Tricia Wheeler on Teaching, Travel, and the Joy of Cooking Well

In this episode of Chefs in the City, the gang sits down with Columbus native Tricia Wheeler — chef, teacher, traveler, and the founder of The Seasoned Farmhouse. Tricia shares the unconventional path that led her from a successful first career to graduating at the top of her class from the French Culinary Institute in New York, and back home to Central Ohio with a mission to teach people how to cook with confidence.The conversation explores why technique matters more than recipes, how teaching became her true calling, and how food has shaped her life through travel, culture, and connection. Tricia also dives into her culinary travel experiences — from truffle hunting in Tuscany to cooking schools in England — and explains how she creates immersive trips that go far beyond the tourist checklist.Along the way, the group talks about the evolution of home cooking, the power of shared meals, her expanding class offerings, surprise-filled food tours, and why cooking is one of the best ways to understand a place — and each other. Whether you love to cook, love to travel, or just love a great food story, this episode is a reminder that the best meals are built on curiosity, generosity, and a willingness to learn.