Connecticut: 4x James Beard Award Winner, Michel Nischan on Building a Wildly Successful Culinary Career

Titans of Foodservice

This week on the Titans of Food Service podcast, Nick Portillo speaks with Michel Nischan, a four-time James Beard Award Winner and chef. Michel shares his journey from working on his grandfather's farm to becoming a celebrated chef and influential advocate for food equity and sustainability. Michel talks about co-founding Wholesome Wave and Wholesome Crave, and working with the late actor Paul Newman on the Dressing Room restaurant. Nick and Michel discuss the importance of being curious about other cultures' cuisines and Michel’s commitment to using food as a tool for positive social change.

Quotes

• "You need to be able to channel your talent into making customers happy instead of creating things that only intrigue you." -Michel Nischan

• "If you don't make an effort to genuinely know all of your different customers and respect and meet them where they're at and be able to have really open conversations, regardless. Regardless of their ideology or whatever it is, you need to be welcoming to everybody." -Michel Nischan

TIMESTAMPS

(00:02) Michel's Impact on Food Equity and Sustainability

(03:48) Michel's Journey from Farm Life to Four James Beard Awards

(14:24) Authenticity in Restaurant Concepts and Cultural Sensitivity

(18:24) Mentors and Milestones in a Chef's Journey

(25:08) Michel Nischan on Authenticity and American Heritage Cuisine

(28:08) From Dressing Room Restaurant to Wholesome Wave's National Impact

(33:00) The Power of Food in Transforming Health and Society

(37:05) Connecting with Chef Michel Nischan Through Social Media

RESOURCES

Portillo Sales

CONTACT

Nick: [e-mail]