Calen McNeil

Calen McNeil

Author: Robert Belcham of the Chefs Table Society of BC August 31, 2025 Duration: 1:50:01

On this weeks podcast we have long time restaurateur and business owner Calen McNeil from Victoria. His first venture into the hospitality business was over 25 years ago and the restaurant is still running very strong in Victoria. Zambri's is my favourite Italian restaurant around and if you are in Victoria make sure to go and check it out. Calen also runs 5 outlets of his fast food concept called Big Wheel Burger. We share a lot of the same ethos of good affordable food, done fast and right. I hope you enjoy his history and insights into the business. 

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Hosted by chef Robert Belcham, Mise en Place-the Podcast pulls up a chair for candid, substantive conversations with the people shaping British Columbia's vibrant food scene. This series, presented with the Chefs' Table Society of BC, moves beyond recipes and menus to explore the real architecture of a life in hospitality. Each episode is a deep dive with restaurateurs, producers, and culinary leaders, unpacking the complex business decisions, career pivots, and personal philosophies that define their work. Listeners get an authentic backstage pass to the pressures, triumphs, and often-unseen logistics of running kitchens and dining rooms. The discussions naturally reveal the interconnected culture of local food, from farm relationships to dining room dynamics. Belcham’s perspective ensures these aren’t just interviews, but nuanced dialogues full of practical insight for anyone invested in this world. The podcast serves as an oral history of a community in motion, documenting the craft, economics, and human stories behind the plates. It’s for those who appreciate that a great restaurant experience is built on a foundation of meticulous preparation-the true meaning of its namesake. Tune in for thoughtful, grounded talk that respects the intelligence of both its guests and its audience.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 135

Mise en Place - the Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Episode 4 - Tech Talk [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:29
Even though the restaurant industry may not be returning to 'normal' after this current and unprecedented global event, some substantial changes were already on the agenda.It's hard to overlook is how technology allows u…
Episode 3 - Culture Shift [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:52
There's no doubt that putting Episode 3 of Mise-en-Place together was a challenge, mostly because its featured elements were recorded in late February before the world changed, especially for all of us in the restaurant…
Episode 2 - Local Flavours [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:12
In this episode, chef/host Robert Belcham is joined by Andrea Carlson (Burdock & Co., Harvest Community Foods) and Brian Luptak (The Acorn, Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts) for a feature conversation on the future of…
Episode 1 - Culinary Futures [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:02
In this episode's featured conversation, chef/host Robert Belcham talks about the changes coming (and needed) to education for the next-generation of professional cooks. His guests are Tony Minichiello, chef/owner of Nor…