LUIS ALVARADO: CORN IN A CUP & CATCHING UP

LUIS ALVARADO: CORN IN A CUP & CATCHING UP

Author: Jeff Fell March 25, 2025 Duration: 45:45

In this episode, I’m joined by Luis Alvarado, one of the first cooks I ever worked with—back in our casino kitchen days. We catch up on life, swap some wild kitchen stories, and make his elevated version of corn in a cup (with a twist). From cutting our teeth on the line to where we’ve both landed today, this one’s full of laughs, nostalgia, and solid perspective on how far we’ve come.


We talk about how he fell into food, working the grill at the steakhouse, wild wedding catering stories, toxic kitchens, and what matters most now—being happy, creative, and cooking good food.


Oh, and if you want to try the corn salad we made, the recipe’s in the show notes. Let’s get into it!


Guest: Luis Alvarado

Executive Chef at Cafe 353, River North

Instagram: @lionomotron


Recipe: Luis’ Elevated Corn in a Cup Salad

• Fire-roasted corn

• Couscous

• Cilantro-lime dressing (mayo-based or Greek yogurt alt)

• Avocado

• Jalapeño (optional, for heat)

• Cotija cheese

• Salt, pepper, garlic powder

• Finish with a squeeze of lime


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Chef Jeff Fell hosts Fell Into Food Podcast, a series built on the idea that what happens behind the kitchen door is about far more than recipes. It’s a place for honest talk about the equipment, software, and supply chain logistics that form the backbone of today’s food service, alongside the personal journeys of the people who make it all function. These are discussions that dig into the practical realities of running a kitchen, the impact of new technologies, and the business acumen needed to thrive. Whether you’re developing products for chefs, teaching the next generation, or managing a restaurant group, this podcast offers a unique perspective from within the industry. You’ll hear from a range of voices-from line cooks to CEOs-all focused on the intersection of culinary tradition and necessary innovation. Tune in for a candid look at the systems and stories that define our modern relationship with food, all through the experienced lens of a chef who has been in the trenches. The conversations here are grounded in real-world experience, aiming to connect and inform anyone with a professional or deep personal interest in how food actually gets to the plate.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 72

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