The Graffito Podcast

No one has ever been bold (or dumb) enough to record a podcast live from a Friends and Family event. At least, no one that we know of. But after being invited back by Tom Schlesinger-Guidelli, owner of Hook + Line restaurant, to document the event, we decided that it was time for someone to finally try. For those that don’t know, a Friends and Family event is a mock service that occurs before a restaurant opens to the public. It’s a way to celebrate and thank the many individuals that were a part of the restaurant’s creation, but also a chance for the staff to conduct a full service while surrounded by people that are supportive and forgiving. Once again, Drew and Jesse took their show on the road to record the event and find out what it’s all about. We had tons of great guests stop by to talk to us on our open mic, including many of Tom’s friends, vendors, and staff.

Also on this episode, Drew orders a hanger steak from a seafood restaurant, Brooke fact checks and confirms that Mormons can eat fish, Jesse criticizes the cocktail menu, and Tom defends his cocktail menu. All of that and SO MUCH MORE on this episode of The Graffito Podcast. #TGYP

Special thanks to our sponsors, Hook + Line and Cash For Your Warhol!

Guest Appearances:

Intro with Tom – 0:0:36

Branding Talk with Brooke Porter, Graffito – 0:21:05

Sarah Clasby, Friend & Industry Alum – 0:41:20

Beth Cannon, Friend & Industry Alum  –  1:06:12

Steve Riley, MS Walker – 1:21:50

Chris Mearn, District Real Estate Advisors & Matt Curtin, Newmark – 1:35:19

Mark Cina, Hook + Line Executive Chef – 1:49:39

Wrapping Up With Tom – 2:00:16

Don’t forget to send along questions to podcast@graffito.com. Thanks for listening and goodbye for now!

Host: Drew Katz

Co-Host: Jesse Baerkahn

Music: A Memory of 1995 by Glitch

⁠Don’t forget to send along questions to podcast@graffito.com or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening and goodbye for now!

Host: Drew Katz
Co-Host: Jesse Baerkahn
Music: Cooking by Alex Productions

On this episode of The Graffito Podcast, Drew and Jesse take the show on the road to record on location, for reasons unknown to anyone including our hosts. They visit the future home of Hook + Line, a restaurant that will open later this year by Tom Schlesinger-Guidelli. In addition to getting an update on the restaurant's progress, the gang dives into the complicated Liquor License process in Boston. Then, Drew shares his latest restaurant gripes, which are received with mixed reviews. Also on this episode, Drew changed his name, Jesse changed his name, and Tom’s name has too many characters to travel internationally.

Special thanks to our sponsor, Sally Sebring’s Seashore Shack and Shop.

⁠Don't forget to send along questions to podcast@graffito.com or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening and goodbye for now!

Host: Drew Katz
Co-Host: Jesse Baerkahn
Music: I Can't Stop by Punch Deck

Last week we had a lengthy conversation with Globe journalist, Devra First. We got a taste of what it’s like to be a food writer and restaurant critic in Boston and she shared some trends in the restaurant industry and made a few recommendations along the way. Also on this episode, Drew's not convinced he’s interviewing the real Devra First, Jesse makes a wild restaurant prediction, and Devra doesn’t read your comments. All of this and more on this week’s episode of The Graffito Podcast!

Don't forget to send along questions to podcast@graffito.com. Thanks for listening!

Host: Drew Katz Co-Host: Jesse Baerkahn Music: Like That by Alex Productions

Don't forget to send along questions to podcast@graffito.com or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening and goodbye for now!

Host: Drew Katz
Co-Host: Jesse Baerkahn
Music: Symphony Dragon Slayer by Makai

This week we are joined by Elizabeth Lowrey, principal, director of interior architecture at Elkus Manfredi Architects. Together, we discussed the growing demand for downtown office space, how coronavirus has impacted workplace design, and the relationship between a building’s interior and the surrounding community. Also on this episode, Elizabeth is a fan of Jon Hamm, Drew is a fan of Jon Hamm, and Jesse asks, “Who’s Jon Hamm?”

Don't forget to send along questions to podcast@graffito.com or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening!

Host: Drew Katz
Co-Host: Jesse Baerkahn
Music: Office Hours by Mixaund

Fresh off her first MBTA ride since last March, C.A. Webb, President of the Kendall Square Association, joins us on this week’s episode of The Graffito Podcast. We covered a lot of territory, discussing topics like Cambridge’s reduced permitting and licensing fees, the Life Sciences real estate boom in Boston and beyond (looking at you Middlesex, New Jersey), and what makes Kendall Square so unique. Also on this episode, Drew can’t read, Jesse loses his train of thought, and C.A. calls Drew a capitalist. All of this and more on this week’s episode!

Don't forget to send along questions to podcast@graffito.com or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening!

Host: Drew Katz
Co-Host: Jesse Baerkahn
Music: Beach Time by FSM Team

Don't forget to send along questions to podcast@graffito.com or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening! 

Host: Drew Katz
Co-Host: Jesse Baerkahn
Music: Bust Station by Kazoo (Ex Lab Rat)

Nia Grace, owner of Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen and founding member of the Boston Black Hospitality Coalition, joins Drew and Jesse in The Graffito Podcast studio. She tells us about her upcoming venture, The Underground Café + Lounge, what it was like purchasing a legendary Boston restaurant, and how she’s fighting to make a difference for the few black owned bars and restaurants in our city. After listening, you’ll know why it was no surprise to us that Nia was recently included Boston Magazine’s “The 100 Most Influential Bostonians.” Also on this episode, Nia sings Coldplay, Drew fails his own pop quiz, and Jesse conducts some not-so-risky business.

Don't forget to send along questions to podcast@graffito.com or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening!

Host: Drew Katz
Co-Host: Jesse Baerkahn
Music: Lost In Sargam by FSM TEAM FEATURING

Chef, Restaurateur, and (two-time) James Beard Award winner, Jody Adams, joins us this week to talk about her advocacy work with Massachusetts Restaurant United(MRU), working in what has historically been a male dominated industry, the importance of mentors, and her various life mantras. Also on this episode, we hear about Julia Child’s role in Jody's career, Drew reveals the amount of weight he’s gained during the pandemic, and Jesse makes an inappropriate potato joke.

Don't forget to send along questions to podcast@graffito.com or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening!

Host: Drew Katz
Co-Host: Jesse Baerkahn
Music: Happy Go Lucky By Astrofreq

A lot has changed in the Corporate Catering world since COVID-19 first struck. No one knows that better than Christine Marcus, CEO & Co-Founder of Alchemista, who experienced a total loss of customers, with the exception of one unique Cambridge firm called Moderna. Heard of them? In this episode of The Graffito Podcast, Drew and Jesse discuss with Christine how the office lunch culture has changed, and where it’s heading. And, we learn how a discovery Christine made before the pandemic started saved her business and perhaps set her up for a more prosperous and exciting future. Also on this episode, Jesse struggles with his Chevy Bolt app, and Drew shares his recipe for homemade fruit rollups.

To learn even more, check out these recent articles:
Alchemista in the Boston Globe
Alchemista on Insider

Don't forget to send along questions to podcast@graffito.com or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening!

Host: Drew Katz
Co-Host: Jesse Baerkahn
Music: Echo Blues Effect by Anonymous420

On this week's episode, Drew and Jesse are joined by Liza Shirazi, owner of Revival Café + Kitchen, which has locations in Back Bay, Davis Square and Alewife. Together, they discuss a variety of topics including the overwhelming demand for restaurant workers, the newly offered and often misunderstood Employee Retention Tax Credit (which if you own a business with employees, need to know about), and Liza's partnership with the colorful Chef Nookie. Also on this episode, Jesse does math and Drew warns us that he will lie to your children. All of this and more on this episode of The Graffito Podcast!

Don't forget to send along questions to podcast@graffito.com or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening!

Host: Drew Katz
Co-Host: Jesse Baerkahn
Music: Green Pig by Soft and Furious

After listening, check out these links:
Mamaleh’s
State Park
Vincent’s Corner Grocery
NuMarket

Don't forget to send along questions to podcast@graffito.com or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening!

Host: Drew Katz
Co-Host: Jesse Baerkahn
Music: Buddy by Benjamin Tissot (also known as Bensound)

Thanks to everyone that's listened to The Graffito Podcast over the last few months! We appreciate all of the kind words and encouragement, and we can't wait to come back with more interviews and commentary. As always, don't forget to send questions to podcast@graffito.com or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening!

For this bonus episode of The Graffito Podcast, Drew passes the hosting duties to his colleague Gustavo, who is joined by Corey and Brooke for a discussion about Graffito’s efforts to build a more anti-racist business and better understand issues of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The conversation scratches the surface of what the Graffito team has been thinking about, discussing, and working on related to DEI, and previews where we want to head in the months and years to come. We know this pursuit as individuals and as a business is not short-term work, it’s an “always” and “forever” job. And while we aren't always comfortable talking about racism, it's too important of a topic not to try. We hope you'll listen and let us know what you think by emailing podcast@graffito.com or tweeting @graffitopodcast.

Host: Gustavo Quiroga
Co-Hosts: Corey Zehngebot, Brooke Porter
Music: Equinox by Purrple Cat

On last week's episode, Alcove's Tom Schlesinger-Guidelli made a surprise appearance to challenge Jesse about some of his comments on the Podcast. After the segment, we had an engaging conversation about a variety of important issues including restaurant worker wages, missteps during the BLM protests, "hospitality" during COVID, and his decision to close the restaurant on November 3rd so his team can vote. Fortunately, the microphones were on and the dialogue was recorded. We enjoyed the chat so much that we decided to publish it as an entire episode so you can listen in. Please check it out and send along questions to podcast@graffito.com or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening!

Host: Drew Katz
Co-Host: Jesse Baerkahn
Music: Tripping by Joel Gion

Ayr Muir, CEO and Founder of Clover Food Lab, joins The Graffito Podcast to discuss real estate, technology, and a few new offerings available to Clover customers. Also on this episode, Drew invited a very special "surprise" guest that wanted to confront Jesse about a few questionable statements he made during our talk with Shore Gregory. All of this and more on episode 6 of The Graffito Podcast! Please send along questions to podcast@graffito.com or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening!

Segments:
Ayr Muir – 19:16

Host: Drew Katz
Co-Host: Jesse Baerkahn
Music: Staring At The Sun by The Wrong Sister

On this quick and spontaneous 5th episode of The Graffito Podcast, Chef Nookie joins Drew and Dave to discuss why his Kendall Square restaurant, Commonwealth, is now in hibernation mode. This growing trend, which is usually prevalent in seasonal locations, might just be the only way for his restaurant to survive the winter. Well, that and more government funding. Also on this episode, Nookie refuses to reveal the origin of his nickname, Drew hints at a pulled pork challenge, and Dave admits to watching Disney’s Frozen by himself, before he had children. Please send along questions to podcast@graffito.com or tweet @graffitopodcast. Thanks for listening!

Host: Drew Katz
Co-Host: Dave Downing
Music: A Country Romance by Ahjay Stelino

On this very educational bonus segment of The Graffito Podcast, Drew quizzes Angela and Dave on the best ways for retail tenants to talk to their landlords about rent relief. Also, Drew uses the term “outro,” Dave learns the term “outro,” and Angela records a new “outro.” All of this and more, so listen and be sure to send along questions to podcast@graffito.com or tweet @graffitopodcast.

We’ve heard a lot publicly from retail tenants during the pandemic about the difficulties they are facing. In this episode of The Graffito Podcast, we invited two respected Boston landlords to give us their perspective. Leah Harsfield from National Development and Noam Ron from Hudson Group give their side of the story and don’t hold back in the process. Also on this episode, Jesse informs Drew that people like “Podcast Drew” more than the real thing, and Drew confesses that the longest he can tolerate living with people is about 2 days. Needless to say, Drew understands why Podcast Drew seems so appealing. All of this and more on Episode 4!  

Segments:
Leah Harsfield – 6:33
Noam Ron – 42:02

Host: Drew Katz
Co-Hosts: Jesse Baerkahn and Dave Downing
Music: Slinky by Ron Gelinas

For this week's episode of The Graffito Podcast, we interviewed our friend, Shore Gregory. If his iconic name doesn't ring a bell, maybe you've heard of a little place called Island Creek Oyster Bar? Got your attention now? Shore is a Founder and Owner of this legendary restaurant with locations in Burlington and Kenmore ("as of right") and Row 34 which is located in South Boston and Portsmouth. As you can imagine, he has a lot to say about the current state of the restaurant industry, and we did our best to squeeze out his deepest, innermost thoughts. He also revealed the history, status, and fate of his Kenmore location. All of this and more on Episode 3!!! 

Host: Drew Katz
Co-Host: Jesse Baerkahn
Music: Illusion Music by Aden

In episode 2 of The Graffito Podcast, we interview Josh Shirazi from Shirazi Distributing and Emily Kanter from Cambridge Naturals. First, Josh explains how his company went from one truck to 12,000SF of warehouse space, and he fills us in on how the collapse of the restaurant industry has impacted his business and the overall supply chain. Like most serious discussions with friends, the conversation digresses into less significant things like secondary market Slurpee machines. Fortunately, Emily restores some dignity to the podcast with a Cambridge Naturals history lesson, and explains why, despite an uptick in business during the early days of COVID, they shut their doors to regroup. All of this and more on Episode 2! 

Segments: Josh Shirazi – 4:42
Emily Kanter – 39:20

Host: Drew Katz Co-Hosts: Dave Downing and Jesse Baerkahn
Music: Madness Is Everywhere by Lobo Loco

Oh, that show Drew recommended to Emily: The Dog House: UK

For more info, visit www.graffito.com/podcast

Drew sits with Pagu's Tracy Chang to discuss her COVID pivots and her plans for indoor dining this winter. Nolan DeCoster joins the podcast to talk about Toast's efforts to link businesses with restaurants in Kendall Square. Kate and Trevor Smith explain their inspiration for their new restaurant, Thistle & Leek, and why they didn’t let the pandemic get in the way of their dreams.  

Segments:
Tracy Chang – 4:23
Nolan DeCoster – 25:24
Kate and Trevor Smith – 45:10

Host: Drew Katz Co-Hosts: Dave Downing and Jesse Baerkahn
Music: Left for Deadish by Junior 85

For more information, visit Gaffito.com/podcast!