2 barstools and a knife by Professors Nathan Dodge & Brian Connors with Chef John Noble Masi

The guys are back after an extended holiday break. We are ready for a great year! There is no better way to start this season than with a great guest who just so happens to be our friend and colleague: Chef Kimberly Brock Brown. Chef discusses her Midwest upbringing, the benefits of culinary school as well as the benefits of networking. Chef Brown shares her career growth from working in hotels, country clubs, consulting, and television work, to her recent election to be President of The American Culinary Federation(ACF). Chef promotes the benefits of certification in the ACF...

BacardiTALKS -  Episode 52

It's the beginning of the holiday season. In this episode, we are joined by Julio Ruiz, the East Coast Sales Manager for our official glassware collaborator Riedel Crystal of America, Inc.  

We are just 125 days away from the 21st Annual @sobewffest! What better way to kick off #sobewff season than to speak with Chaplin school's own Andrew "Kappy" Kaplan '03. Kappy dishes on his time at FIU, his first-time meeting with Rachael Ray at the festival and his career growth since that meeting as her VP of Culinary Operations. Students and industry veterans alike will benefit from Kappy's advice. We touch on Kappy's leadership role and giving back via his work with "No Kid Hungry." Coincidentally, our Chaplin School has taken over FIU's Food Pantry this month, so we encourage...

Our guest this week has been nominated for 17 Emmy Awards and has won 7 times!  Now he’s an awarding-winning rum producer – he must be the ‘Real McCoy’! This week we are joined by filmmaker and rum aficionado, Bailey Pryor. Bailey is the Founder & CEO of The Real McCoy Rum, which is based on a film he produced for PBS of the same name.

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It’ South Beach Wine & Food Festival’s 20th Anniversary and what better way to celebrate than have one of South Florida’s favorite Chefs join us! This week Chef Jeff McInnis joins us from the popular Bravo television show, “Top Chef” fame and now restaurateur. This three-time James Beard Foundation nominee is building his own brand of restaurants across America. Jeff shares his career path and his journey of becoming a Southern-inspired Chef. His passion for the industry shines through and he has some great advice for young hospitality professionals. The Speed Rail is back this week with a coastal ch...

This week we are celebrating the 175th anniversary of the globally renowned and celebrated Blended Scotch Whisky DEWAR’S! The Guys are joined by not one, but two spirits professionals. Ms. Jacqui Seargeant (@jacquiseargeant) is the Global Heritage Manager & Whiskies Archivist and brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation and the best Scottish Brogue (accent) the show has heard. Gabe Cardarella (@gcardarella) the North American Whisky Ambassador at Bacardi adds wonderful stories about this legendry Scotch Whisky. The amazing Professors Gabriel Urrutia (@looksmelltaste) is guest host this week and drops some DEWAR’S knowledge and his love for all...

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What a treat for the 2 Barstools and a Knife team to be joined by world-acclaimed chef, restaurateur, author, and all-around awesome person Chef Norman Van Aken. While we did not get a chance to talk about chef's multiple James Beard awards, we did talk about his humble beginnings doing odd jobs from "hot tarring" roofs to his first entry into the culinary world as a short order cook. Chef tells some amazing stories about the long list of culinary talent that has flowed through the ranks of his restaurants, to the eternal friendship he developed with Chef Charlie Trotter...

Listen to our very first BacardiTalks featuring Pete Carr, Ryan Bibbo and Heidi Hinkle Vargas, Moderated by Director Brian Connors and Hosted by the Bacardi Center of Excellence.

How lucky are we here at the Chaplin School and at the 2 Barstools and a Knife podcast? We teach our students daily to surround themselves with the best and brightest. Today, we helped them in that effort with our guest speaker Heidi Hinkle Vargas who is one of the best and brightest on Pete Carr's team over at Bacardi North America, who just happens to be the Chaplin School's partner in all things spirits. Heidi discusses her role as VP and Managing Director of On-Premise for Bacardi and her career path in getting to that position. Heidi shares stories...

This week 2 Barstools and a Knife is at it again, and together in the Chaplin School recording studio with a new guest and a new concept that had Professor Dodge’s head spinning. This week we were talking to Kyle Billings from Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Spirits. The trend of low and non-alcoholic beverages is on the rise and Lyre’s is putting out a high quality, premium non-alcoholic spirit with incredible branding. We did not completely abandon alcohol this week, as the Speed Rail focused on us and our guest and we had to paint a picture of our perfec...

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With Saint Patrick’s Day right around the corner, we thought it was time to bring in a Irishman from Boston. This week, the guys have kissed the Blarney Stone and gained the gift of eloquence with Sean O’Toole, President of TEAM (TEAM Enterprises). Sean has a great story, and he certainly experienced the Luck of the Irish when he started his career with an assignment for Playboy that lead him to a career in the field of Experiential Marketing.

Let’s talk about wine and the future of the industry! This week the guys are joined by the leadership behind Wine Future 2021 - Pancho Campo, Master of Wine & David Furer, Wine Educator - and the fabulous Dr. Laura Catena of the renowned Bodega Catena Zapata winery in Mendoza, Argentina - a fourth generation Argentine vintner, physician, and author. 

Happy Valentine's Day from your favorite FIU Chaplin Hospitality podcast crew! Professor Nathan Dodge, Dr. Oren Hertz (sitting in for Professor Connors), and Chef John Noble Masi were joined by guest service expert and all-around hospitality heavy hitter, Michael Fiato.  As the Senior VP of Customer Experience with Compass Group, Mike has "literally" written the book on keys to a GREAT guest experience. Mike discusses his restaurant days and his transition into the corporate foodservice world that began while on a vacation to Disney World. Mike shares an amazing story about how his Disney experience changed his view on t...

That’s another show in the can!” ...well, at least a Ready-to-Drink (RTD) can. This week, Professors Dodge, Connors, and veteran back-up host, Professor Gabe Urrutia, had the privilege of speaking with Gabriela McCoy about the state of the beverage industry and the new 2021 Bacardi Cocktail Trend Report. It was an interesting conversation, discussing what is hot right now in the cocktail arena from the RTD’s, to Tequila, to the classic cocktails making a comeback. Connors finished off the show with his Speed Rail, talking about cocktail trends from days gone by that were fabulous or flops. Listen, Learn...

“Life is too short to drink bad wine.” I know we have said it before, but that is because it's true. This week, the Chaplin School's finest are conversing and sipping with Ana Fabiano, author of The Wine Region of Rioja. “It feels like we are actually on a culinary & wine vacation touring the wine regions of Spain, and I need a vacation!” said Professor Dodge. Ana has a knack for great storytelling and Brian, John, and Nathan were just soaking it all up. It really has been a long time since some of us have traveled, and heading to Rioja...

The future is bright! On this week’s episode, some hospitality powerhouses join the Gents! It is all about people development and our new world of hospitality education. Professor Mary Connors and Dr. Chris Muller are launching the FIU Chaplin School latest innovation the Professional Hospitality Development (PHD) Program.  Learn more at: (https://acceleratelearningsystems.com/)

The guys are back for more! To start season two, we are joined by one of our favorites: Greg Lambrecht the Chairman and inventor of the Coravin. Greg is a serial entrepreneur with a passion for need-based inventions. He is also a great storyteller with a love of wine and creating a better wine world. Greg started his career in the medical industry and found his niche in inventing problem-solving medical devices that lead him to the invention of the Coravin Wine Preservation Systems, which gives us the freedom to enjoy any wine, anytime.  

We’re wrapping up the year and season 1 of “2 Barstools and a Knife” with a pretty, little bow. Professors Dodge, Connors, and Masi reminisced about their favorite episodes over these last nine months. They chatted about what they liked the best, what they were surprised by during the first year’s episodes, and what they are looking forward during season 2 of the show. Listen in for some Christmas ideas, wine suggestions, and the guys enjoying each other’s company for the last time in 2020. We’ll see you with exciting, new episodes in 2021!

This week, our “2 Barstools and a Knife” episode covers all bases partnering with the Chaplin School's fourth installment of BacardiTALKS. Our "Barstools" continue to rotate as Professor Nathan Dodge takes the week off and Professor Brian Connors leads the charge, interviewing three of the industry's rising stars in hospitality, fine dining, and wine expertise: Andrew "Kappy" Kaplan '03 (FIU Alumnus), VP Culinary Operations, Rachael Ray/Watch Entertainment; Rafaela Dulanto '10 MS '12 (FIU Alumna), French Laundry, Thomas Keller Restaurant Group; and Ray Sholes, Sommelier Beverage Account Manager, Carisam-Samuel Meisel, Inc. The group shares great stories on how they each buil...

We are in the last month of 2020, so let’s make it count! This December, “2 Barstools and a Knife” will focus on a mixed bag of discussion subjects - from restaurants, to holiday gift ideas, to what wine/spirit to pair with your favorite meal. Professor Nathan Dodge, Chef John Noble Masi, and Chef Jeremy Houghton jumped right in with a conversation with restaurateur, Memphis Garrett. If you watched “Big Brother All-Stars” on CBS, that name might sound familiar. Memphis starred on seasons 10 & 20 of the hit reality show, but don’t call him a reality star. Memphis prefers restaurateur or entrepren...

This week the guys are joined by the CEO & President of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Mr. Wayne Chaplin. What a great conversation with family stories, business insights, and a discussion about the future of hospitality education. As we recorded this episode before Thanksgiving, Wayne shared stories of his family and the early years of Southern Wine & Spirts, including how he left the legal profession and joined the family business to create a beverage industry juggernaut!

The guys continue our November month of thanks with another great guest this week! Is there a Doctor in the house? There is a Doctor in our “2 Barstools and a Knife” house this week as the guys interview the Chaplin School's own Dr. John Buschman. Dr. Buschman represents everything our School stands for, starting with his tremendous international background. John worked at hotels across the US, Europe, South America, and even in South Africa. John reflects on his once-in-a-lifetime meeting with the then soon-to-be-President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. He goes on to share the significant impact of his work...

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Welcome to November and our month of thanks! Can you believe this is our 31st episode?!  Time has flown by so quickly these past several months. In this week's episode, we welcomed one of our biggest fans to the show – and it’s no surprise that we are all his biggest fans as well. While Florida International University and the Chaplin School have experienced many changes over the past 46+ years, there has been incredible consistency and unparalleled high standards maintained by our Associate Dean of Alumni Relations, the legendary Rocco Angelo. We put on our sport coats and dressed up fo...

It’s Halloween and the guys are talking about ‘ghost kitchens’ (neighborhood kitchens) and the next wave of delivery of chef-driven meals at your door step. Our special guest is Alan Philips, Chief Creative Officer of REEF Technologies. Alan shares his journey from brand experience marketing to joining the innovative REEF group this year. Professor Dodge jumps right in with “What is a ghost kitchen?,” and you will learn how REEF is taking parking lots & celebrity chefs to the next level by creating neighborhood kitchens that can help ‘save’ the restaurant segment. REEF has already teamed up with beloved local restaura...

In this week's episode, the guys: Professor Houghton (filling in for the Napa-bound Professor Connors), Professor Dodge, and Chef Masi continue our fall-focus with guest restaurateur, the President and Owner of the award winning DiSalvo's Station, Joey DiSalvo. Joey discusses celebrating the restaurant's 30th year in operation as well as his Italian roots growing up in the family restaurant business. Joey shares his journey, graduating from both the CIA & FIU, before assuming the reins of the family restaurant business in Latrobe, PA. It was great to learn more about Joey's focus on how he drives the daily sales at...

Beer, beer, glorious beer! How can we do Octoberfest without a discussion about beer!?! You can call it birra, bier, piwo, or cerveza; I call it delicious. We pop some suds with FIU Alumnus and beer guru Luis Brignoni (2008), president and founder of Wynwood Brewing Company. What a fun conversation about transitioning from a Mr. Beer home-brewing kit to being part of the largest beer company in the world! How has coronavirus impacted Wynwood Brewing company on-premise and off-premise business? How did they end up on the NCL Escape? What is next for the beer industry and their brand...

What a great start to the Fall season & Oktoberfest at 2 Barstools and a Knife! This week, we speak with a true legend in the world of culinary education. Similar to what Associate Dean, Rocco Angelo, means to us at FIU and in the world of hospitality education, ACF Certified Master Chef Fritz Sonnenschmidt shares that same legendary status in the world of culinary education. We start our discussion with Chef’s culinary training in the traditional European apprenticeship, where he studied under a master chef who just happened to be female. Chef shares how travel has influenced both his pa...

We switched it up a little this week. Professor Dodge, Connors, and Chef Masi brought in 3 industry experts Jeremy Houghton, Gabe Urrutia, and Jaymee Mandeville. I wouldn’t say it was all fun, because we definitely talked about some tough subjects, ranging from the fires in the wine region to where we see the industry now and in the future. It was a little different than the usual “2 Barstools and a Knife", but we learned a little more, and we hope you do as well.

This week the “food and beverage trifecta” is joined by restaurant executive and Master Sommelier, Sabato Sagaria. They enjoy an engaging conversation about careers in the restaurant and beverage industry, talk about the importance of certifications, and developing people. Sabato tells great stories about growing Union Square Hospitality's portfolio of outstanding restaurants, working alongside legendary hospitality professional Danny Meyer, and expanding the beach culture of Brazil, Uruguay, and Southern California brand called bartaco nationally. This week's Speedrail is all about Casa de Sab and the amazing culinary creations he shares on Instagram (@sabato3), but with a twist, you may or m...

Professor Dodge faced his kryptonite this week, it and looks like he might have found a friend in Tequila. The boys had a great time this week talking with award winning mixologist, Manny Hinojosa with Tequila Cazadores and Corzo. We spoke with Manny about the Mexican Chardonnay, his journey from Mexico City to San Francisco, and his life behind the bar. Manny brings his passion and expertise of Tequila Cazadores and Corzo to the “Two Barstools and a Knife” podcast.  We were also surprised to have Jaymee Mandeville, the National Trade Education Director from Bacardi, join the show to talk...

Food, Glorious Food! Sadly, Rum Month is over, and after rounding out August filled with #Rum and talking about beverages, the guys shift gears and start off National Hispanic Heritage Month and "Siptember" with a great culinary guest. This week the guys are joined by local South Florida culinary talent and Chaplin School Alumnus: Chef Bernardo Espinel 2014. Chef discusses his culinary roots and the journey from his Colombian roots to culinary stints in the Caribbean, NYC, and now in Miami. Chef Bernardo, Senior Faculty Instructor at Miami Culinary Institute, shares his thoughts on teaching his students and developing passionate...

Dreams do come true! This week the guys are joined by Nicola Olianas, the Global Ambassador for the legendary 175-year-old brand Fernet-Branca! Chef Masi has the opportunity to talk about cooking with this magical elixir and the fabulous culinary creations that Nicola has made. The fun keeps going as Professors Dodge and Connors discover the “bartender’s handshake,” the proper etiquette of the Fernet-Branca coin club, and the history of the iconic brand. They find out what’s going on within Argentina and how the 27 herbs and roots recipe is a modern-day phenomenon. The Speed Rail will leave you hungry f...

One of the most popular parts of the "2 Barstools and a Knife" podcast is the speed rail. We put together a fun compilation of Professor Brian Connors questions. We hope you enjoy.

In this week's episode, the guys:  Professors Connors, Dodge,  & Chef Masi, finish up Rum Month with Bacardi's Master of Rums: David Cid. David discusses his Caribbean roots and his journey, from graduating hospitality school and working in hotels, to developing his passion for beverages and all things #rum . It was great to learn more about David's focus on the growth of Bacardi's super premium portfolio and what actually makes a super premium rum. We also loved hearing about David's passion and his career advice - pushing yourself and your continuous growth. There were great life lessons in David's journey an...

“This week on Two Barstools and a Knife we welcome back and congratulate Professor Connors on his recent nuptials! He, along with Professor Dodge and Chef Masi, had the opportunity to talk with the Calypso Epicurean, Ira Claxton, and Bacardi Brand Master, Juan Coronado. We had fun talking to them about the Caribbean - especially the food, rum, music, and some literature. Getting a food and drink perspective this week was awesome as we make our way through Rum Month.  New episodes every Friday!” 

The guys continue their focus on Rum Month this week with a special guest:  award winning bartender and author Jim Meehan @mixography.  If you appreciate great cocktails and super premium rums, you will love this episode.  Jim has an incredible bar background that goes back to his days working with Danny Meyer in NYC’s Gramercy Tavern and helping found the famous East Village speakeasy PDT. Jim discusses his cocktail roots and the inspiration behind his many bar awards, including his James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar Program. We also talk about the bar experience we all miss, what it ta...

Aloha from Hawaii and all places in the South Pacific! We are thrilled to have FIU Hospitality Alumnus & second-generation general manager for the Fort Lauderdale Mai Kai, Kern Mattei. Kern told us that Mai Kai means “The Finest,” and when we started rum month, we knew we wanted to talk to the finest about Rum.  Of course, we reached out to Mai Kai because they have one of the oldest and best rum selections in South Florida. You are in for a treat… Prepare to be transported to Polynesia on a “Barrel of Rum.” Professors Dodge, Connors and Chef Masi enjoye...

“2 Barstools and a Knife" has a special 15-minute, mid-week, episode. Professor's Dodge, Connors, and Chef Masi had a great conversation with our dear friend Gabe Urrutia. What better way to kick off Rum Month than with Gabe making rum cocktails here in South Florida with a mouthwatering mango rum. New episodes every Friday.

In this week's episode, the guys are kicking off Rum Month and are joined by 6th Generation BACARDÍ family member, Rachel Dorion. Rachel is Heritage Communications Coordinator for The BACARDÍ Archives. Have you ever wondered how a 158-year-old private company stays relevant in today’s ever-changing market? Well, having a passion for the culture and history of this iconic Rum brand is a start!

In this week's episode, the guys went cruising with Royal Caribbean International's Vice President of Food and Beverage Operations, Linken D'Souza. Linken was one of this year's South Florida Business Journal's "40 under 40" award recipients. He discusses his career path to his dream job developing, improving, and managing all of the food and beverage concepts throughout RCI's fleet of 26+ ships. Linken focuses on his unique background, career path, and working in the many aspects of hospitality before earning RCI's top F&B position 3 years ago. Linken passes on some unique insight into the cruise industry and offers some great advice...

This week, we were excited to speak with Chef Michelle Bernstein (@chefmichy), talking about the crazy stuff going on in Miami and the rest of the country in the restaurant industry. Michelle reflects on her education at Johnson & Wales and her connection with FIU Chaplin School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. Listen to our fun, laid back conversation that really got us all thinking about what is important now, in life and in the industry. New episodes every Friday:

In keeping with the conversation of wine from last week, “2 Barstools and a Knife” talks to Shari Gherman from @AmericanFineWineCompetition . Shari, born and raised in Miami, talks about the wine industry and the growth of American wine. Shari and AFWC are all about Florida charities! She has been a huge supporter of @FIUHospitality and recently teamed up with 32auctions.com to sell some amazing wines benefiting @PoochesInPines. New episodes every Friday:

This week, the guys are joined by wine industry veteran and International Wine Educator, Lars Leicht. Lars is the Vice President of Education and Communication of the SOMM Journal and Tasting Panel publications. They talk about the changing wine industry and how the successful documentaries SOMM and SOMM Into the Bottle (which he is featured in) have inspired the next generation of wine professionals. They also talk about the current state of the restaurant industry, the future of wine education, and explore the popularity of the ‘bartender’s handshake or Sommelier Guilty Pleasure’ known as Fernet-Branca. If you are a #win...

The guys are on a roll with impressive guests on “2 Barstools and a Knife.” This week, President of @BacardiUSA, Pete Carr, talks about his path in the beverage industry and new trends. How does a 158-year-old family company thrive today, and what are they doing differently? Pete talks about @Bacardi willingness to break the mold and try new things, their investment in future beverage professionals, being on the forefront of women in leadership @BacardiWIL, and inspiring minorities in the beverage industry. Remember, “Chase the opportunity, don’t chase the money!” New episodes every Friday:

"Restaurants define a city" 

In this week’s episode, we had a pleasure of talking with the amazing Rachel Samson who discusses her path to her dream job creating digital content here in Miami through her @stickaforkinme Instagram account. She discusses the Miami food scene, how she has adapted in our new COVID-19 world and incredibly how she built her IG account to over 300,000 loyal and engaged followers. You will love this conversation...We did!

This week the guys are “cracking a cold one” with the marketing director of one of the states largest micro-breweries, Funky Buddha Brewery. We are discussing what it is like to be a part of Constellation Brands while still being a part of a community in South Florida. Join us for a great discussion about John Linn and Funky Buddha, where they came from, and some of the changes that they are experiencing post COVID-19.

In this week's episode, we take a look behind the lens of Award winning food and beverage photographer Libby Volgyes. Libby shares her stories on the state of the industry, what separates a good from great picture, her fave local dining spots, and offers some great tips for those who want to improve their food and beverage photo game! Edutainment at its finest!

Episode Description: 

Special guest this week Chef Allen Susser. Check out Chef Allen's instagram page https://www.instagram.com/chefallensusser/ . New episodes upload every Friday at noon.

Special guest this week Jacqueline Coleman. Check out Jacqueline's website https://historyandwine.com/about/ . New episodes upload every Friday at noon.

Professors Nathan Dodge & Brian Connors with Chef John Noble Masi

Professors Nathan Dodge & Brian Connors with Chef John Noble Masi

Professors Nathan Dodge & Brian Connors with Chef John Noble Masi

Professors Nathan Dodge & Brian Connors with Chef John Noble Masi