Abe Vucekovich is one of Chicago’s most imaginative bartenders, known for bringing storytelling and creativity to his cocktails. After nearly a decade at The Violet Hour, Abe now leads the bar programs at The Meadowlark and Friends of Friends - where each menu tells a story. In this episode, he shares how his background in writing influences his approach to drink design, why collaboration fuels his creativity, and how he’s using his platform to make sustainability more accessible behind the bar. Abe also opens up about his support for No Kid Hungry and the importance of addressing food insecurity in his hometown and beyond. Enjoy this episode as we go Beyond the Drink… with Abe Vucekovich.

This season of #BeyondtheDrink is brought to you by Fords Gin, - the cocktail gin.

Follow Beyond the Plate on Facebook.

Follow Kappy on Instagram and X.

Find Beyond the Plate on all major podcast platforms.

www.beyondtheplatepodcast.com

www.onkappysplate.com

Gavin Kaysen is a two-time James Beard Award winner, a former Bocuse d'Or competitor, and a true force behind Minneapolis’ rising culinary scene - but his story is about far more than accolades. In this episode, Gavin opens up about his early childhood influences and how a sandwich shop taught him the power of hospitality. He shares the story of a bold cold-call to Gordon Ramsay, and lessons he learned under Chef Daniel Boulud’s mentorship. He also shares how he’s passing on those lessons - mentoring the next generation of young cooks through Ment’or BKB, while supporting his team and community through his nonprofit, Heart of the House Foundation. If you’ve ever questioned how to build a meaningful life in food - or in anything - this conversation is one you’ll want to hear. Enjoy this episode as we go Beyond the Plate… with Chef Gavin Kaysen.

This episode is brought to you by Mill - the sleek, odorless food recycler for your home. Learn more and get $75 off at mill.com/btp. Offer may expire.

Follow Beyond the Plate on Facebook.

Follow Kappy on Instagram and X.

Find Beyond the Plate on all major podcast platforms.

www.beyondtheplatepodcast.com

www.onkappysplate.com

In this episode, Kappy shares what’s on his plate at the moment.

Links and handles mentioned in this episode:

Rival Bros Coffee | Rival Bros ig | Jonathan Adams

Maine Garum Co | Dave Arnold Beyond the Drink episode

Filipino Meatball Recipe | Sarima Cafe

St. Benevolence Rum IG | Innovating Health International

Jake Cohen | Dinner Party Animal book

Christian Petroni | Parm to Table book

Beyond the Drink premiere episode

This episode is brought to you by Mill - the sleek, odorless food recycler for your home. Just drop in your food scraps, and Mill transforms them into “food grounds,” a resource for gardens and farms. Learn more and get $75 off at mill.com/btp. Offer may expire.

Follow Beyond the Plate on Facebook and X.

Follow Kappy on Instagram and X.

www.beyondtheplatepodcast.com

www.onkappysplate.com