Adair Canacasco (Roister, Chicago) on Nostalgia, his Mexican Roots, and Live-Fire Cooking (part of our Chefs on Fire series)

Born in Mexico and raised in the Midwest, Adair Canacasco brings his personal background and passion to his role as executive chef of Roister restaurant in Chicago. While in Chicago recently, Andrew sat down with Adair to learn about his familial roots, his maturation as both a cook and a manager/mentor of cooks, and the complex nature of the live-fire cooking performed at Roister.This episode is part of Chefs on Fire, our conversation series featuring today's live-fire tastemakers. Chefs on Fire is presented by Prime 6®, the high-performing, sustainable charcoal and wood logs designed to burn longer, hotter, and cleaner in open hearths, wood-burning ovens, and smokers. Learn more about how Prime 6 can save you time and money, and claim your free sample today, by visiting Prime 6's website.Huge thanks to Andrew Talks to Chefs' presenting sponsor, meez, the recipe operating software for professionals. Sign up today for a basic  (free) or premium membership. And please check out our fellow meez network podcasts and newsletter! THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:Andrew is a writer by trade. If you'd like to support him, there's no better way than by purchasing his most recent book, The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food (October 2023), about all the key people (in the restaurant, on farms, in delivery trucks, etc.) whose stories and work come together in a single restaurant dish.We'd love if you followed us on Instagram. Please also follow Andrew's real-time journal of the travel, research, writing, and production of/for his next book The Opening (working title), which will track four restaurants in different parts of the U.S. from inception to launch.For Andrew's writing, dining, and personal adventures, follow along at his personal feed.Thank you for listening—please don't hesitate to reach out with any feedback and/or suggestions!