Chefs Without Restaurants

Chefs Without Restaurants

Join Chris Spear on his podcast, "Chefs Without Restaurants," as he interviews food and beverage entrepreneurs who have taken a unique path in the culinary world. With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including his own personal chef business, Perfect Little Bites, Chris is dedicated to helping others grow and succeed in the food and beverage industry. His guests include caterers, research chefs, personal chefs, cookbook authors, food truck operators, farmers, and more – all individuals who have paved their own way in the culinary world. Tune in to hear their inspiring stories and valuable insights on the road less traveled in the food and beverage industry.

Recent Episodes

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Recipes from the American South with Michael Twitty
Oct. 15, 2025

Recipes from the American South with Michael Twitty

Michael Twitty returns to Chefs Without Restaurants to talk about his new cookbook, Recipes from the American South. With over 250 dishes and stories, this episode dives into the layered traditions of Southern cooking, from cornbread to possum and sweet potatoes. A must-listen for fans of culinary …
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From Meal Prep to Prime Time: Brandon Rogers on Next Level Chef
Sept. 29, 2025

From Meal Prep to Prime Time: Brandon Rogers on Next Level Chef

Chef Brandon Rogers joins Chris Spear to share what it’s like competing on Next Level Chef with Gordon Ramsay. In this candid conversation, Brandon talks about his culinary background, what led him to the personal chef world and how he balances high-level service with creativity and business smarts…
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The Freelance Writer’s Playbook with Nevin Martell
Sept. 3, 2025

The Freelance Writer’s Playbook with Nevin Martell

“No one buys a story—editors buy a pitch.” That’s the frame for today’s conversation with D.C.–area journalist, photographer and writing coach Nevin Martell. You’ve seen his byline in places like The Washington Post, Washingtonian and The Boston Globe. He’s the author of eight books (including Look…
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Tristen Epps Talks Top Chef, Cultural Cuisine and Finding His Culinary Voice
June 12, 2025

Tristen Epps Talks Top Chef, Cultural Cuisine and Finding His Culinary Voice

Tristen Epps is a James Beard-nominated chef and Top Chef finalist whose journey, from JWU and the Greenbrier to mentorship under Marcus Samuelsson, shaped his unique Afro‑Caribbean voice. In this episode, we dive into race and food value, cultural gatekeeping, and resilience during competition. Tr…
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Behind the Bar with Kara Newman: Spirits, Cocktail Trends and Home Bars
May 29, 2025

Behind the Bar with Kara Newman: Spirits, Cocktail Trends and Home Bars

Spirits writer and cocktail expert Kara Newman joins Chris Spear to talk about the evolution of modern mixology. From wild drinks like sour cream and onion martinis to smart home bar tips and the rise of non-alcoholic beverages, Kara shares her insights and inspirations. Listen now to learn about h…
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A Taste of the Balearics: Jeff Koehler on the Spanish Mediterranean Islands Cookbook
May 14, 2025

A Taste of the Balearics: Jeff Koehler on the Spanish Mediterranean Islands Cookbook

Discover the rich culinary traditions of Spain’s Balearic Islands with award-winning food writer Jeff Koehler. In this episode, Jeff joins Chris to discuss his new book, The Spanish Mediterranean Islands Cookbook, and the seasonal, ingredient-driven cooking that defines island life. From daily mark…
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Recent Blog Posts

Why Doing Free Work as a Personal Chef is a Recipe for Disaster
Feb. 22, 2023

Why Doing Free Work as a Personal Chef is a Recipe for Disaster

On this week’s Chefs Without Restaurants Podcast On this week’s podcast, I discuss the dangers of free work for personal chefs. As a personal chef, my business is centered around providing my clients with a restaurant-style experience i…

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