Culinary Confidential takes to the seas this week as Christina Cates dives into the world of luxury hospitality on the water!

Joining this week's show is Captain Hugo Ortega and Chief Stewardess Bee Hayn, two seasoned pros whose careers were shaped by the tides. Hugo, well known to fans of Bravo's Below Deck, shares his journey from deckhand to captain, and the leadership skills required to manage high-pressure charters. Bee brings her expertise in interior service, guest care, and the subtle art of making every detail feel effortless.

Together, they've launched Super Yacht Sunday School (www.superyachtsundayschool.com), a training program built to prepare aspiring crew for the reality that is living life at sea. From safety drills to silver service, their curriculum blends practical know-how with the polish of elite hospitality.

Whether you may be involved with the hospitality industry or merely curious about what it takes to create unforgettable moments at sea, this week is sure to deliver a unique glimpse into a reality where service meets adventure.

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On this week's Culinary Confidential, Christina Cates dives into the tasty and savory intersection that is sports and food - the part of the fan experience where game day passion meets plate worthy flavor.

Returning to the show is Chef Joey Fortunato of The Splendid, known for elevating comfort food with soul and precision. Also joining the show is Martin Whelan of Stout NYC Hospitality Group, whose venues have been go-tos on game days since the days of operating Maggie's Place.

Together, these two industry vets break down why tailgate favorites like wings, hot dogs, and nachos became stadium staples, how chefs balance hype with heart, and what makes a bar truly feel like home turf.

It's all flavor this week! No lab-grown nonsense, just the real deal served hot!

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On this week's Culinary Confidential, Christina Cates explores the dining scene and culture in Hong Kong with Ronald Asher, founder and chief pie maker of Tai Tai Pie Pies - one of Hong Kong's most beloved dessert brands.

Known for his handmade pies and nostalgic comfort flavors, Ronald has carved out quite the unique space in the city's competitive culinary scene by blending American-style baking with Hong Kong's vibrant food culture. He shares how Tai Tai Pie Pies grew from a passion project to a citywide sensation, the flavors that inspire his creations, and what it takes to stand out in a dynamic and very competitive culinary market that Hong Kong has become.

From street stalls to patisseries, Hong Kong is a pace where Eastern and Western cultures meet at the table. Ronald's savory pies perfectly embody that, celebrating the spirit, creativity, comfort, and sweet sides of Hong Kong food culture.

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Better not ghost this week's spooktacular edition of Culinary Confidential! Christina Cates is serving up a special Halloween treat that you won't want to miss.

She dives into the sweet side of spooky season with Katie DeCapria, Senior Brand Manager for the Halloween portfolio at The Hershey Company.

Katie takes us behind the scenes of Hershey's largest season of the year. From the creative process behind haunting new treats to trends shaping your 2025 trick-or-treat haul, this episode is packed with sugary surprises!

Did you know Hershey produces nearly half a billion pounds of candy every year for Halloween? October sales alone top $500 million. The reigning champions of the candy bowl? Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Kit Kats, and Hershey's Miniatures make up the Top 3 in that order.

Whether you're a candy connoisseur, Halloween superfan, sweet tooth enthusiast, or merely curious how the biggest name in sweets plans for the annual Candypocalypse, this episode is right up your alley!

Christina will be unwrapping some chocolatey secrets, as well as a few Halloween jokes with producer Ryan Pagano and this week's Ingredient of the Week! The best part? No golden ticket is required.

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On this week's edition of Culinary Confidential, Christina Cates welcomes Zamir Gotta - Russian-born producer, cultural diplomat, and longtime travel companion of the late great Anthony Bourdain - for a powerful and insightful conversation on food, friendship, and the art of connecting with others.

Zamir's unique journey spans from classrooms in the Soviet Union, to global film sets, to unforgettable meals in every corner of the globe. With an English degree from Moscow State Pedagogical University, Zamir began his career as a teacher before becoming a bridge between cultures through film and television. His work on No Reservations, Parts Unknown, and Cities of the Underworld made him a fan favorite. He leaves a deeper legacy though, in using food and storytelling to foster understanding throughout the world.

Together, they explore how food becomes a language of diplomacy, how meals in unfamiliar places shape our view of the world, and how Zamir's new memoir, The Fixer and The Chef, honors his life and friendship with Bourdain.

This week's episode is all about laughter and insight into these adventures, as well as a few unexpected confessions along the way.

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On this week's edition of Culinary Confidential, Christina Cates celebrates the strength, creativity, legacy, and hospitality that family-run food businesses have to offer, by featuring three inspiring guests whose brands are built on parent-child relationships.

Linnie and Morgan Gold, the mother-daughter duo behind NOSH NYC, have turned candy into a personalized experience by specializing in custom candy gift boxes and 'candy grams', blending premium treats with playful designs. From sour gummies to rich chocolates, NOSH NYC delivers joy in every box. Their secret ingredient? The Golds' bond as co-founders of a women-owned business.

Misty Skolnick is co-founder of Uncle Jerry's Pretzels, an artisanal brand of pretzels based out of Lancaster County, PA, alongside her father Jerry. The two have spent over three decades crafting crunchy, all-natural sourdough pretzels with integrity and grit.

Their stories are ones of resilience, tradition, and staying true to their roots in this changing food landscape - proof that teamwork as a family can truly elevate a business and deepen its purpose in ways that trends cannot.

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On this week's edition of Culinary Confidential, Christina Cates continues the tradition of spotlighting women who are hard at work shaping culture and community through passion, creativity, and purpose. Joining the show is Judia Black, founder of enJoie - a lifestyle, media, events, and gifts company that celebrates wine culture and shared experiences, and Maricel Gentile of Maricel’s Kitchen in East Brunswick, NJ.

Judia is a certified somellier, strategic consultant, and luxury event curator known for her warmth, storytelling, and insight into the hottest beverage trends. Whether she’s hosting a pairing dinner or breaking down the latest in wine marketing, Judia brings charisma and clarity to every conversation.

As Chef and Founder of Maricel’s Kitchen in East Brunswick, Gentile runs a studio that is a culinary haven offering Chef’s Table dinners, cooking classes, and bespoke catering rooted in tradition and community. Maricel is also a Chef Ambassador for K-Seafood, where she represents Korean seafood and Asian culinary heritage on the global stage. She’s been featured on Food Network, Hulu, and PBS, and continues to inspire countless others through appearances at food and women’s expos. Her story is one of perseverance, pride, and the power of flavor to connect generations.

Judia and Maricel’s stories combine to make this flavorful hour one of inspiration, insight, and celebration!

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This week marks the start of Season 2 of Culinary Confidential, and there's no better way to kick that off than by opening with the world's best bar!

Handshake Speakeasy out of Mexico City is not just the world's best bar - it's redefining cocktail culture worldwide. Hidden behind an unmarked door in Colonia Juarez, this intimate lounge's recent accolades speak for itself. Christina Cates goes behind the scenes in the Season 2 premiere with the two men who made that happen: Rodrigo Urraca and Javier Rodriguez.

Urraca is the co-founder and creative force behind this unique concept, and shares how Handshake Speakeasy evolved from a dream into a destination.

Rodriguez is Handshake's head bartender whose cocktails are pure artistry. From rare spirits and lab-based techniques to unforgettable hospitality, they've created a place where innovation meets intimacy, and every cocktail tells a story. In addition to revealing the science, emotion, and storytelling behind every drink, Javier also discusses Handshake’s newest campaign in partnership with 1800 Tequila.

The campaign, Obsessed With Taste, highlights Rodriguez crafting a cocktail with seven unique ingredients, and with 1800 Tequila Blanco as the central element. The World’s Most-Awarded Tequila proudly poured at the World’s Best Bar!

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