Summary

In this episode of the 5-in-20 podcast, I had an enlightening convo with Chef Alexandra Ceribelli, who is currently the operations manager at Harvest, a dining venue located within Rutgers Dining at the New Jersey Institute for Food, Nutrition, and Health (IFNH). And someone I would consider a trailblazer for sustainability.

We chatted about her concept of "Happy Kitchens" and the unique dining experience at Harvest. The focus is clearly on building connections with both customers and staff. Chef Alex emphasizes a holistic approach to sustainability that incorporates social and economic factors in addition to environmental concerns. The social aspect is too often overlooked. She also stresses the importance of education in fostering a passion for sustainable practices within the culinary industry.

I also love their approach to having a plant-forward menu without being restrictive to plant-based foods.

Key Takeaways

• Creating a values-driven work environment enhances engagement and creativity.

• Engaging students in menu planning fosters a sense of community and belonging.

• The concept of 'Happy Kitchens' focuses on creating supportive environments for staff and customers.

• Education in food systems is crucial for developing future culinary leaders.

• The culinary industry has a responsibility to address greenhouse gas emissions.

• Food is a powerful medium for storytelling and cultural exchange

Summary

In this episode of the Five in 20 podcast, we welcome Logan Mahoney, Vice President of Sales at Atomic Coffee Roasters. Together, we discuss what sets them apart from the rest.

This insightful discussion highlights the importance of building robust customer relationships and delivering invaluable training and support. It underscores Atomic Coffee Roasters' commitment to excel in the coffee industry.

Key Takeaways:

• Atomic Coffee Roasters stands as a family-owned specialty coffee company.

• They provide extensive support, including equipment leasing and training.

• Atomic Coffee services areas from Maine to New Jersey.

• Freshly roasted coffee distinguishes Atomic Coffee.

• Water quality is essential for brewing outstanding coffee.

• Investing in premium coffee equipment can result in better ROI.

• Atomic Coffee Roasters exemplifies excellence, driven by a mission to elevate the coffee industry through quality, innovation, and customer-centric support.

Summary:

In this episode, host Joshua Miller engages with David Peck, the esteemed Director of Research and Education at Better Bee, to delve into the fascinating world of bees and honey. Their discussion underscores the crucial role bees play in honey production and their indispensable function as pollinators in our food supply. They explore educational opportunities to enlighten students about bees and honey, with a focus on the diverse flavors of honey and its remarkable longevity. The conversation encourages integrating honey into school menus and crafting displays to celebrate pollinator-dependent foods. The potential for incorporating beekeeping and pollinator-friendly gardens into school programs is explored, highlighting benefits like educational experiences, honey production, and enhanced pollination for school gardens. Emphasizing collaboration, the conversation advocates for partnering with local beekeepers who can offer invaluable expertise and support. The discussion concludes by highlighting BetterBee as a valuable resource for beekeeping equipment and educational materials.

Key Takeaways:

• Bees are essential for honey production and serve a vital role as pollinators in our food network.

• Schools have opportunities to highlight pollinator-dependent foods and incorporate honey into menus.

• Honey boasts a range of flavors thanks to the diverse flowers bees forage.

• With a long shelf life, honey can remain unspoiled for thousands of years.

• Educational displays and activities can illuminate the importance of bees and honey in our food system. Beekeeping in schools presents educational opportunities and the potential for honey production.

• Partnering with local beekeepers offers expert support and knowledge.