Evan Funke (Felix, Mother Wolf, etc.) on Pasta, Italy, and the Meaning of Life

After a few lurches and false starts early in his career, Evan Funke connected with the Los Angeles area dining public in a big way with his Felix restaurant in Venice, California, and has followed it up with a series of successes: Mother Wolf, Funke, Tre Dita in Chicago, and others on the horizon. In this conversation, recorded last week in New York City, Evan shares deeply about his personal story, how Italy changed his life and career trajectory, and his philosophy of training and risk-taking, among much more. Huge thanks to our presenting sponsor, meez, the recipe operating software for professionals. Sign up today for a basic  (free) or premium membership. Thanks also to S.Pellegrino. The application process is now open for the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2024-2025!Thank you to 53 Restaurant for hosting this conversation. 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!