Reinventing Life at 53: An Escoffier Student’s Journey to MasterChef

In today’s episode, we chat with Dylan Trotter, a 33-year-old Chicago native and the son of famed chef Charlie Trotter. Dylan reflects on growing up in his father’s iconic Lincoln Park restaurant, where he first discovered the magic of crafting unforgettable dining experiences. From interning at world-renowned kitchens like El Bulli to restoring his father’s former restaurant space, Dylan is dedicated to keeping his father’s legacy alive. He’s not just preserving his father’s memory; he’s revitalizing it by digitizing his father’s work and organizing pop-up dinners with other culinary legends.Join us as we explore family dynamics, advice for today’s culinarians, and the lasting impact of Charlie Trotter on the culinary world.

In today’s episode, we chat with Daniela Peregrina, a 53-year-old plant-based culinary student at Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.Daniela proves that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself. A lifelong teacher, she shares how her love for culture, cuisine, and travel inspired her to pivot to a new career and take on the challenge of competing on MasterChef Generations. After being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, Daniela embraced a plant-based lifestyle, which not only helped her manage her condition but also deepened her connection with food. By working with plant-based ingredients, she honors her roots while creating innovative dishes that are uniquely her own.Join us for an inspiring conversation about the MasterChef audition process, overcoming the fears of switching careers, and setting future goals with a tape measure.

In today’s episode, we chat with Curtis Stone, Michelin-starred chef, restaurateur, podcast host, and TV personality. Curtis shares captivating stories from his early days as an apprentice for Marco Pierre White to his rise as a culinary master, giving us a behind-the-scenes look at the high-stakes intensity of top kitchens. We also discuss his experiences on hit shows like Take Home Chef, Top Chef Masters, MasterChef Australia, Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend, and Crime Scene Kitchen. Join us for an inspiring conversation on Curtis’s approach to cooking, business, and his philosophy that talent isn’t just a gift—it’s something that can be learned.

In today’s episode of The Ultimate Dish, host Chef Kirk Bachmann addresses your most burning questions in this inaugural Q&A episode.Join Kirk as he delves into his daily motivations, reflects on the mentors who have influenced his culinary journey, and shares invaluable advice for aspiring chefs. He’ll tackle questions from followers, including: “What’s the best vanilla stacker for layered cakes in your opinion?” and “Will there be any more special guests visiting Escoffier to talk with students about the industry?” Plus, he answers, “Would you let any of your former students cook for you? And if so, what dishes?”Listen as Kirk recounts a heartfelt food memory from a farmers market in Stockholm, unveils insights into emerging culinary trends, and reveals his ultimate dish. 

In today's episode, we chat with Joy Wilson, the founder and chief sweet tooth behind the beloved blog, JoytheBaker.com.Since launching in 2008, Joy has grown her platform into a baking empire, amassing over half a million Instagram followers. Along the way, she’s published cookbooks, served as editor-in-chief of the biannual Joy the Baker Magazine, and created the popular Camp Joy—an experience inspired by her viral backyard camping and cooking video series. Joy’s work has been featured in Food52, New York Magazine, The Kitchn, Better Homes & Gardens, and Sunset Magazine, just to name a few. In this episode, we dive into Joy’s love for classic baking techniques, how she manages the ever-growing Joy the Baker brand, and what it was like to co-author her latest children’s cookbook, The Life-Changing Magic of Baking, with her father.

In today's episode, we chat with Chef Florian Tetart, an Escoffier Chef Instructor in Baking & Pastry Arts based in Boulder, CO. Originally from Lille, France, Chef Florian has worked in top-rated restaurants across Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Tokyo, as well as local bakeries in the United States. These diverse experiences have shaped his commitment to delivering the highest quality in everything he creates. In 2019, his dedication earned him the title of Pastry Chef of the Year from GQ Taiwan.Join us as we explore the importance of finding flow in the kitchen, handling the pressure of high standards, and what it takes to thrive in Michelin-starred fine dining.

In today's episode, we chat with Dave Beran, chef and owner of Pasjoli, a James Beard Award Finalist for Best New Restaurant, celebrated for its classic French cuisine and fresh California produce. Chef Dave’s culinary rise began in Chicago, where he worked at MK, Tru, and Alinea, eventually becoming Chef de Cuisine. He later opened Next, earning 14 four-star Chicago Tribune ratings and a James Beard Award. In 2017, Dave moved to Los Angeles, opening Dialogue, which earned a Michelin star and was named one of America’s Best New Restaurants by GQ. By 2019, he launched Pasjoli, cementing his status as a leading culinary innovator.Join us as we explore Chef Dave's experiences in launching world-class restaurants, how he develops cutting-edge menu items, and his involvement with the hit TV show, FX’s The Bear.

In today's episode, we sit down with Chef Kelly Whitaker, the owner of Id Est and a James Beard Award-Winner for Outstanding Restaurateur.Chef Kelly shares how his travels abroad inspired him to launch Id Est and its acclaimed restaurants, including Basta and Denver’s Wolf's Tailor, named one of Bon Appétit’s top ten best new restaurants in the U.S. He also expanded his ventures with Dry Storage in Boulder, BRUTØ, and Hey Kiddo in Denver. Additionally, Chef Kelly founded the Noble Grain Alliance to promote domestically milled grains. He emphasizes that his driving force is using his “voice as a chef” to champion zero-waste cooking and sustainability practices.Join us as we explore Chef Kelly's secrets to balancing a thriving career, his efforts to redefine the traditional kitchen environment, and the importance of keeping the "line cook mentality" alive

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Chef Johnny Spero, owner of Reverie and Bar Spero in Washington, D.C.Chef Johnny takes us through his remarkable culinary journey, starting at the age of 16 when he worked alongside James Beard award-winning Chef Johnny Monis. He then staged at the renowned Noma in Copenhagen and later became the Executive Chef at José Andrés’ Minibar in D.C. These formative experiences culminated in the opening of his own restaurant, Reverie, a personal and intimate expression of his travels and talents, followed by Bar Spero, a Seafood Bar and Grill in D.C.'s East End. However, at the pinnacle of his career, a tragic fire demolished Reverie, altering the course of his life.Join us as Chef Johnny shares how he rose from the ashes to rebuild his dream restaurant and the invaluable lessons he learned along the way. 

In today’s episode, we speak with our guest Mason Snyder, an Escoffier graduate currently serving as the Executive Chef at Feast Your Eyes Catering. Some might even know him as the Cowboy Chef, featured on Hulu’s Chefs vs. Wild.Mason’s journey is a testament to following one’s passion. Prior to his role as Executive Chef, he proudly served in the United States Air Force. In 2017, he made a pivotal decision to transition his lifelong love for cooking into a full-time career, embarking on a transformative journey at Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.Listen as Mason Snyder talks about changing careers to pursue a calling, exploring hunting and foraging techniques, and filming a popular TV show.