In this episode of the Backstage Kitchen, Chef Richard Julien speaks with Carl Coutinho, the president of Avondale Sky Winery, and Shawn from the Halifax Progress Club. They discuss the importance of community in the food and wine industry, the evolution of the Crave event, and the dynamics of running a family business. Carl shares insights into the challenges of the wine industry, the significance of customer engagement, and how success is defined beyond just financial metrics. The conversation highlights the personal growth that comes from entrepreneurship and the joy of creating memorable experiences for customers.

In this episode of the Backstage Kitchen Podcast, Chef Richard Julien sits down with singer-songwriter Christina Martin to discuss her journey in music, the impact of Mary Ann Faithfull, and the importance of storytelling in songwriting. They explore the challenges of the music industry, the joy of collaboration, and the connection between food and music. Christina shares her experiences with healthy living, her upcoming holiday music, and her love for cooking, all while reflecting on the inspirations that drive her artistry.

Photo Credit - Cherakee Andresen aka cherakeeandresen.photo on Intragram

In this engaging conversation, Chef Richard Julien welcomes Chef Dan Geltner, who shares his culinary journey from his early days in Montreal to his current role as a consultant and private chef. They discuss the evolution of the food scene in Halifax, the challenges and joys of launching a new restaurant, and the importance of family recipes in shaping culinary identity. Dan reflects on his experiences catering for music festivals and the unique challenges of creating memorable dining experiences in that setting. The conversation culminates in a discussion about the creative process behind developing new dishes, emphasizing the significance of quality ingredients and technique.