Join us for a special episode of our podcast featuring a dynamic panel discussion that took place during the StarChefs Rising Stars event in Los Angeles. Today, we dive into the heart of the LA food scene with some of its most innovative culinary leaders: Chef Sandra Cordero at Xuntos, Pastry Chef Sherry Yard, Mixologist Ramsey Musk at Accomplice Bar, Chef Matt Schaler at Birdie G’s, and Chef Diego Argoti at Poltergeist at Button Mash.
In this episode, you’ll explore the diverse cultural backgrounds of these LA-based chefs and learn how their unique upbringings led them to culinary careers. They share personal stories of working in the industry, discuss how they gather inspiration, and highlight what makes the LA food scene distinct from other major city scenes. Get insider tips on where to eat in LA and hear some of the best and worst advice for those embarking on a career in the kitchen or behind the bar.
What you’ll learn from this LA Food Scene Innovation Panel
Sandra Cordero’s background and culinary inspiration (2:45)
Sherry Yard’s basement pastry lair (4:29)
Why Sherry calls herself “the fixer” (5:04)
Ramsey Musk’s Italian roots (5:47)
Matt Schaler’s industry upbringing (6:48)
What Diego Argoti learned growing up in a grocery store (8:01)
Growing up in a tourist economy (9:35)
The freedom of being behind the bar (10:29)
Understanding the whole of a restaurant (12:44)
Control freaks in the kitchen (13:52)
Sherry’s early industry experience at Rainbow Room (14:39)
A pastry book recommendation to learn the basics (17:04)
The moment that inspired Diego’s love for food (18:37)
A boost of culinary confidence (21:17)
How a tragedy affected Diego’s will to continue the path (23:24)
White lies on a resume and opening doors (25:28)
How cooking has changed (26:59)
The day Sherry got a call from Wolfgang Puck (29:04)
How Diego fell back in love with LA (34:13)
Describing the LA food scene (36:12)
A recent trend shift in dining out (37:00)
Restaurants shutting their doors (38:12)
Why change is good (40:13)
Craving traditional, comforting foods (42:38)
The thing that will keep the restaurant industry going (44:52)
How chefs and farmers collaborate in LA (47:28)
Why LA is more fearless than other culinary cities (49:22)
How Birdie’s embraces creativity (51:17)
Focusing on simplicity when things feel too complicated (53:22)
Finding inspiration in collaboration (56:02)
Cocktails based on archetypes (57:16)
The importance of sharing ideas (1:02:09)
Cultivating an intimate knowledge of your products (1:08:49)
Perseverance through the pandemic (1:14:01)
A culinary tour of LA (1:18:21)
The good and the bad: industry advice (1:22:59)
Women in the industry (1:28:23)
How to support women in the industry (1:29:47)
Tune in to get a deeper understanding of the LA food scene, its fearless innovators, and their contributions to the culinary world.
I’d like to share a potential educational resource, “Conversations Behind the Kitchen Door”, my new book that features dialogues with accomplished culinary leaders from various backgrounds and cultures. It delves into the future of culinary creativity and the hospitality industry, drawing from insights of a restaurant-industry-focused podcast, ‘flavors unknown”. It includes perspectives from renowned chefs and local professionals, making it a valuable resource for those interested in building a career in the culinary industry.
Links to other episodes with chefs talking about LA Food Scene
Don’t miss out on the chance to hear from these talented chefs and gain insight into the world of culinary techniques. Check out the links below for more conversations with other LA chefs:
