Hot Plates & Grapes

Back again with another gem!!  

Each episode is near & dear to our hearts but this is extra extra special! We're chatting with Marie-Laurence Archambault, a new but lifelong homie that Aaron met hooping on the courts at the Marcy Playgrounds in Bed-Stuy. This certified hooper was born & raised in Quebec, Canada, and is making a difference in the basketball community on & off the court across the globe. To what level/capacity, you'll have to watch and see. It'll blow your mind.   

We rap about life and how it's changing by the day now that she's expecting a child. Marie played in college, so we wanted to see if she ever wanted to be drafted and what era would does her game fit into. She and Aaron usually talk food when they link so we see how she grocery shops and is it different from the American way. Being that she's seen a lot of the world, we were curious about the suburb/rural vs city life. As always, we wrap the convo by seeing what's been moving or motivating in her life at the moment.   

Lot's of laughs and candid moments in this one. Press play and watch two people who've known each other for such a little time have a bond this strong

Our 3rd installation for the Word on the Vine series!

We have another podcast collaboration set up for this episode. We're going to chat with Christian Spicer, who's Aaron's old roommate from Virginia! He's the producer and writer for Geeked Up Podcast Productions which has a lot of content avenues launched and in the works. Avenues that include Anime, Sports, and Pop Culture! They talk about it in a way you & I would, so it's always a good convo. 

We talk about the good ole days in VA and catch up on lost time. We dive into some sports and talk dream scenarios with DC sports. We lived together for some time in VA so we got deep and talked about what's currently inspiring. We got strong brother vibes during this episode so press play and listen to the homies kick it.

Keep up with Christian:

Instagram: @0zzy_spice , @geekedupproductions 

Twitter: @Spicer_Who

Geeked Up Productions Links: https://allmylinks.com/geekedupproductions

Up Next! Rivesh Chalise is a natural-born hustler who was born and raised in VA. He’s also known our host for over 10 years, so he’s considered a brother to us. He’s doing a lot in the world that is pretty groundbreaking. So much we can't even tell you, you need to listen to this episode to find out.  

Ok well.. we'll tell you this much. We'll talk about life as per usual, dive into some money talk/mentality, and then get a little goofy like real brothers are supposed to. This one means a lot to our host so we busted out the @laherteaurelien bubbly for this occasion. Press play and watch two brothers from different mothers vibe out to the fullest. 

How to keep up with Rivesh:  Instagram: @xrivesh @wayovereast

The Hot Plates & Grapes Podcast is back with a new series!

Last year was a bit too serious for all of us, so this go-'round we're going to lighten things up a bit. Introducing, "Word on the Vine" a mini-series where we chat with the homies about whatever comes to mind. Shorter episode format because it's the summer and nobody got time for all that. 

Up first is Steffi Michelle, a native of the Boogie down Bronx & Founder of the Read of Roses Podcast. Her show breaks from society's rules and drops rose petals along the way by talking about mental health, beauty, astrology, fashion, and disco. We sat down and had an amazing conversation about our society as a whole, dove into my birth chart, and the current inspiration in her life. As of course, we always have some type of drinks so we pulled out Oxbow's Farmhouse Pale Ale's to quench our thirst.

Press play and enjoy casual banter that will have you giggling more than your dentist appointments.

.............

Stay up w/ Steffi 

Instagram: @readofroses

Podcast: https://anchor.fm/steffimichelle

Tik-Tok: steffimichellexo

Read of Roses Homepage: readofroses.com

En Español: letrasderosas.com

THE SEASON 1 FINALE!

This podcast is the hospitality industry in your ears with a glass of wine and your host, Aaron Mays. Listen to this episode that gets personal with him and his Momma, connecting how he got the confidence and skills to start this podcast from growing up with a speech pathologist mother. During this conversation, we talk about having the NY state of mind, the influence of lineage and family, and the impact the hospitality industry had in Vanessa's current career, and how that has shaped her son. Listen in on our host getting answers to the tough questions he was never 'old enough' to know. It’s all about the power of words, baby. No test, no testimony.

Vanessa Collins is a Speech-Language Pathologist for the Stafford County Public Schools. Born and raised in Mount Vernon, NY, Vanessa was surrounded by names such as P. Diddy, JB Smoove, Heavy D, Talent, & Denzel Washington. Her origins in hospitality are what lead her to pursue her Masters of Science and her current position as the county’s specialist in speech-language and other impairments.

Thank you for listening and supporting our podcast during our inaugural season! Had an absolute blast talking to our guests and gaining a deeper perspective on life. We are going to take some time off and come back with an even stronger second season. In the meantime, follow our Instagram @hotplates.and.grapes to keep with our moves and any bonus content. 

Until then, please enjoy what we have created so far. We'll be back before you know it.

Charlie Reyes, Harlem born & raised on 123rd & Lexington Ave, is a man who bleeds hip-hop and hospitality. From Mcdonalds to corporate restaurant jobs, to working at the legendary speakeasy bar, Please Don't Tell. He solidified himself and perfected his craft thru Charlie Bird, the opening on Pasquale Jones, Legacy Records, and Adas Place. During that time creating Audio Culture, a business curating original playlists that centralize in amplifying dining experiences.

Charlie's work has been; featured in GQ, Masters and Dynamic, The Observer, Bento Box, and The Wall Street Journal. It's only fair that we get to sit down and talk to him about how his business has changed the way we dine. We'll always do a wellness check first and foremost. Then we progress into the good, the bad, and the ugly during his journey. Grab a thorough take on how he views his birthplace, NYC. Then, wrapping up the amazing conversation by talking about his contributions to the industry.

With a bottle of 2019 Francesco Renaldi & Figli, Grignolino d'Asti, to keep us company.

Recorded Oct. 8th, 2020

Hudson Yards, NYC

Jeffery Lee is not only a partner at the Ryan Lee Gallery in Chelsea, NYC. He is also the Phil Jackson for his artists whose work speaks to him. From the DMV to NYC began his career at 19 as an intern for Mary Ryan. Accelerated to Gallery Director and was later approached to become her business partner. Although Jeffery focuses mainly on private collections, some art has found its way into restaurants. Amplifying, one of the most crucial elements in a successful establishment, ambiance. 

This conversation was essential to have with Jeffery about how restaurants should invest in art that makes people feel something. We cover how he gets into the wide world of art. Break down some of his accomplishments and see when/if it ever got ugly. How New York City features in his career and what about it makes it so drawing. We'll pour out the bottle of Domain Chapel's 2019 Beaujolais-Villages by talking about his approach to his work and where from here. 

Recorded Sept. 23rd, 2020

Hudson Yards, NYC

Carla Rza Betts is a sommelier, wine-maker, co-founder, philanthropist, and an overall incredible human being. Her hospitality career ranges from starting out as a silverware polisher to excelling as Wine Director for many of NYC's top restaurants. Eventually, she elected to pursue "An Approach To Relaxation", a Southern Australian project making wine with her husband, Richard Betts. She has been featured in "The New York Times", an episode of 60 Minutes, "Wine Enthusiast", "Winery to Watch", and many more!

As she is currently living in Amsterdam with her husband, we had to do this one virtually. No worries though! We still find out how she came up, her experiences during that time, and dig into the evolution of her vision in business. In every episode of HP&G, we also centralize New York as a topic and what it brings to the industry. We're taking it on home with how she has contributed to the industry and what's next.

All while enjoying our bottles of wine, solo. I brought a 2019 Gretaraiko Txakolina by Gañeta from La Luz Selections, perfect for an 11 am conversation with a +6hr time difference, it's 5 o'clock somewhere right? ;)

Recorded September 16th, 2020

Hudson Yards, NYC

Ryan Hardy is the Chef & CEO of Delicious Hospitality Group. The group that brought you New York’s Charlie Bird, Pasquale Jones, Ada's Place, Easy Victor Café, & my former stomping grounds Legacy Records Restaurant.

Fresh out of college, the Kentucky bred chef began his career at Robert De Niro's San Francisco restaurant, Rubicon. At 25 he took on the Rustique Bistro in Aspen that made Esquire's 'Best New Restaurant' list. Progressed to working with Mark Miller at the Coyote Cafe in Santa Fe' before taking on the Harbor View Hotel on Martha's Vineyard in MA, where he won 'Best new chef in New England.' He then returned to Aspen to run culinary operations for the famed Little Nell. It was there that he decided to take his passion for Slow Food to the next level- he went on to own and operate a 30-acre organic farm. It was not long until he was nominated for a James Beard award, not once, but four times.

In 2013 he took his talents to NYC, which led to the creation of Charlie Bird, and ultimately, Delicious Hospitality Group. This episode means a lot to us, being that this is the reason why we decided to keep this episode as raw as possible. We wanted it to be all-natural, just like the Gamay we're drinking from Vivanterre, a natural wine project from Beaujolais. Perfect for the conversation.

Recorded Sept. 3rd, 2020

Hudson Yards, NYC

Eric Fleming is a sommelier, life coach, and intuitive tarot reader who got his start in Brooklyn, NY. Working his way through the ranks of Jean Georges ABC Kitchen, then taking his talents to Charlie Bird, where his sommelier career began. Eric's mission is to innovate to create community, entertain, and educate. This desire led to creating the Gay Wine Club, a social event series for queer people-and their allies-that want to drink great wine and learn about it in a fun, approachable way. Fleming also became a part of Open Wine Forum, and most recently, was awarded the Master's Level Champagne scholarship through the Black Wine Professionals, Laurent-Perrier, and Wine Scholars Guild partnership.

Currently living in Puerto Rico, I had to reach out through good ole zoom to have this conversation. We first off, ask how he is doing as a person, like really. Then we find out about how he got into the industry, climbing up the ladder, and the experiences that come with it. Dig into what he's accomplished and how his vision changed over time. As always, talk about New York City and his experiences during his time here. We wrap up by tapping into his mindset and what he is contributing to the industry. All while drinking Rum Punch, and I'm drinking a bottle of Adega de Vimbio Albariño 2017 to pair with this genuine conversation.

Recorded September 29th, 2020

Hudson Yards, NYC

Kristina Gambarian, Founder of Babushka Pies, is a laser-focused businesswoman and excellent baker. Born and raised in Ukraine, she has been passionately baking since she was ten years old alongside her Babushka (Grandma)...Babushka taught her all the traditional techniques that are proudly presented here in the Greater New York City Area!

She believes that delicious baked goods start from fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Homemade food takes us back to a nostalgic place where Babushka is in charge.

I find out how it all began, her journey from Ukraine to the States, and how Babushka Pies came to fruition. As always, find out what New York means to her and her career. See how her mindset and approach is different from others in the industry. All accompanied by THE, Keller Riesling Trocken Rheinhessen that paired perfectly with our conversation.

Recorded August 18th, 2020

Hudson Yards, NYC

A.J. Sankofa, in my opinion, is the standard for all up and coming chefs/entrepreneurs. Began his career as a teenager bussing tables to spending time in Italy learning how to make pasta from Michelin Star chefs. COVID-19 has thrown us all a curveball. A.J. has chosen to hit it out of the park and over the West Side Highway. Alongside lifelong friends and family; built Eso Artisanal Pasta Shop out of a storefront in Morristown, NJ. Eso specializes in classic Italian pasta shapes and sauces.

I find out how it all began, the trials he faced, and the obstacles he climbed over to reach his current status. We talk about his current vision and how it changed over time. Wrapping it up with how New York features in his career and how he's contributing to the industry. Accompanied by a bottle of Vietti's Nebbiolo Perbacco provided by Parcelle Wine Shop

Recorded on August 18th, 2020

Hudson Yards, NYC

Jessy Caron is an adventure seeker, NY based artist, actor, podcaster, and creator. Who, amid a pandemic, created Sip Tip Survive. A virtual bar platform, providing relief for out of work bartenders and other industry heads. She has also parlayed her dismay of the lack of sexual education in society, creating a successful youtube channel and podcast series called Welcome to My Vagina. 

I find out how she got into the industry, her experiences, and her accomplishments during the journey. Compare the current vision in her career to how it all started and what affected those changes. We dive into how NYC features in her career plus NYC's hospitality appeal. Expanding on her contributions to the industry through personal mindset and approach. All while enjoying a lovely Txakolina Rosé from Basque Country producer, Ameztoi.

Recorded on August 6th, 2020.

Hudson Yards, NYC