In this episode of the Food Origins Podcast, I sit down with my friend Russell Savage, founder and pitmaster of Pico's BBQ. Russell’s culinary journey started in the kitchen long before he ever lit a smoker — attending Johnson & Wales University and training under acclaimed chef Guillaume Bienaime (a fellow podcast guest EP. 20).

From fine dining to fire and smoke, Russell later spent nearly five years in Texas, learning the art of barbecue at legendary spots like Terry Black’s BBQ, before returning home to build Picos BBQ from the ground up.

We talk about the evolution of his craft, what it takes to run a serious barbecue operation, and how honoring both classical training and Texas tradition helped him find his unique voice in the culinary world. This episode is packed with heart, heat, and real food talk — don't miss it.

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In this episode, we sit down with Master Butcher Noriaki Numamoto, a true craftsman in the world of wagyu and whole animal butchery. With decades of experience across Japan and the U.S., Noriaki has become a leading figure in the art of Japanese-style meat preparation — known for his precision, philosophy, and deep respect for the animal.

This special conversation was recorded on-site at Niku Butcher Shop in San Francisco, with Mark Melnick generously providing Japanese translation. Numamoto traveled all the way from Japan for this rare gathering, which also included respected figures like Guy Crims , Jared Montarbo and Justin from Team Trex. From wagyu grading to the soul of the craft, we dive deep into the mindset and mastery behind elite butchery.

Note: Be patient — this episode is a mix of Japanese and English, offering a raw and authentic look into the world of Japanese butchery and its cultural depth.

このエピソードでは、和牛と丸鶏の世界で真の職人、マスターブッチャー沼本憲明氏にインタビューします。日本とアメリカで数十年にわたる経験を積んだ沼本氏は、日本式食肉処理の第一人者であり、その緻密さ、哲学、そして動物への深い敬意で知られています。

この特別な対談はサンフランシスコのNiku Butcher Shopで収録され、マーク・メルニック氏が日本語通訳を担当しました。沼本氏はこの貴重な会合のために日本から遠路はるばるやって来ました。この会合には、ガイ・クリムズ、ジャレッド・モンターボ、チーム・トレックスのジャスティンといった著名人も参加していました。和牛の格付けから職人技の魂まで、一流の食肉職人の精神と熟練の技に深く迫ります。

注：このエピソードは日本語と英語が混在しており、日本の食肉の世界とその文化の奥深さをありのままに、そして真摯に捉えています。

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Meet Nico Lechuga and his wife Lauren, the founders of Señor Lechuga Hot Sauce out of Brooklyn, NY. What started as a small-batch passion project turned into a bold brand with serious fire—earning collabs with Joe Rogan, Hot Ones, Half Face Blades, Café Unido, Huckberry, Cosmo/GQ gift guides and so much more.

Unable to find a clean hot sauce that delivered maximum heat without compromising flavor, Nico began crafting his own blends in the kitchen of his Williamsburg apartment. Like a mad scientist, he tinkered with ingredients and ratios until they were just right. At first, the sauces were for personal use—but after rooftop BBQs with friends and family who kept saying, “If you sold this, I’d buy it,” Nico decided to test the market. That first batch sold out instantly.

Together with his (then very pregnant) wife Lauren Cosenza—the creative force behind the brand—Señor Lechuga Hot Sauce was born. Now, with their two kids alongside them, Nico and Lauren continue to build an ever-growing, flavor-packed brand with purpose.

I’m incredibly honored to share their story. As a customer for over four years, their support in my journey means the world. This episode isn’t just about hot sauce—it’s about bold moves, authentic roots, and the kind of passion that truly inspires.

Tap in and taste the story.

https://www.senorlechugahotsauce.com/

Show Notes

https://www.foodoriginspodcast.com/podcast-episode-59

A Food Origins Podcast Production Original music by Ulisses Bella of Ozomatli

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