Shows
Setting The Table: The Chefs of Best FestEpisode 4: Chef Wilson CalixteSetting the Table: The Chefs of Best Fest is a storytelling podcast where food becomes the lens for culture, identity, and human connection.In each episode, host Tay Westbury sits down with the chefs behind Best Fest—exploring not just what they cook, but why they cook. These are conversations about origin, resilience, ambition, and the philosophies that turn a career into a legacy.In this episode, we meet Wilson Calixte, a chef whose journey spans Haiti, New York City, and ultimately Omaha. Born in Haiti and shaped by the cultural intensity of New York ki...
2026-05-0939 min
Wilson and FriendsWE'RE BACK! Chef Wilson chats with Jerry, Shelly and DannySorry for the delay! We are back with a fun, first-time ever, interview at the end of service. You will get to hear a little bit of the closing noises as the four chat, laugh and share their history, how they all found themselves in Omaha, fond memories of Voltaire and that restaurant life, as well as sharing what they're thankful for. (With a little cameo for the sound mixer about what she's been reading) Enjoy and keep an eye out for the next episode. We promise it won't take us another 6 months!Also, feel free to...
2026-01-0950 minWilson and FriendsChef Wilson & Laura chat with Chad CarterSorry for the delay!This time we sit down with a restaurant regular, Chad Carter. We discuss experiences around the world, unknown dishes we can't get enough of, wine from around the world, and will Chef Wilson train for a half marathon? Give it a listen!Music by Praz Khanal from Pixabay
2025-06-2152 minWilson and FriendsChef Wilson & Laura chat with Dean & Chef Brian O'MalleyThis episode is Chef Wilson and Laura chatting it up with the Dean of Culinary Arts at Metro Community College, Chef Brian O'Malley. chef Wilson and Laura learn about Chef O'Malley's background and road to Culinary Arts education. Additionally they discuss Laura's really weird love of learning. What are their thoughts on the evolution of Omaha's food scene and where it may go. What are the best and worst questions to ask chefs? And at one point Chef O'Malley can't get over Laura's flavor combinations (they are weird). But ultimately importance of making people feel known. Get to know m...
2025-05-0244 minWilson and FriendsSupersized Episode: Chef Wilson and Laura talk to John TourekListen to a special episode with a different approach and sound. Minimal editing this time around so you don't miss a moment of this fun conversation amongst friends. They discuss John's endless attempts to order and enjoy Ratatouille, how to pronounce Calixte, possibly dedicating Chairs to the regulars, making an authentic podcast, dogs make life happier and corgi anomalies. Also, Laura might not know her boyfriend's (now fiancé's) ancestry, or the difference between polish and Swedish sausage, as well as John's daring Grandparents in the 1920s. Not to leave out the story of Jenn and John, an...
2025-04-111h 07Wilson and FriendsChef Wilson & Laura chat with Sarah KochChef Wilson and Laura sit down with Sarah, their co-worker to discussMyers Briggs, generations, working in restaurants, learning about wine, maybe a Le Voltaire band, karaoke nights and so much more! Lots of laughter and even more insight. Music by Praz Khanal from Pixabay
2025-03-2839 minWilson and FriendsChef Wilson & Nithya chat with Jim KapalisWe have a new co-host! Nithya joins Chef Wilson to talk to restaurant regular, Jim Kapalis. You'll hear about all things "fusion," the truth that Chef Wilson has the biggest ego. Other topics covered are the reality of reviews, the power of Kpop for return customers, portion sizes, what makes Le Voltaire special, and how great our Creme Brulee is. Listen now!Music by Praz Khanal from Pixabay
2025-03-0837 minWilson and FriendsChef Wilson & Laura chat with Dr. Ken Bird, Nic Henke, and Sean KurfmanThis is a big episode. Chef Wilson and Laura are joined by previous employees, Nic and Sean, as well as a restaurant regular, Dr. Ken Bird. We talk about positive thoughts on Omaha, lessons learned over time, and much more. Sorry for the wait, but we're back at it! Music by Praz Khanal from Pixabay
2025-02-2839 minWilson and FriendsChef Wilson & Abby chat with Chef Jared ClarkeThis week we're talking to Chef Jared Clarke, executive chef and co-owner in 3 (soon to be 4, if the rumors are true?) Omaha restaurants: Railcar, Timber Wood Fire Bistro, and Pasta Amore. Learn a little bit of Nebraska's history, and how small the restaurant world truly is, at least in the mid-west. And that's only part of the conversation. As always, laughs abound while we learn a little more about others from the Omaha community. Music by Praz Khanal from Pixabay
2025-02-1438 minWilson and FriendsLet us introduce ourselvesAnd we're live! This week, Chef Wilson, Abby and Laura hit the ground running by introducing themselves and chatting about the restaurant. Some laughter, some introspective, some honest, but all fun for the listen. Join us going forward as Wilson and host talk to Omaha legends and up-and-comers. Music by Praz Khanal from Pixabay
2025-02-0739 min
Faturday OmahaJamil Bah-Traore House Of Bah Foundation
I first encountered Chef Jamil Bah-Traore when I read his kind words about fellow Omaha Chef Wilson Calixte of Le Voltaire . This episode and conversation reveals Jamil’s heart, connection to his family, and sincere passion for helping raise awareness of African food in addition to helping immigrants succeed in finding a career in food and hospitality. Not only that, but in our hub of food excellence that is Omaha, Chef Bah-Traore’s House of Bah foundation has received a grant from the Jacques Pepin foundation in recognition of his mission of helping others. I learned so much and I’m...
2023-09-121h 07
Restaurant HoppenWilson Calixte—Le Voltaire
Le Voltaire's new owner is using food and service to tell history—both his and that of his native country, Haiti—in a unique and eye-opening ways. Hear Wilson's unique journey from Haitian childhood to becoming a New York chef to moving to Omaha to finally achieving his dream of owning a restaurant, along with some of the most valuable lessons he learned along the way. Follow, rate, and review my podcast wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss an episode! Also follow up on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, AND my blog Restaurant Hoppen! A H...
2021-09-2356 min