From Mom’s Kitchen to Stamford’s Soul Food Scene | Chef Jean Gabriel of Soul Tasty

Join us on the Hey Stamford! Podcast with Stamford native Jean Gabriel, co-owner and chef of Soul Tasty — recently named one of Connecticut Magazine’s Top Restaurants for 2026. Jean shares his journey from cooking in his mom’s kitchen to studying in Italy, working with celebrity chef Aarón Sánchez, competing on CHOPPED, and opening Soul Tasty. Hear the inspiration behind this Stamford soul food staple, the challenges of running a small restaurant, and what’s next for Soul Tasty. 🎧 A must-listen for food lovers, local entrepreneurs, and anyone curious about Stamford’s restaurant scene. The Hey Stamford! Podcast is proudly sponsored by: Hey Stamford! The Store: Your go-to for local goods, gifts, accessories, and more. Stop by in person at Stamford Town Center (4th Floor) or shop anytime online at https://shop.heystamford.com Subscribe to The Friday Newsletter for the best of Stamford lifestyle, events, and local buzz—delivered straight to your inbox: https://bit.ly/4tBS9Kd   Follow Us on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/heystamford  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heystamford  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heystamford  Threads: https://www.threads.com/@heystamford  X: https://x.com/HeyStamford  ### 00:00 Meet Chef Jean Gabriel Jr. 01:05 About Hey Stamford and Local Pride 01:51 How Soul Tasty Began 02:46 Surviving as a Small Restaurant 03:23 Early Inspiration and Kitchen Beginnings 04:22 From Family Cooking to Career 05:22 First Restaurant Jobs 06:02 Learning and Growth in the Kitchen 06:58 Formal Culinary Training and Lessons 08:13 Culinary School and Studying in Italy 09:34 Lessons from Italian Culinary Experience 10:58 Impact of Italy on Cooking Style 12:03 Career After Italy and High-Pressure Kitchens 13:33 Working with Chef Aarón Sánchez 14:41 Opening Soul Tasty 15:56 Early Days and Community Support 17:17 Challenges of Small Business Ownership 18:03 The Realities of Being an Entrepreneur 18:58 Giving Back and Community Leadership 19:32 The Rewards of Surviving 10 Years 20:25 Wearing Multiple Hats: Chef & Co-owner 21:15 Staying Consistent and Focused 21:32 Good Days in the Restaurant Business 22:15 Menu Highlights and Fan Favorites 23:09 Popular Dishes and Sunday Service 24:09 Desserts and Recent Recognition 25:25 Plans for Growth and Expansion 26:10 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 26:58 Soul Tasty's Origins and Learning Moments 27:44 Family Recipes and Cooking with Love 28:16 First-Time Visitor Recommendations 28:51 Soul Tasty's Location & Getting Involved 29:32 Closing Thoughts and Thanks