As you’ll hear it is a truly unique place, bursting with passion, originality, and great-tasting food. Above all, it is yet another example of what can be achieved with a passion for food, great quality ingredients, and by keeping things simple. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello and welcome to the third episode of Oxford Eats.  This is the podcast where we take you behind the scenes of Oxford’s best and most unique independent eateries.From cafes to restaurants, to bars, we try their best dishes whilst chatting with the owners to discover what makes them special.Today we pay a visit to the Keralan restaurant Tribe, a recent opening next to the popular Kazbar in Cowley.  Here, owner Rohit and his chef have brought a fresh twist to the ever-popular Indian market here in Oxford.  Enjoy listening, I certainly enjoyed eating! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello and welcome to the second episode of Oxford Eats.  This is the podcast where we take you behind the scenes of Oxford’s best and most unique independent eateries.From cafes to restaurants, to bars, we try their best dishes whilst chatting with the owners to discover what makes them special.Today we pay a visit to the supper club Table 13, just outside Oxford.  Here, head chef, Georgia Gallacher has really created something special with her plant-based tasting menu so I hope you enjoy listening! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello and welcome to the first-ever episode of Oxford Eats.  This is the podcast where we take you behind the scenes of Oxford’s best and most unique independent eateries.From cafes, to restaurants, to bars, we try their best dishes whilst chatting with the owners to discover what makes them special.In our first episode, we visited BBuona in Gloucester Green.  As you’ll hear, it’s a truly unique Italian restaurant built around the Sourdough Pizza ‘Pinsa’.  It is always busy and bustling and we were so grateful to get the chance to sit down with its co-owner and its chef Salim to hear their story and try some truly stunning Italian specialities. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.