Episodes
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Rise of the Urban Foodscape w/ The Long Island Food Council & MTRC
In today’s episode, I welcome two of the visionaries behind an upcoming event that people in the food and beverage industry on Long Island and points beyond will not want to miss. Geared towards supporting businesses trying to sustain and grow, especially in the wake of Covid19, today’s guests…
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A Successful & Sustainable Seafood Business for Over 40 Years
Today I'm speaking with Christian Limberg, President of Harbor Seafood. Christian is as much of an advocate of seafood as he is of people. From the fishermen to their customers, Harbor Seafood has a built a successful and sustainable business that's grown over 4 decades. Head to...
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Latin American Popup Delivers Flavors of Home
Today I'd like to introduce you to Liz, the founder of Rosados Latin American Cuisine. Like many of us, Liz founder herself cooking at home more during the recent pandemic and embracing the food of her families roots. Fast forward to October 28th where she had an opportunity to open a popup...
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How to Choose the Perfect Wine Club
Calling all wine lovers for this special episode featuring Wine Club Group just in time for the holidays. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or a new to the scene, a wine club can be a great way to expand your knowledge and try new varietals. Listen in to this week's episode of the Big Food Talk…
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Are Charcuterie Boards a Trend or Simply Breaking Bread?
Today I'm speaking with Dianna, the founder of Breaking Bread LI, who makes charcuterie boards to bring people together. We discuss what makes the perfect charcuterie bite and its origins in France. A special for Big Food Talk listeners. Mention the Big Food Talk when placing your order and…
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Restaurant Pivots to Food Manufacturing After Closure
Today I'm speaking with John, the founder of Hot Crispy Oil in upstate NY. Hot Crispy Oil is a startup born during the recent pandemic after their family restaurant of 45 years closed down. Listen in to find out how this local startup is catching fire in the Northeast after only a few short…
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5 Hidden Gems on Long Island & NYC That Will Make Your Mouth Water
Today I'm talking about everything food with my good friend Carlos, better known as NY_Hidden_Gems on Instagram. Carlos has a love of food that started at an early age with his Mom's cooking. Listen in to our speed round for the best hidden gems on and around Long Island, plus his number 1 pick...
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Creating Experiential Events by Embracing the Entrepreneurial Spirit
Today, I'm speaking with Tracy, the founder of A North fork Affair. Tracy embraces the entrepreneurial spirit by creating experiential events that support the North fork community. A North fork Affair creates the type of events that Tracy herself wanted to attend from farm to table dining...
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Meet the Restaurants Answer to Sanitizing Without Chemicals
Today I'm speaking with Anna Barzanti a Sales Associate for Polti USA. Polti USA is the latest member of the Long Island Food Council and they've developed a chemical free system that turns tap water superheated dry steam. As you can imagine, restaurants, hotels and more could benefit from a cost...
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A Juicing Business That Became an Overnight Success Started by Helping His Mom
Today I'm speaking to the myth, the man, the legend, Ron Montgomery, the founder of SixJuice. Buckle up for my longest and most inspirational episode yet. I consider this one a masterclass in the food and beverage business. If you've ever want to make a product and sell it, you won't want to miss...
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Main Street Pizza Company in Farmingdale Isn't Your Average Pizza Joint
Today's guest is David, the owner of Main Street Pizza Company in Farmingdale, NY. Since its opening in October 2019, Main Street Pizza Company has made a name for itself with creative ideas such as Lamborghini deliveries and "bored" games printed right on the box. Don't let the shenanigans fool...
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Tevony Turns Father's Recipe into an Award Winning Mediterranean Marinade
Today I'm speaking with my good friend Hagit, the founder of Tevony, a local food manufacturer of Mediterranean marinades, spreads and dressings. Hagit created Tevony with the desire to bring her father's family recipe to the world. Started in 2018, Hagit has overcome many challenges personally…
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Apt84 Turns Tiny Home Trend Into Big Business on Long Island
Today I'm speaking with Catherine and Jose, the co-founders of Apt84. They are entrepreneurs who embraced the tiny home trend and turned into a business right here on Long Island. From private events to wine tours and collaborations, Apt84 is providing inspiration wherever they go! As a bonus to...
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That Meetball Place Hires Executive Chef Tom Fazio Enhance Dining Experience
Today I'm joined by Tom Fazio, an executive chef with 20 years experience now stirring things up at That Meetball Place in Farming and Patchogue, NY. Tom joined the team during the pandemic and has already brought the menu to new heights. Listen in to find out how he describes what makes for a...
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Food & Travel Expert Shares Best of List for Long Island & New York Restaurants w/Jays_TravelingFork
Today's very special guest is Jaymie, better known as Jays_TravelingFork on Instragram. Jaymie is an influencers that's been able to combine her passion for food and travel making friends along the way. Find out what meal absolutely blew her mind as well as our speed round where I ask Jaymie to...
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What Should Restaurant Owners Consider Financially?
Today I'm speaking with Anne Napolitano from Naplitano Consulting that offers an array of accounting services to the restaurant, food & beverage sector. Have you ever romanticized about owning a restaurant? Wonder what goes into the price of menu items at your favorite date night spot? Anne…
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A Pastry Chef from Long Island Creates an Iconic Cookbook & Career
Today I'm speaking with Claudia Fleming, a James Beard award winning pastry chef and former owner of the North Fork Inn, here on Long Island. Claudia has had an illustrious career, working at the famed Tribeca Grill and Grammercy Tavern. Claudia is now famous among pastry chefs and home cooks for...
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Fire Island Vines Brings North Fork Winery Experience to the South Shore
Today I'm speaking with Angelo, the owner of Fire Island Vines in Bay Shore, NY. Angelo is an entrepreneur with a keen sense of what his customers want. After operating a wine tour business for 7 years, he recognized an opportunity to offer a winery experience on the south shore of Long Island....
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Chef Feeds His Love of Teaching with Interactive Cooking Classes Inside a Winery
Today I'm speaking with my friend Victor, owner of The Cook's Studio in Hicksville, NY. Victor is a chef who loves teaching people how to cook. From mozzarella making to sushi to paella, there are classes for everyone. You won't want to miss out on these unique interactive cooking classes located...
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Environmental Services Impact for Restaurants & Homes
Today I'm speaking with my good friend Michael from Gianco Environmental Services. The company provides environmental, engineering, waste management, health and safety services for businesses, restaurants and home owners here on Long Island. As we know, restaurants and businesses have been…
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A Retro Seafood Shanty That's Still Trendy After 50 Years in Business
Today I had the pleasure of speaking with Andrea, the owner of the The Lobster Roll located in Amagansett, NY. Founded in 1965 as a family run business, Andrea has kept the retro feel but knows how to satisfy her customers needs and keep up with changing trends. At first glance you may think they...
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Popei's Clam Bar, A Neighborhood Favorite for Decades
Today I'm speaking with Joe and Javier, the owner and manager of Popei's Clam Bar in Bethpage, NY. A neighborhood favorite for 37 years, Popei's Clam Bar cooks up big flavor from their menu that features seafood, steaks, bbq ribs and pasta dishes. Joe and Javier have been doing to their best to...
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North Meets South at DJs Clam Shack in Wantagh NY
Today I'm speaking with Anthony, the manager of DJ's Clam Shack in Wantagh, NY. DJ's Clam Shack blends the best seafood dishes from New England and the South. With it's original location in Key West Florida, the owners decided to open a second location on Long Island. The vibe is all about casual...
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Big Belly Que Turns Their Food Obsession into a Business
Today I'm speaking with Chris, the owner and pitmaster at Big Belly Que in Smithtown, NY. After running a catering business for 6 years, Chris was ready to take the leap to open a restaurant only to have COVID put the brakes on their plans. Chris and his partners were literally ready to go in…
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Al Fenza Spreads Positivity with Mana Sauces
Today I'm speaking with a good friend of mine, Al, the founder of Mana Sauces here on Long Island. Blending his passions for music, art and food, Al brings and energy to today's episode you won't want to miss. We discuss his culinary background, tips for the ultimate pesto and keeping a positive...
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Whiskey Down Re-Imagines the Diner with a Modern Twist
Today I'm speaking with John, owner of Whiskey Down Diner in Farmingdale, NY. Whiskey Down is a family run establishment that puts a modern twist on traditional diner fare. Coming up on their 1 year anniversary John is doing his best to support their staff and keep the business going during these...
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Green Hill NY Provides Pulled Pork to Provisions on the North Fork
Today I'm speaking with Chef Matty Boudreau, three time barbecue champion pitmaster and chef at Green Hill Kitchen and Que located in Greenport, NY. He actually manages 3 locations in the area and quickly had to make changes to survive in these challenging times. In addition to offering takeout,...
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Essential Food Safety Consulting Talks About Being Prepared
Today I'm speaking with Kevin, a food safety consultant with over 20 years experience. He currently acts as the senior food safety consultant for Essential Food Safety Consulting here on Long Island. Kevin and I discuss how consumers and businesses can be prepared for the changing world in which…
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Athenian Greek Taverna Combines Tradition with Passion in Commack NY
Today I'm speaking with Alex, the owner of Athenian Greek Taverna in Commack NY. Alex is half Italian and half Greek so there's no mystery about his passion for food. We talk a lot about of memories of our parents and grandparents cooking in the kitchen. How the smell of something familiar can...
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Chef Eric LeVine Cooks Up Creative Cuisine at 317 Main in Farmingdale NY
Chef Eric Levin is as inspiring in real life as he is creative in the kitchen. A five time cancer survivor and Chopped champion, Chef Levine has made his home at 317 Main St in Farmingdale, NY. We had a great conversation with so much discuss from his journey as a chef to his mouth watering menu...
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Sopranos Actor Joseph Gannascoli Gives Back to Frontline Workers
Today I'm speaking with actor and chef Joseph Gannascoli, known for playing Vito in the HBO series The Sopranos. Joe has been doing his part to give back to the community raising thousands of dollars through his GoFundMe campaign for frontline workers and delivering meals from local restaurants....
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Sawasdee Brings a Taste of Thailand to Plainvew NY
Today I'm speaking with John, the owner of Sawasdee in Plainview, NY. After living in Thailand for almost 5 years, where he met his wife, John came back to Long Island to pursue his passion of opening a restaurant. Fueled by authentic flavors, this interview takes a look at what makes Sawasdee…
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Social Play Haus Designs Event Space for Modern Families
Today I'm speaking with Marc and Jenni, the husband and wife team behind Social Play Haus in Plainview, NY. Social Play Haus was created with the needs of the modern family in mind with a focus on children and adults. The space has an elevated bar menu featuring local beer as well as mindful…
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Premier Payroll Provides Support for Long Island Restaurants
Today I'm speaking with Vinny and Mike from Premier Payroll Solutions, a local business servicing the hospitality industry. I thought it was important for you to hear their perspective based on their expertise. It was refreshing to hear their positive attitude and advice for restaurants during...
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Smok-Haus Brings Texas BBQ to Garden City, NY
Today I'm speaking with Manny, the owner and pit master of smok-haus in Garden City, NY. Manny tells us how he discovered his love of barbecue during his hunting trips to upstate NY. While perfecting his craft and menu, smok-haus was born with authentic barbecue and unique menu items like their...
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Dine-LI Creates Group for Restaurants & Customers to Connect & Give
Today I'm speaking with Alyssa, the founder of the Dine-LI group on Facebook. It was started as a place where restaurants and foodies could connect. Different from other groups, restaurants are welcome to post their menus and specials. Prior to the pandemic, the group was known for its giveaways...
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Pita Pit Makes Healthy Grab & Go in Hauppauge, NY
Many people are under the impression that franchise owners may have it made compared to other independently owner operated restaurants. Today I'm speaking with Krista, the owner of Pita Pit in Hauppauge, NY. Talking to Krista was truly inspiring. As a wife and mother she was faced with a…
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JJ Coopers Does Casual Dining Right in Long Beach NY
Today I'm speaking with Rob & Matt, the owner and chef of JJ Coopers in Long beach, NY. We discuss Rob's longstanding reputation in the restaurant business and Matt's passion for BBQ. Having endured other tough times such at September 11th and Hurricane Sandy, Rob is keeping things positive as…
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Funchos Makes Food Fun in Riverhead
Today's guest is Alfonso, the owner and chef of Funchos located in Riverhead NY. Funchos is a tacqueria located on the east end of Long Island, serving up tacos, burritos, beer and so much more for the last 20 years. Alfonso tells us how being Peruvian, most people are surprised to learn he never...
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Nina's Deli Serves Up Italian Tradition in East Meadow
Today's guest is Benny, the owner of Nina's Deli & Catering located in East Meadow, NY. Benny is as passionate about his food as he is about his customers. In 2008 he decided to open a sandwich shop after working in gourmet Italian markets most of his life. From traditional New York breakfast to...
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ITA Kitchen Brings Modern Italian Food to Bay Shore, NY
Today I'm speaking with Sal and Christina from ITA Kitchen located in Bay Shore, NY. In this dual interview, Sal shares his passion for food while we discuss their unique menu items like Rabe & Sausage Eggrolls. It's a funny and touching story how he came up with the idea. His wife Christina...
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North Fork Doughnut Company Delivers with Collaborations
I'm excited for you to hear our first episodes inspirational story of a little doughnut shop located on the North Fork of Long Island in Mattituck, NY. Jim and Kelly are the owners of North Fork Doughnut Company. It may have been there passion for sweets that got them into the doughnut biz to…
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