Ingredient Insiders: Where Chefs Talk

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse welcome Chef Edgar Rico, chef and owner of Nixta Taqueria in Austin, Texas, for a conversation about Mexican culinary traditions, innovative techniques, and the ingredients that make his cooking stand out.The featured ingredient is corn, a cornerstone of Mexican cuisine and the foundation of Nixta's celebrated tortillas. Edgar explores the ancient process of nixtamalization, a technique that involves cooking and soaking corn in an alkaline solution to unlock its flavor, improve its nutritional value, and transform it into masa. He shares why this time-honored method is so important to his cooking and how it helps elevate something as simple as a tortilla into something extraordinary.Edgar also takes listeners behind the scenes of one of Nixta's most iconic dishes: duck carnitas. He discusses the inspiration behind this creative take on a Mexican classic and how it reflects his approach to combining traditional flavors with unexpected ingredients and techniques.From the rich history of corn to the inventive dishes coming out of Nixta's kitchen, this episode celebrates the intersection of culinary heritage, craftsmanship, and creativity, showing how honoring tradition can lead to something entirely new.Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!Follow @edgarrico @nixtataqueria @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshopIn 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

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse welcome Chef and Pitmaster Evan LeRoy of LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue in Austin, Texas, for a conversation about the art of barbecue, culinary creativity, and the importance of finding balance on the plate.The featured ingredient is smoke, an essential element of great barbecue that requires patience, precision, and a deep understanding of flavor. Evan explores the role smoke plays in transforming meat, how different smoking techniques influence the final product, and why mastering this seemingly simple ingredient is one of the most important skills for any pitmaster.Evan also discusses the art of balancing meat and sides, sharing his philosophy on creating a complete barbecue experience. From perfectly smoked proteins to thoughtfully prepared accompaniments, he explains why great barbecue is about more than just the meat and how the right sides can elevate an entire meal.Throughout the conversation, Evan reflects on his culinary journey, sharing the experiences and influences that led him to become one of Austin's celebrated pitmasters. He offers insight into his approach to cooking, his passion for pushing the boundaries of traditional Texas barbecue, and the creativity that drives his work at LeRoy and Lewis.From the science of smoke to the art of building the perfect barbecue plate, this episode celebrates the craftsmanship, innovation, and passion behind one of America's most beloved culinary traditions.Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!Follow @evanleroybbq @leroyandlewis @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshopAnd check out Evan's new cookbook here: https://leroyandlewisbbq.com/newschoolbbqcookbook/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

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse welcome Chef Emil Oliva of Leche de Tigre in San Antonio, Texas, for a conversation about the vibrant flavors, rich traditions, and unique ingredients that define Peruvian cuisine.The featured ingredient is aji amarillo, a bright yellow-orange chili pepper that plays an essential role in Peruvian cooking. Known for its fruity flavor and distinctive heat, aji amarillo brings depth, color, and complexity to a wide variety of dishes. Emil shares his appreciation for this versatile ingredient and explores what makes it such an important part of Peru’s culinary identity.Emil also discusses his passion for Peruvian cuisine, sharing what inspires his approach to cooking and how he celebrates the country's diverse culinary traditions at Leche de Tigre. From bold spices and fresh ingredients to the cultural influences that have shaped Peruvian food, Emil offers insight into the flavors and techniques that make this cuisine so special.From the kitchens of San Antonio to the culinary traditions of Peru, this episode is a celebration of cultural heritage, culinary creativity, and the remarkable versatility of aji amarillo.Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!Follow @emiloliva @lechedetigretx @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshopIn 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

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse welcome Chef Bob Somsith of Lao’d Bar in Austin, Texas, for a conversation about Lao cuisine, family traditions, and the ingredients that bring his cooking to life.The featured ingredient is tamarind, known for its distinctive tangy, sweet, and sour flavor. Bob explores what makes tamarind such an important ingredient in cooking, how its unique flavor profile adds complexity to dishes, and the ways it can help create the balance of flavors that makes Lao cuisine so distinctive.Bob also shares the story of how he learned to cook in his mother’s kitchen, reflecting on the family experiences and cultural traditions that shaped his relationship with food. He discusses his connection to Lao cuisine and how those early lessons continue to influence his cooking today at Lao’d Bar.From the memories and flavors of his childhood to the vibrant culinary traditions of Laos, this episode celebrates the power of food to connect us to our heritage, with tamarind taking center stage as an ingredient that brings boldness and balance to the table.Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!Follow @bob_somsith @laodbar @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshopIn 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

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse welcome Chef Ali Clem, chef and owner behind the Texas-style smoked brisket at la Barbecue in Austin, Texas, a Michelin-starred barbecue destination.The featured ingredient is black pepper, a cornerstone of Texas barbecue and an essential part of building the bold, flavorful bark that makes smoked brisket so memorable. Ali discusses the role black pepper plays in her approach to barbecue, how it complements the rich flavor of brisket, and why this everyday spice is so important to achieving the perfect balance of seasoning.Ali also shares her approach to barbecue, exploring the techniques, traditions, and attention to detail that go into producing exceptional smoked meats. From the patience required for low-and-slow cooking to the importance of letting quality ingredients shine, she offers insight into the craft behind Texas-style barbecue.From the smokehouse to the spice rack, this episode explores how a simple ingredient like black pepper can make a lasting impression when combined with skill, tradition, and a deep respect for the craft.Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!Follow @aliiiiiiiiiiiic @la_barbecue @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshopIn 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

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse welcome Chef Felipe Riccio of Goodnight Hospitality in Houston, Texas, for a conversation about culinary influences, unexpected ingredients, and the experiences that shape a chef’s career.The featured ingredient is licorice, an ingredient that Felipe and at least one host share a love for. They explore what makes licorice so distinctive, its unique flavor profile, and the ways it can be used to add depth and complexity to food.Felipe also takes listeners through his culinary journey, sharing the experiences and influences that have shaped his approach to cooking and helped define his career. From his early experiences in the kitchen to his work with Goodnight Hospitality, Felipe reflects on the people, places, and lessons that have influenced him along the way.From an often-overlooked ingredient to the path that led Felipe to Houston, this episode is a conversation about curiosity, creativity, and the many influences that shape a chef’s point of view.Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!Follow @felipericcio @marchhtx @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshopIn 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

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse welcome Chef Aaron Bludorn, chef and owner of Bludorn and Navy Blue in Houston, Texas.The featured ingredient of the episode is oysters, an ingredient that Aaron and the hosts share a deep appreciation for. They discuss what makes oysters so special, the many ways chefs can showcase their unique flavors, and why this beloved ingredient continues to inspire chefs and diners alike.Aaron also reflects on the books, people, and experiences that shaped his culinary career, including the profound impact that Anthony Bourdain’s Kitchen Confidential had on him. He shares how reading Bourdain’s account of life in professional kitchens influenced his perspective on the restaurant world and helped inspire his own journey as a chef.From the briny flavors of oysters to the books that can inspire an entire career, this episode explores the ingredients and experiences that help shape a chef’s identity and passion for cooking.Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!Follow @aaronbludorn @bludornhtx @navybluehtx @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshopIn 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

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse welcome Chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph, Pastry Chef and Owner of Emmer & Rye Hospitality, for a conversation about creativity, travel, and the pursuit of a lasting culinary legacy.The featured ingredient of the episode is matcha, an ingredient Tavel has developed a deep appreciation for. Tavel shares what draws him to matcha, how he uses it in his cooking and pastry work, and what makes its flavor so distinctive and versatile.Tavel also reflects on his travels to Japan, exploring the food, culture, and experiences that have influenced his approach to cooking. He takes listeners through his own culinary journey and career, discussing the experiences that shaped him as a chef and the lessons he's learned along the way.At the heart of the conversation is a question that goes beyond food: What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind? Tavel shares his vision for the future and his desire to create an impact that extends beyond the dishes he creates and the restaurants he operates.From the traditions of Japan to the creative possibilities of matcha, this episode is an inspiring conversation about curiosity, craftsmanship, and building something that lasts.Click here to donate to the Bristol-Joseph Scholarship Fund here.Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!Follow @tavel19 @emmerandrye @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshopIn 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

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse welcome Chef Amanda Rockman, Chef and Owner of Rockman Coffee and Bakeshop in Austin, Texas.Amanda shares the story of her remarkable culinary journey, from working in the demanding kitchens of Michelin-starred fine dining restaurants to opening and operating her own neighborhood bakery. She discusses the challenges and rewards of making the transition from fine dining to entrepreneurship and how her experiences have shaped the way she approaches baking and hospitality today.The featured ingredient of the episode is one that may surprise you: prunes. Amanda makes the case for this often-overlooked fruit, sharing why she loves cooking and baking with prunes and how their natural sweetness, richness, and versatility can add something special to both sweet and savory recipes.Amanda also takes listeners behind the scenes of her experience competing on Beat Bobby Flay, sharing what it was like to step into the kitchen and compete against one of the most recognizable chefs on television.From fine dining to neighborhood baking, this episode is a celebration of culinary evolution, unexpected ingredients, and the courage it takes to forge your own path in the food world.Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!Follow @arockman @rockmanatx @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshopIn 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

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse welcome Juan Cardenas of IRCA for a deep dive into the world of professional pastry and gelato ingredients.Juan shares his own journey as a pastry chef and explains how his experience working in professional kitchens informs his approach to helping chefs find the right ingredients for their creations. He also introduces listeners to IRCA’s extensive assortment of professional products for pastry, gelato, chocolate, and more, exploring how these ingredients can help chefs achieve consistency, creativity, and exceptional flavor.The featured ingredient of the episode is pistachio, one of the most beloved and versatile ingredients in the pastry world. Juan discusses what makes pistachios such a valuable ingredient for chefs and highlights IRCA’s unique range of pistachio offerings, including the different ways they can be used to bring rich, distinctive pistachio flavor to desserts and other creations.From pastry kitchens to gelato counters, this episode explores the ingredients, expertise, and techniques that help professional chefs turn great ideas into exceptional food.Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!Follow @ircagroup_americas @juancardenaso @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshopIn 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