In this episode of Chef’s PSA, André Natera talks with Chad Solomon, Director of Innovation at the Cooper Spirits Company. From Milk & Honey to Midnight Rambler, Chad shares lessons from 24 years behind the bar.

They explore bartender-chef relationships, bar culture, hospitality, and profitability. Chad also recalls his 9/11 experience and the career shift that led him to bartending. A must-listen for chefs, bartenders, and anyone passionate about hospitality.

Chad Solomon Instagram:

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Host André Natera sits down with Chef Patrick D. Mitchell—2016 ACF National Chef of the Year and corporate culinary ambassador for Ben E. Keith Foods—for a deep dive into the world of culinary competitions and chef certifications.

Chef Mitchell shares personal stories from his career, insights into judging and preparation, and the value of professionalism and mentorship. For chefs pursuing certification, stepping into competition, or looking to grow as professionals, this episode is full of lessons from one of the best.

⁠⁠Learn more about MarketScale⁠

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🔗 Visit Chef’s PSA Website: ⁠https://chefspsa.com/⁠

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🔗 Follow Patrick Mitchell: https://www.instagram.com/chefpdmitchell/

In this episode of Chef’s PSA, André Natera sits down with Travis Petersen (the Nomad Chef) and Dan Kennedy (Pasta Bar, Austin) to explore cannabis cuisine, chef etiquette, and the chef competition circuit. From cannabis-infused dinners and terpenes to the realities of MasterChef and Top Chef, this episode delivers unfiltered insight into modern kitchens.

If you’re curious about how cannabis is changing dining—or just want real stories from chefs on the grind—this one’s for you.

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🔗 Subscribe on Substack: https://chefspsa.substack.com/🔗 Visit Chef’s PSA Website: https://chefspsa.com/🔗 Shop Chef’s PSA Merch: https://shop.chefspsa.com/🔗 Follow Travis Petersen: https://www.instagram.com/the_nomadcook/🔗 Follow Dan Kennedy: https://www.instagram.com/cocinero_dk/

This episode is for discussion and educational purposes only.

Join host André Natera in this episode of Chef's PSA as he sits down with Chef Eric LeVine, a Food Network Chopped Champion, award-winning chef, author, and cancer survivor. Chef LeVine shares his tumultuous journey through the culinary world, battling addiction and illness, and the crucial importance of authenticity and storytelling in the food and hospitality industry.

From opening his first restaurant to conquering cancer and personal demons, LeVine's story is both inspirational and educational. Discover valuable insights into the art of cooking, running a restaurant, building a positive mindset, and more. Stay tuned for a compelling episode filled with real-world examples and motivational anecdotes that will inspire any chef, restaurateur, or culinary enthusiast.

Eric LaVine Instagram:

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DAVID BREEDEN THE CHEF OF CHEFS: From Appalachian Skate Punk to The French Laundry Chef!

Join host André Natera on Chef's PSA as he sits down with the legendary Chef David Breeden. With an illustrious career spanning nearly two decades between Per Se and 13 years as the French Laundry's Chef de Cuisine, Chef David shares his incredible, unfiltered journey.

From his Appalachian roots and agricultural upbringing to pivotal mentorship experiences, the evolution of his culinary philosophy, and the impactful stories that shaped his career, Chef David offers a profound reflection on his life in the culinary world. Learn about his transition from skateboarding dreams to becoming a renowned chef, the challenges he faced, and the priceless lessons he learned along the way from mentors. This episode is a must-watch for anyone passionate about cuisine and inspired by the stories of culinary legends.

David Breeden Instagram:

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Chef Edgar Rico and Sara Mardanbigi of Nixta Taqueria join André Natera to talk about the art of storytelling in the kitchen, the influence of hip hop on their work, and how they’ve built an award winning while uplifting their community. Fresh off major awards from Michelin and James Beard, they share what drives their creativity, how they manage pressure, and why team well-being matters as much as the food.

Nixta Instagram

Edgar Rico

Sara Mardanbigi

Sponsored by Foods In Season.⁠

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Join the Chef's PSA Community!

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• Shop Chef’s PSA Merch to support the podcast: ⁠⁠https://chefspsa.com/

What does it really take to build a successful career in today’s culinary industry?

In this episode of Chef’s PSA, Chef Andre Natera sits down with Chef Kevin Fink of Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group for an unfiltered conversation on the realities of kitchen life, building and scaling restaurants, and finding balance outside of work.

From the early days of opening Emmer & Rye to leading multiple concepts like Pullman Market, Chef Fink shares stories about career progression, partnerships, sustainability, and the mindset it takes to keep going—even when the odds are stacked against you.

If you’re looking for hard-earned lessons and practical advice from one of Austin’s most respected chefs, this episode delivers.

Kevin Fink Instagram

Sponsored by Foods In Season.

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Join the Chef's PSA Community!

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• Shop Chef’s PSA Merch to support the podcast: ⁠https://chefspsa.com/

Join host André Natera on this episode of Chef's PSA as he sits down with Michelin Star Chef Phillip Frankland Lee, the mastermind behind renowned concepts like Sushi by Scratch, Pasta Bar, NADC Burger and the 'Not a Damn Chance' podcast.

Together, they dive deep into the challenging journey of earning respect in the kitchen, maintaining a unique creative vision, and the art of building a high-performing team from scratch. Phillip shares his personal experiences and mindset for achieving culinary mastery, candidly addressing the delicate balance between the pursuit of perfection, immense pressure, and vital personal growth. This in-depth discussion covers what it truly takes to be the best, including real-life challenges, inspirations, the impact of social media on culinary arts, the importance of standards and accountability, learning from culinary mentors, and the fascinating world of culinary leadership. Don't miss their conversation about Phillip's new ventures, including rapidly opening restaurants, navigating legal challenges and his luxury bed and breakfast vision! This episode also delves into the enigma of Fancy Chef and much more!

Tune in for invaluable insights for every chef, restaurateur, and aspiring culinary leader passionate about the culinary arts.

Phillip Frankland Lee Instagram

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Join the Chef's PSA Community!

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• Shop Chef’s PSA Merch to support the podcast: ⁠https://chefspsa.com/