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Dishin’ Up Diaspora presents a powerful live episode from “Food Without Borders,” recorded at Ohsun in Seattle. Chef Emme opens the night, then welcomes keynote speaker Monica Dimas—chef, restaurateur, and Mexican immigrant—whose story traces finding home, healing, and creativity through food. She’s followed by a spirited panel with author/producer Andrea Pons  and chef/creator Jose Garson, exploring immigrant identity, community care, and the kitchens that shaped them. Across this conversation, we unpack what it means to cook from memory and migration: the Sunday carne asada nostalgia, the notebooks of abuela’s recipes, the pride and pain of assimilation, and the moment you stop hiding and start telling your story. We talk industry realities—gatekeeping vs. sharing, fine-dining standards vs. our own techniques, permits and “pop-ups,” hiring immigrants legally as contractors—and how chefs can build spaces where Latin food isn’t just served, it’s celebrated. Expect honesty, humor, and the kind of vulnerability that turns a meal into a movement. What you’ll hear:  • Monica on losing—and rediscovering—the spark for cooking by embracing her immigrant story  • Andrea on transforming 14 years of fear and shame into pride, advocacy, and the Mamacita cookbook  • Jose on rejecting “blend in” culture, centering Latinx street food, and teaching guests to eat with intention  • The case for storytelling on the plate: survival, creativity, and why American food is immigrant food  • Practical ways to support immigrants in the industry (hiring, mentorship, contractor pathways)  • Integrity, community, and raising the next generation with culture, joy, and openness Why this episode matters: Food is the language of the diaspora. It carries memory, resistance, and love. In a time when immigration is politicized, these voices remind us that community begins at the table—and that telling the truth about our journeys is a radical kind of hospitality. Perfect for listeners who love: immigrant stories, Latinx/Latine food culture, Mexican and Latin American cuisines, culinary entrepreneurship, cookbook writing, restaurant life, identity and belonging. If you enjoyed this episode:  • Follow, rate, and review Dishin’ Up Diaspora  • Share this conversation with a friend in food or a first-gen creative  • Tag your takeaways and favorite quotes so we can amplify your voice Listen in, settle in—and join us at the table. 

In this powerful episode of Dishin’ Up Diaspora, Chef Emme sits down with culinary trailblazer Chef Tiffany Derry — Top Chef fan favorite, two-time James Beard Award finalist, and now the first full-time Black judge on MasterChef — for an inspiring, unfiltered conversation about resilience, representation, and reclaiming your power in the kitchen and beyond. From humble beginnings at an IHOP in Beaumont, Texas to commanding national television screens, Chef Tiffany shares how determination, mentorship, and authenticity shaped her journey to becoming one of America’s most respected voices in food. She opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome, navigating male-dominated kitchens, and building a restaurant group that celebrates Southern heritage, food equity, and cultural preservation through beloved concepts like Roots Southern Table, Roots Chicken Shack, and Radici Wood Fired Grill. You’ll hear Chef Tiffany and Chef Emme dive deep into: What it means to lead with purpose as a Black woman in the culinary industryHow Top Chef and MasterChef shaped Tiffany’s career and gave her a national platformThe real talk behind opening restaurants, franchising, and building community wealthHow Southern and Italian cuisines connect through history, flavor, and heartWhy representation in food media and fine dining still matters more than everPractical advice for young chefs and entrepreneurs on finding their voice, trusting the process, and creating their own seat at the tableChef Tiffany also shares a personal look at what it takes to maintain balance, stay grounded, and keep growing even when the world is watching — reminding us all that “it’s not a deserve, it’s yours.” Whether you’re a chef, food lover, entrepreneur, or creative, this conversation will leave you inspired to own your story and cook without limits. ✨ About the Guest:  Chef Tiffany Derry is a celebrated chef, restaurateur, and television personality known for her soulful Southern cooking and culinary advocacy. She is the owner of Tiffany Derry Concepts, Roots Southern Table, Roots Chicken Shack, and Radici Wood Fired Grill, and serves as a judge on FOX’s MasterChef and PBS’s The Great American Recipe. Follow Chef Tiffany Derry @mastercheftd  🎧 Listen now for a powerful dose of honesty, humor, and inspiration — and discover how Chef Tiffany is redefining what it means to lead, create, and uplift the next generation of chefs through food and storytelling. Follow @dishingupdiasporapodcast and @chefemme_ on Instagram for more behind-the-scenes stories, culinary inspiration, and upcoming guests.

In honor of Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month, we look back at this fun episode with Brazilian food writer and chef  Jaine Mackievicz.  We explore what it mean to manifest the life you want. For Chef Jaine Mackievicz, it meant dreaming beyond the Amazon rainforest, falling in love with French cuisine fro n honor of Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month m afar, and teaching herself English by reading cookbooks. Today, she’s a rising star in the culinary world, known for her infectious joy, fearless ambition, and deep passion for storytelling through food. In this episode of Dishin’ Up Diaspora, Jaine shares her extraordinary journey—how her family ended up deep in the heart of the Amazon, how she discovered her love for French cuisine (thanks to none other than Julia Child), and how she went from moving to the U.S. with no plan and no English to competing on The Julia Child Challenge on Food Network. We also dive into a thought-provoking conversation about authenticity in food—what it really means, why Jaine rejects the term, and how food is a constantly evolving expression of culture, migration, and identity. This is a dynamic, heartfelt, and joyful conversation about resilience, passion, and the power of food to transform lives. Jaine’s energy is truly infectious, and her story is a testament to what’s possible when you dream big and go all in. 📲 Follow us on Instagram:  @dishinupdiasporapodcast | @chefemme_ | @mackievicz 💬 Loved this episode? Screenshot & tag us—we’d love to hear your thoughts! 

In honor of Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month, we’re revisiting one of our most heartfelt and thought-provoking conversations — a story that beautifully captures the complexity of identity, migration, and belonging through food. This special re-release celebrates Chef Gino Garcia’s powerful journey and the ways our culinary traditions continue to preserve and tell our histories. In this episode of Dishin' Up Diaspora, I’m joined by Chef Gino Garcia for a deeply personal conversation about identity, immigration, and the stories food can tell. As a first-generation American, Gino grew up torn between two worlds—navigating the tension between assimilation into American culture and preserving his family's rich Mexican heritage. We dive into his parents’ immigration story, the sacrifices they made, and the complex choices many immigrant families face when trying to build a new life without losing their roots. Gino shares how food became a powerful bridge back to his ancestry, and how reclaiming traditional flavors and recipes helped him reconnect with his culture on his own terms. Before his journey into the culinary world, Gino worked in social services, serving marginalized communities. He reflects on how that experience shaped his worldview and his approach to food, community, and storytelling. Today, Gino describes his work as culinary anthropology—using food as a lens to explore, preserve, and celebrate cultural identity. We also talk about his exciting project writing The Official Disney’s Coco Cookbook, a celebration of the traditions, memories, and spirit of family that inspired the beloved film. Through it all, Gino's story reminds us that food is more than sustenance—it’s history, resistance, and love passed from one generation to the next. In this episode, we explore: Growing up first-generation in AmericaThe battle between assimilation and cultural preservationFinding identity and healing through foodHis early work in social services and community advocacyHis philosophy of culinary anthropologyWriting The Official Disney’s Coco Cookbook and connecting food to memoryHonoring his family's legacy while forging his own pathIf you love stories about food, identity, immigration, and creative journeys, this conversation will stay with you long after you listen. Make sure you are subscribed and share with your family and friends! Follow Gino Garcia @mextizopnw  Follow @dishinupdiasporapodcast and @chefemme_

In this episode of Dishin’ Up Diaspora, Chef Emme sits down with powerhouse journalist and storyteller Danielle Dorsey, senior editor at the Los Angeles Times food section and a James Beard Award–nominated writer, for an inspiring conversation about food, culture, identity, and the stories that shape us. Danielle opens up about her journey from the Inland Empire and San Diego to becoming a trusted voice in LA’s dynamic food scene, with past roles at Thrillist and features in Travel + Leisure, Culture Trip, Essence, Travel Noire, and more. Known for her sharp perspective and deep curiosity, Danielle shares how her love of travel writing led her to food journalism, and why ingredients like tapioca and hibiscus hold such powerful stories across the African diaspora, Latin America, Asia, and beyond. Together, Chef Emme and Danielle dive into: The importance of diverse voices in food media and why representation matters.How Black culinary traditions in California often go unseen, and the need to spotlight stories beyond the South.Danielle’s experience covering communities during moments of crisis, like the LA wildfires, and how she balances storytelling with self-care.The story behind her James Beard–nominated feature “Warmth and Black Tradition at the Thanksgiving Table,” which celebrated the creativity and heritage of Black chefs through a Thanksgiving spread.Practical advice for aspiring food writers and editors on finding your voice, building confidence, and leaning into your unique perspective.What Danielle hopes her legacy will be as a cultural storyteller — creating more lanes for voices that deserve to be heard.This episode is more than a conversation about food; it’s about how recipes, ingredients, and culinary traditions connect us to history, migration, resilience, and belonging. Whether you’re a writer, chef, or simply someone who loves food and culture, Danielle’s insights will leave you inspired to honor your own story and the stories around you.

What does it mean to reconnect with your roots after years away from home? In this heartfelt episode of Dishin’ Up Diaspora, Chef Emme sits down with Camille Morgenstern, founder of The Rio Kitchen, a vibrant lifestyle brand that celebrates Brazil through food, stories, and handmade objects. Camille shares her powerful journey of leaving Rio de Janeiro at 17, spending 15 years in the United States without returning, and finally experiencing the soul-filling catharsis of going back to Brazil. From the moment she stepped off the plane, Camille describes being embraced by her country, her food, her family, and her friends — a giant hug that reawakened her sense of belonging and identity. That transformative trip changed everything, inspiring her to launch The Rio Kitchen as a bridge between cultures and a love letter to Rio. Together, Chef Emme and Camille dive into: Brazilian identity & diaspora: What it means to be Carioca (a native of Rio) and how immigrant life in the U.S. often blurs cultural ties.Food as memory and heritage: From brigadeiros and palha italiana to Brazilian pizza and the everyday prato feito plate of rice, beans, meat, and veggies.Italian & German immigration in Brazil: Camille’s family history reveals Brazil as one of the world’s largest melting pots, home to the biggest Italian, Lebanese, Japanese, and African diasporas outside their continents of origin.The power of condensed milk: Why this humble ingredient is at the heart of so many Brazilian desserts and why it deserves global recognition.Health and wellness, Brazilian style: How the balanced Brazilian plate helped Camille reset her energy, immunity, and lifestyle — and why beans are the unsung superfood.The Rio Kitchen vision: Beyond recipes, Camille curates tableware, shares stories, and builds a community around Brazilian culture, creating an approachable lifestyle brand that honors her heritage.This conversation is funny, emotional, and deeply relatable to anyone who has ever felt caught between cultures, or longed to reconnect with home. Whether you’re Brazilian, part of a diaspora, or just curious about how food tells our stories, this episode will leave you inspired. 🎧 Tune in to hear Camille’s story, discover the richness of Brazilian foodways, and explore how culinary traditions keep us connected to history, identity, and each other. 👉 Follow Camille at @theriokitchen and explore her work at www.theriokitchen.com . 👉 Stay connected with Dishin’ Up Diaspora: follow on Instagram @dishinupdiasporapodcast and @chefemme_

In this inspiring episode of Dishin’ Up Diaspora, Chef Emme sits down with her very own literary agent, Stephanie Molina, for a candid conversation about the world of publishing, representation, and the power of storytelling through food and culture. Stephanie is a vibrant force in the publishing industry and an advocate for underrepresented voices. As an Asian Latina of Japanese, Mexican, and Irish descent, she brings a unique perspective to her work as a literary agent at Ladderbird Literary Agency, where she represents fiction and nonfiction authors, with a strong focus on BIPOC creators. Since beginning her career in 2015, Stephanie has made it her mission to amplify stories that too often go unheard. We dive deep into: Stephanie’s personal journey growing up between cultures, with strong ties to both Mexican and Japanese family traditions.The importance of food heritage and how it connects us to our roots, even when recipes aren’t written down or passed along directly.What exactly a literary agent does and why they are essential for authors who want to publish traditionally.The barriers and inequities in publishing, especially for BIPOC writers, and how agents like Stephanie are working to change the landscape.Why authenticity matters in cookbooks and cultural storytelling, and how to avoid the pitfalls of watered-down, “cookie-cutter” publishing approaches.Practical advice for chefs, creatives, and aspiring cookbook authors on building a platform, finding the right agent, and protecting their vision during the publishing process.The challenges of predatory or “write-to-market” publishing deals, and how to navigate them with confidence.Chef Emme and Stephanie also share personal stories of frustration and joy: from discovering cultural cookbooks written by outsiders who got it wrong, to the pride of documenting recipes for future generations, to the hope of seeing more diverse cookbooks filling bookstore shelves today. Whether you’re a chef dreaming of your first cookbook, a writer looking for representation, or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes world of publishing, this episode is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and real talk. Stephanie’s insights remind us that our stories and foodways are not just recipes—they are living connections to identity, family, and culture. ✨ Tune in and be inspired to honor your own story, your own heritage, and your own voice. Follow Stefanie on Instagram: @agentstefanie  Follow us on Instagram: @dishinupdiasporapodcast

In this episode of Dishing Up Diaspora, Chef Emme sits down with the incredible Angela Davis, better known as The Kitchenista—a chef, food blogger, cookbook author, and award-winning voice behind The Kitchenista Diaries. Since 2012, Angela has built a devoted following with more than 300 bold, soulful recipes, celebrated for blending creativity, culture, and honesty in the kitchen. Her work has been featured in The Washington Post, Food52, HuffPost, and Hour Detroit, and she’s collaborated with major brands like Aveeno, KitchenAid, and Royal Caribbean. A winner of both the Black Weblog Awards and the Shorty Award for Food, Angela has reshaped what it means to be a modern culinary storyteller. We talk about her Cape Verdean heritage, the influence of moving around the world as a military child, and the powerful role food played in connecting her to culture and community. Angela opens up about her early career in accounting, how cooking became both a creative outlet and a lifeline, and the moment she decided to launch The Kitchenista Diaries. From street food memories in Germany to rediscovering Cape Verdean dishes as an adult, Angela shares the journey of reclaiming her roots through food. This episode also dives into the evolution of food blogging and social media, from the early 2010s blogging boom to today’s content-saturated landscape. Angela and Chef Emme discuss the challenges of carving out space as Black women in the culinary world, building independent platforms like Patreon, and balancing creativity with sustainability. The conversation is raw, real, and deeply relatable for anyone navigating the intersections of food, culture, identity, and entrepreneurship. What you’ll hear in this episode:  – Angela’s journey from corporate accounting to becoming The Kitchenista – How moving between Texas, Virginia, Germany, and beyond shaped her love for food – The role of Cape Verdean heritage in her cooking and identity – Early struggles and triumphs in the food blogging world – The realities of content creation, recipe development, and protecting your work online – Building independent communities through Patreon, classes, and digital cookbooks – Honest reflections on loneliness, resilience, and creating your own lane in food media Whether you’re a longtime fan of Angela’s recipes or new to her story, this conversation will inspire you to think about food not just as nourishment, but as a powerful link to culture, memory, and the future we create for ourselves. 👉 If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Dishing Up Diaspora wherever you listen to podcasts or watch on YouTube.  👉 Follow Angela on Instagram @thekitchenista and support her work on Patreon! 👉 Connect with me, Chef Emme, on Instagram @chefemme_ and follow the show @dishinupdiasporapodcast .

  What does it take to break into some of the toughest kitchens in America, reinvent yourself from musician to chef, and build restaurants that challenge everything we think we know about food, culture, and work?  In this episode of Dishin’ Up Diaspora, Chef Emme sits down with Chef José Garzón — the Ecuadorian-born creative force behind Seattle favorites like Garzón Latinx Street Food, Ekeko Drinking Snacks, Chifa, Lola Supper Club, and his latest venture, Bad Chancla, named one of Bon Appétit’s most anticipated restaurant openings of 2024. His restaurants have also been featured in The Stranger’s “Best of Seattle” list, cementing him as a chef and entrepreneur reshaping the Pacific Northwest dining scene.  José’s story is anything but ordinary. Before food, he toured the U.S. as a guitarist with bands like MxPx. Between shows, he worked in kitchens where he fell in love with cooking. His path took him from butchering floors in Pennsylvania, to culinary school in Washington, to staging at fine-dining restaurants — and eventually to redefining what Latinx food and immigrant-driven cuisine could look like in Seattle.  Together, we dive into:  The immigrant food experience — growing up on the coast of Ecuador, raised by his grandmother Lola, and later navigating American kitchens as a Latino chef.Toxic hustle culture in restaurants — why “looking stressed” was valued more than confidence, and how he stood his ground against outdated expectations.Pop-ups as disruption — how Garzón Latinx Street Food and Ekeko transformed Seattle’s dining scene by creating full experiences, not just transactions.Authenticity is bullshit — why the word “authentic” doesn’t capture the complexity of immigrant food traditions.The realities of running a restaurant — why most owners don’t pay themselves, and why side hustles, collaborations, and media work are now essential for survival.Immigrant identity today — from assimilation and denial, to reclaiming pride and speaking out in a political climate that often pushes immigrants to the margins.Mentorship and legacy — why José opens doors for younger chefs, especially women and chefs of color, to give them opportunities he had to fight for. This episode is raw, inspiring, and unfiltered — a conversation about food as art, resilience, and identity. Whether you’re a chef, entrepreneur, immigrant, or food lover, you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of how restaurants really work, why immigrant voices matter, and how joy can be an act of resistance.   🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.  📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube.  Follow Chef José Garzón on Instagram @holajosegarzon and learn more at garzonpnw.com. Follow the podcast on Instagram @dishindiasporapodcast  

In this episode of Dishin’ Up Diaspora, Chef Emme sits down with Skyler Mapes, co-founder of EXAU Olive Oil and one of the only Black women producers in the global olive oil industry. Named to Forbes 30 Under 30, featured on Oprah’s Favorite Things, and recognized by the Official Index of the World’s Best Olive Oils, Skyler has built a brand with a passionate cult following — and she’s here to share the journey. From her multicultural upbringing in Oakland, California, with Jamaican and Panamanian roots, to meeting her husband Giuseppe (a third-generation olive farmer from Calabria, Italy), Skyler’s path to olive oil was anything but traditional. She opens up about falling in love with the craft, the decision to leave her architecture career, and the realities of building a business with your spouse. We dive deep into: How extra virgin olive oil is really made — from harvest to milling to bottlingThe difference between a brand owner and a true producerWhy regenerative farming and supporting small growers matters for the future of foodThe three biggest myths about olive oil (and why they need to be debunked now)How social media — especially TikTok and Instagram — landed her a book deal with Ten Speed Press for The Olive Oil EnthusiastWhy olive oil belongs in your cooking pot (yes, you can cook with it!) and even your skincare routineWhat it’s like navigating the Italian food industry as a Black womanThe power of storytelling, visibility, and owning your expertiseWhether you’re a food lover, home cook, entrepreneur, or someone dreaming of making a living from your passion, this conversation is packed with insight, humor, and inspiration. Skyler shares real talk on building confidence, unlearning limiting beliefs, and setting boundaries while chasing big, scary, but exciting goals. If you’ve ever wondered how to choose high-quality olive oil, how terroir and cultivar affect flavor, or why the Mediterranean diet relies so heavily on this golden ingredient, you’ll walk away with knowledge you can taste. And if you’ve been holding yourself back from sharing your work online, Skyler’s story will convince you to hit “post” today. About Skyler Mapes: Skyler is the co-founder of EXAU Olive Oil, award-winning producer of premium extra virgin olive oil, and co-author of The Olive Oil Enthusiast. She splits her time between Italy and the U.S., working directly with small farmers and mills to preserve traditional methods while embracing innovation. About Chef Emme: Chef Emme is a Brazilian chef, storyteller, and host of Dishin’ Up Diaspora, exploring how culinary traditions connect us to culture, history, and each other. Where to Find Us: Follow Skyler: @skylermapes Follow Chef Emme: @chefemme_

What does it take to leave your home, your friends, and everything familiar—at just 10 years old—and start over in a country where you don’t speak the language? In this powerful episode of Dishin’ Up Diaspora, Chef Emme sits down with the incomparable Bricia Lopez—James Beard Award–honored restaurateur, best-selling author, cultural ambassador of Oaxacan cuisine, and co-owner of the legendary Los Angeles restaurant Guelaguetza—to talk about immigration, cultural preservation, family, and the art of building a life that honors your roots while embracing new opportunities.  Bricia was born in the small town of Mitla, Oaxaca, surrounded by the rich traditions, strong women, and vibrant community that define the region. At the heart of her childhood were the smells and flavors of her grandmother’s kitchen, the sound of rain on warm earth, and the communal spirit of Oaxacan life. But in the mid-1990s, her family made the courageous decision to immigrate to Los Angeles—a move that would change everything.  Long before social media, smartphones, or instant messaging, immigration meant more than physical distance—it meant losing contact with your entire network overnight. Bricia shares what it was like to grow up in an era when the only way to hear her grandmother’s voice was to call the one central phone in town and hope someone could run to find her before the call dropped. She opens up about the loneliness of starting over, the culture shock of attending school in a predominantly white, affluent neighborhood, and the way she straddled two very different worlds every day.  Inside the walls of Guelaguetza, however, it was as if she had never left Oaxaca. The restaurant became a sacred cultural sanctuary, a place where Oaxacan traditions, flavors, and community thrived. Bricia talks about the realities of working in the family business from a young age, the challenges and pressures that came with it, and the turning point when she realized this was more than “just a job”—it was an art form.  Throughout the conversation, Bricia and Chef Emme explore themes that resonate far beyond the kitchen:  The immigrant experience before the internet—and the emotional resilience it requiredGrowing up bicultural—navigating American education while preserving Oaxacan heritage at homeFamily, food, and identity—how the Lopez family built a restaurant that became a cultural hub for Oaxacans in Los AngelesWomen in the restaurant industry—the double standards, the ambition gap, and creating spaces for women to leadEntrepreneurship with purpose—from authoring bestselling cookbooks (Oaxaca and Asada) to co-hosting the Super Mamas podcast and founding the nonprofit Regarding Her, which supports women restaurateurs Bricia’s story is one of courage, creativity, and connection. It’s about honoring where you come from, turning challenges into fuel, and building a legacy that feeds both stomach and soul. Whether you’re an immigrant, a food lover, an entrepreneur, or someone who’s ever dreamed of creating something meaningful, you’ll walk away from this episode inspired and empowered.   🎧 The episode is out now—listen wherever you get your podcasts.   Follow Bricia Lopez on Instagram: @bricialopez Follow Chef Emme: @chefemme_ Follow us at @dishinupdiasporapodcast    

In this episode of Dishin’ Up Diaspora, Chef Emme sits down with acclaimed food journalist Tan Vinh, whose decades-long career at The Seattle Times has helped shape the way Seattle eats, drinks, and thinks about dining. From the rise of cultural cuisine in mainstream media to the ethics of restaurant criticism, Tan opens up about the complexities of his role, the backlash that sometimes follows a review, and what it really means to be a “cultural reporter” in an evolving, multicultural city. Together, Emme and Tan explore the intersections of food, identity, journalism, and justice—reflecting on everything from immigrant food stories to the pressure of writing for a broad (and sometimes resistant) audience. Tan shares how growing up in an immigrant household shaped his worldview, why covering food is never just about what's on the plate, and how criticism can both uplift and challenge communities. This is an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes look at food writing from someone who has covered it all—from dive bars and late-night haunts to fine dining and high-stakes food politics. Whether you’re a chef, writer, eater, or curious observer of culture, this episode offers insights into how stories about food are crafted, contested, and consumed. 🔍 Topics we cover in this episode:  – The responsibilities and ethics of food criticism  – Covering immigrant restaurants and being mindful of cultural nuance  – Navigating backlash and accountability in journalism  – How journalism has changed in the digital age  – What it’s like being one of the only Asian Americans in a mainstream newsroom  – Why telling the truth about food sometimes ruffles feathers—and why it matters 🎧 Stream now wherever you get your podcasts (Apple, Spotify, Amazon, etc.)  📲 Follow @dishinupdiaspora on IG for more conversations that connect food, culture, and identity.

In this powerful episode of Dishin’ Up Diaspora, host Chef Emme sits down with the brilliant and bold Chef Lana Lagomarsini, a Bronx-born culinary force who’s redefining what it means to cook through the lens of the African diaspora. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Lana has worked in acclaimed kitchens like Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Gramercy Tavern, and Momofuku Ko—and went on to become a fan favorite on Netflix’s Pressure Cooker and a competitor on Top Chef Canada.  Lana opens up about her multicultural upbringing shaped by Southern soul food, Puerto Rican, German, and Italian influences—and how growing up in NYC exposed her to a rich tapestry of food culture, from garlic knots to Jewish delis. She shares her pivot from a journalism degree at Northeastern University to culinary school, driven by a love of food media and a deep-seated desire to tell stories through cooking.  In this episode, we dive into:  What it means to cook through the lens of the African diasporaWhy Lana rejects the word “elevated” and how she instead reimagines Black heritage cuisines through fine dining techniquesHer journey from restaurant kitchens to launching her own private chef business, Lana Cooks, during the pandemicThe realities of private cheffing, catering, residencies, and food festivals—and how to break into that worldHer thoughts on competition cooking, imposter syndrome, and staying true to your culinary voiceThe importance of community and collaboration among Black women chefsAdvice for aspiring chefs looking to forge their own path outside the traditional restaurant system Lana also speaks candidly about authenticity, responsibility in representing diasporic cuisines, and why she believes words matter—sharing why she never says “elevated” and chooses language that honors the history of the food she cooks.   Whether you’re a culinary creative, food lover, or just someone navigating identity through your work, this conversation will leave you inspired, empowered, and craving more.   🎧 Listen now to hear how Lana’s artistry, activism, and ancestral flavors come together in the kitchen—and how you can carve your own path too.   Follow Chef Lana: @lana_cooks Follow the podcast: @dishinupdiasporapodcast Follow Chef Emme: @chefemme_ Subscribe, rate, and leave a review wherever you listen! Join the community on Patreon for exclusive content.   

In this dynamic episode of Dishin’ Up Diaspora, I sit down with the trailblazing Fariyal Abdullahi—James Beard Award nominated chef, creative, philanthropist, and one of the very few Black women at the helm of some of the most high-profile kitchens in the industry.  Fariyal’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Born in Ethiopia, she shares how her immigrant experience shaped her resilience and hunger for more. We talk about how she initially pursued a degree in psychology to meet family expectations, only to later pivot and fully embrace her passion for food and hospitality. That bold leap not only transformed her life, but also positioned her as a powerful force in the culinary world—one that refuses to be boxed into a single title.  You’ve seen her as a guest judge on major cooking shows and featured in magazines like Vogue and Food & Wine, but today, Fariyal opens up in a way we rarely get to see. From the pressure of being a woman of color in high-end kitchens to the liberation that comes from defining yourself on your own terms, this conversation dives deep into what it truly means to lead with authenticity.  We explore:  The unspoken challenges and triumphs of being an immigrant in hospitalityHow family expectations shaped (and delayed) her culinary pathFinding the courage to pivot from psychology to the kitchenThe weight and pride of being one of the few Black women at the topWhy she rejects being “just” a chef—and how creativity, storytelling, and service fuel her missionHer philanthropic work and how she’s using her platform for impactHow she centers wellness and self-care in an industry that glorifies burnoutThe daily rituals that keep her grounded amidst chaosRedefining success as a woman, as an immigrant, and as a leader This episode is a celebration of multidimensionality—a reminder that we don’t have to choose one path, one label, or one identity. Fariyal’s story is proof that when you dare to do what’s true to you, even in an industry that rarely makes space for that kind of truth, the doors will open.   Whether you’re an aspiring chef, a fellow immigrant, or someone figuring out how to follow your passion while honoring your roots—this one’s for you.   Tune in now and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share if you’re moved by this conversation.   Subscribe to Dishin’ Up Diaspora for more powerful stories at the intersection of food, identity, and culture. Follow Fariyal Abdullahi on Instagram @fariyalabdul Follow me, Chef Emme, for updates on new episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and upcoming events @chefemme_ and @dishinupdiasporapodcast This episode is sponsored by Chef Emme TV on Patreon—your backstage pass to exclusive recipes, kitchen tips, and content you won’t find anywhere else. And right now, membership is free—so don’t miss out! In

  In this powerful solo episode of Dishin’ Up Diaspora, Chef Emme takes you on a deep and flavorful journey into the sacred world of Candomblé, the Afro-Brazilian religion where food is a divine offering—not just nourishment. This episode explores how Bahian cuisine, African spirituality, and ancestral resilience intersect in powerful, soul-stirring ways.  Rooted in West African spiritual traditions and shaped by centuries of resistance and adaptation, Candomblé is more than a religion—it’s a living archive of cultural survival. Emme breaks down how each orixá (deity) has specific foods and rituals associated with them, and how those offerings serve as acts of reverence, communication, and empowerment. Learn how ingredients like dendê oil, black-eyed peas, and banana leaves carry deep spiritual meaning and connect present-day Bahians to their African ancestors.  Through stories of sacred dishes like abará, moqueca, vatapá, and caruru, Emme illustrates how Friday meals in Bahia—often meatless and rich with ritual—reflect a complex spiritual practice that blends Catholicism, African traditional religion, and Indigenous beliefs. From honoring Oxalá with white foods to preparing spicy abará for Iansã, each dish becomes a vehicle for prayer, protection, and remembrance.  This episode invites you to rethink how you experience food—not just as sustenance, but as ceremony, memory, and resistance. Whether you're familiar with Afro-Brazilian religious practices, or just beginning to explore the spiritual dimensions of food, this episode offers insight, reverence, and connection.  ✨ You’ll Learn About:  The roots and resilience of Candomblé in BrazilThe role of food as a sacred offering in Afro-diasporic religionsWhy Bahian dishes like moqueca and abará are spiritually significantThe symbolism of dendê (red palm oil) in Afro-Brazilian ritualsHow Friday traditions in Bahia reflect deep spiritual syncretism Whether you’re a chef, a cultural explorer, a spiritual seeker, or part of the African diaspora, this episode will deepen your understanding of how food sustains not just the body—but the soul.   Follow us on IG @dishinupdiasporapodcast and @chefemme_