The Ultimate Dish

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
  • 4.8 (26)
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The Ultimate Dish

A show about good food, inspiring stories, and deep dive talks featuring the world’s most innovative culinary educators and thought leaders. Join us as we delve into the lives of the amazing people shaping the world of food and drink. Hosted by Chef Kirk T. Bachmann.

  1. Marc Vetri on Why the Best Chefs Don’t Just Cook — They Care

    MAY 6

    Marc Vetri on Why the Best Chefs Don’t Just Cook — They Care

    In today’s episode, we chat with Marc Vetri, an award-winning chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author who helped put Philadelphia on the national culinary map. Marc is the founder of Vetri Cucina and the force behind acclaimed restaurants like Osteria, Pizzeria Vetri, and Fiorella. His journey began in a South Philly kitchen alongside his Sicilian grandmother, and took him from dishwashing as a teen to working under Wolfgang Puck in Los Angeles — before buying a one-way ticket to Northern Italy that would cement his path. Beyond the kitchen, Marc is a passionate mentor, musician, and founder of the Vetri Community Partnership, a nonprofit helping kids and families discover the power of cooking and nutrition. Join us as Marc shares the origin story behind his culinary empire — and why the best chefs don’t just cook, they care.

    49 min
  2. Accidentally on Purpose: Chef-in-Residence Kristen Kish on Life, Mentorship & Meaning

    APR 22

    Accidentally on Purpose: Chef-in-Residence Kristen Kish on Life, Mentorship & Meaning

    In today’s episode, we chat with Kristen Kish, Escoffier Chef-in-Residence, award-winning chef, and host of Bravo’s Top Chef. A Korean adoptee raised in Michigan, Kristen discovered her passion for cooking at a young age. After working in various Boston kitchens, she competed on Season 10 of Top Chef, ultimately winning the coveted title. Since then, she’s published a cookbook, starred in hit shows like Fast Foodies on TruTV and Iron Chef on Netflix, and in 2023, took over as the host of Top Chef for its 21st season—earning Primetime Emmy nominations for both herself and the show. Kristen is also the chef/partner of Arlo Grey in Austin, TX, the creator of KISH Aperitif, and the host of Restaurants at the End of the World on National Geographic/Disney+. Join us as Kristen discusses her role at Escoffier, how she balances ambition with authenticity, and gives us a peek into her new memoir, Accidentally on Purpose.

    29 min
  3. Carnegie Hall to Culinary School: How One Opera Singer is Nourishing Her Art and Her Life

    APR 8

    Carnegie Hall to Culinary School: How One Opera Singer is Nourishing Her Art and Her Life

    In today’s episode, we chat with Maria Zouves, a Greek-American soprano, educator, director, producer, and current Escoffier student pursuing a degree in Holistic Nutrition & Wellness. As President of the Sherrill Milnes VOICE Programs, which she co-founded with her husband, legendary baritone Sherrill Milnes, Maria has spent over 25 years nurturing artists and building new audiences for classical music. She has directed operas across the U.S. and Europe, including productions at the Estates Theatre in Prague and Opera Tampa. A celebrated performer, Maria made her Carnegie Hall debut in 1997 and is now preparing for a return to Don’t Tell Mama Cabaret Theatre in New York City to promote her upcoming classical cabaret album, Everything. Join us as Maria shares her inspiring journey from opera to culinary school, delves into the deep connection between food and the arts, and discusses how she’s inspiring others to live with intention and purpose.

    1h 14m
  4. From Resume to Interview: Hospitality Hiring Experts Share Career-Boosting Tips

    MAR 11

    From Resume to Interview: Hospitality Hiring Experts Share Career-Boosting Tips

    In today’s episode, we chat with Brian Blum and Evan Kaplan, two expert recruiters from Gecko Hospitality—an esteemed partner of Escoffier. With over 20 years of experience in restaurant operations and staffing, Brian has held leadership roles at Applebee’s, Ragazzi’s, and Houlihan’s. His deep understanding of what makes a business thrive and his passion for community impact make him a powerhouse in hospitality recruitment. Evan, an award-winning recruiter and sommelier, brings a wealth of knowledge in executive search and talent acquisition. With experience in hotels, resorts, and private clubs, he has helped countless professionals secure top positions in the industry. Join us as Brian and Evan share exclusive resume tips, interview strategies, and career insights to help you stand out in today’s competitive job market.

    1h 2m
  5. Lessons in Hospitality: How Kevin Boehm Builds Award-Winning Restaurants

    FEB 11

    Lessons in Hospitality: How Kevin Boehm Builds Award-Winning Restaurants

    In today’s episode, we chat with Kevin Boehm, a James Beard Award-winning restaurateur. With a career spanning three decades and over 40 restaurants opened, Kevin has redefined the dining experience. From launching his first six-table restaurant at 23 to co-founding the acclaimed Boka Restaurant Group with his partner Rob Katz, Kevin’s influence is undeniable. Boka has earned 13 consecutive Michelin stars, and Kevin and Rob have been named TimeOut Chicago’s Restaurateurs of the Year, Eater National’s Empire Builders of the Year, and won the James Beard Award for Best Restaurateur in 2019. Join us as we explore Kevin’s inspiring path from small-town dreamer to hospitality visionary, how he builds award-winning restaurants, and his insights on the future of dining.

    58 min
  6. From Army to Artistry: Trenin Nubiru’s Culinary Reinvention

    JAN 28

    From Army to Artistry: Trenin Nubiru’s Culinary Reinvention

    In today’s episode, we chat with Trenin Nubiru, a graduate of Escoffier's culinary and baking & pastry programs. Trenin’s journey to the kitchen is far from conventional. With an engineering degree from West Point and 20 years of military service as a captain in communications, he made a bold leap into the culinary world. After discovering a deep passion for cooking and pastry, he enrolled at Escoffier, where he honed his skills in patisserie, cake design, and chocolate work. Today, Trenin competes on prestigious stages and prepares for the prestigious Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie and Bocuse d’Or.  Join us as we dive into Trenin’s remarkable transition from the Army Band to the world of American cuisine, his commitment to excellence, and the power of self-discovery.

    56 min
  7. The Unstoppable Chef Jesse Ito: Omakase, Legacy, and Sobriety

    JAN 14

    The Unstoppable Chef Jesse Ito: Omakase, Legacy, and Sobriety

    In today’s episode, we chat with Chef Jesse Ito, co-founder of Philadelphia’s Royal Sushi & Izakaya.  A first-generation Japanese Korean American, Jesse refined his skills at his family’s restaurant, Fuji, under the guidance of his father, Masaharu Ito. Today, he’s celebrated for his exquisite omakase and the lively izakaya atmosphere at Royal. Since opening Royal Sushi & Izakaya, Jesse has earned numerous accolades, including being named an Eater Young Gun and a finalist for Best Chef Mid-Atlantic 2024. He’s also preparing to launch Dancerobot, a high-energy restaurant serving Japanese comfort food. Join us as we explore Jesse’s culinary journey, from family traditions to his leadership style and his commitment to mental health and sobriety.

    51 min
  8. The Healing Power of Pasta: Graduate Natalia Lepore Hagan’s Inspiring Story

    12/31/2024

    The Healing Power of Pasta: Graduate Natalia Lepore Hagan’s Inspiring Story

    In today’s episode, we chat with Natalia Lepore Hagan, a 2022 Escoffier graduate with honors and the founder of Midnight Pasta Co. After experiencing profound personal loss, Natalia shares how she channeled her grief into building Midnight Pasta Co.—a beacon of joy and community. Since earning her culinary degree, she’s taught over a thousand people the art of making fresh pasta and hosted unforgettable events that blend food, fun, and connection. Natalia’s passion for cooking was passed down from her grandfather, and it’s evident in the poetic, theatrical way she speaks about this beloved craft. Join us as we explore her rich Italian heritage, her background in performing arts, and the transformative, healing power of these memorable culinary experiences.

    48 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
26 Ratings

About

A show about good food, inspiring stories, and deep dive talks featuring the world’s most innovative culinary educators and thought leaders. Join us as we delve into the lives of the amazing people shaping the world of food and drink. Hosted by Chef Kirk T. Bachmann.

Information

  • Creator
    Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    127
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Ultimate Dish
  • Show Website
    The Ultimate Dish

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