The Moth Radio Hour: Three Chefs and a Meal Host: Meg Bowles
Release Date: May 23, 2018

Introduction

In this episode of The Moth Radio Hour, host Meg Bowles presents "Three Chefs and a Meal," a collection of compelling stories that explore the intricate relationship between chefs, their culinary journeys, and the memorable meals that define their careers. The episode delves into themes of passion, resilience, tradition, and the transformative power of food.

1. Chris Fisher: From Farm to Presidential Feast

Timestamp: [02:38] - [15:29]

Summary: Chris Fisher, a farmer and chef from Martha's Vineyard, shares his unique culinary journey rooted in his upbringing on his grandfather's farm. From a young age, Chris was immersed in the rhythms of farming life, learning to gather mussels, lure bluefish, and skin deer under his father's guidance. His transition into the culinary world began at age 13 in a kitchen, where his passion for cooking was ignited after a transformative dining experience at Mario Batali's Babo Restaurant in New York City.

Key Moments:

• Early Life and Culinary Foundations: Chris recounts his childhood on Martha's Vineyard, highlighting the island's rich history and tight-knit community. His hands-on experience with local ingredients laid the groundwork for his future in the kitchen.

• First Experience in a High-End Kitchen: A pivotal moment occurs when Chris dines at Babo Restaurant, where the quality of the food and the kitchen's intensity inspire him to pursue a career as a chef. His determination leads him to secure a job at the restaurant, despite his initial lack of formal training.

• Facing the Chaos of a Professional Kitchen: Chris vividly describes his first night in the bustling kitchen, feeling overwhelmed by the fast-paced environment and the unspoken language of chefs. Through perseverance, he climbs the ranks to become sous chef before ultimately returning to his roots on the farm.

• The Night of the Presidential Visit: Chris narrates a high-stakes evening when his restaurant is visited by the President and First Lady. The arrival of the Secret Service injects tension, but thanks to his talented team, including a young chef named Sadie Dix, they successfully serve an exquisite meal. A notable quote from Chris encapsulates the pride and privilege of his heritage:

  "We are the privileged ones to be born here, to be proud of where we're from."
  (Timestamp: [14:45])

Insights: Chris's story underscores the importance of embracing one's origins and the profound impact of community and tradition on culinary excellence. His ability to balance farming with running a restaurant highlights the symbiotic relationship between agriculture and gastronomy.

2. Evan Kleiman: A Choking Incident Turned Lifesaver

Timestamp: [19:20] - [29:20]

Summary: Evan Kleiman, host of the Good Food radio show on KCRW, recounts a harrowing experience of choking during a meal with her partner, Joe. The incident serves as a life-changing moment that not only tested their relationship but also affirmed the importance of being prepared for emergencies.

Key Moments:

• Building the Restaurant Dream: Evan describes the intense process of opening a restaurant in Los Angeles, from securing funding to overcoming bureaucratic hurdles. Her relationship with Joe is portrayed as a blend of shared passion and the strains of high-pressure environments.

• The Choking Incident: While enjoying a meal at a Greek restaurant, Evan begins to choke on a piece of tomato. As panic sets in, Joe rushes to her aid despite his initial helplessness. Drawing on their Red Cross training, Joe performs the Heimlich maneuver, ultimately saving Evan's life.

  "I knew what to do. This was like the beginning of the Heimlich maneuver miracle."
  (Timestamp: [24:10])

• Aftermath and Reflection: The incident leaves a lasting impression on Evan, reinforcing the importance of preparedness and the strength of their bond. The shared experience deepens their understanding of each other and the fragility of life.

Insights: Evan's story highlights the critical role of emergency training and the profound impact of life-threatening events on personal relationships. It serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of being ready to act in moments of crisis.

3. Abhishek Shah: Navigating the High Stakes of a Job Interview

Timestamp: [30:14] - [38:54]

Summary: Abhishek Shah, a food enthusiast known among friends as a "food finisher," shares his experience during a critical job interview in 2008 amidst the peak of the recession. His story emphasizes the pressures of cultural assimilation and the challenges of meeting professional expectations in a foreign environment.

Key Moments:

• The High-Stakes Interview: Abhishek describes the anxiety of preparing for a job interview while adhering to unfamiliar cultural norms, such as dressing formally and mastering the use of chopsticks in a sushi restaurant setting.

• The Sushi Mishap: During a lunch interview at a sushi restaurant, Abhishek struggles to use chopsticks, ultimately causing a scene by spilling chicken soup over his potential manager.

  "I was just observing everyone on how they were using chopsticks... I thought, let me take it before it falls there."
  (Timestamp: [35:50])

• Recovery and Redemption: Despite the embarrassing incident, Abhishek showcases resilience by addressing the mistake head-on, highlighting his ability to adapt and leverage his unique background to offer value to the company.

  "I can bring diversity to your group, and I can talk to your clients in my local language."
  (Timestamp: [37:20])

Insights: Abhishek's narrative underscores the importance of authenticity and adaptability in professional settings. His ability to turn a potential failure into an opportunity for growth illustrates the value of resilience and self-awareness in overcoming cultural and professional barriers.

4. Roy Choi: Learning to Butcher Beyond Culinary School

Timestamp: [39:07] - [52:13]

Summary: Celebrated chef Roy Choi recounts his unexpected education in butchery and the profound lessons learned from an unconventional mentor, Salvador. His story illustrates the significance of hands-on experience and cultural immersion in shaping a chef's expertise.

Key Moments:

• Early Culinary Aspirations: Roy shares his journey from aspiring chef to graduating near the top of his class at the Culinary Institute of America. His ambition leads him to a managerial position at La Casa del Zorro resort in Borrego Springs, California.

• The Unexpected Lesson: Roy meets Salvador, a dishwasher with whom he forms an unspoken bond. One morning, Salvador enlists Roy's help in butchering a goat, exposing Roy to the raw and visceral aspects of preparing meat.

  "I ended up always becoming friends with people that maybe I don't speak the same language of... there’s a common and shared experience."
  (Timestamp: [45:30])

• Transformative Experience: The act of processing the goat, coupled with the cultural teachings from Salvador's family, profoundly changes Roy's perspective on cooking. This experience equips him with a deeper understanding of meat preparation, beyond formal culinary education.

Insights: Roy Choi's story emphasizes the value of experiential learning and the importance of mentorship outside traditional educational frameworks. His narrative highlights how immersive, hands-on experiences can profoundly shape one's culinary philosophy and techniques.

Conclusion

In "Three Chefs and a Meal," The Moth Radio Hour masterfully weaves together stories that highlight the diverse paths chefs take in their culinary careers. From Chris Fisher's farm-to-table journey and Evan Kleiman's life-saving moment to Abhishek Shah's interview ordeal and Roy Choi's hands-on butchery lessons, each story underscores the passion, challenges, and transformative experiences that define the world of cooking. These narratives not only celebrate the art of food but also explore the human connections and personal growth that flourish within the culinary landscape.

Notable Quotes:

1. Chris Fisher on Pride in Heritage:

   "We are the privileged ones to be born here, to be proud of where we're from."
   (Timestamp: [14:45])

2. Evan Kleiman on the Choking Incident:

   "This was like the beginning of the Heimlich maneuver miracle."
   (Timestamp: [24:10])

3. Abhishek Shah on Overcoming the Interview Mishap:

   "I can bring diversity to your group, and I can talk to your clients in my local language."
   (Timestamp: [37:20])

4. Roy Choi on Shared Experiences:

   "There’s a common and shared experience."
   (Timestamp: [45:30])

Additional Resources

• Chris Fisher's Beetlebung Farm Cookbook: Explore Chris Fisher's cookbook, filled with recipes and stories from Martha's Vineyard, available on themoth.org.
• Roy Choi's Book - La Sun My Life, My City, My Food: Discover more about Roy Choi’s culinary journey and his influence on the food truck movement.
• Submit Your Own Story: Interested in sharing your story on The Moth? Visit themoth.org to learn how to submit your pitch.

Production Credits: The Moth Radio Hour is produced by Atlantic Public Media in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, and presented by the Public Radio Exchange (PRX). Special thanks to storyteller Chris Fisher, Evan Kleiman, Abhishek Shah, and Roy Choi. For more information, visit themoth.org.