Mentoring Next Gen Chefs & Passion for Italian Cuisine
Mentoring Next Gen Chefs & Passion for Italian Cuisine
Featuring Kaytlin Dangaran and Jair Solis Mendoza
Today, we are featuring two remarkable chefs: Kaytlin Dangaran and Jair Solis Mendoza. Both have had unique paths to success and share a passion for mentoring the next generation of culinary talent.
A Passion for Italian Food: Chef Kaytlin Dangaran
In a memorable episode of Chef AF, we chat with Chef Kaytlin Dangaran about her journey to becoming a chef, her love for Italian cuisine, and her commitment to using fresh, local ingredients.
Growing up, Dangaran always had a passion for cooking and initially planned to attend culinary school after high school. However, she ended up studying cultural anthropology in college, which only fueled her passion for food and different cultures. This passion eventually led her to work with a nonprofit in South America, enroll in the French Culinary Institute in New York, and find a mentor who taught her everything about Italian cuisine.
Dangaran shared her experiences working in high-end venues in San Francisco and New York before returning to her home state of Florida. There, she worked at the Pérez Art Museum before joining the team at Bistro in Sarasota, where she focused on staying hyper-local and hyper-seasonal.
Hear more about Dangaran's culinary point of view, her love for seasonal ingredients, and the importance of mentorship in the full episode.
Get Chef Dangaran’s Matzo Ball Soup - Constellation Culinary Group
Mentoring the Next Generation: Chef Jair Solis Mendoza
In another engaging episode, we speak with Executive Chef Jair Solis Mendoza of The Restaurant at the Norton Museum of Art. Chef Mendoza, born in Lima, Peru, was introduced to food early on through his family's pickling business and in the kitchen, where he spent summers making meals for the staff.
Mendoza has held positions at several prestigious venues, including Troquet on South in Boston, NIOS at the Muse Hotel in New York City, Area 31 in Miami, and The Breakers in West Palm Beach. He infuses a global approach into his culinary point of view and emphasizes the importance of mentorship and experimentation in the kitchen.
In our conversation, Mendoza shared the industry challenges he faced during the pandemic and the importance of treating every cook as an individual and giving them the opportunity to improve. Hear more about special events at The Restaurant at the Norton Museum, how exhibitions influence the menu, and get the Norton's Quiche recipe in the full episode.
Get Chef Jair Solis Mendoza’s Quiche Recipe
Tune into Chef AF
Don't miss out on these fascinating conversations with chefs Kaytlin Dangaran and Jair Solis Mendoza. Tune into Chef AF to hear more about their journeys, inspirations, and tips for aspiring chefs. Subscribe now to catch up on past episodes and stay updated on new releases. Happy cooking!
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