The Ultimate Dish

By: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
  • Summary

  • A show about good food, inspiring stories, and deep dive talks featuring the world’s most innovative culinary educators and thought leaders. Join us as we delve into the lives of the amazing people shaping the world of food and drink. Hosted by Chef Kirk T. Bachmann.
    © 2025 The Ultimate Dish
    Show More Show Less
activate_mytile_page_redirect_t1
Episodes
  • Marc Vetri on Why the Best Chefs Don’t Just Cook — They Care
    May 6 2025

    In today’s episode, we chat with Marc Vetri, an award-winning chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author who helped put Philadelphia on the national culinary map.

    Marc is the founder of Vetri Cucina and the force behind acclaimed restaurants like Osteria, Pizzeria Vetri, and Fiorella. His journey began in a South Philly kitchen alongside his Sicilian grandmother, and took him from dishwashing as a teen to working under Wolfgang Puck in Los Angeles — before buying a one-way ticket to Northern Italy that would cement his path. Beyond the kitchen, Marc is a passionate mentor, musician, and founder of the Vetri Community Partnership, a nonprofit helping kids and families discover the power of cooking and nutrition.

    Join us as Marc shares the origin story behind his culinary empire — and why the best chefs don’t just cook, they care.

    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
  • Accidentally on Purpose: Chef-in-Residence Kristen Kish on Life, Mentorship & Meaning
    Apr 22 2025

    In today’s episode, we chat with Kristen Kish, Escoffier Chef-in-Residence, award-winning chef, and host of Bravo’s Top Chef.

    A Korean adoptee raised in Michigan, Kristen discovered her passion for cooking at a young age. After working in various Boston kitchens, she competed on Season 10 of Top Chef, ultimately winning the coveted title. Since then, she’s published a cookbook, starred in hit shows like Fast Foodies on TruTV and Iron Chef on Netflix, and in 2023, took over as the host of Top Chef for its 21st season—earning Primetime Emmy nominations for both herself and the show. Kristen is also the chef/partner of Arlo Grey in Austin, TX, the creator of KISH Aperitif, and the host of Restaurants at the End of the World on National Geographic/Disney+.

    Join us as Kristen discusses her role at Escoffier, how she balances ambition with authenticity, and gives us a peek into her new memoir, Accidentally on Purpose.

    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
  • Carnegie Hall to Culinary School: How One Opera Singer is Nourishing Her Art and Her Life
    Apr 8 2025

    In today’s episode, we chat with Maria Zouves, a Greek-American soprano, educator, director, producer, and current Escoffier student pursuing a degree in Holistic Nutrition & Wellness.

    As President of the Sherrill Milnes VOICE Programs, which she co-founded with her husband, legendary baritone Sherrill Milnes, Maria has spent over 25 years nurturing artists and building new audiences for classical music. She has directed operas across the U.S. and Europe, including productions at the Estates Theatre in Prague and Opera Tampa. A celebrated performer, Maria made her Carnegie Hall debut in 1997 and is now preparing for a return to Don’t Tell Mama Cabaret Theatre in New York City to promote her upcoming classical cabaret album, Everything.

    Join us as Maria shares her inspiring journey from opera to culinary school, delves into the deep connection between food and the arts, and discusses how she’s inspiring others to live with intention and purpose.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 14 mins

What listeners say about The Ultimate Dish

Average Customer Ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.