Episode 3 - Culture Shift

Episode 3 - Culture Shift

Author: Robert Belcham of the Chefs Table Society of BC March 31, 2020 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 industry.

Regardless, this episode discusses a very necessary change needed in the career path of all professional cooks: a shift away from the overheated, overworked 'macho' kitchen culture (epitomized by Gordon Ramsey et al) to one that welcomes diversity and supports a healthy work/life balance. 

Chef/host Robert Belcham explores this topic with Toronto-based trade journalist Ivy Knight, who hosts a series of travellng seminars titled The Industry Sessions, that have culture shifting and related upgrades as its primary goals.  Bringing another and more personal approach to eliminating 'bad-ass chef culture' is Vancouver chef/restaurateur Trevor Bird, who joins Robert along with his colleague Josh Gale.

And while Cooks Camp 2020 remains a go, there may be even more urgent need for the participation of Mind The Bar, a Vancouver-based organization created to help foodservice and hospitality staff find timely information and support with mental health and other workplace issues. Jonny Bridge talks about what his team will bring to camp. 

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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

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