Culinary Confidential with Christina Cates

This week marks the start of Season 2 of Culinary Confidential, and there's no better way to kick that off than by opening with the world's best bar!

Handshake Speakeasy out of Mexico City is not just the world's best bar - it's redefining cocktail culture worldwide. Hidden behind an unmarked door in Colonia Juarez, this intimate lounge's recent accolades speak for itself. Christina Cates goes behind the scenes in the Season 2 premiere with the two men who made that happen: Rodrigo Urraca and Javier Rodriguez.

Urraca is the co-founder and creative force behind this unique concept, and shares how Handshake Speakeasy evolved from a dream into a destination.

Rodriguez is Handshake's head bartender whose cocktails are pure artistry. From rare spirits and lab-based techniques to unforgettable hospitality, they've created a place where innovation meets intimacy, and every cocktail tells a story. In addition to revealing the science, emotion, and storytelling behind every drink, Javier also discusses Handshake’s newest campaign in partnership with 1800 Tequila.

The campaign, Obsessed With Taste, highlights Rodriguez crafting a cocktail with seven unique ingredients, and with 1800 Tequila Blanco as the central element. The World’s Most-Awarded Tequila proudly poured at the World’s Best Bar!

This week on Culinary Confidential, Christina Cates celebrates a huge milestone in the finale of season one. We're celebrating ONE YEAR of pulling back the curtain on the culinary world! Sharing the unforgettable stories, voices, and flavors that have shaped our dining experiences today. From luxury dining to behind-the-scenes grit, Christina has brought heart, humor, and insight to all 52 episodes thus far!

Christina welcomes back powerhouse guest Shaina Nestor, Regional Director of Gibsons Restaurant Group in Chicago, IL. With prior executive roles at Darden, The Palm, The Russian Tea Room, and Tavern On The Green, Shaina brings an unmatched perspective on the evolution of dining culture. Shaina isn't just a guest. She's a loyal listener, ready to reflect on the episodes that resonated, the insights that stuck, and the moments that have made this show a must-listen.

Whether you've been with Christina since day one or you're just discovering Culinary Confidential, this week's one year reflection is a celebration of the journey, and a toast of what's to come.

One year, dozens of guests, countless stories, with many more to come in Season 2!

On this week's edition of Culinary Confidential, Christina Cates welcomes hospitality power duo Kevin and Janine Fenton to talk all things private dining and luxury hotel culture. With decades of experience managing and curating guest experiences in branded NYC properties, the Fentons have seen firsthand just how intimate dining spaces are reshaping the hotel industry.

Kevin, General Manager at a premier hospitality provider, has led operations at some of Manhattan's most iconic boutique hotels. His approach blends hospitality with cultural programming, turning private dining into a strategic asset for guest loyalty and brand identity.

Janine, Director of Catering at a prestigious lodging brand, brings her signature style and precision to luxury events and culinary experiences. With a PR background and a career spanning Loews Hotels, Highgate, and The RealReal, Janine understands the way private dining creates emotional impact and serious revenue.

They will share stories, lessons, and expert insights on why private dining is now a must-have, not just a perk.

On this week's edition of Culinary Confidential, Christina Cates welcomes extraordinary culinarian Christian J. Fischer, whose journey began in a family-run hotel in eastern Austria, surrounded by ten siblings and the hum of a busy kitchen. By age 14, he became a certified Master Chef, baker, and butcher. At 19, he opened his first restaurant and by 23, he was overseeing six successful establishments.

But Christian's journey goes far beyond the kitchen. Following decades in hospitality, he saw a gap: brilliant professionals often struggling to turn their expertise into influence. So he pivoted to becoming a sought-after coach who helps leaders build personal, resonating brands. Fischer is also the voice behind The Disruptive Chef Podcast, where food meets culture and transformation is always on the menu.

Learn more about Christian at www.christianjfischer.com.

On this week's edition of Culinary Confidential, Christina Cates welcomes Emmy Award-winning chef Frankie Celenza to celebrate the launch of his brand new Tastemade series 'Let Frankie Cook', which premiered earlier this week just in time for Pizza Week.

Born and raised in New York City, Frankie studied music at NYU before turning his college-era budget cooking into a full-blown culinary movement. His Emmy-winning career spans multiple viral cooking shows such as Struggle Meals, food advocacy, and a mission to make great meals accessible to everyone.

Frankie invites you into his home kitchen for bold recipes, clever hacks, and his signature low-stress style of cooking. If you enjoyed Struggle Meals, which ran for nine seasons and 100 episodes while helping millions cook delicious meals without breaking the bank, chances are you will enjoy his latest offering. He's also the author of EAT: Easy, Affordable, Tasty: 100 Recipes with All of the Flavor and None of the Fuss, his first cookbook, which is now available wherever books are sold.

On this week's edition of Culinary Confidential, it's a courtside conversation blending in tennis with taste and talent.

Christina Cates welcomes hospitality legend Nick Mautone, the creative force behind the US Open's official cocktail - The Honey Deuce. Made with Grey Goose vodka, lemonade, raspberry liqueur, and honeydew melon balls made to resemble tennis balls, this viral drink has generated $12 million in sales in 2024.

Nick's career spans over 40 years - from leadership roles at iconic venues like the Rainbow Room and Gramercy Tavern, to the launch of his consulting firm, Mautone Enterprises. He's also the author of Raising the Bar and The Artisanal Kitchen series.

On this week's edition of Culinary Confidential, Christina Cates welcomes in Dillon Baxter, Dominic Russo, and Jodi Moreno.

Baxter is the CEO of PlantSwitch, a biodegradable plastics company specializing in turning agricultural waste into compostable plastic alternatives. He was featured in Forbes' 30 Under 30, and is changing the game in sustainability.

Russo is the owner and mastermind of Squares and Fare, the Jersey Shore's #2-rated pizzeria this summer. Originally getting its start as an underground pop-up, Squares and Fare has since garnered rave reviews, offering a variety of pizzas with fresh ingredients from Italy and local gardens.\

Moreno is a James Beard-nominated cookbook author. Her new book, Simple Pleasures, is full of craveable comfort food with a twist - think Salsa Macha Fried-Egg Tacos and Date Cake with Tahini Ice Cream!

Sustainability, Style, and Spice. This week's lineup has it all!

On this week's edition of Culinary Confidential, Christina Cates welcomes Dr. Julie Gatza, founder of the Florida Wellness Institute, to discuss how certain foods may be triggering stress and anxiety, and what you can eat to feel calmer and more at ease.

Anxiety isn't just emotional, it's biological. Your gut produces 90% of your serotonin, the neurotransmitter regulating your mood. What you feed your gut helps support or sabotage your mental health.

In addition to founding the Florida Wellness Institute, Dr. Gatza also serves as a spokeswoman for Nature's Sources - makers of AbsorbAid digestive enzymes. She shares how your gut health and nutrition impact anxiety, and what you can do about it.

Call 1-800-827-7656 or visit www.naturessources.com for free samples or 20% off your first order with promo code: RADIO

On this week's edition of Culinary Confidential, Christina Cates welcomes Jay Reifel, co-author of A History Of The World In 10 Dinners: 2,000 Years, 100 Recipes. Published by Rizzoli Books, this cookbook combines narrative history and food anthropology with hands-on cooking - designed to be accessible and scholarly for home cooks doubling as curious historians.

A History of the World is a beautifully illustrated and meticulously researched cookbook combining historical storytelling with adapted recipes from key eras from across the globe, such as Renaissance Italy and 19th-century New York City.

Reifel is a classically trained chef, author, and food historian known for recreating historical dishes using modern techniques and ingredients.

On this week's edition of Culinary Confidential, Christina Cates explores generational recipes and the cultural roots they preserve. Joining the show is Frank Iovine and Mariano Graus.

A retired NYPD officer turned mindfulness coach, Iovine will share his cookbook-memoir Ricette e Ricordi di Nonno (Meals and Memories with Nonno) inspired by his grandfather Angelo, Iovine's guiding light, who lived to 101 years of age by eating fresh and simple Mediterranean meals.

Graus is a Senior Editor at Naples-based Graus Edizioni, and he joins the show to share insights on publishing across cultures, tradition through literature, and how Italy's publishing vastly contrasts to America's.

On this week's edition of Culinary Confidential, Christina Cates focuses on at-home cooking tips with Chef Carmine DiGiovanni of Aunt Jake's NYC. 

Chef Carmine serves as the executive chef and pasta maestro at Aunt Jake's on New York City's Upper East Side, where he hosts interactive pasta-making courses. Interested? Book it fast as there's a two month wait to get in!

DiGiovanni joins the show to help us feel more confident, creative, and connected around the dinner table and the kitchen. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned home cook, he shares tips that will help to elevate your everyday meals and bring joy back into cooking! Chef Carmine also shares how to make your own pasta at home, pizza, and grilling tips for the summer season!

On this week's edition of Culinary Confidential, Christina Cates welcomes in Melissa Sumner of Sumner Farms in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. Alongside her husband Ian and their four children, Melissa ditched a conventional career path to pursue a life rooted in regenerative agriculture - a method of farming that restores soil health, increases biodiversity, and works in harmony alongside nature.

Sumner Farms isn't just raising animals and growing food; they are also cultivating a philosophy of slow and intentional living touching everything from parenting and homeschooling to land stewardship and food choices. In a country where more conventional farming methods is the norm, regenerative agriculture offers a hopeful alternative to depleting land and a heavy reliance on synthetic inputs. It's one that heals the soil, improves water retention, and produces food with greater nutritional and ethical value.

Tonight's episode is sure to challenge how you think about farming, the future, and the food you eat in the present.

On this week's edition of Culinary Confidential, Christina Cates takes a deep dive into the growing epidemic of food allergies. Food allergies affect over 33 million Americans, including one of every 13 children. From the lunchbox to the fine dining realm, allergies are reshaping our relationship with food.

Best-selling author and longtime allergy advocate Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino joins the show to share her own personal experiences with food allergies and how she's turned that into a mission of education and empowerment, especially for kids navigating a world where one single bite can be really dangerous.

Later in the hour, Christina is joined by gluten-free restauranteur and mastermind behind the New York City-based chain TWENTYONEGRAINS, Valerio Arena. Arena discusses his diagnosis of Celiac disease and how that pushed him to transform the fast casual dining scene without sacrificing taste or trust.

On this week's edition of Culinary Confidential, Christina Cates welcomes in Chef Andrew Molen. Renowned for his impeccable standards and intuitive approach to cooking, Chef Andrew isn't just cooking meals - he's orchestrating experiences. With an extensive client list, he blends sophistication with innovation in every dish. His work has earned him profiles in Page Six and other top lifestyle publications, as well as a role on the hit Bravo TV show "Summer House."

While Andrew's name is consistently found behind the scenes of most elegant dinners for the Hamptons' elite crowd, his culinary mastery also spans Palm Beach, Miami, Boston, and even The Masters.

On this week's edition of Culinary Confidential, Christina Cates welcomes in popular social media personality The People's Somm. Known for his no-nonsense takes, deep-cellar knowledge, and uncanny ability to make wine feel fun again, The People's Somm has built a loyal following by breaking down barriers and busting snobbery one bottle at a time.

From natural wine debates to pairing hacks and industry secrets, this discussion with the wine world's most unfiltered voice promises to be as bold as a Barolo and as smooth as a Sonoma Pinot. Cheers!

On this week's edition of Culinary Confidential, Christina Cates showcases Indian cuisine's impact on the global scale by welcoming in Chef Vikas Khanna and Sameer Bhatt of the East Village's own, Bungalow. From Amritsar to Michelin Stars, Vikas is more than just a celebrity chef. He's also a filmmaker, author, humanitarian, and ambassador of Indian cuisine, who blends tradition with global impact - one dish, one story, one soul at a time.

Bhatt is currently General Manager and Partner of Bungalow. From his New Delhi roots to the high standards of New York City, Sameer brings a rich global perspective to modern Indian dining.

Culinary Confidential hits the West Coast this week for an exclusive journey uncovering the artistry behind gourmet cheeses and specialty foods! Christina Cates welcomes Dominick DiBartolomeo and Jay Seals, both of Domenico's Foods and The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills.

As the mastermind behind the two, DiBartolomeo's stores offer a wide variety of premium food items, from 600+ imported cheeses to fresh crafted pastas and more. Seals oversees wholesale operations, where he blends his East Coast roots with decades of expertise in the gourmet cuisine scene.

Beyond these two popular establishments, Dominick and Jay take their knowledge to the airwaves through Industry Only at The Cheese Store, a podcast hosted alongside food and restaurant journalist Andy Wang. Recorded in The Cheese Store's exclusive tasting room, this podcast delivers unique inside perspectives while sharing engaging discussions and fascinating stories about the fine food world.

Culinary Confidential hits the road again this week, this time to the Windy City! Christina Cates welcomes Susie Griffin and David Baez for a delicious journey into Chicago's unique hospitality scene.

Griffin is a hospitality expert with a reputation that extends past Chicago, building a career built on delivering excellent service and creating memorable dining experiences. She shares her insights on what truly makes hospitality great, handling tough situations with guests, and why genuine customer service is more important than ever.

Baez is a lawyer by day and foodie by night. Known as the creator of 'Baez Bitez', he is on a mission to find the best bites around Chicago while celebrating those that leave a lasting impression.

This week, Culinary Confidential is shipping up to Boston for an exclusive look at the city's vibrant food and hospitality scene! Christina Cates is joined by Alyssa K. Stevens and Lisa Flores for this unforgettable culinary journey.

The founder and editor of The A-Lyst lifestyle blog, Stevens has curated a special list of must-visit restaurants, date night spots, and hidden gems showcasing the best of Boston. Alyssa also serves as Global Director of PR, Social Media, and Influencer Marketing at Connelly Partners, where she shapes brand stories and connects audiences globally.

A powerhouse in the Boston hospitality realm, Flores is the Director of Sales & Marketing for Columbus Hospitality Group, where she oversees some of the city's most celebrated restaurants and hotels. Lisa is also the founder of SERV (Society for Event Planners: Restaurant Venues), creating a platform where professionals can connect and elevate the Boston hospitality landscape.

On this week's edition of Culinary Confidential, Christina Cates welcomes in food influencer Eric Hammer. Known for his engaging content on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, Eric shares food reviews, explores different cuisines, and spotlights the best stadium eats - and is especially famous for his love of Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps, recently releasing his Top 10 Chicken Caesar Wraps of 2024.

Also joining in on tonight's conversation is Chef Jamie Knott, New Jersey-based restauranteur and owner of four restaurants under the PB&J Hospitality Group umbrella. Having welcomed countless food influencers into his restaurants, Knott shares his perspective on how their opinions can help shape or in some cases, shake up brands.