121. Chicories: Chef Lena Ciardullo

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse sit down with Lena Ciardullo, Executive Chef of the legendary Union Square Cafe in New York City.Lena shares the story of her journey to becoming Executive Chef of one of America's most iconic restaurants, reflecting on the mentors, experiences, and philosophy that have shaped her approach to cooking. She discusses what it means to carry forward the legacy of Union Square Cafe while continuing to evolve its menu with fresh ideas and seasonal ingredients.The featured ingredient of the episode is chicories, and Lena explains why she loves cooking with this diverse family of greens. From their pleasantly bitter flavor to their versatility in salads, roasted dishes, and beyond, she shares tips for bringing out the best in chicories and why they deserve a place in every chef's repertoire.The conversation also explores the remarkable history of Union Square Cafe, from its founding as one of Danny Meyer's original restaurants to its lasting influence on New York City's dining scene and the hospitality industry as a whole.From timeless hospitality to seasonal cooking, this episode is a celebration of the chefs, ingredients, and restaurants that continue to shape American cuisine.Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!Follow @lenaciardullo @unionsquarecafe @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