On The Pass

Gabriel Ornelas
  • 4.9 (145)
  • FOOD
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
On The Pass

On The Pass serves up inspiring conversations with dynamic figures in the food + beverage, hospitality and travel space. Hosted by Gabriel Ornelas.

  1. DEC 11

    Santiago Perez: A Celebration of Mexican Culture

    At On The Pass we have a deep love for Mexican food—from the humble street taco to the artistry of fine dining. Mexican cuisine is vibrant, flavorful, and as colorful as the people, culture, and diverse landscapes it represents. It’s hard to imagine a time when the beauty and richness of this storied food culture weren’t widely celebrated, both in Mexico and across the globe. In many ways, we can thank our next guest and his partner for helping spark more appreciation for Mexican cuisine and culture.   Santiago Perez, CEO of CasaMata, business partner to renowned Mexican chef Enrique Olvera, and co-owner of iconic restaurant brands like Pujol, Cosme, Damian, Atla, Criollo, and more. Santiago and Enrique were recently recognized on The Observer’s Nightlife and Dining Power List for the second consecutive year—a testament to their enduring influence. Their restaurants have also received accolades from The World’s 50 Best Restaurants  and they continue to celebrate major milestones, such as Pujol turning 25 and Cosme marking its 10th anniversary. CasaMata is rooted in tradition, innovation, and an undeniable pride in Mexican culture. Dive into our conversation with Santiago as he discusses his vision for building on these incredible milestones and the future of CasaMata.   Learn more about CasaMata:  https://bit.ly/3ZNqw4V     Follow CasaMata and Santiago on Instagram: https://bit.ly/4f77lHC https://bit.ly/4g6Kspa     Watch On The Pass Original: RARE, A Chef's Story: https://bit.ly/3NKDU2N     Follow On The Pass on Instagram: http://bit.ly/3Kvgm1n     Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas: http://bit.ly/3YS964b     Learn more about On The Pass: https://bit.ly/3J2PPXP     Lets work together! Get in contact: https://www.studioornelas.com

    49 min

  2. NOV 20

    Hot Spot: Guillaume Thomas + Andrew Weir of Martingale Cognac

    Are you familiar with the three key tiers in Cognac production? These include the distillers, the grape growers, and those who age the eau-de-vie. In Cognac, it’s quite uncommon for a single brand to oversee every aspect of the process—growing grapes, distilling, and aging. However, our next guests are doing just that. Some might even say this challenger Cognac brand has been a century in the making.   Our next guests, Guillaume Thomas and Andrew Weir, co-founders of Martingale Cognac, are no strangers to the spirits industry. Guillaume spent nearly a decade at Pernod Ricard as Chief Financial Officer for North America. He also comes from a family that has been producing Cognac since 1920. Andrew, on the other hand, worked for William Grant & Sons and also held a leadership role at Pernod Ricard, spearheading Aberlour Single Malt Scotch Whisky.   Despite their impressive pedigrees and deep industry knowledge, nothing quite prepares you for the challenges of start-up life—especially in a time as turbulent as this, and in a category that is navigating its own set of challenges. Guillaume’s family at Maison Thomas, who have been growing grapes, distilling, and aging Cognac since 1920, are no strangers to change. They’ve endured numerous economic and political storms over the last century.   And yet, despite their long history, they’ve never had their own brand—until now. Martingale, the French term for “doubling down,” perfectly embodies the vision of Guillaume, Andrew, and the entire team. They are doubling down on the Cognac category with an exciting new offering that strikes an exquisite balance of complexity and smoothness.   Learn more about Martingale Cognac:  https://bit.ly/4eFHg20     Follow Martingale on Instagram: https://bit.ly/4fDDrvQ     Watch On The Pass Original: RARE, A Chef's Story: https://bit.ly/3NKDU2N     Follow On The Pass on Instagram: http://bit.ly/3Kvgm1n     Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas: http://bit.ly/3YS964b     Learn more about On The Pass: https://bit.ly/3J2PPXP     Lets work together! Get in contact: https://www.studioornelas.com

    1h 2m

  3. OCT 30

    Debby Soo: OpenTable Reimagines Reservations

    Our next guest is on a mission to support restaurants and reclaim market share in a sector her company helped revolutionize 26 years ago. Debby Soo, CEO of OpenTable, the pioneering platform for restaurant reservations, founded in 1998 in San Francisco. Today, OpenTable remains the leader in online reservations as part of Booking Holdings Inc., but being the first and largest doesn’t automatically mean it’s the best.   Debby took the helm in 2020 during an extraordinarily challenging time for the restaurant industry, facing stiff competition and an evolving dining landscape. Over the years, platforms like Resy and Tock have gained traction, partnering with top-tier restaurants and renowned chefs, raising the bar for what reservation platforms can deliver.   Determined to reclaim OpenTable’s position, Debby and her team have embraced an ambitious, offense-driven approach, recently announcing a partnership with Visa to enhance their offerings. A recent article in The San Francisco Chronicle described OpenTable as “shedding its reputation as an old-guard.” Debby echoed this commitment, stating, “I want to make the best reservations system on the planet.”   In this episode, we’ll dive into her strategic vision, her perspective on innovation, and her plans for the future of OpenTable.   Learn more about OpenTable:  https://bit.ly/3YGVpYc     Follow OpenTable on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3YjnenO     Follow Debby Soo on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3YIGdd7     Watch On The Pass Original: RARE, A Chef's Story: https://bit.ly/3NKDU2N     Follow On The Pass on Instagram: http://bit.ly/3Kvgm1n     Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas: http://bit.ly/3YS964b     Learn more about On The Pass: https://bit.ly/3J2PPXP     Lets work together! Get in contact: https://www.studioornelas.com

    54 min

  4. OCT 16

    Mauro Colagreco: The Next Era for Chefs

    Chef Mauro Colagreco has famously said, “We aren’t a restaurant with a garden, we are a garden with a restaurant.” He and his team are deeply committed to safeguarding the world’s culinary heritage, particularly through the preservation of biodiversity in both flora and fauna. This dedication has extended his role far beyond the kitchen and his numerous restaurants, positioning him as a global leader in sustainable gastronomy.   An Argentine-born chef, Mauro has embraced a philosophy of circular gastronomy that honors the natural cycles of the environment. He constantly challenges himself and his team to explore what it truly means to be a responsible chef in today’s world. His commitment to excellence is matched by a deep appreciation for the simplicity of life, making him a true citizen of the world.   Since 2006, Mauro and his family have called Menton, France—near the Italian border—home. It is here that he transformed Mirazur, a three-Michelin-star restaurant, into a globally celebrated culinary destination. Mirazur was named the Best Restaurant in the World in 2019 by The World's 50 Best Restaurants. Spanning five hectares, the restaurant embodies the philosophy of living in total harmony with nature.   In addition to Mirazur, Mauro now oversees more than 25 restaurants across the globe, including locations in London, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, Dubai, Palm Beach, and Buenos Aires. His influence extends beyond the kitchen; he has lectured at Harvard University on the cosmic influences of gastronomy and was appointed UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Biodiversity in 2022. Mauro also serves as Vice President of Relais & Châteaux, further exemplifying his commitment to responsible and sustainable practices.   In this episode, we delve into the evolving role of chefs and explore Mauro’s vision for how the responsibilities of chefs will continue to expand in the future.   Learn more about Relais & Châteaux:  https://bit.ly/3A3Hl1o     Learn more about Mauro Colagreco: https://bit.ly/4eMwnfL     Follow Mauro Colagreco on Instagram: https://bit.ly/4883yrE     Follow On The Pass on Instagram: http://bit.ly/3Kvgm1n     Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas: http://bit.ly/3YS964b     Learn more about On The Pass: https://bit.ly/3J2PPXP     Read Gabriel's Articles: http://bit.ly/3SnOsGG     Lets work together! Get in contact: https://www.studioornelas.com

    47 min

  5. SEP 25

    Hot Spot: Jon Yao + Ryan Bailey of Kato

    On this episode of the Hot Spot series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Chef Jon Yao and Sommelier Ryan Bailey, co-owners of Kato, an Asian American restaurant that artfully explores the intersection of Los Angeles culture and the Asian diaspora.   Kato originally opened in a small Westside strip mall, operating in a space just one-quarter the size of its current location in Downtown LA. At that time, Jon was just 25 years old. Despite its modest beginnings, the team’s innovative approach earned them widespread recognition, including a Michelin star in 2019.   Two years ago, Kato transitioned into its larger downtown space, and has continued to thrive, retaining its Michelin star. This past June, Kato was honored with the Resy One to Watch Award at the World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024. Gabriel and our team was fortunate to witness this moment in Las Vegas as Chef Daniel Humm handed Jon and the team the award. As a friend and industry colleague, we couldn’t have been prouder—not just for them, but as fellow Angelenos.   This recognition not only highlights the exceptional work of the Kato team, but also shines a global spotlight on the dynamic and ever-evolving culinary scene in Los Angeles.   Learn more about Kato:  https://bit.ly/4eyAY4I     Follow Kato on Instagram: https://bit.ly/47HV9eb     Follow On The Pass on Instagram: http://bit.ly/3Kvgm1n     Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas: http://bit.ly/3YS964b     Learn more about On The Pass: https://bit.ly/3J2PPXP     Read Gabriel's Articles: http://bit.ly/3SnOsGG     Lets work together! Get in contact: https://www.studioornelas.com www.gabrielornelas.com

    1h 15m

  6. AUG 7

    David Leventhal: Living Playa Viva

    In January 2023, Gabriel traveled to the southern Pacific Coast of Mexico, in the state of Guerrero, to experience Playa Viva, an eco-luxury and regenerative boutique hotel founded by our next guest, David Leventhal, and his then-wife shortly after purchasing the land in 2006.   Playa Viva is situated at the base of the Sierra Madre Mountains, just forty minutes from Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa International Airport (ZIH). This unique hotel embodies the concept "where your vacation meets your values™," dedicated to a triple-bottom-line approach that benefits the planet, people, and prosperity. With 19 treehouse rooms spread across nearly a mile of private beach and 200 acres of nature reserve, guests enjoy "The Luxury of Immersion in Nature."   In 2023, Playa Viva achieved B-Corp Certification, becoming a world-leading example of experiential travel. The hotel offers an authentic, all-encompassing regenerative experience, combining wellness, action/adventure, excursions to unique places, and a commitment to restoring and regenerating the landscape and local communities.   David’s passion for sustainability also led him to co-found Regenerative Travel, a company that connects travelers with independent hotels deeply rooted in their communities, enabling people, nature, and culture to thrive. Think of it as a Relais & Châteaux for ultra-eco-conscious sustainable properties worldwide. (I’ll include a link in the show notes to explore it further.)   During my stay at Playa Viva, David and I discovered a shared love for building community and fostering genuine human connection—a mission David has successfully pursued since the inception of Playa Viva.   In this episode, you’ll hear more about Playa Viva’s core values and why they have recieved numerous accolades from prestigious publications like Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure Co., and Global Design News, which have elevated David and his team to a global stage.   Learn more about Playa Viva:  https://bit.ly/4dzZ1zG     Follow Playa Viva on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3Yw61cL     Learn more about Regenerative Travel: https://bit.ly/4cjhPlU     Follow On The Pass on Instagram: http://bit.ly/3Kvgm1n     Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas: http://bit.ly/3YS964b     Learn more about On The Pass: https://bit.ly/3J2PPXP     Read Gabriel's Articles: http://bit.ly/3SnOsGG     Lets work together! Get in contact: https://www.studioornelas.com www.gabrielornelas.com

    51 min

  7. JUL 29

    High Tea: Clay Williams

    On this episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Clay Williams, Brooklyn-based James Beard Award-winning photographer.   Clay has been capturing and helping tell stories about food, hospitality, and the people and places that define our culture for more than 15 years. His work has appeared in the pages of Food & Wine, The New York Times, Bloomberg, and Travel + Leisure, as well as in cookbooks by Chef Kwame Onwuachi and Atlanta chef Todd Richards.    In this episode, we discuss: ☑️New stage in where hospitality is going ☑️Storytelling through food  ☑️Hospitality if ready to move out of survival mode  ☑️A snapshot of Philadelphia based culinary creatives and doing it their way ☑️Fusion food is American food  ☑️Clay’s unique creative approach to capturing content      For more info on Caly Williams: https://bit.ly/46oA3ku     Follow Clay on Instagram: https://bit.ly/46pnzJj     Follow On The Pass on Instagram: http://bit.ly/3Kvgm1n     Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas: http://bit.ly/3YS964b     Connect with Gabriel on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3Oxa2I3     On The Pass Website: https://bit.ly/3J2PPXP     Read Gabriel's Articles: http://bit.ly/3SnOsGG     Lets work together! Get in contact: https://www.studioornelas.com www.gabrielornelas.com

    20 min

  8. JUL 22

    High Tea: Adam Teeter

    On this episode of the High Tea series, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Adam Teeter, New York-based Co-founder and CEO of VinePair.   Adam and Josh Malin Co-founded VinePair ten years ago and together they’ve grown the platform into the largest multi-media publication about wine, beer and spirits in America, reaching almost 40 million people a month.   In this episode, we discuss: ☑️Remake the industry in a new image ☑️Journalism through the lens of the glass ☑️Educating the next generation  ☑️How drinks culture has shifted over the past 10 years ☑️Cocktail culture is dominating  ☑️Rise of the celeb bartenders  ☑️Challenges ahead for Somm’s and Wine Directors ☑️What does the VinePair data tell us?     Check out VinePair: https://bit.ly/3zVXRA7     Follow Adam Teeter on Instagram: https://bit.ly/4dcWOdu     Follow On The Pass on Instagram: http://bit.ly/3Kvgm1n     Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas: http://bit.ly/3YS964b     Connect with Gabriel on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3Oxa2I3     On The Pass Website: https://bit.ly/3J2PPXP     Read Gabriel's Articles: http://bit.ly/3SnOsGG     Lets work together! Get in contact: https://www.studioornelas.com www.gabrielornelas.com

    32 min
See All (100)

4.9
out of 5
145 Ratings

About

On The Pass serves up inspiring conversations with dynamic figures in the food + beverage, hospitality and travel space. Hosted by Gabriel Ornelas.

Information

  • Creator
    Gabriel Ornelas
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2024
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © On The Pass 2024
  • Show Website
    On The Pass

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