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Ingredient Insiders: Where Chefs Talk

Ingredient Insiders: Where Chefs Talk

Written by: The Chefs' Warehouse
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 Inside the minds of the world’s top chefs and how they source the ingredients that inspire them in the kitchen. Join The Chefs’ Warehouse’s John Magazino and Andrea Parkins on a culinary journey with leading food makers.Copyright The Chefs' Warehouse Art Cooking Food & Wine
Episodes
  • 111. Persimmons: Chef Jeremy Fox and Sean Mindrum of Comanche Creek Farms | Holiday Miniseries

    111. Persimmons: Chef Jeremy Fox and Sean Mindrum of Comanche Creek Farms | Holiday Miniseries
    Dec 15 2025
    In this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse sit down with Chef Jeremy Fox, acclaimed chef and owner of Rustic Canyon in Santa Monica, California. Known for his ingredient-driven, “seed-to-stalk” philosophy, Jeremy shares how his approach to cooking celebrates seasonality and sustainability while transforming humble ingredients into extraordinary dishes. They also discuss his love of persimmons—how he incorporates them into his menus and even uses them as natural décor to bring warmth and beauty into his restaurants.

    In the second half of the episode, John and Andrea are joined by Sean Mindrum, farmer and owner of Comanche Creek Farms. Sean offers an inside look into how his farm prioritizes regenerative agriculture, nurturing the soil and environment while producing some of the finest persimmons, tomatoes, okra, lettuce, and more.

    From the kitchen to the farm, this episode is a celebration of the synergy between chefs and growers—proving that the best dishes start with respect for the land, the seasons, and the ingredients themselves.

    Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!

    Follow @chefjeremyfox @comanchecreekfarms @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshop

    In partnership with The Chefs’ Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingredients to chefs for over 30 years. https://www.chefswarehouse.com/

    Produced by Gotham Production Studios. Find them on Instagram: @gothamproductionstudios
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • 110. Olive Oil: Karen Akunowicz and Joanne Lacina of Olive Oil Lovers | Holiday Miniseries

    110. Olive Oil: Karen Akunowicz and Joanne Lacina of Olive Oil Lovers | Holiday Miniseries
    Dec 8 2025
    In this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse welcome Karen Akunowicz, James Beard Award–winning chef and owner of Fox & the Knife in Boston, Massachusetts.

    Karen shares how she developed her bold, crave-worthy style of cooking, blending Italian inspiration with her own creative flair. They discuss her experiences on Food Network competition shows like Tournament of Champions, what drives her love of competition, and how that spirit continues to push her and her culinary team to new heights. Karen also has a new cookbook, Crave: Bold Recipes That Make You Want Seconds.

    In the second half of the episode, John and Andrea are joined by Joanne Lacina, President and Founder of Olive Oil Lovers. Joanne offers an insider’s look into the fascinating world of olive oil, explaining the meaning of olio nuovo and how expert tasters can identify an oil’s region just by its flavor. She also shares insights into what makes truly exceptional olive oil—and why freshness, origin, and care matter so much.

    From the thrill of culinary competition to the subtleties of olive oil craftsmanship, this episode serves up flavor, expertise, and inspiration in equal measure.

    Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!

    Follow @chefkarenakunowicz @oliveoillovers @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshop

    In partnership with The Chefs’ Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingredients to chefs for over 30 years. https://www.chefswarehouse.com/

    Produced by Gotham Production Studios. Find them on Instagram: @gothamproductionstudios
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • 109. Goat Cheese: Allison Hooper, Daryll Breau, and Austen Czymmek of Vermont Creamery | Holiday Miniseries

    109. Goat Cheese: Allison Hooper, Daryll Breau, and Austen Czymmek of Vermont Creamery | Holiday Miniseries
    Dec 1 2025
    On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse sit down with Allison Hooper, cheesemaker, entrepreneur, and founder of Vermont Creamery. Allison shares the inspiring story of how she founded the company that helped put American artisan cheese on the map. She reflects on the collaborative culture she built with other pioneering female cheesemakers and offers valuable advice for anyone looking to start a career in the cheese business today.

    In the second part of the episode, John and Andrea visit the farm with goat farmer Daryll Breau, who provides an inside look at what goes into caring for goats, from their diet and health to the rhythms of farm life that make great milk possible.

    Finally, the conversation continues with Austen Czymmek, Vermont Creamery’s Lead Scientist of Research and Development, who dives into the science and artistry behind Vermont Creamery’s award-winning cheeses. Austen discusses the variety of cheese offerings, what makes them unique, and how the brand continues to innovate while honoring traditional cheesemaking techniques.

    From pasture to creamery, this episode is a deep and delicious look into the people, passion, and precision that make Vermont Creamery a leader in American artisan cheese.

    Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!

    Follow @vermontcreamery @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshop

    In partnership with The Chefs’ Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingredients to chefs for over 30 years. https://www.chefswarehouse.com/

    Produced by Gotham Production Studios. Find them on Instagram: @gothamproductionstudios
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    1 hr and 16 mins
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