A Culinary Journey Across Continents: The Silk Road Catering & Spice episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 10, 2026 · 40 MIN

A Culinary Journey Across Continents: The Silk Road Catering & Spice

from The Trail Less Traveled

Sam and Elise Risho are the culinary heart and soul behind The Silk Road Catering & Spice in Missoula, Montana. Their story is rooted in decades of family food tradition and a passion for global flavors. Sam grew up in a restaurant family, learning the love of food and hospitality from his father and brother through years of working in local eateries and mastering fine-dining service and kitchen craft. In 2009 Sam and his brother, along with Elise, opened The Silk Road Restaurant to bring a tapas-style global tasting experience to the community. The restaurant’s success eventually blossomed into a thriving catering business and an artisanal spice line inspired by world cuisines. Elise plays a central role in running the business and shaping its creative vision as co-owner alongside Sam. Today they focus on crafting memorable menus for weddings and special events and sharing unique spice blends that reflect their commitment to exceptional hospitality and globally inspired cuisine.Show notes:00:03:49 - From Sheltered to Adventure: Building Community00:06:05 - Growing Up in a House of Hospitality00:07:53 - Adventures Before Kids Around the World00:10:03 - Custom Tailoring in Shanghai's French District00:12:13 - From Restaurant to Catering Adventures Across Montana00:14:11 - The Silk Road Inspired Spice Blends00:17:23 - From Spice Bags to Store Shelves00:20:54 - Finding Your Favorite Spice Blend00:23:04 - Adding Sour and Shopping Local00:25:46 - Community Spirit in Missoula, Montana00:28:30 - Hiking Adventures with Kids in Missoula00:30:49 - Keeping Missoula Weird Through Diversity00:32:56 - Embrace Slow Travel and Community Connection00:35:06 - Parenting Advice: Encourage Kids to Try New Things00:37:39 - Clark Fork River and The Wellerman Song Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam and Elise Risho are the culinary heart and soul behind The Silk Road Catering & Spice in Missoula, Montana. Their story is rooted in decades of family food tradition and a passion for global flavors. Sam grew up in a restaurant family, learning the love of food and hospitality from his father and brother through years of working in local eateries and mastering fine-dining service and kitchen craft. In 2009 Sam and his brother, along with Elise, opened The Silk Road Restaurant to bring a tapas-style global tasting experience to the community. The restaurant’s success eventually blossomed into a thriving catering business and an artisanal spice line inspired by world cuisines. Elise plays a central role in running the business and shaping its creative vision as co-owner alongside Sam. Today they focus on crafting memorable menus for weddings and special events and sharing unique spice blends that reflect their commitment to exceptional hospitality and globally inspired cuisine.Show notes:00:03:49 - From Sheltered to Adventure: Building Community00:06:05 - Growing Up in a House of Hospitality00:07:53 - Adventures Before Kids Around the World00:10:03 - Custom Tailoring in Shanghai's French District00:12:13 - From Restaurant to Catering Adventures Across Montana00:14:11 - The Silk Road Inspired Spice Blends00:17:23 - From Spice Bags to Store Shelves00:20:54 - Finding Your Favorite Spice Blend00:23:04 - Adding Sour and Shopping Local00:25:46 - Community Spirit in Missoula, Montana00:28:30 - Hiking Adventures with Kids in Missoula00:30:49 - Keeping Missoula Weird Through Diversity00:32:56 - Embrace Slow Travel and Community Connection00:35:06 - Parenting Advice: Encourage Kids to Try New Things00:37:39 - Clark Fork River and The Wellerman Song Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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A Culinary Journey Across Continents: The Silk Road Catering & Spice

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This episode was published on January 10, 2026.

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Sam and Elise Risho are the culinary heart and soul behind The Silk Road Catering & Spice in Missoula, Montana. Their story is rooted in decades of family food tradition and a passion for global flavors. Sam grew up in a restaurant family, learning...

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