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The sizzle of fat dripping onto hot embers, the aromatic smoke wafting upward, and the unmistakable char marks on a perfectly grilled steak – few things speak more directly to our primal connection with food than cooking over live fire. For Chef Aaron Brooks, this elemental approach to cooking bridges his Australian roots and his current home in Miami's vibrant culinary landscape.

Growing up on Australia's Gold Coast, Brooks found himself drawn to the kitchen rather than the famous surf breaks. Under his mother's guidance, he developed an appreciation for quality ingredients and the joy of bringing people together around a table. "Mom was always getting me to try new things," he recalls, describing how she embraced diverse cultural influences in her cooking. These early experiences laid the foundation for a culinary philosophy centered on simplicity, quality, and genuine hospitality.

Brooks' journey from backpacking Australian cook to executive chef took him through Four Seasons properties in Vancouver, Boston, and finally Miami, where he spent years leading Edge Steak and Bar before making the leap to Sunny's Steakhouse in the city's burgeoning Little River District. This transition allowed him to return to his passion: hands-on cooking with a focus on exceptional ingredients prepared over live fire.

At Sunny's, the elaborate grill system incorporates both an open hearth for seafood and a mangal specifically designed for meats. Brooks speaks with infectious enthusiasm about fire management – the careful maintenance of embers, the strategic positioning of different proteins, and the transformative flavor that comes from cooking over oak and charcoal. As an ambassador for Aust

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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!

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Chef David Reyes shares his remarkable journey from Chicago's Humboldt Park to culinary innovation at St. Pete Distillery, revealing how experiences in European Michelin kitchens and family traditions shaped his cooking philosophy.

• Growing up in inner-city Chicago during the 1980s amid violence and danger
• Learning foundational hospitality principles at grandmother's table where "nothing was missing"
• Transitioning from Army medic to culinary school despite family skepticism
• Training in French kitchens where bread was thrown at him for being undercooked
• Working stages at legendary restaurants including Alinea in Chicago
• Developing restaurants across America as a concept chef
• Creating award-winning dishes sometimes without tasting the final combination until service
• Building culinary programs at St. Pete Distillery featuring local Florida ingredients
• Crafting innovative spirits including bourbon aged in Florida's unique climate
• Planning for future development of a community-focused restaurant centered around live fire cooking

Join us at St. Petersburg Distillery for tours and taste their award-winning spirits. Follow Chef David on Instagram

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

Get ready to innovate and organize your work space with Metro ! As the industry leader in storage & productivity solutions, Metro is here to transform and organize your kitchen

With their premium solutions, you'll experience the Metro difference. Metro's sturdy and versatile shelving units, workstations, holding cabinets, and utility carts are designed to streamline operations and maximize your productivity.

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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!

Send us a text

Sacrifice, resilience, and cultural pride converge in this profound conversation with Chef Nelson Millán, whose remarkable journey from Puerto Rico to global culinary ambassador demonstrates the transformative power of unwavering commitment.

Born in Puerto Rico and initially pursuing law to please his father, Millán's life changed course when he discovered his true calling in the culinary arts. Their cultural disconnect was immediate – his father dismissively asked if he wanted to be "like the little ladies in the kitchen" rather than a "prominent lawyer." This reflection on Latin American perceptions of professional cooking opens a fascinating window into how cultural attitudes toward culinary careers have evolved.

The depths of Millán's dedication become apparent as he recounts sleeping in his van between closing Wendy's at 3 AM and attending baking classes at 6 AM. These sacrifices built the character that would later define his leadership style and commitment to mentorship. His gratitude toward the "angels" who supported him – particularly his mother and also school coordinator Alicia Rivera who drove him to school for three months – reminds us how critical support networks are in achieving our dreams.

Millán's expertise ultimately led him to write curriculum for the Culinary Institute of America's Latin Caribbean studies program and travel globally as an Ambassador for Australian Beef. His newest venture, Sofrito cubes, represents his vision of sharing authentic Latin flavors with the world in a convenient format – his "gift from Latin America to the world" akin to how tikka masala and marinara sauce have transcended their origins.

For anyone fascinated by the intersection of cultural identity, culinary innovation, and personal determination, this episode offers rich insights into how food traditions evolve while maintaining their authentic roots.

https://www.instagram.com/delencantofoods?igsh=dXF5d2VoMzg1dGky&utm_source=qr

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.

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!