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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Scott Heimendinger on Reinventing the Chef's Knife with Ultrasonic Technology
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July 22, 2026

Scott Heimendinger on Reinventing the Chef's Knife with Ultrasonic Technology

This week on Chefs Without Restaurants, Chris Spear talks with inventor Scott Heimendinger, founder of Seattle Ultrasonics and co-founder of Sansaire. If you've ever cooked sous vide at home or followed Modernist Cuisine, there's a good chance you've used, or been influenced by, Scott's work. His latest project is the world's first ultrasonic chef's knife designed specifically for home cooks. Chris and Scott discuss Scott's journey from Microsoft to the food world, what inspired him to spend
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Recipes from the American South with Michael Twitty
260
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 history and storytelling.
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From Meal Prep to Prime Time: Brandon Rogers on Next Level Chef
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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. Listen now for behind-the-scenes insights, personal chef strategies and some fun moments from the show.
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The Freelance Writer’s Playbook with Nevin Martell
258
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 Looking for Calvin and Hobbes, The Founding Farmers Cookbook and the Red Truck Bakery Cookbook). This episode is a practical, candid look at how to build and sustain a writing life. Nevin lays out his l
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Tristen Epps Talks Top Chef, Cultural Cuisine and Finding His Culinary Voice
257
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. Tristen shares personal victories, industry wisdom, and reflections on what it means to elevate underrepresented cuisines.
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Behind the Bar with Kara Newman: Spirits, Cocktail Trends and Home Bars
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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 her journey and the creative world of cocktails.
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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 in the comfor…
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