logo
episode-header-image
Mar 2025
40m 30s

Behind the Camera: Food Media with the U...

Carl Fiadini
About this episode

Send us a text

The inaugural US Culinary Open at NAFEM in Atlanta brought together world-class chef talent, premium ingredients, and a media team determined to document every moment of culinary excellence. 

Have you ever wondered what happens when top culinary professionals compete on a world-class stage? Our team spent five intense days (working upwards of 18 hours daily) capturing the tornado of nonstop action that defined this prestigious competition. What made this event truly exceptional wasn't just the beautiful dishes—it was the caliber of competing chefs who earned their spots through credentials and credibility rather than simply paying entry fees. Thank goodness for Royal Cup Coffee for keeping up energized! Along with SupraCut System and Citrus America for being wonderful booth partners! 

The competition featured a unique chef-commis partnership format, pairing established chefs with apprentices in a meaningful mentorship structure. Behind the scenes, kitchen design by James Camacho earned universal praise from competitors, while premium ingredients like Verlasso Salmon from Patagonia gave chefs the finest materials to showcase their talents. Even culinary icon Thomas Keller made an appearance, donating knives to the competition winner.

From a media perspective, our team balanced multiple responsibilities—conducting interviews, photographing dishes, capturing video footage, and building relationships with industry professionals. The human element proved most powerful, as chefs shared emotional stories about their culinary journeys. These authentic moments, captured through our documentation, added profound emotional depth to our coverage, reminding us that beyond the technical ex

Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials.


Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you’re a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK’s high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table

The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below! 

Support the show

Thank you for listening to the Walk-In Talk Podcast, hosted by Carl Fiadini and Company. Our show not only explores the exciting and chaotic world of the restaurant business and amazing eateries but also advocates for mental health awareness in the food industry.

Our podcast offers a behind-the-scenes look at the industry. Don't miss out on upcoming episodes where we'll continue to cook up thought-provoking discussions on important topics, including mental health awareness.

Be sure to visit our website for more food industry-related content, including our very own TV show called Restaurant Recipes where we feature Chefs cooking up their dishes and also The Dirty Dash Cocktail Hour; the focus is mixology and amazing drinks!

Thank you for tuning in, and we'll catch you next time on the Walk-In Talk Podcast.
https://www.TheWalkInTalk.com

Leave a review and rating, please!

Up next
Yesterday
Calusa Oysters, Aquaculture & Michelin Recognition: Reed Smith & Chef Jon Walker on Florida’s Seafood Future
What does it take to raise Florida’s best oyster and earn a Michelin Guide recommendation—all while surviving hurricanes, red tide, and TikTok critics? On this episode of The Walk-In Talk Podcast, host Carl Fiadini is joined by Reed Smith, founder of Calusa Oyster Co., and Chef J ... Show More
50m 55s
Jul 4
Celebrating Independence Day: The Flavors of America with Chef Thomas Parker
The essence of this podcast episode revolves around the exploration of American culinary identity, particularly in the context of Independence Day. We engage with WITM personality, Pooch Rivera, and Chef Thomas Parker, who showcases two distinct summer dishes, reflecting the dive ... Show More
36m 56s
Jun 27
The Bartender and The Deli Man: Chef Danny Saccullo & Lucas Peters
Send us a textWhat happens when passion collides with profession? When the daily grind transforms into something you genuinely love doing? This episode answers those questions through the compelling stories of two food industry veterans who took dramatically different paths to fi ... Show More
43m 12s
Recommended Episodes
Dec 2024
1144: Keith Sarasin, chef, author, and owner of Aatma
Chef Keith Sarasin is an award-winning chef, 4x author, and owner of Aatma. Keith Sarasin was previously on the show back in 2020. Chef Keith Sarasin is currently operating, along with Chef Chris Viaud, the Farmer's Table, which has been going for 13 years now. Chef Keith is also ... Show More
1h 38m
Jan 2025
1150: David Vargas, Chef/Partner at Vida Cantina
David Vargas was previously on the show for episode 755 back in 2020. David Vargas is a chef who co-owns Vida Cantina, a Mexican restaurant in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He is also a partner in Ore Nell's, a Texas BBQ restaurant in Kittery, ME with a brand new location in Biddefo ... Show More
1h 40m
Nov 2024
Season 8 - Episode 2 - Daniel Birk - Leading Michelin Kitchens !
Send us a text In this episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco sits down with Daniel Birk, Executive Chef of Row on 45 and City Social, to explore his extraordinary culinary journey. From early food memories to leading Michelin-starred kitchens in Dubai, Danie ... Show More
1h 59m
Oct 2024
1128: Dave Hausman, Owner of Big Dave’s Bagels & Deli
Dave Hausman is the Owner of Big Dave's Bagels & Deli in North Conway, New Hampshire. Dave got his start in a deli at the age of 14 while growing up in NYC. He went off to college and worked in a warehouse and as security for concert vanues. He then got into wine, working with gi ... Show More
2h 12m
Oct 2024
1122: Paul Callahan, Chef/Partner at Vino E Vivo
Chef Paul Callahan is the Executive Chef and a Partner at Vino E Vivo in Exeter, NH. Chef Paul was previously on the show in 2015 for episode 135! Chef Paul left Brine and Ceia in Newburyport, MA, two restaurants he was running, in 2019 because he was feeling burnt out. He then a ... Show More
2h 7m
Dec 2024
S8 Ep3: Season 8 - Episode 3 - Bo Songvisava & Dylan Jones !
Send us a text In the new episode of the Chef JKP Podcast, host James Knight-Paccheco welcomes the power duo behind Bangkok’s legendary Bo.Lan, Chef Bo and Chef Dylan Jones. Together, they share their extraordinary culinary journey, from their humble beginnings to becoming trailb ... Show More
54m 21s
Jul 2024
1096: Christin Marvin, Podcast host and Founder of Solutions by Christin
Christin Marvin is a podcast host, author, and creator of Solutions by Christin, a consultancy business she founded in 2022. Christin was a Managing Partner at Bonanno Concepts in Denver from 2007-2012. She served as a Regional Manager at Snooze A.M. Eatery in Denver from 2012-20 ... Show More
1h 46m
Jan 2025
1154: Emily Curry, Co-Founder, GM, & Head of Marketing at Big Trouble
Emily Curry is the Co-Founder, GM, and Head of Marketing at Big Trouble, located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Emily began working in restaurants in the early 2010's, when she was in her very early 20's. She worked at Southern Prohibition, a brewery in Hattiesburg, Mississippi and ... Show More
1h 35m
Aug 2024
Katz Outta the Bag
Allen Katz of New York Distilling Co. sits down with his old buddy Damon to discuss the state of modern distilling, what he’s up to at his shop in Brooklyn, and the new Jaywalk Rye they recently introduced to wild acclaim. Follow New York Distilling Co. on Instagram at @nydistill ... Show More
48m 27s
Nov 2024
1133: Evan Hennessey, Chef/Owner of Stages and The Living Room
Evan Hennessey is the Chef and Owner of Stages and The Living Room, both located in a gorgeous old mill building in Dover, New Hampshire. Chef Evan was previously on the show for episode 8 and episode 748. Stages serves "Progressive New England cuisine" and is a tasting menu expe ... Show More
1h 11m