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Culinary Mechanic

Culinary Mechanic

Hosted by: Simon Zatyrka

The Culinary Mechanic Podcast is focused on exploring the restaurant and hospitality industry to find the insights, strategies, tools and tactics to help chefs, owners and operators run restaurants like a well-oiled...

All Episodes

Episodes

11 - Jarad McCarroll: Cooking at the Ritz to Island Living on St. Barths

Join us as we delve into the remarkable journey of Chef Jared McCarroll, from his formative years in South Africa to the bustling kitchens of London, and finally to the tranquil shores of St. Bart's Ocean Club....
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10 - Charlie Negrete: From Chaos to Calling - An Inspiring Story of Change

In this episode of Chef Journeys, Chef Simon is joined by Charlie Negrete, sharing a captivating tale of overcoming addiction, finding purpose in the culinary world, and working at Bracken's Kitchen to feed millions...
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9 - John Harris: From the Ski Slopes to a 30 yr Career on the Beach

In this episode of Chef Journeys, host Simon Zatyrka sits down with the esteemed chef John Harris for a captivating exploration of his remarkable culinary career. From humble beginnings as a ski bum in Utah to his...
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8 - Jason Balestrieri: "Fatto a Mano" - Knowing Your Path and Sticking to it

Join Simon Zatyrka of Culinary Mechanic in this engaging conversation with Jason Balestrieri, a restaurant chef with a wealth of experience, who shares his journey from his humble beginnings as a teenager in Milwaukee...
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7 - Jensen Cummings: The Power of Storytelling: Transcending the Role of Chef

Episode #7

Join us in this episode as Chef Journeys takes an unexpected turn with guest Jensen Cummings, who has not only transcended the chef role but has ventured into the world of media and marketing. Jensen shares his...
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6 - Simon's Journey: Volume 2

Episode #6

Chef Simon reflects on the whirlwind years he spent cooking in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, from the high-pressure kitchens of the Four Seasons to the celebrity-filled chaos of the Viceroy Hotel. He recounts his...
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5 - Simon's Journey: Vol. 1 (Lettuce, Tomato, Cheese, Olive)

Episode #5

Embark on a riveting episode of Chef Journeys as Simon, aka the Culinary Mechanic, steps into the spotlight to share the remarkable tale of his culinary expedition. From his humble beginnings as a 17-year-old garnish...
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4 - Tom Griffiths: The Epic Odyssey of a Certified Master Chef

Episode #4

Join us in this captivating episode as Certified Master Chef Tom Griffiths shares the inspiring story of his culinary journey, from the glamorous kitchens of Le Cirque to the intense challenges of earning the...
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3 - Gilda Sanchez-Menick: From Grandma's Kitchen to Stadium Chef

Episode #3

In this captivating episode of Chef Journeys, host Simon Zatyrka is joined by the remarkable Gilda Sanchez Menick, an expert in the art of feeding crowds. From banquets to catering and grand events, Gilda shares her...
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WTF is a Culinary Mechanic

Welcome to Chef Journeys! In this episode, host Simon Zatyrka decodes the ethos of Culinary Mechanic, originally conceived in 2014 as a metaphor for restaurants as intricate machines requiring fine-tuning. Culinary...
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1 - Joe Oliveira: A Chronicle of a Private Chef

Episode #1

In this episode of Chef Journeys, host Simon Zatyrka explores the fascinating world of private chefs with guest Joe Oliveira, a seasoned private chef with a journey that spans the restaurant industry to private...
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2 - Seth Fernald: The Rise of the Farm Chef

Episode #2

In this captivating episode of Chef Journeys,Simon Zatyrka engages in an insightful conversation with Chef Seth Fernald, theresident chef of Oxbow Farm and Conservation Center in Carnation, Washington.The episode...
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