Eric Adjepong is a father, chef, author, and Food Network host celebrated for bringing West African cuisine to the mainstream culinary conversation. From his memorable appearances on Top Chef to his collaboration with Crate & Barrel and his work with the PepsiCo Foods Culinary Advisory Board, Eric shares insights into his creative journey. He discusses the pivotal moment in culinary school when he realized he needed to focus on the culinary traditions of Africa. He also tells the story of which chef idol he declined the chance to work with—and the reason behind his decision. Beyond being one of the kindest chefs in the industry, Eric dedicates his time to giving back, partnering with organizations like Save the Children to support child nutrition initiatives. Enjoy this episode as we go Beyond the Plate… with Chef Eric Adjepong.

This episode is brought to you by PepsiCo Foods.

This episode is brought to you by Fords Gin, a gin created to cocktail.

(recipe heard in episode is below)

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***

Ghanaian Gimlet

Recipe courtesy of Joe Brooke

Makes 1 cocktail

1.5 parts Fords Gin

1 part fresh lime juice

.25 part tonic syrup

.5 part mango purée

.5 part simple syrup

Grated ginger, to taste

Lime wheel, garnish

Slice or cube of mango, garnish

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add all of the ingredients. Strain over rocks.

2. Garnish with a skewered lime wheel and piece of mango.

For our Beyond the Drink season finale, we sit down with Sebastian Tollius, a globally renowned beverage director known for crafting exceptional hospitality and cocktail experiences. From his work at Eleven Madison Park and Clemente Bar in New York City, Sebastian shares his innovative approach to his beverage programs. He discusses the artistry of pairing flavors with gin, his dedication to reducing waste, and his commitment to sourcing responsibly. Beyond the bar, Sebastian discusses his impactful work with Rethink Food and their support of underserved communities. He also opens up about his passion for mentoring young bartenders, helping them grow, and inspiring the next generation of leaders in hospitality. Enjoy this episode as we go Beyond the Drink… with Sebastian Tollius.

This season of #BeyondtheDrink is brought to you by Fords Gin, a gin created to cocktail.

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Gregory Gourdet is an award-winning chef, writer, restaurateur, best-selling author, and television personality. He shares his journey- from pre-med at NYU to studying wildlife biology at University of Montana- and how it led him to Portland, a place where he found sobriety and community. Gregory shares the philosophy behind his acclaimed Portland restaurant, kann, where he infuses Haitian and West African flavors into seasonal dishes. He also discusses his commitment to giving back, from his involvement with Ben’s Friends and Urban Gleaners to his coffee company, Kann Coffee, which supports local Haitian farmers and celebrates one of the country’s essential exports. Enjoy this episode as we go Beyond the Plate… with Chef Gregory Gourdet.

This episode is brought to you by Kikkoman.

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Kappy sits down for an inspiring conversation with Simon Ford, co-founder of Fords Gin and a celebrated figure in the world of spirits and cocktails. As a returning guest, Simon reflects on his journey in gin-making, emphasizing the deeper values Fords Gin brings to the hospitality community. He shares how Fords is more than just a bottle on the shelf; it's a commitment to bringing people together, supporting industry creativity, and giving back through memorable experiences. Simon also gives us a sneak peek (sneak listen?!) at the new cocktail bar at the Fords Gin distillery in London. Enjoy this episode as we go Beyond the Drink… with Simon Ford.

This season of #BeyondtheDrink is brought to you by Fords Gin, a gin created to cocktail.

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In this special episode, host Andrew “Kappy” Kaplan moderates an inspiring panel from the Social Innovation Summit, bringing together three influential voices dedicated to creating positive change through food and sustainability.

• Eric Ripert, acclaimed chef, author, and co-owner of New York’s Le Bernardin, shares his journey of blending culinary excellence with meaningful philanthropy.

• Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America, discusses her commitment to addressing food insecurity across the nation and highlights innovative, community-driven solutions.

• Thomas Jonas, CEO and co-founder of Nature’s Fynd, dives into the role of sustainable food technology and how his company is redefining alternative proteins to create a more resilient and sustainable food system.

This thought-provoking discussion explores the intersections of food justice, innovation, and community empowerment. Enjoy this bonus episode as we go Beyond the Plate… LIVE from the 2024 Social Innovation Summit.

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Marc Rose and Med Abrous are NYC natives who have made a significant impact on Los Angeles' nightlife and dining scenes. They have breathed new life into iconic spots like The Spare Room at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, Genghis Cohen, and the classic La Dolce Vita in Beverly Hills. We explore their creative process, attention to detail, and what drives them to honor the legacy of these storied locations while pushing the boundaries of hospitality. Their community involvement spans across the cocktail community and the various cities they work in- organizations include The Mountaineers, Giving Kitchen, Billion Oyster Project and more! Enjoy this episode as we go Beyond the Drink… with Marc Rose & Med Abrous.

This season of #BeyondtheDrink is brought to you by Fords Gin, a gin created to cocktail.

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Drew Nieporent is one of the most accomplished and influential restaurateurs of our time. He is the founder of Myriad Restaurant Group and co-founder of Nobu Restaurants with actor and producer Robert De Niro. In this episode, we dive deep into Drew's philosophy on hospitality, his reflections on business principles, and his personal challenges, including surviving a stroke and cancer. He opens up about his forthcoming memoir, his 34-year partnership with De Niro, and what keeps him inspired after decades in the business. Drew's deep commitment to philanthropy shines through as he discusses his involvement with Citymeals on Wheels, Garden of Dreams Foundation and City Harvest. Enjoy this episode as we go Beyond the Plate… with Drew Nieporent.

This episode is brought to you by Kikkoman.

This episode is brought to you by Martin’s Famous Potato Rolls.

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Steve Schneider has more than 20 years of bar experience in New York, Singapore, Shanghai and Panama City, earning a reputation as one of the most respected and inspiring bartenders in the industry. He is known for his time at Employees Only when it earned “The World’s Best Cocktail Bar” Award at Tales of the Cocktail. In this episode, Steve shares his journey of opening bars across continents, and how it feels to be back in NYC! We dive into the creative side of his cocktail making and his love for the high-energy atmosphere of bustling bars. Steve also discusses his commitment to giving back, supporting his community, and mentoring the next generation of bartenders. Enjoy this episode as we go Beyond the Drink… with Steve Schneider.

This season of #BeyondtheDrink is brought to you by Fords Gin, a gin created to cocktail.

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