ACF Chef's Table Podcast

In this episode, host Rocco Paradiso sits down with Chef Maria Abigail Serbins (Chef Abbie) to discuss how she incorporates multisensory dining into the culinary experience at Northeastern University at Mills College in Oakland, CA, where she works as a University Campus Executive Chef.

In this episode, host Rocco Paradiso speaks with Chef David Skinner, who shares his passion for introducing authentic indigenous flavors and a multisensory dining experience to his patrons. Chef Skinner also shares the stories and experiences that inspired him to create his two restaurants, Ishtia and Eculent.

In this episode, host Rocco Paradiso sits down with Chef Kurt Kwiatkowski to discuss consumers' renewed interest in meat as a primary protein source and the creative ways chefs are incorporating it into menus beyond the traditional center-of-the-plate approach, balancing flavor, versatility and nutrition.

In this episode, podcast host Rocco Paradiso talks with Vitamix Senior Product Manager Kelli Jenkins, who shares insights into the development process behind the Vitamix product lineup and how chefs can determine which products best suit their specific back-of-house needs.

In this episode, podcast host Rocco Paradiso speaks with Dr. Christopher Hastings as they discuss how language and culture shape the way food is understood and experienced and share examples of how chefs can use language more intentionally in their establishments.

In this episode, podcast host Rocco Paradiso sits down with Chefs Douglas Best and Matthew Ward to explore how chefs can make their operations more sustainable. Drawing on research from their work in college dining with Menus of Change, they share practical insights that translate beyond campus kitchens.

In this episode, podcast host Rocco Paradiso speaks with newly Certified Master Chefs Luis Young and Geo Lanez as they reflect on the path that led them to achieving the Certified Master Chefs title and what comes next after earning one of the profession's highest honors.

In this episode, podcast host Rocco Paradiso sits down with Chef Cher Harris to discuss afternoon tea service and other experience-driven dining she has developed as an Executive Pastry Chef for Hershey Entertainment and Resorts.

In this episode, podcast host Rocco Paradiso speaks with Carbonate Co-Founder and Managing Director Candice MacDonald about the concept of quiet luxury and the small details restaurants can invest in to elevate their brand image.

In this episode, podcast host Rocco Paradiso sits down with Chef Einat Admony to talk about the spices and ingredients she commonly uses in her restaurants along with her experiences as an immigrant that have made her into the ultimate Balaboosta.

In this episode, podcast host Rocco Paradiso chats with Chef Matthew McComb as he shares his own experience of living with celiac and how that has inspired him to focus his business on crafting dining experiences that welcome everyone to the table.

In this episode, podcast host Rocco Paradiso talks with Chef Matthew Thompson about enhanced nutrition and how chefs can think more intentionally about the food they serve and the impact it has on their patrons' health.

In this episode, podcast host Rocco Paradiso speaks with ACF COURSE Task Force Chair, LaKisha Harris as they discuss the importance of representation in the professional culinary space and what COURSE is doing to make that possible.

In this episode, podcast host Rocco Paradiso sits down with Dumpling Daughter founder and CEO Nadia Liu Spellman to talk about Asian dumplings, the cultural roots behind them and the story of building her restaurants and company.

In this episode, podcast host Rocco Paradiso talks with Chef Nick Snyder, The Executive Chef at Morton's The Steakhouse, about the role chefs play in the sales process, exploring how culinary professionals can take ownership of that role to strengthen guest connections and enhance the overall dining experience.

In this episode, podcast host Rocco Paradiso and guest chef, Michael Thrash, CEC, CCA, CCE, AAC, introduce the ACF 2026 Trends Report, sharing all the trending topics ACF will be featuring this upcoming year and discussing their rise to popularity.

In this episode, podcast host Rocco Paradiso chats with Certified Master Chef, Shawn Loving, about holiday traditions and how his career has impacted his outlook on keeping and passing on traditions through cooking.

In this episode, podcast host Rocco Paradiso speaks with the Chair of the ACFEF Apprenticeship Committee, Chef Chrystal Tatum, CEC, as well as ACF's Program Manger of Continuing Education, Kivi Hermans, about ACF's newly updated apprenticeship program created in partnership with Rouxbe.

In this episode, podcast host Rocco Paradiso talks with Cintas Major Accounts Manager of Hospitality and Gaming, Jessica Singh, as she shares insights into the factors chefs should consider when deciding if a managed apparel program is the best fit for their establishment.

In this episode, podcast host Rocco Paradiso leads a conversation with the President of Worldchefs, Andy Cuthbert, as well as several other prominent figures in the organization as they discuss the benefits of getting connected with chefs around the world.

In this episode, guest podcast host Guy Winks sits down with the Jeffrey Edward Phillips, ACF National President Rene J. Marquis, and additional members of the ACF Military Committee to discuss military chefs and the goals of the task force.

In this episode, podcast host Rocco Paradiso speaks with Chef Vanessa Marquis as they share a thoughtful discussion on the ongoing Chef and Child Initiative and what chefs can do to get involved in Childhood Nutrition Day and International Chefs Day this October.

In this episode, podcast host Christopher Tanner sits down with Chef Chris Wilmoth to talk about his work with Daesung and explore how global flavors and spices are growing in popularity in the US.

In this episode, podcast host Christopher Tanner chats with the Executive Director of Retail Bakers of America and Pastry Chef, Marissa Velie, as they delve into all things baking and pastry and the resources RBA offers to pastry chefs across the country.

In this episode, podcast host Christopher Tanner talks all things pickles with ACF Chef Joe Parajecki. As a third-generation Polish-American, Chef Parajecki has a deep connection with pickling and has a passion for sharing the art of preservation with as many chefs as possible.

In this episode, podcast host Christopher Tanner interviews Chef Martin Yan as they talk about Chef Yan's life and career along with the rise of Chinese cuisine in the United States and the impact it has had on the culture.

In this episode, podcast host Christopher Tanner talks with Waring Chef Julia DeCiantis on innovations in kitchen equipment, and how they are working hand-and-hand with the trends we are currently seeing in the culinary industry.

In this special edition episode, podcast host Christopher Tanner sits down with ACF National President Rene Marquis as they talk about the ACF National Convention taking place in late July and what exciting new changes attendees can look forward to.

In this episode, Podcast Host, Christopher Tanner, sits down with 2024/2025 World Food Champion, Chef Collin Hilton, as they talk all about culinary sport competitions and Chef Hilton's career and competition experience.

In this episode, Podcast Host, Christopher Tanner, kicks things off with an overview of the 2025 ACF Trends Report before being joined by ACF Chef Tim Recher who gives his take on this year's trends and what he's seeing at his country club.