Feb 07 2024 30 mins
In this celebratory 50th episode of the Son of a Blitch Podcast, George Blitch sits down with Brad Leone, celebrated chef, New York Times Best Selling Author ("Field Notes for Food Adventure: Recipes and Stories from the Woods to the Ocean"), and the host of his hit shows, "Making It" and "Local Legends". Brad is not just a chef and show host; he's an artisan of flavor, an explorer of the wild, and a raconteur of the highest order.
Leone's story begins in the scenic backdrop of New Jersey, where his early experiences with nature's bounty took root. It's here that his gastronomic ardor was kindled, alongside an enduring respect for the environment. Leone's reminiscences of fishing trips with his father and the familial art of cooking weave a narrative that underscores his profound connection to the earth and its offerings. These childhood recollections lay the groundwork for a burgeoning career that would eventually lead him to the esteemed halls of the Institute for Culinary Education in New York, hosting the hit show "It's Alive" with Bon Appetit, and eventually creating his own magnificent shows on his YouTube page.
He reminds us that the soul of cuisine is not just in the ingredients but in the stories behind every bite, the communities that nurture these ingredients, and the people whose lives are intertwined with the food we eat. His reverence for this interconnectedness is a gentle nudge for us to look beyond the plate and appreciate the vast, interconnected web of culture, tradition, and human experience that shapes our culinary landscape.
Brad offers a sneak peek into his upcoming season filled with journeys that trace the humble beginnings of ingredients to their delicious conclusions. Whether it’s the thrill of spearfishing near Boston or the aromatic adventure of tracking coffee beans from Mexico to his buddy's roastery in Nova Scotia, Brad's commitment to immersive storytelling remolds the way we think about food shows.
Through his tales of adventure, both in and out of the kitchen, Brad inspires us to embark on our own quests—to seek the unknown, to embrace the journey, and to savor each moment with the same zest with which we would savor a delectable meal. This podcast episode, like Brad's approach to cooking, is a reminder that the most fulfilling adventures often begin with a single step, a dash of courage, and an open heart.
To watch Brad's shows, "Making It" and "Local Legends", subscribe to:
YouTube.com/@BradLeone
IG: "Brad Leone"
To learn more about George Blitch, visit:
www.SonofaBlitch.com
www.MapMyRanch.com
IG: "TheSonofaBlitch"