Ingredient Insiders: Where Chefs Talk

Latest Episodes:

103. Calabrian Chili: Chef David Nayfeld & Gian Paolo Celli of Tutto Calabria Jun 23, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse welcome David Nayfeld, Executive Chef and Co-Owner of Che Fico in San Francisco and author of the new book Dad, What’s for Dinner?
David shares how growing up in the Bay Area shaped his love for fresh, seasonal ingredients, and how he fuses California’s bounty with Italian culinary traditions. He dives into his deep affection for Calabrian chili bomba, his family roots, and the creative influences that continue to inspire his cooking—both at the restaurant and at home.
In the second half of the episode, John and Andrea chat with Gian Paolo Celli of Tutto Calabria, the company behind some of the finest Calabrian chili products in the world. They explore the brand’s rich heritage, the distinctive flavor of Calabria’s regional peppers, and what makes their chilies a staple in kitchens around the globe.
Spicy, heartfelt, and packed with flavor, this episode is a celebration of tradition, heat, and home cooking.
Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!
Follow @davidnayfeld @tuttocalabria @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshop
In partnership with The Chefs’ Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingredients to chefs for over 30 years. https://www.chefswarehouse.com/
Produced by Gotham Production Studios. Find them on Instagram: @gothamproductionstudios

102. Bagels: Ed Levine & Melanie Frost of Ess-A-Bagel Jun 16, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse sit down with Ed Levine, celebrated food writer, founder of Serious Eats, and host of the podcast Special Sauce.
Ed shares his expert take on the best bagel spots in NYC, weighs in on the ever-controversial California bagel scene, and talks about the rising love for bialys. From the perfect crust-to-chew ratio to what really matters when judging a bagel, Ed’s insights are as delicious as they are opinionated.
In the second half of the episode, John and Andrea are joined by Melanie Frost of Ess-A-Bagel, one of New York City’s most iconic bagel institutions. They explore the brand’s deep roots in NYC food culture, how it has grown and evolved while staying true to its signature recipe, and what’s next for this beloved bagel destination.
A must-listen for bagel obsessives and culinary culture lovers alike.
Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!
Follow @seriouseatered @essabagel @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshop
In partnership with The Chefs’ Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingredients to chefs for over 30 years. https://www.chefswarehouse.com/
Produced by Gotham Production Studios. Find them on Instagram: @gothamproductionstudios

101. Chocolate: Chef Jacques Torres & Michelle Roman of República Del Cacao Jun 09, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse sit down with the legendary Jacques Torres, the world-renowned pastry chef, chocolatier, and beloved judge on Netflix’s Nailed It!
They dive into Jacques’s incredible journey from pastry kitchens in France to becoming one of the most respected names in chocolate in New York City. He shares his thoughts on the current state of global cacao production, the story behind how he became known as “Mr. Chocolate,” and reveals which desserts still excite him most in the kitchen.
In the second half of the episode, John and Andrea are joined by Michelle Roman of República del Cacao to discuss the company’s commitment to balancing profit with purpose, their rigorous sustainability practices, and how they partner with local farmers to create high-quality chocolate with a conscience.
If you love chocolate—from bean to bar to bonbon—this episode is a must-listen!
Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!
Follow @jacquestorres @jacquestorreschocolate @republicadelcacao @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshop
In partnership with The Chefs’ Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingredients to chefs for over 30 years. https://www.chefswarehouse.com/
Produced by Gotham Production Studios. Find them on Instagram: @gothamproductionstudios

100. Vision: Chris and John Pappas of Chef’s Warehouse Jun 02, 2025

Show notes

This special anniversary episode of Ingredient Insiders celebrates 40 incredible years of Chef’s Warehouse! Hosts John and Andrea sit down with Chris and John Pappas, CEO and COO of Chef’s Warehouse, to reflect on the company’s journey from its humble beginnings as Dairyland to becoming a leading provider of specialty ingredients for top chefs across the country.
Chris and John share how a passion for food and a dedication to chefs fueled decades of growth, innovation, and expansion. They dive into how new technologies are shaping the future of foodservice, what’s next for Chef’s Warehouse—including expansion into new markets—and some of their favorite meals (and funniest moments) from the past four decades.
Whether you’re a long-time partner or just discovering Chef’s Warehouse, this episode is a heartfelt tribute to the people, ingredients, and stories that made the last 40 years unforgettable.
Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!
Follow @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshop
In partnership with The Chefs’ Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingredients to chefs for over 30 years. https://www.chefswarehouse.com/
Produced by Gotham Production Studios. Find them on Instagram: @gothamproductionstudios

99. Eggs: Chef Amanda Freitag & Mark Sauder of Sauder Eggs May 19, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse sit down with celebrated chef and Chopped host Amanda Freitag. From her early days in the kitchens of New York City to becoming a familiar face on the Food Network, Amanda shares the journey of her culinary career, the behind-the-scenes reality of hosting Chopped, and her expert tips for cooking the perfect egg (spoiler: it’s trickier than it looks!).
In the second half of the episode, we turn to the source of those perfect eggs—Mark Sauder of Sauder Eggs. Mark, a fourth-generation “egg man,” shares the rich family history of the company, how Sauder Eggs became the very first vendor for Chef’s Warehouse, and what makes their eggs stand out in a competitive market.
From the skillet to the supply chain, this episode is all about the incredible, edible egg.Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!
Follow @chefamandaf @saudereggs @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshop @loewsmiami
In partnership with The Chefs’ Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingredients to chefs for over 30 years. https://www.chefswarehouse.com/
Produced by Gotham Production Studios. Find them on Instagram: @gothamproductionstudios

98. Creativity: Chef Duff Goldman & Ken Gordon of Mochidoki May 12, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse sit down with legendary pastry chef Duff Goldman. Known for Ace of Cakes and beloved for his creativity and humor, Duff shares stories from his early days in Baltimore, how he found his way to the Food Network, and why mastering cookies is more complex than it looks. He also teases his exciting new show, Super Mega Cakes, where he takes cake artistry to the next level.
In the second half of the episode, John and Andrea chat with Ken Gordon, founder of Mochidoki. Ken dives into his love for mochi, why it's the perfect blend of tradition and innovation, and how he continues to push boundaries with new and surprising mochi flavors.
This episode is packed with pastry passion, dessert innovation, and insider stories from two of the sweetest minds in the business.
Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!
Follow @duffgoldman @mochi_doki @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshop
In partnership with The Chefs’ Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingredients to chefs for over 30 years. https://www.chefswarehouse.com/
Produced by Gotham Production Studios. Find them on Instagram: @gothamproductionstudios

97. Competition: Chef Antonia Lofaso & Todd Gosule of B&W Quality Growers May 05, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef’s Warehouse are joined by Antonia Lofaso—winner of Tournament of Champions VI and Executive Chef of Scopa Italian Roots and DAMA. Antonia opens up about her recent culinary victory, how her passion for golf influences her approach in the kitchen, the role of confidence in both cooking and leadership, and the mindset that’s fueled her success.
In the second half of the episode, John and Andrea speak with Todd Gosule of B&W Quality Growers. They dive into B&W’s newest innovation: the Power4 blend—a flavorful and nutrient-packed combination of watercress, spinach, arugula, and kale. Todd explains how the blend was developed and why it’s becoming a favorite among chefs and health-conscious eaters alike.
This episode is a celebration of excellence—from championship kitchens to powerhouse greens.Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!
Follow @chefantonia @bwqualitygrowers @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshop
In partnership with The Chefs’ Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingredients to chefs for over 30 years. https://www.chefswarehouse.com/
Produced by Gotham Production Studios. Find them on Instagram: @gothamproductionstudios

96. Brandt Beef: Chef Robbie Felice & Eric Brandt of Brandt Beef Apr 28, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Ingredient Insiders, hosts John and Andrea from Chef's Warehouse sit down with Robbie Felice, the award-winning chef and restaurateur behind Viaggio, Osteria Crescendo, pastaRAMEN, and Bar Mutz. Robbie shares his passion for working with Brandt Beef, the lessons they don’t teach you in culinary school, and how he pushed his creativity—and his businesses—forward during the challenges of the pandemic.
In the second half of the episode, John and Andrea speak with Eric Brandt of Brandt Beef. They explore the multi-generational roots of the family-run company, the ongoing conversation around corn-fed vs. grass-fed beef, and what truly sets Brandt Beef apart in terms of quality, sustainability, and flavor.
From kitchen to cattle ranch, this episode dives deep into what it takes to build excellence—from the ingredients to the people behind them.
Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!
Follow @robbiefelice @brandt_beef @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshop
In partnership with The Chefs’ Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingredients to chefs for over 30 years. https://www.chefswarehouse.com/
Produced by Gotham Production Studios. Find them on Instagram: @gothamproductionstudios

95. Tahini: Eden Grinshpan & Amy Zitelman of Soom Foods Apr 21, 2025

Show notes

On this season premiere episode of Ingredient Insiders, John and Andrea from Chef's Warehouse sit down with Eden Grinshpan, host of Top Chef Canada and author of the upcoming cookbook Tahini Baby (releasing April 22nd).
Eden shares what it’s like behind the scenes of Top Chef Canada, why tahini deserves a place in every kitchen, and how the ingredient is both delicious and packed with nutritional benefits. Plus, she dishes on her favorite Canadians and brings her signature energy to a conversation full of laughs, food love, and a little national pride.
Then John and Andrea sit down with Amy Zitelman, co-founder and CEO of Soom Foods, a brand that’s redefining tahini for the modern kitchen. They dive deep into the versatility, sourcing, and magic of tahini—from sweet to savory applications—and why Soom has become a pantry staple for chefs and home cooks alike.
Tune in for a fun, flavorful episode celebrating tahini, cooking, and community.Find Ingredient Insiders on YouTube HERE!
Follow @edeneats @amyzitelman @soomfoods @ingredientsinsiders @wherechefsshop
In partnership with The Chefs’ Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingredients to chefs for over 30 years. https://www.chefswarehouse.com/
Produced by Gotham Production Studios. Find them on Instagram: @gothamproductionstudios

Season Seven Trailer Apr 17, 2025

Show notes

Join your hosts, John Magazino & Andrea Parkins, in the new season of Ingredient Insiders as they celebrate 40 years of Chef's Warehouse! We’re talking with world-renowned chefs to discuss their culinary journey, their favorite ingredients, and the producers of those ingredients.
See our trailer on YouTube HERE!
Follow us on Instagram: ingredientinsiders & wherechefsshop
In partnership with The Chef’s Warehouse, a specialty food distributor that has been purveying high-quality artisan ingredients to chefs for over 30 years. https://www.chefswarehouse.com/
Produced by Gotham Production Studios. https://www.gothamproductionstudios.com/
Find us on Instagram: @gothamproductionstudios

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