Chef's PSA with André Natera is your definitive guide to navigating the culinary world. Join André as he delves deep into the heartbeat of professional kitchens...
Inside the World of Next Level Chef with Iman Kawa | Ep. 145
What happens behind the scenes of one of the toughest cooking competitions on TV? Iman Kawa, a Michelin-trained chef and competitor on Next Level Chef, joins André Natera to break down:✅ What it’s like to compete on Next Level Chef and what viewers don’t see✅ The strategies she used to handle high-pressure cooking challenges✅ How she transitioned from fine dining to building a luxury cookie brand✅ The role of perseverance and discipline in culinary success✅ Why Muay Thai and the kitchen have more in common than you thinkThis episode is perfect for anyone who loves cooking competitions, food entrepreneurship, or hearing real stories from chefs pushing the limits of their craft.Listen now on Chef’s PSA.InstagramIman Kawa Better Than Your MothersSubscribe to my Substack!https://chefspsa.substack.com/Visit Chef’s PSA for Books, Free eBooks, and More!https://chefspsa.com/Shop Chef’s PSA Merch!https://shop.chefspsa.com/🔗 SOCIAL MEDIAJoin our vibrant culinary community across all platforms! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@chefspsa?lang=en Twitter - https://twitter.com/ChefsPSA Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chefspsa/ Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550525924555
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Breaking Barbecue Barriers: Michelin Star Insights with Evan LeRoy | Ep 144
What happens when barbecue meets Michelin-level precision? Evan LeRoy, chef and co-owner of LeRoy & Lewis in Austin, Texas, is helping redefine what barbecue can be.In this episode of Chef’s PSA, André Natera sits down with Evan to explore:✅ How LeRoy & Lewis became one of the first Michelin-starred BBQ spots✅ Why side dishes and unique menu items matter as much as the meat✅ The science of wood selection, seasoning, and smoking techniques✅ The biggest mistakes pitmasters make—and how to fix them✅ The future of barbecue and food trends every chef should knowThis is a deep dive into the craft of barbecue, packed with insider knowledge, technical tips, and an inside look at what makes a Michelin-starred BBQ joint stand out.Listen now on Chef’s PSA.InstagramEvan LeRoyLeRoy & Lewis Subscribe to my Substack!https://chefspsa.substack.com/Visit Chef’s PSA for Books, Free eBooks, and More!https://chefspsa.com/Shop Chef’s PSA Merch!https://shop.chefspsa.com/🔗 SOCIAL MEDIAJoin our vibrant culinary community across all platforms! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@chefspsa?lang=en Twitter - https://twitter.com/ChefsPSA Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chefspsa/ Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550525924555
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Mastering Hospitality with Birdie’s: An Exclusive Conversation with Tracy & Arjav Ep. 143
What sets a restaurant apart in an industry where hospitality is everything? In this episode, André Natera sits down with Tracy Malechek Ezekiel and Arjav Ezekiel, the co-owners of Birdie’s in Austin, Texas, an award-winning restaurant redefining hospitality with its unique approach to fine dining.Birdie’s was named Restaurant of the Year 2023 by Food & Wine Magazine, with Tracy being a James Beard Best Chef Texas finalist in 2024 and Arjav a semi-finalist for the James Beard Award for Beverage Service in 2025.In this conversation, they discuss:What true hospitality looks like in a modern restaurantThe challenges and rewards of running an independent restaurantHow Birdie’s fine dining counter-service model sets it apartBalancing technique, tradition, and innovation in the kitchenThe business and philosophy behind long-term restaurant successThis is a must-listen for chefs, restaurant owners, and anyone passionate about hospitality.Listen now on Chef’s PSA.Tracy InstagramArjav InstagramBirdie's InstagramSubscribe to my Substack!https://chefspsa.substack.com/Visit Chef’s PSA for Books, Free eBooks, and More!https://chefspsa.com/Shop Chef’s PSA Merch!https://shop.chefspsa.com/🔗 SOCIAL MEDIAJoin our vibrant culinary community across all platforms! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@chefspsa?lang=en Twitter - https://twitter.com/ChefsPSA Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chefspsa/ Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550525924555
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Family Meal: Chefs, Comedy, & The Future of the Industry Ep 142
How do Texas-starred chefs balance running world-class restaurants, hosting charity events, and still find time for creative passions? In this Family Meal edition of Chef’s PSA, André Natera sits down with:✅ Gabe Erales (Top Chef Season 18 Winner, Oido)✅ Rico Torres (Michelin-Starred Chef & Founder of El Paso Family Meal, Mixtli)✅ Mike Diaz (Chef of Oseyo and aspiring stand-up comedian)They discuss:The journey after Michelin recognition—how it changes expectations and pressures.Giving back to the community through El Paso Family Meal & Hands Offering Hope.Comedic relief in the kitchen—how humor helps chefs survive the stress.Culinary innovation—fermentation, microgreens, and how byproducts shape new flavors.Work-life balance in the food industry—can chefs ever truly "balance" it all?Mike Diaz’s transition from chef to comedian and how his kitchen experience fuels his stand-up.💡 This is an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes look at the real lives of top chefs.🎧 Listen now on Chef’s PSA!Instagram: Gabe Erales : https://www.instagram.com/g_erales/Oido : https://www.instagram.com/oido.co/Rico Torres : https://www.instagram.com/rico__torres/El Paso Family Meal : https://www.instagram.com/elpaso_familymeal/Oseyo : https://www.instagram.com/oseyoaustin/Mike Diaz : https://www.instagram.com/cantinflado/Subscribe to my Substack!https://chefspsa.substack.com/Visit Chef’s PSA for Books, Free eBooks, and More!https://chefspsa.com/Shop Chef’s PSA Merch!https://shop.chefspsa.com/🔗 SOCIAL MEDIAJoin our vibrant culinary community across all platforms! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@chefspsa?lang=en Twitter - https://twitter.com/ChefsPSA Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chefspsa/ Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550525924555
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Michelin-Star Chef Takeshi Nishikawa on Japanese Ice Cream & Culinary Artistry #141
From running Michelin-star restaurants to crafting Japanese-inspired ice cream, Chef Takeshi Nishikawa is redefining what it means to be a chef. In this episode, André Natera and Chef Nishikawa dive into:✅ The evolution of Japanese ice cream and why it’s different from Western styles✅ How Michelin-level precision translates into the dessert world✅ The business side of launching a unique concept like Snow Crane✅ The importance of aesthetics, knife selection, and fine dining experience in a chef’s career✅ Why chefs should invest in learning new skills, including languages💡 A must-listen for chefs, food entrepreneurs, and anyone fascinated by Japanese culinary craftsmanship.Snow Crane InstagramTakeshi InstagramSubscribe to my Substack!https://chefspsa.substack.com/Visit Chef’s PSA for Books, Free eBooks, and More!https://chefspsa.com/Shop Chef’s PSA Merch!https://shop.chefspsa.com/🔗 SOCIAL MEDIAJoin our vibrant culinary community across all platforms! TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@chefspsa?lang=en Twitter - https://twitter.com/ChefsPSA Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chefspsa/ Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550525924555
Chef's PSA with André Natera is your definitive guide to navigating the culinary world. Join André as he delves deep into the heartbeat of professional kitchens, sharing insights on how to excel and truly stand out as a chef. From the nuances of the craft to the vibrant stories of kitchen life, each episode is a blend of passion, experience, and wisdom.
Chef's PSA is where I pull back the curtain on the culinary world. Let's embark on this journey together, uncovering what it truly takes to make a mark in the kitchen.
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