James Grass

James Grass

Author: Robert Belcham of the Chefs Table Society of BC December 18, 2025 Duration: 1:30:58

On this weeks episode we invited long time front of house industry veteran and now media creator, James Grass to the podcast. After learning the trade of hospitality from some of the best in BC, James started his own business, showing what he learned so well. That slowly morphed into his early ideas for Chefs' Favourites and Mates on Crates. It has become the go to platform to get the word out about what is happening in the food scene in Vancouver. The Chefs Favourites team has big plans to expand their reach and continue the amazing work in other cities and beyond. I hope you enjoy our chat and make sure to check it out on instagram. 

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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…