Burnt Hands Perspective

Antonio Caruana and Kristen Crowley
  • 5.0 (14)
  • FOOD
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

This is a raw and unfiltered look into the state of the restaurant industry as a whole, powered by longtime friends Chef/Owner Antonio Caruana and former bartender turned News Anchor/TV Host Kristen Crowley.Representing all aspects of the industry from the front to the back of the house we will dig into the juiciest stories and pull from decades of experience in one of the sexiest and most exciting industries in the world...the food and beverage industry. From international chefs, sommeliers, industry pros, and so much more, this show will cover all of it without a filter. You turn up the volume; we'll turn up the heat.Support the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2388325/support

  1. 4D AGO

    Chef Owner BURNOUT: The Brutal Truth About Restaurant Dreams vs Reality and Work-Life Balance

    Send us Fan Mail 🔥 BRUTAL REALITY CHECK! Chef Antonio Caruana opens up about the harsh truth of chef owner burnout after 14 years of running restaurants! What We Cover: ✅ The Beautiful Dream - Why every chef wants their own place ✅ The Harsh Reality - When bills pile up and problems multiply ✅ Identity Crisis - From chef to HR, accountant, plumber, therapist ✅ Mental Health Toll - The scars that money can't heal ✅ Survival Tips - How to manage burnout (because you CAN'T avoid it) SHOCKING Truths: 🍽️ You stop being a chef and become everything else 💰 First year is glorious, year 2-3 is when reality hits 🧠 Your mental health takes the biggest beating 👥 You're responsible for 100+ people's livelihoods ⏰ It took 8 years to find a real pattern that works Key Takeaways: Failure is NOT an option - don't start unless you're all in Get legal protection with partners (protect your recipes!) Find investors, not partners who want control Your "happy place" is ESSENTIAL for survival Work-life balance is BS - it's just life, choose your priorities From someone who's lived it for 14 years - this isn't about discouraging dreams, it's about preparing you for the reality! 🎧 SUBSCRIBE to Burnt Hands Perspective! 🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts too! Follow us: @theburnthandsperspective on IG and FB #ChefOwnerBurnout #RestaurantOwner #BurntHandsPerspective #ChefLife #RestaurantIndustry #MentalHealth #ChefAntonio Welcome to the show! Burnt Hands Perspective Support the show VIRTUAL TIP JAR: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2388325/support CONTACT US:  www.burnthandsperspective.com info@reframeyourbrand.com IG @Theburnthandsperspective Thank you to our location sponsor, Luce Secondo, located in Summit Pointe in Chesapeake, VA www.lucesecondo.com  For sponsorship opportunities, don't hesitate to get in touch with us directly. *The views and opinions on this show are meant for entertainment purposes only. They do not reflect the views of our sponsors. We are not here to babysit your feelings, if you are a true industry pro, you will know that what we say is meant to make you laugh and have a great time. If you don't get that, this is not the podcast for you. You've been warned. Enjoy the ride!

    28 min

  2. MAR 6

    From Backstage Meals To Major Artists, Food Shaped Norfolk’s Music Scene at the Norva + BTS tour

    Send us Fan Mail 🎵 LEGENDARY Interview! Meet Rick Mersel- owner of Norfolk's iconic music venue The Norva and new author who's connecting music and food in ways you've never imagined! Join us at the end for a backstage tour of the infamous hot tub, the basketball court, and stories on everyone from rom the Godfather of Soul to Billie Eilish! (get ready! lol) What we dive into this convo and an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour: ✅ The Norva Legacy - Norfolk's premier music venue  ✅ Music + Food Connection - How focusing on food brought in artists ✅ New Book Release - Exploring the relationship between culinary and musical arts ✅ Norfolk Music Scene - Building a cultural hub in Hampton Roads ✅ Venue Management Secrets - What it takes to run a legendary music venue  AMAZING Stories: 🎸 Behind-the-scenes tales from major artists at The Norva 🍽️ How food experiences create lasting memories with music 📚 The inspiration behind writing about music and culinary connections 🏢 Transforming Norfolk's entertainment landscape 🎤 Supporting both national acts and local talent From someone who's dedicated his life to music and hospitality - this is about creating experiences that go beyond just the show! Whether you're a music lover, foodie, or entrepreneur, Rick's insights on building community through entertainment and dining will inspire you. Get Rick's new book here: https://amzn.to/4stabxx Follow The Norva: Website: thenorva.com Social: @thenorva Follow Burnt Hands Perspective: Instagram: @theburnthandsperspective Subscribe for more inspiring stories! #TheNorva #Norfolk #MusicVenue #BurntHandsPerspective #MusicAndFood #Norfolk757 #LiveMusic #HamptonRoads Welcome to the show! Burnt Hands Perspective Support the show VIRTUAL TIP JAR: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2388325/support CONTACT US:  www.burnthandsperspective.com info@reframeyourbrand.com IG @Theburnthandsperspective Thank you to our location sponsor, Luce Secondo, located in Summit Pointe in Chesapeake, VA www.lucesecondo.com  For sponsorship opportunities, don't hesitate to get in touch with us directly. *The views and opinions on this show are meant for entertainment purposes only. They do not reflect the views of our sponsors. We are not here to babysit your feelings, if you are a true industry pro, you will know that what we say is meant to make you laugh and have a great time. If you don't get that, this is not the podcast for you. You've been warned. Enjoy the ride!

    59 min

  3. FEB 27

    The BRUTAL Truth About The State of the Restuarant Industry - Old School vs New School!

    Send us Fan Mail 🔥 UNFILTERED INDUSTRY RANT! Chef Antonio Caruana and KC deliver the  BRUTAL truth about modern restaurant culture! What's WRONG with the Industry: ✅ The "Pussification" - Why grit and toughness have disappeared ✅ Fake Chefs Everywhere - YouTube "chefs" who've never worked a real kitchen ✅ Technology Over Skill - UNOX ovens doing 50 jobs, but no real technique ✅ Dietary Restriction Madness - Gluten-free chaos destroying kitchens ✅ No Real Training - People becoming "executive chefs" after 8 months HARSH REALITIES: 🍞 Gluten problems? It's the GMO garbage, not real flour 📱 Instagram "chefs" with leather aprons who can't actually cook 🏭 Chain restaurants are destroying dining expectations 💰 Investors opening restaurants as ego projects 🔪 No more brigade system, no more real mentorship But there's HOPE: Fine dining is making a comeback! People are tired of concrete floors, rolled silverware, and nonsense. They want white tablecloths, jazz bands, and REAL service again. Let's step it up y'all! From 30+ years in professional kitchens - this is the unvarnished truth about what's happened to our industry and where it's heading. Follow Burnt Hands Perspective: Instagram: @theburnthandsperspective or www.burnthandsperstpective.com/links for all channels to listen or watch Subscribe for more industry reality! #RestaurantIndustry #ChefLife #BurntHandsPerspective #FineDining #RestaurantTruth #ChefAntonio #IndustryRant Welcome to the show! Burnt Hands Perspective Support the show VIRTUAL TIP JAR: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2388325/support CONTACT US:  www.burnthandsperspective.com info@reframeyourbrand.com IG @Theburnthandsperspective Thank you to our location sponsor, Luce Secondo, located in Summit Pointe in Chesapeake, VA www.lucesecondo.com  For sponsorship opportunities, don't hesitate to get in touch with us directly. *The views and opinions on this show are meant for entertainment purposes only. They do not reflect the views of our sponsors. We are not here to babysit your feelings, if you are a true industry pro, you will know that what we say is meant to make you laugh and have a great time. If you don't get that, this is not the podcast for you. You've been warned. Enjoy the ride!

    31 min

  4. FEB 13

    5 Things You NEED to Know About Espresso in Italy (Don't Embarrass Yourself!)

    Send a text ☕ ESPRESSO MASTERCLASS! Chef Antonio Caruana breaks down the 5 ESSENTIAL rules for ordering and drinking espresso like a true Italian! 5 CRUCIAL Rules: ✅ #1: It's ESPRESSO, not EXPRESSO! - There's no X in the word! ✅ #2: Read the Room - Know where you are and when to order what ✅ #3: Timing is Everything - No cappuccino after 10 AM (seriously!) ✅ #4: Size Matters - 1-2 ounces max, drink it HOT and FAST ✅ #5: Know Your Vocabulary - Ristretto, lungo, doppio - what they actually mean SHOCKING Truths: 🇮🇹 In Italy, they just say "caffè" - not espresso! 🥛 Cappuccino after 10 AM = tourist mistake (some won't even make it!) 🔥 Drink it standing at the bar in 25 seconds - that's it! 💰 It's cheaper and meant to be a quick social moment 🍪 Pair with small pastries, not full meals VOCABULARY Breakdown: Ristretto = Less water, more potent (for the brave!)Lungo = More water, less intenseDoppio = Double shot (not double liquid!)Macchiato = Just a touch of steamed milkFrom someone who's spent years in Italy - this isn't about being snobby, it's about understanding the beautiful culture behind espresso! Recommended Italian Coffee Brands: Kimbo, Lavazza, Illy, SegafredoFollow Burnt Hands Perspective: Instagram: @theburnthandsperspective Subscribe for more authentic food culture! #Espresso #ItalianCoffee #Italy #BurntHandsPerspective #CoffeeRules #ItalianCulture #ChefAntonio Welcome to the show! Burnt Hands Perspective Support the show VIRTUAL TIP JAR: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2388325/support CONTACT US: www.burnthandsperspective.com info@reframeyourbrand.com IG @Theburnthandsperspective Thank you to our location sponsor, Luce Secondo, located in Summit Pointe in Chesapeake, VA www.lucesecondo.com For sponsorship opportunities, don't hesitate to get in touch with us directly. *The views and opinions on this show are meant for entertainment purposes only. They do not reflect the views of our sponsors. We are not here to babysit your feelings, if you are a true industry pro, you will know that what we say is meant to make you laugh and have a great time. If you don't get that, this is not the podcast for you. You've been warned. Enjoy the ride!

    24 min

  5. FEB 13

    5 Things You NEED to Know Before Dating a Chef (Don't Say We Didn't Warn You!)

    Send us Fan Mail 🔥 BRUTAL RELATIONSHIP TRUTHS! Chef Antonio Caruana and KC break down the REAL challenges of dating someone in the restaurant industry! 5 ESSENTIAL Things to Know: ✅ #1: There's NO Schedule - Tuesday at 2 pm might be date night, not Friday ✅ #2: Holidays Don't Exist - Christmas Eve, Valentine's Day, New Year's = WORK ✅ #3: Kitchen Aggression is REAL - We argue fast, and it carries over ✅ #4: Money Isn't Everything - Long hours, hard work, but not always big paychecks ✅ #5: We Want to be Cooked FOR - Stop saying you won't cook for us! HARSH REALITIES: 🔪 12+ hour shifts are normal, not the exception 💔 Many relationships don't survive the industry demands 🍽️ We eat off milk crates, not fancy tables 📱 Don't just show up at work - we might be in the weeds 💰 Moving cities for opportunities is part of the game From 30+ years in kitchens - this is the unfiltered truth about chef life and relationships. Follow Burnt Hands Perspective: Instagram: @theburnthandsperspective Subscribe for more industry reality checks! #DatingAChef #ChefLife #RestaurantIndustry #BurntHandsPerspective #KitchenLife #RelationshipAdvice #ChefStruggles Welcome to the show! Burnt Hands Perspective Support the show VIRTUAL TIP JAR: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2388325/support CONTACT US:  www.burnthandsperspective.com info@reframeyourbrand.com IG @Theburnthandsperspective Thank you to our location sponsor, Luce Secondo, located in Summit Pointe in Chesapeake, VA www.lucesecondo.com  For sponsorship opportunities, don't hesitate to get in touch with us directly. *The views and opinions on this show are meant for entertainment purposes only. They do not reflect the views of our sponsors. We are not here to babysit your feelings, if you are a true industry pro, you will know that what we say is meant to make you laugh and have a great time. If you don't get that, this is not the podcast for you. You've been warned. Enjoy the ride!

    30 min

  6. FEB 6

    5 Things You NEED to Know Before Your Chef Interview (Don't Embarrass Yourself!)

    Send us Fan Mail 🔥 GAME-CHANGING Interview Advice! Chef Antonio Caruana drops TRUTH BOMBS about what it REALLY takes to get hired in a professional kitchen! 5 ESSENTIAL Tips: ✅ #1: DON'T BE LATE - "On time is late, 5 minutes early is on time!" ✅ #2: DRESS FOR THE ROLE - Show up looking like the chef you want to be ✅ #3: BRING YOUR KNIFE ROLL - Be ready to start RIGHT NOW ✅ #4: KNOW YOUR WORTH - Research salary ranges and have a number ready ✅ #5: DO YOUR RESEARCH - Know the restaurant, chef, and style of food BRUTAL TRUTHS: 🔪 Why showing up without your tools is an instant NO 💰 How to negotiate salary without looking like a fool 📱 Why your social media WILL be stalked (clean it up!) 🚫 What NOT to say about previous employers ⚡ The magic words: "I can start right now" From someone who's hired HUNDREDS of kitchen staff - this isn't theory, this is REAL advice from the trenches! Whether you're fresh out of culinary school or a seasoned cook looking to level up, these tips will give you the edge you need to land that dream kitchen position. Follow Burnt Hands Perspective: Instagram: @theburnthandsperspective Subscribe for more industry insider knowledge! #ChefInterview #CulinaryCareer #KitchenJobs #BurntHandsPerspective #ChefLife #RestaurantIndustry #CookingCareer Welcome to the show! Burnt Hands Perspective Support the show VIRTUAL TIP JAR: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2388325/support CONTACT US:  www.burnthandsperspective.com info@reframeyourbrand.com IG @Theburnthandsperspective Thank you to our location sponsor, Luce Secondo, located in Summit Pointe in Chesapeake, VA www.lucesecondo.com  For sponsorship opportunities, don't hesitate to get in touch with us directly. *The views and opinions on this show are meant for entertainment purposes only. They do not reflect the views of our sponsors. We are not here to babysit your feelings, if you are a true industry pro, you will know that what we say is meant to make you laugh and have a great time. If you don't get that, this is not the podcast for you. You've been warned. Enjoy the ride!

    27 min

  7. JAN 30

    5 Things You NEED to Know About Italian American Food (Don't Order These in Italy!)

    Send us Fan Mail 🇮🇹 Food History Time Boys and Girls! Episode 66 is LIVE! Chef Antonio Caruana + KC break down the REAL story behind Italian American cuisine! 5 Things You NEED to Know: ✅ Why pepperoni pizza doesn't exist in Italy (and what you'll get instead!) ✅ The REAL story behind spaghetti and meatballs ✅ How mortadella became "baloney" in America ✅ Why Italians eat differently than Italian Americans ✅ The truth about portion sizes and dining culture Some Revelations: 🍕 Pepperoni = peppers in Italy (you'll get bell peppers on your pizza!) 🥩 Bologna comes from trying to recreate mortadella in America 🍝 Spaghetti and meatballs isn't even a real Italian dish 🧀 Why Italians don't dump cheese on everything ⏰ How Italians actually eat throughout the day This isn't about right vs wrong - it's about understanding the beautiful evolution of food culture! Italian American cuisine came from necessity, creativity, and immigrants doing their best with what they had. From Chef Antonio's restaurant LUCE - where authentic regional Italian meets modern technique, this is a great discussion on the Italian American culture and what needs to be done to save it! Follow Burnt Hands Perspective: Instagram: @theburnthandsperspective Subscribe for more food industry truth! #ItalianFood #ItalianAmerican #FoodHistory #BurntHandsPerspective #ChefAntonio #FoodCulture #Italy #foodshow #chef Cheftalk #restaurantpodcast Welcome to the show! Burnt Hands Perspective Support the show VIRTUAL TIP JAR: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2388325/support CONTACT US:  www.burnthandsperspective.com info@reframeyourbrand.com IG @Theburnthandsperspective Thank you to our location sponsor, Luce Secondo, located in Summit Pointe in Chesapeake, VA www.lucesecondo.com  For sponsorship opportunities, don't hesitate to get in touch with us directly. *The views and opinions on this show are meant for entertainment purposes only. They do not reflect the views of our sponsors. We are not here to babysit your feelings, if you are a true industry pro, you will know that what we say is meant to make you laugh and have a great time. If you don't get that, this is not the podcast for you. You've been warned. Enjoy the ride!

    40 min

  8. JAN 18

    Burnt Hands, Real Talk. Taking it back to episode 1 - The Origin Story! Season 6 starts February 2026

    Send us Fan Mail 🎙️ SEASON 6 IS COMING IN 2026! 🎙️ While we're gearing up for an EPIC new season of Burnt Hands Perspective, we wanted to take you back to where it all began... NEW AROUND HERE? This is your required viewing! 📺 Meet Chef Antonio Caruana and KC - the masterminds behind the show that's been serving up RAW, UNFILTERED conversations from the food industry trenches for 5 incredible seasons. This is our WHY: ✅ Real stories from real people with burnt hands and real experience ✅ No sugar-coating the restaurant industry truths ✅ Authentic conversations that matter ✅ Building a community of food industry warriors From that first nervous recording to becoming the voice of the industry's hardest workers - this origin story will show you exactly why we do what we do and why YOUR story matters. Season 6 drops Feb 2026 and we're bringing the HEAT! 🔥 But first, go back to Episode 1 and see how two friends with a passion for authentic storytelling decided to give the food industry the platform it deserves. Ready to join the famiglia? Hit that subscribe button! #BurntHandsPerspective #OriginStory #podcast #FoodIndustry #foodshow #cheftalk Welcome to the show! Burnt Hands Perspective Support the show VIRTUAL TIP JAR: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2388325/support CONTACT US:  www.burnthandsperspective.com info@reframeyourbrand.com IG @Theburnthandsperspective Thank you to our location sponsor, Luce Secondo, located in Summit Pointe in Chesapeake, VA www.lucesecondo.com  For sponsorship opportunities, don't hesitate to get in touch with us directly. *The views and opinions on this show are meant for entertainment purposes only. They do not reflect the views of our sponsors. We are not here to babysit your feelings, if you are a true industry pro, you will know that what we say is meant to make you laugh and have a great time. If you don't get that, this is not the podcast for you. You've been warned. Enjoy the ride!

    31 min
See All (86)

5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

This is a raw and unfiltered look into the state of the restaurant industry as a whole, powered by longtime friends Chef/Owner Antonio Caruana and former bartender turned News Anchor/TV Host Kristen Crowley.Representing all aspects of the industry from the front to the back of the house we will dig into the juiciest stories and pull from decades of experience in one of the sexiest and most exciting industries in the world...the food and beverage industry. From international chefs, sommeliers, industry pros, and so much more, this show will cover all of it without a filter. You turn up the volume; we'll turn up the heat.Support the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2388325/support

Information

  • Creator
    Antonio Caruana and Kristen Crowley
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    86
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 @2024 Burnt Hands Perspective, LLC
  • Show Website
    Burnt Hands Perspective

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