In this episode, I’m joined by Rob Mattoch—a chef-turned-equipment-expert who’s out to make kitchens more human. We talk about how he fell into food growing up in Hawai’i, what sparked his transition from the line to the factory floor, and how he’s using smart design and cook-chill systems to reduce burnout and increase consistency in kitchens everywhere.

We also dig into his work with Nourish Colorado, where he’s been helping school kitchens level up for over a decade. From improving kitchen flow to cleaning speed racks (seriously), Rob’s mission is all about making life better for the people behind the food. If you’ve ever wondered how equipment can actually improve your culture—not just your output—this one’s for you.

Guest: Rob Mattoch

• VP of Marketing at Tucs Equipment: https://www.tucsequipment.com
• Chef Consultant at Nourish Colorado: https://www.nourishco.org
• Connect with Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-mattoch/

Mentioned in the Episode:

• Tucs Equipment: https://www.tucsequipment.com
• Nourish Colorado: https://www.nourishco.org
• NAFEM (North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers): https://www.nafem.org
• National Restaurant Association Show (NRA): https://www.nationalrestaurantshow.com/
• Host Milano (Foodservice Expo in Italy): https://host.fieramilano.it/en
• Multiwasher (automated speed rack washer): https://multiwasher.com/

Listen to the full episode and more! It would mean the world to me if you could leave a 5 star review on your listening platform to help grow and expand the Podcast.

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Apple Podcast - https://apple.co/41RoTm4

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Follow:

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Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/fell-into-food

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Facebook: https://facebook.com/fellintofood

FellintoFood.com

In this episode, I’m joined by Luis Alvarado, one of the first cooks I ever worked with—back in our casino kitchen days. We catch up on life, swap some wild kitchen stories, and make his elevated version of corn in a cup (with a twist). From cutting our teeth on the line to where we’ve both landed today, this one’s full of laughs, nostalgia, and solid perspective on how far we’ve come.

We talk about how he fell into food, working the grill at the steakhouse, wild wedding catering stories, toxic kitchens, and what matters most now—being happy, creative, and cooking good food.

Oh, and if you want to try the corn salad we made, the recipe’s in the show notes. Let’s get into it!

Guest: Luis Alvarado

Executive Chef at Cafe 353, River North

Instagram: @lionomotron

Recipe: Luis’ Elevated Corn in a Cup Salad

• Fire-roasted corn

• Couscous

• Cilantro-lime dressing (mayo-based or Greek yogurt alt)

• Avocado

• Jalapeño (optional, for heat)

• Cotija cheese

• Salt, pepper, garlic powder

• Finish with a squeeze of lime

Listen to the full episode and more! It would mean the world to me if you could leave a 5 star review on your listening platform to help grow and expand the Podcast.

YouTube - https://lnkd.in/gQM3S5mr

Spotify - https://lnkd.in/g_5kFXie

Apple Podcast - https://apple.co/41RoTm4

Pandora - https://lnkd.in/gS-wu_YJ

Follow Jeff:

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@FellIntoFood

Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/fell-into-food

Instagram: http://instagram.com/fell_into_food

Facebook: https://facebook.com/fellintofood

FellintoFood.com

In this episode, I sit down with Mike Messeroff, a former bartender who traded the fast-paced hospitality grind for a life of mindfulness and personal freedom. We talk about his journey from working behind the bar to coaching people on how to slow down, reduce stress, and actually enjoy life.

Mike shares practical ways to avoid burnout, prioritize well-being, and rethink what success really means—especially in an industry that’s all about hustle. We also get into meditation, gratitude, and why so many people feel stuck in a cycle they don’t actually want to be in.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re just going through the motions and need a reset, this episode is for you.

Mike’s Website: mikemesseroff.com

Free Masterclass: self-hospitality.com

Follow Mike: @MikeMesseroff

Mentioned in the Episode:

• The Burnt Chef Project (burntchefproject.com)

• CHOW - Culinary Hospitality Outreach & Wellness (chowco.org)

• Food Service Power Plant Network (fspowerplant.com)

• Headspace Meditation App (headspace.com)

Listen to the full episode and more! It would mean the world to me if you could leave a 5 star review on your listening platform to help grow and expand the Podcast.

YouTube - https://lnkd.in/gQM3S5mr

Spotify - https://lnkd.in/g_5kFXie

Apple Podcast - https://apple.co/41RoTm4

Pandora - https://lnkd.in/gS-wu_YJ

Follow Jeff:

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@FellIntoFood

Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/fell-into-food

Instagram: http://instagram.com/fell_into_food

Facebook: https://facebook.com/fellintofood

FellintoFood.com