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flavors unknown podcast

flavors unknown podcast

By: Emmanuel Laroche - Show Host
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 We take you behind the scenes of trending kitchens and bars. A podcast for kitchen and bar professionals, foodies and wannabe foodies.© 2018 flavors unkown Art Cooking Food & Wine
Episodes
  • Orujo Chef Carlos Portela Breaks All the Rules

    Orujo Chef Carlos Portela Breaks All the Rules
    Aug 26 2025
    IThis week on Flavors Unknown, I travel to San Juan, Puerto Rico to speak with Chef Carlos Portela, the visionary behind Orujo Taller de Gastronomía — a genre-defying restaurant where there’s no printed menu, no scripted experience, and no boundaries between kitchen and guest.With up to 25 ever-evolving courses rooted in fire, fermentation, and emotionally charged memory, Chef Portela is redefining what Puerto Rican cuisine can be. From his decision to eliminate gas systems and cook exclusively over wood fire, to sourcing 100% local ingredients — even sending foragers into the wild — Carlos is building a culinary philosophy rooted in place, process, and presence.In this episode, we explore:How his grandmother’s kitchen shaped his food philosophyWhy he almost became a magician instead of a chefThe story behind the name OrujoHis approach to inspiration, failure, and reinventionWhy cooking is not a job, but a way of lifeThis is a deep, raw, and radical conversation that challenges what a restaurant can be — and how chefs can reimagine identity through food. What you'll learn from Chef Carlos Portela 4:29 – Carlos Portela's Early memories of Puerto Rican markets and cooking with his grandmother6:42 – The philosophy he inherited from his grandmother’s kitchen8:04 – Why he once dreamed of being a magician — and how cooking became his magic8:18 – His classical culinary training at Johnson & Wales10:59 – The meaning behind Orujo and its core mission10:59 – Why each dish must include at least one local Caribbean ingredient12:56 – Eliminating gas systems in favor of 100% wood-fire cooking13:56 – How Orujo serves up to 30 courses — with no printed menu13:56 – Calling each course an “inspiration,” not a dish15:38 – Ensuring no two visits to Orujo are ever the same16:22 – Exploring Puerto Rico’s rich varieties of root vegetables18:44 – Culinary applications of local taro root20:02 – How his team of foragers introduces wild ingredients weekly25:54 – The rigorous conditioning process for new cooks27:19 – Why Carlos Portela calls Orujo a “workshop,” not a restaurant27:19 – The pushback he received when eliminating menus32:15 – Weekly rituals: Tuesday deep cleaning, Wednesday ingredient drop35:50 – The 1% of wild experiments that become breakthrough moments36:50 – His mission to put Caribbean cuisine on the global stage36:57 – The four cultural pillars influencing Puerto Rican food40:27 – Why he resists the “Creole cuisine” label42:56 – His cautionary take on “passion” in the kitchen43:33 – Why, for Carlos, cooking is a lifestyle — not a job Beyond the Mic: My Stories in Print A Taste of Madagascar: Culinary Riches of the Red Island invites readers to join me on his unforgettable journey across the island of Madagascar, where a vibrant culture and stunning ecosystem intertwine to create an extraordinary culinary experience. Explore the unique ingredients and traditions that define Madagascar and discover their profound impact on the global culinary landscape. Alongside the captivating stories, the book presents a collection of exciting recipes that showcase the incredible flavors and ingredients of Madagascar.Publication date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026Pre-order the book here! "Conversations Behind the Kitchen Door” is my debut book, published in Fall 2022. It features insights from chefs and culinary leaders interviewed on the Flavors Unknown podcast, offering a behind-the-scenes look at creativity, culture, and the future of the hospitality industry.Get the book here! Links to most downloaded episodes (click on any picture to listen to the episode) Chef Sheldon Simeon Chef Andy Doubrava Chef Nina Compton
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    46 mins
  • Chef William Dissen on Cooking with Purpose

    Chef William Dissen on Cooking with Purpose
    Aug 12 2025
    Today on Flavors Unknown, I’m talking with Chef William Dissen — chef, owner, and visionary behind The Market Place, a renowned 46-year-old farm-to-table restaurant in Asheville, North Carolina. Known for his Appalachian heritage and his fierce commitment to sustainability, Chef Dissen sees cooking not just as craft, but as daily activism. From beating Gordon Ramsay on Uncharted to leading a restaurant that fuels community economics, Chef Dissen blends tradition with innovation — preserving Southern foodways while pushing them into the future. In this episode, we dig into his Appalachian roots, his approach to food preservation, and the lessons he’s learned running one of the most respected sustainable restaurants in America. We’ll talk about the biodiversity of wild mushrooms in Western North Carolina, the business philosophy behind farm-to-table after four decades, and why slowing down to cook together might be the most radical thing you can do in modern life. Whether you’re a chef, home cook, or food lover, this episode will inspire you to think differently about where your food comes from and the impact it makes. What you'll learn from Chef William Dissen Childhood memories that shaped Chef William Dissen’s culinary path (2:09) The moment that sparked his deep connection to food (5:00) Why he almost chose culinary school in France over the CIA (6:31) Lessons from French market culture and seasonal cooking (7:53) Working at Charleston icons Magnolia and Cypress (9:04) Balancing traditional Low Country cuisine with modern techniques (10:56) Moving to Asheville and stepping into entrepreneurship (13:23) The difference between owning a business and having a great job (14:09) How Hurricane Helene impacted Asheville’s tourism economy (15:00) Appalachian cuisine as the backbone of Southern food (16:14) Food preservation techniques that are both traditional and profitable (18:05) A wild mushroom ravioli dish that celebrates local ingredients (19:27) The biodiversity of wild mushrooms in Western North Carolina (21:07) Sustainability in materials, energy, and operations at The Market Place (22:00) Why Chef Dissen considers cooking a form of activism (24:17) Creating an economic multiplier effect in the community (26:15) The seasonal approach behind his cookbook Thoughtful Cooking: Recipes Rooted in the New South (27:20) Why slowing down and cooking together strengthens relationships (28:27) His top 5 Asheville dining recommendations (29:05) Chef Dissen’s guilty pleasure food (30:38) His favorite Appalachian ingredient (31:57) The book that helped him overcome internal struggles (31:57) Wellness advice for young chefs entering the industry (32:43) His dream culinary collaboration (34:15) The worst piece of advice he’s ever received (35:14) Beyond the Mic: My Stories in Print A Taste of Madagascar: Culinary Riches of the Red Island invites readers to join me on his unforgettable journey across the island of Madagascar, where a vibrant culture and stunning ecosystem intertwine to create an extraordinary culinary experience. Explore the unique ingredients and traditions that define Madagascar and discover their profound impact on the global culinary landscape. Alongside the captivating stories, the book presents a collection of exciting recipes that showcase the incredible flavors and ingredients of Madagascar. Publication date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 Pre-order the book here! "Conversations Behind the Kitchen Door” is my debut book, published in Fall 2022. It features insights from chefs and culinary leaders interviewed on the Flavors Unknown podcast, offering a behind-the-scenes look at creativity, culture, and the future of the hospitality industry. Get the book here! Links to most downloaded episodes (click on any picture to listen to the episode) Chef Sheldon Simeon Chef Andy Doubrava
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    37 mins
  • From Pitmaster to Top Chef: Michelle Wallace’s BBQ Story

    From Pitmaster to Top Chef: Michelle Wallace’s BBQ Story
    Jul 29 2025
    Today on Flavors Unknown, I sit down with Michelle Wallace — a trailblazing chef and pitmaster who has redefined what it means to cook with fire and soul in the world of Texas barbecue. From her roots in St. Louis to her rise in Houston’s culinary scene, Michelle has crafted a fearless voice in a male-dominated space, fusing traditional barbecue with bold multicultural influences drawn from African, Asian, and Indian cuisines. We talk about her journey to the pit, her innovative flavor philosophy, her time on Top Chef, and the legacy she’s building—one smoky, soulful bite at a time. What you'll learn from Chef Michelle Wallace 2:30 – The moment Michelle Wallace's father sparked her love for barbecue 3:08 – Why working at Gatlin’s BBQ felt like a “full-circle” milestone 3:20 – Mentors who shaped Michelle Wallace culinary path, including Leah Chase and Rodney Scott 4:34 – How Houston’s cultural mosaic influences her approach to barbecue 6:11 – Her belief that women bring unique patience and detail to the pit 6:55 – The pioneering female pitmasters whose stories inspire her 8:00 – The one signature dish that defines her cooking style 9:28 – Her preferred wood for smoking—and why it matters 11:16 – How Michelle Wallace reverse-engineers flavor starting from the final plate 11:42 – A funny moment of self-doubt when she got hired 12:57 – How her athletic mindset fuels her “go big or go home” kitchen mentality 13:12 – The challenges barbecue kitchens face around toxic culture 14:30 – Real talk: Her advice for young women entering the culinary world 15:47 – Examples of her delicious cultural fusion dishes 17:55 – Her flexible “here’s what I’ve got for today” menu approach 19:16 – Why local farmers’ markets are her creative playground 20:04 – The value of building real relationships with growers 20:32 – How she balances crowd-pleasers with seasonal availability 23:22 – The mental strain of competing on Top Chef without outside contact 24:33 – Why the fine dining challenge pushed her hardest 26:20 – Michelle Wallace’s favorite food stops on a Houston culinary tour 28:00 – Her ultimate barbecue plate, revealed 28:34 – What makes her mac and cheese a showstopper 29:01 – A barbecue indulgence you need to try 29:12 – How she finds the perfect balance in her sauces 29:33 – Her go-to guilty pleasures, from drive-thru to gourmet 30:46 – Who she dreams of collaborating with 31:47 – A powerful life lesson she carries from her father A Taste of Madagascar: Culinary Riches of the Red Island invites readers to join me on his unforgettable journey across the island of Madagascar, where a vibrant culture and stunning ecosystem intertwine to create an extraordinary culinary experience. Explore the unique ingredients and traditions that define Madagascar and discover their profound impact on the global culinary landscape. Alongside the captivating stories, the book presents a collection of exciting recipes that showcase the incredible flavors and ingredients of Madagascar. Publication date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 Pre-order the book here! "Conversations Behind the Kitchen Door” is my debut book, published in Fall 2022. It features insights from chefs and culinary leaders interviewed on the Flavors Unknown podcast, offering a behind-the-scenes look at creativity, culture, and the future of the hospitality industry. Get the book here! Links to other episodes with chefs in Houston Don't miss out on the chance to hear from these talented chefs and gain insight into the world of culinary techniques. Check out the links below for more conversations with chef from Houston. Conversation with Chef Aaron Bludorn Conversation with Chef Chris Shepherd Chef Drake Leonards – Eunice Baker Matthieu Cabon – Magnol French Baking Links to most downloaded episodes (click on any picture to listen to the episode) Chef Sheldon Simeon
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    34 mins
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