In this episode I sit down with restaurateur, Founder and CEO of Chicago’s Spirit Elephant, CD Young to dive into the delicious world of vegan and plant-based cooking. Hear CD's personal story growing up with horses and discovering how remarkably similar to humans they are leading her on a vegan food path. Follow along her inspiring journey as a female restaurateur, overcoming gender biases, and fostering a woman-forward culture in her restaurant, Spirit Elephant. Plus, we talk about the growing trend of zero-proof spirits and the advances in vegan food options leading to more vegan fine dining options (including the mouth-watering Valentine's week menu at her restaurant).

Along the way, CD shares some amazing tips on creating moist, flavorful treats using alternatives like vegan sour cream and plant-based yogurt while we chat about the wonders of aquafaba and its many uses, from making meringues to vegan cheese. You may also catch my personal stories experimenting with alternative ways to whip up a nostalgic snack from my childhood.

Throughout the episode, CD and I reflect on our personal food preferences, favorite vegan products, and the evolving landscape of plant-based dining. CD then walks us through her scrumptious plant-based Broccoli Cheddar Soup recipe, perfect for busy days and delightfully zero-waste.

The Recipe starts at 59:31

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Spirit Elephant Restaurant: Website, Instagram
Elephant & Vine Restaurant: Website, Instagram

Business Coaching Website: SpiritBizPeople
Farm Website: Crown Hill Farm

Missy’s Social Media: Instagram, Facebook

Are you looking to elevate your Business in a mindful and aligned way? Get a 1:1 Business Coaching Session with Missy at: WomenInFood.net/workwithmissy

This episode of Women in Food is a little bit different as I turn the tables, I mean microphone, and sit down to become the guest. I’ve brought in Social Entrepreneurship Coach and Host of the Awarepreneurs podcast, Paul Zelizer to interview ME about food, business and my personal story.

I have to say, as I listen to this conversation, it feels raw and vulnerable to share this behind-the-podcast look at my journey from my childhood growing up in a family business through multiple career chapters to creating what Crown Hill Farm is becoming. During this conversation I share some of my perspectives on intuitive business growth—like the patient tending of a garden—and delve into my strongly held belief in the power of nurturing relationships as the bedrock of success for any business or venture.

Along the way, our conversation organically unfolds between the art of raising chickens, ducks, and geese, the nutritional value of pasture-raised eggs, and my passion for farm-to-table sustainability. Through some of my stories you’ll hear about the resilience I’ve tapped into through life's wild weather, and hear bits of what inspires me to host Women in Food, grow a food-based farm business and of course follow my passion for cooking and food!

I share a recipe for my favorite way to cook eggs — Eggs en Cocotte— as we chat about stewarding the land with grace and my intuitive approach to business coaching. It’s all a part of what weaves through my daily life on the farm. So, join us as we dance within the worlds of business acumen, farming culture, and the reverence for the humble egg in a discussion overflowing with gratitude, interconnectedness, and the celebration of women's influence in the food industry.

The Recipe starts at 51:48
Resources mentioned in this episode:

Business Coaching Website: SpiritBizPeople
My Farm Website: Crown Hill Farm

Missy’s Social Media: Instagram, Facebook

Are you looking to elevate your Business in a mindful and aligned way? Get a 1:1 Business Coaching Session with Missy at: WomenInFood.net/workwithmissy

If you enjoyed Paul Zelizer’s interview, please go listen to his podcast, Awarepreneurs

Become a member of the Women In Food Community at: WomenInFood.Net/Community

This episode of Women in Food is unique as one of the rare times I interview a “man in food” — food writer and journalist, Andrew Galarneau. During this conversation we dance between topics like an innovative take on cooking eggs to the complexity of gender inequality in the culinary industry. Andrew lays bare what he sees is the sobering truth of women's underrepresentation in professional kitchens and the obstacles they face, from systemic discrimination to the difficulties in establishing their own ventures.

Along the way, we take a short culinary tour through Buffalo's diverse food scene, as Andrew shines a light on the importance of supporting immigrant-owned eateries. He also shares some super practical advice for those in the food business on making their mark with media professionals and the importance of clear communication with strong business acumen. Andrew tops it off with his story and accompanying recipe for Yiayia’s Tzatziki Sauce.

This was a serious yet enlightening dialogue, providing insight into both the joy of gastronomy and the critical issues that shape the industry. Tune in for this rich blend of flavorful stories and essential conversations on the path forward for women in food

The Recipe starts at 48:36
Resources mentioned in this episode:

Andrew’s Social Media: Instagram, Facebook

Andrew’s FourBites Website with reviews and food conversations in the Buffalo, NY region

Are you looking to elevate your Business in a mindful and aligned way? Get a 1:1 Business Coaching Session with Missy at: WomenInFood.net/workwithmissy

Become a member of the Women In Food Community at: WomenInFood.Net/Community

Missy’s Farm Website: CrownHillFarm.com
Missy’s Business Coaching Website: SpiritBizPeople.com