Behind the Counter with the Food Czar

Heidi Blum

Behind the Counter with the Food Czar explores the stories of people who create community through their work and passion. Each episode features conversations with restaurant owners, influencers, charity leaders, and others making an impact in their neighborhoods.From building businesses to giving back, guests share their personal journeys, challenges, and successes. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a community supporter, or just someone who loves hearing inspiring stories, this podcast offers meaningful conversations about connection, resilience, and the power of people coming together.

  1. 2d ago

    Episode 83 - From Verona NJ to Top Chef: Ariane Duarte’s Culinary Journey

    Send us Fan Mail This week on Behind the Counter with the Food Czar, I sit down with one of New Jersey’s most respected chefs, Ariane Duarte. Born and raised in Verona, Ariane followed her passion to the Culinary Institute of America at a time when professional kitchens were still very much a male-dominated world. Through hard work, determination, and undeniable talent, she earned her place in some of the industry’s toughest kitchens before making a name for herself on Top Chef.  Around that same time, she and her husband, Michael, saw their catering company and Montclair restaurant, CulinAriane, take off. The accolades came quickly—four stars from The Star-Ledger, national television appearances, and recognition as one of New Jersey’s premier dining destinations.  She later returned to her hometown to open Ariane Kitchen & Bar, creating another beloved restaurant while navigating the challenges of the COVID era. Today, she’s thriving in a new chapter as a culinary producer for some of the biggest celebrity chefs in the business—many of whom she proudly calls friends—while continuing to cater private events and doing what she loves most. In this episode, we talk about what it was like coming up as a woman in professional kitchens, building an award-winning career, the impact Top Chef had on her life, and how she’s found happiness in this exciting new chapter. Ariane is as genuine as she is talented. It was such a pleasure to spend time with her, hear the stories behind her incredible career, and learn more about the woman who has become one of New Jersey’s most accomplished chefs. Follow Ariane @arianeduartechef Recording Location: Toast City Diner Asbury Park NJ Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow, leave a review and share it with a friend. And you can follow me @heidiblum_foodczar on instagram for more behind-the-scenes content, updates and more. Got feedback or a question, I'd love to hear from you!

    Episode 83 - From Verona NJ to Top Chef: Ariane Duarte’s Culinary Journey

  2. Aug 25

    Episode 82 - From Belleville to Peru: The Story Behind Warique with Chef Roberto Carnero

    Send us Fan Mail This week on Behind the Counter with the Food Czar, I sit down with one of the most inspiring people I’ve had the chance to meet — Chef Roberto Carnero, owner and chef of Warique in Belleville, New Jersey. Born to Peruvian parents and raised in Belleville, Roberto’s path to becoming a chef was anything but traditional. A talented athlete in high school with no clear direction after graduation, he thought his future might be in cosmetology school. But when that didn’t ignite the passion he was searching for, a job as a busboy at a local restaurant changed everything. Drawn to the energy of the kitchen, Roberto began a culinary journey that would take him through some of New York City’s top restaurants before bringing him back to New Jersey. Along the way, he was mentored by renowned New Jersey chef David Viana, who taught him not only how to cook, but how to lead a kitchen, treat people, and navigate the restaurant industry with integrity. After enduring one of the darkest periods of his life, Roberto made the decision to bet on himself. In October 2025, he opened Warique, a small neighborhood restaurant in Belleville that quickly became one of New Jersey’s most celebrated restaurant openings of the year. More than just a restaurant, Warique is Roberto’s love letter to Peru, to the flavors he grew up with, and especially to the two women who shaped him most — his mother and grandmother. This conversation is about resilience, family, mentorship, self-discovery, and what can happen when talent meets purpose. Chef Roberto has worked hard on himself, his craft, and his family, and today he finds himself in a place of gratitude, fulfillment, and incredible momentum. Trust me, after listening to this episode, you’ll understand why Chef Roberto Carnero is one of the most special human beings you’ll ever meet. Follow Chef Roberto @roberto3783 Follow Warique @warique_nj_ Recording Location: Warique Belleville NJ Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow, leave a review and share it with a friend. And you can follow me @heidiblum_foodczar on instagram for more behind-the-scenes content, updates and more. Got feedback or a question, I'd love to hear from you!

    Episode 82 - From Belleville to Peru: The Story Behind Warique with Chef Roberto Carnero

  3. Aug 11

    Episode 81- From Sunday Dinners to Social Media Stardom: The Brothers Cucina Story

    Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Behind the Counter with the Food Czar, I sit down with Rich and Jack Giacalone, better known to many as the social media sensation Brothers Cucina. Growing up in Livingston, NJ, in a big Italian family, food was always at the center of everything. Every Sunday meant heading to their grandmother's house in Newark, where more than 30 family members would gather around the table to cook, eat, laugh, and spend time together. Those family traditions helped shape who they are today. While Rich caught the culinary bug early on and knew food was his passion, Jack always had a knack for business. Together, they built successful ventures, including Il Giacalone's in Livingston and Trattoria Fresco in Caldwell, before eventually stepping away from the restaurant world as they focused on raising their families. Then came an unexpected new chapter. A few years ago, their nephew Joseph started filming the brothers doing what they do best—cooking, telling stories, busting each other's chops, and bringing people together. What started as a family project quickly turned into Brothers Cucina, a social media phenomenon that has captured the hearts of people everywhere. Today, the three of them work side-by-side creating content that celebrates food, family, tradition, and the authentic bond they share. In this episode, we talk about growing up in an Italian household, building businesses together, navigating life's pivots, and how Brothers Cucina has given them something truly special—more time with each other, more time with Joseph, and a community that feels like an extension of their family. This conversation is filled with laughs, stories, and a reminder that some of life's best moments happen around the dinner table.  Follow Brothers Cucina @brothers.cucina Recording Location: The Ritz Diner Livingston NJ Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow, leave a review and share it with a friend. And you can follow me @heidiblum_foodczar on instagram for more behind-the-scenes content, updates and more. Got feedback or a question, I'd love to hear from you!

    Episode 81- From Sunday Dinners to Social Media Stardom: The Brothers Cucina Story

  4. Jul 28

    Episode 80 - From Coffee Farms to Coffee Dreams: The Journey of Jonathan Echeverry

    Send us Fan Mail This week on Behind the Counter with the Food Czar, we sit down with Jonathan Echeverry, founder of Paper Plane Coffee, to discuss a journey that spans generations, countries, and a passion for hospitality. Born into a family that has grown coffee in Colombia for five generations, Jonathan spent his childhood summers working on the family farm. But coffee wasn't always the plan. From growing up in his family's Mexican restaurants outside Atlanta to culinary school, acting aspirations, and life in New York City, Jonathan's path took plenty of unexpected turns before leading him back to his roots. What started as a small coffee roasting company in 2015 has grown into one of New Jersey's most beloved coffee brands. Today, Paper Plane Coffee's flagship Montclair location has become a destination for coffee lovers, with a second location opening in Maplewood this summer. Jonathan shares the experiences, challenges, and pivotal moments that shaped both his journey and the Paper Plane story. It's a conversation about family, entrepreneurship, creativity, and finding your purpose in unexpected places. Follow Paper Plane @paperplanecoffeeco Recording Location: Paper Plane Montclair NJ Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow, leave a review and share it with a friend. And you can follow me @heidiblum_foodczar on instagram for more behind-the-scenes content, updates and more. Got feedback or a question, I'd love to hear from you!

    Episode 80 - From Coffee Farms to Coffee Dreams: The Journey of Jonathan Echeverry

  5. Jul 14

    Episode 79 - Love, Hustle & Hospitality: The Story of Dan & Day’s in Montclair

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I sit down with Dan Campeas and Day Ordonez, the husband-and-wife team behind Dan & Day’s Burgers & Shakes in Upper Montclair and the brand new Farmhouse Fried Chicken. Their story is one of faith, timing, hard work, and community. Dan grew up in Montclair and already owned a restaurant when Day, who grew up in Ecuador, walked in looking for a job. What started as an interview turned into a beautiful relationship, a marriage, and now an incredible partnership in both life and business. We talk about their individual journeys, how important community is to them, and why staying grounded in their roots matters so much. Their restaurants aren’t just businesses — they’re places built to serve and connect with the people around them. This episode is about two people who found not only each other, but also their passion and purpose. Together, they’ve built something authentic, meaningful, and deeply rooted in the community they love. And if their journey so far is any indication, this is only the beginning of what they’re capable of creating together. Follow Dan & Days @dananddaysofficial Recording Location: Farmhouse Fried Chicken Montclair NJ Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow, leave a review and share it with a friend. And you can follow me @heidiblum_foodczar on instagram for more behind-the-scenes content, updates and more. Got feedback or a question, I'd love to hear from you!

    Episode 79 - Love, Hustle & Hospitality: The Story of Dan & Day’s in Montclair

  6. Jun 30

    Episode 78 - Still Cooking, Still Climbing: The Evolution of Ryan DePersio

    Send us Fan Mail This episode features Ryan DePersio, a true force in New Jersey’s culinary scene. Born and raised in Nutley, New Jersey, Ryan’s passion for food started early, shaped by family, tradition, and the influence of his mother, a recipe developer for women’s magazines. From a young age, he was drawn to the kitchen and committed to learning the craft from the ground up. After attending culinary school in New York and working in top kitchens alongside acclaimed chefs, two formative trips helped define his path: Paris, France, and Florence, Italy. In Paris, he worked in a one-Michelin-star restaurant, and in Florence, in a three-Michelin-star restaurant—experiences that deepened his appreciation for fine dining and helped shape his culinary voice. Ryan went on to open Fascino in Montclair, a family-driven venture that became the foundation for his career as a restaurateur—where his mother also worked alongside him as the pastry chef. Since then, he has expanded his footprint with his partners, Cory Checket and Joe Calafiore, with Battello in Jersey City, Ember & Eagle and The TillingHouse in Eatontown, and the soon to open Barchino in Jersey City. In this conversation, Ryan reflects on the evolution of his career, the importance of team and partnership, and the passion that continues to drive him forward. This episode explores the realities of building a restaurant group, staying creative over time, and remaining deeply connected to the craft. Follow Ryan @chef_rd Recording Location: Battello Restaurant Jersey City, NJ Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow, leave a review and share it with a friend. And you can follow me @heidiblum_foodczar on instagram for more behind-the-scenes content, updates and more. Got feedback or a question, I'd love to hear from you!

    Episode 78 - Still Cooking, Still Climbing: The Evolution of Ryan DePersio

  7. Jun 16

    Episode 77 - From Crazy Idea to Bagel Empire: How Alex Berkowitz of Bagel Nook Changed the Game

    Send us Fan Mail This week on Behind the Counter with the Food Czar, I sit down with Alex Berkowitz, the founder and owner of Bagel Nook — the viral bagel concept that completely changed the breakfast game. When Alex opened his doors in 2015, no one thought bagels needed reinventing… except him. What started as a bold idea — turning flavors like Doritos, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, Oreos, and Fruity Pebbles into over-the-top bagels with equally creative cream cheeses — quickly turned into something much bigger. But this story isn’t just about wild flavors and social media buzz. It’s about vision, grit, and believing in something before anyone else sees it. From day one to now 11 locations (and nationwide shipping through Goldbelly), Alex has built Bagel Nook into a true empire — one rooted in passion, creativity, and nonstop hustle. His flagship in Freehold, NJ is where it all began, and where his heart still is, even as the brand continues to grow through franchising. This episode dives into the mindset behind the madness, the lessons learned along the way, and what it really takes to turn an idea into something lasting. If you’ve ever had a dream that felt a little crazy… this one’s for you. Follow Alex @the_bagel_nook Recording Location: The Bagel Nook Freehold NJ Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow, leave a review and share it with a friend. And you can follow me @heidiblum_foodczar on instagram for more behind-the-scenes content, updates and more. Got feedback or a question, I'd love to hear from you!

    Episode 77 - From Crazy Idea to Bagel Empire: How Alex Berkowitz of Bagel Nook Changed the Game

  8. Jun 2

    Episode 76 - All Gas, No Brakes: Gustavo Gutierrez and the Rise of Cubita

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Gustavo (Gus) Gutierrez — the high-energy entrepreneur behind Cubita Cafe and the growing fleet of Cubita Food Trucks. Gus grew up in North Bergen, New Jersey knowing he needed to find a path that would keep him focused and out of trouble. After discovering a culinary program built around hands-on experience, he dove into the restaurant world — starting as a dishwasher at a Cuban restaurant in Hoboken where he learned the business from the ground up. That drive eventually led him to Le Cirque in New York City and later to becoming a corporate chef overseeing more than 15 restaurants at Newark Airport. But when COVID shut everything down — and he learned his wife was pregnant — Gus bet on himself. He started perfecting empanadas and selling them to anyone willing to try them. When demand exploded, his wife pushed him to open Cubita Cafe in Nutley. Today that leap has grown into Cubita Cafe, four Cubita food trucks, and a massive warehouse operation — all fueled by Gus’s “all gas, no brakes” mentality. In this episode, Gus talks about leadership, relentless learning, and why in cooking — there is no such thing as perfect, only practice. Follow Gus @hudsonchef Recorded at Cubita Wholesale Bloomfield NJ Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow, leave a review and share it with a friend. And you can follow me @heidiblum_foodczar on instagram for more behind-the-scenes content, updates and more. Got feedback or a question, I'd love to hear from you!

    Episode 76 - All Gas, No Brakes: Gustavo Gutierrez and the Rise of Cubita
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About

Behind the Counter with the Food Czar explores the stories of people who create community through their work and passion. Each episode features conversations with restaurant owners, influencers, charity leaders, and others making an impact in their neighborhoods.From building businesses to giving back, guests share their personal journeys, challenges, and successes. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a community supporter, or just someone who loves hearing inspiring stories, this podcast offers meaningful conversations about connection, resilience, and the power of people coming together.

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