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On The Pass

On The Pass

Written by: Gabriel Ornelas
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On The Pass serves up inspiring conversations with dynamic figures in the food + beverage, hospitality and travel space. Hosted by Gabriel Ornelas.On The Pass 2025 Art Cooking Food & Wine Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
Episodes
  • 140. Marcus Jernmark: Redefining Fine Dining in LA
    Apr 7 2026

    In this episode of On The Pass, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Swedish-born chef Marcus Jernmark — one of the most accomplished chefs of his generation, known for leading some of the world's most celebrated kitchens, including Restaurant Frantzén and Zén, both awarded three Michelin stars.

    After a global career spanning Aquavit and Per Se, Marcus has quietly spent the last four years in Los Angeles — observing, learning, and rethinking what fine dining can be.

    Now, with the opening of Lielle, Marcus is stepping into a new chapter.

    This is not another fine dining restaurant. This is a redefinition...

    Blending the warmth and accessibility of a bistro with the precision and intention of Michelin-level cooking, Lielle represents a shift — away from excess, away from "smoke and mirrors," and toward something more human, more grounded, and more nourishing.

    In this conversation, Marcus reflects on:

    • What Los Angeles has taught him about food, culture, and community
    • Why he chose patience over speed in building his first independent project
    • The responsibility of leading teams and building sustainable kitchens
    • The realities of burnout, mentorship, and longevity in the hospitality industry
    • And how becoming a father has reshaped his perspective on success and legacy

    This episode is not just about food...It's about evolution.

    It's about redefining excellence — without losing yourself in the process.

    And it's about why Los Angeles may be one of the most important dining cities in the world right now.

    If you care about restaurants, leadership, creativity, or the future of hospitality — this is a conversation worth sitting with.

    An On The Pass Studios Production

    🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with the icons and innovators shaping hospitality and culture worldwide.

    Learn more about Marcus Jernmark + Lielle:

    https://bit.ly/4vcS9ll

    Follow Marcus on Instagram:

    https://bit.ly/4sWe1QI

    Follow On The Pass on Instagram:

    http://bit.ly/3Kvgm1n

    Subscribe to On The Pass on YouTube:

    https://bit.ly/4hajZq8

    Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas:

    http://bit.ly/3YS964b

    Learn more about On The Pass:

    https://bit.ly/44rEOsR

    Lets work together! Get in contact:

    https://www.onthepass.com

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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • 139. Andrew + Michelle Muñoz: Inside Moo's Craft Barbecue
    Mar 11 2026

    In this episode of On The Pass, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with Andrew and Michelle Muñoz, the husband-and-wife team behind Moo's Craft Barbecue — one of the most celebrated barbecue restaurants in Los Angeles.

    What started as a humble backyard project between friends has grown into a nationally recognized destination for Texas-style barbecue in LA, earning critical acclaim, a Michelin Bib Gourmand, and a James Beard Award nomination.

    But this conversation goes far beyond brisket and smoke.

    Andrew and Michelle share the story of building Moo's from the ground up — navigating the realities of running a restaurant, the responsibility of leading a team, and the deeper meaning behind hospitality and community. Together, they reflect on the discipline of craft barbecue, the evolution of the Los Angeles food scene, and the balance required to sustain both a business and a life.

    This episode is a conversation about perseverance, partnership, and the belief that great food can bring people together in powerful ways.

    For anyone interested in barbecue, restaurants, entrepreneurship, or the spirit of hospitality, this is a conversation about what it really takes to build something meaningful.

    Listen in as we explore the journey behind one of LA's most beloved barbecue spots.

    An On The Pass Studios Production.

    🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with the icons and innovators shaping hospitality and culture worldwide.

    Learn more about Moos Craft BBQ:

    https://bit.ly/4uptHgl

    Follow Moos on Instagram:

    https://bit.ly/4beQh2p

    Follow On The Pass on Instagram:

    http://bit.ly/3Kvgm1n

    Subscribe to On The Pass on YouTube:

    https://bit.ly/4hajZq8

    Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas:

    http://bit.ly/3YS964b

    Learn more about On The Pass:

    https://bit.ly/44rEOsR

    Lets work together! Get in contact:

    https://www.onthepass.com

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 13 mins
  • 138. Nancy Silverton: Building Restaurants That Last
    Feb 11 2026

    Nancy Silverton on Purpose, Loss, Leadership & Building Restaurants That Last

    This weeks On The Pass episode, Gabriel Ornelas sits down with culinary icon Nancy Silverton — chef, restaurateur, mentor, and co-founder of the Mozza Restaurant Group.

    From helping define California cuisine to building an international restaurant empire that includes Osteria Mozza, Pizzeria Mozza, and Chi Spacca, Nancy has shaped the way America eats. But this conversation goes far beyond food.

    Nancy opens up about:

    - Imposter syndrome — and why it may be her secret fuel

    - The difference between being a chef and being a leader

    - Why "angry cooks make angry food"

    - How to choose business partners wisely

    - Why she feels like she's just getting started

    - What longevity really requires in restaurants and in life

    This episode isn't just for chefs. It's for founders, creatives, and anyone building something meaningful — especially when the road hasn't been straight.

    Nancy reminds us that great food is one thing. But building something that lasts requires courage, humility, and purpose.

    If you've ever wondered how to keep going — this conversation is for you. 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or watch the full episode here on YouTube.

    🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with the icons and innovators shaping hospitality and culture worldwide.

    Learn more about Nancy Silverton:

    https://bit.ly/4akSSc9

    Follow Nancy Silverton on Instagram:

    https://bit.ly/3M23Ny4

    Follow On The Pass on Instagram:

    http://bit.ly/3Kvgm1n

    Subscribe to On The Pass on YouTube:

    https://bit.ly/4hajZq8

    Follow our Host, Gabriel Ornelas:

    http://bit.ly/3YS964b

    Learn more about On The Pass:

    https://bit.ly/44rEOsR

    Lets work together! Get in contact:

    https://www.onthepass.com

    Show More Show Less
    57 mins
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