It’s been a long time coming, but we finally got one of my favorite people, Chef Alvy Lima, back in the studio. Alvy has been flying all over the world lately, and he’s back to give us the download on everything from his newest business ventures to the shifts he's seeing in global food trends. We jump right into the deep end of the "tech vs. tradition" debate, specifically looking at how AI is shaking up the life of a corporate chef. For full background watch episode 1.

Alvy breaks down how he’s using AI as a tool to get the "juices flowing" when it comes to recipe development and R&D. While the tech is great for sparking inspiration and gathering ideas, we talk about why it can never replace the actual execution in the kitchen. You still need a chef to taste the food, trial the ingredients, and ensure that what’s on the plate actually works.

The conversation then shifts to Alvy's latest passion project: his new clothing line Chef Alvy’s Threads. He talks about the transition from the kitchen to the world of apparel, highlighting how the same creativity used in developing a menu is now being channeled into hats, shirts, and "swag" that people are already asking about. For Alvy, this isn't just a side hustle; it's about building a brand that puts a smile on people's faces and creates a community around his unique culinary perspective.

Finally, we dive into what it really takes to pull off multiple ventures—pure, unadulterated hard work. Alvy shares his philosophy on being a dreamer and the importance of staying consistent even when you think no one is watching. Whether it’s his "MSG" apparel or his corporate chef duties, Alvy reminds us that if you keep doing the work and stay true to your voice, it’s only a matter of time before it all trickles down and leads to success.

Socials

Chef Alvys Threads Website: https://chefalvysthreads.com/

Instagram: @chef_alvys_threads & @chef_alvy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alvaro-lima-b60b43117/

Listen to the full episode and more! It would mean the world to me if you could leave a 5 star review on your listening platform to help grow and expand the Podcast.

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My guest today is a high-level designer and tech visionary who has spent his career at the intersection of human behavior and digital innovation. From building a music curation startup to working at tech giants like Square and Lyft, Mario Gomez-Hall has always been obsessed with one thing: Curation. Growing up with a father who consulted for fisheries, he has a deep-rooted respect for the food industry and the people who make it run. Now, he’s applying that expertise to fix one of the most frustrating parts of being a foodie—finding a place to eat that doesn't suck.

We dive into how Zest is flipping the script on discovery. Instead of trusting a stranger’s bad mood on Yelp, Zest uses your actual dining history (via secure credit card linking) and the recommendations of your actual friends to build a personalized flavor map. It’s a tool that stays out of the way and lets the experience take center stage.

Download the Zest Maps app from Apple or Google Play stores. Use code “tryzest” to gain early access

Socials

Website: www.zestmaps.com

LinkedIn: @zest-maps

Instagram: @zestmaps

Mario LinkedIn: @mariohall

Listen to the full episode and more! It would mean the world to me if you could leave a 5 star review on your listening platform to help grow and expand the Podcast.

YouTube - https://lnkd.in/gQM3S5mr

Spotify - https://lnkd.in/g_5kFXie

Apple Podcast - https://apple.co/41RoTm4

Pandora - https://lnkd.in/gS-wu_YJ

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@FellIntoFood

Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/fell-into-food

Instagram: http://instagram.com/fell_into_food

Facebook: https://facebook.com/fellintofood

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Ian Sutherland’s background in logistics began with his wife, who had extensive experience in freight and shipping. Together, they have accumulated over 50 years in the industry, specializing in containerization and managing large-scale events. Ian's expertise led him to work on major projects, including the Sydney Olympics and the Australian Grand Prix, where he learned the importance of meticulous planning and execution. This foundation set the stage for his transformative trip to Dubai, where logistics played a crucial role in delivering a world-class experience.

In 2005, Ian's wife surprised him with a trip to Dubai for his 50th birthday, an experience that would change his perspective on hospitality forever. Upon arrival, Ian was struck by the lavishness of the city, which was undergoing rapid transformation into a global tourism hub. The trip included attending the Dubai World Cup, a thrilling event that showcased the region's passion for horse racing.

Ian's trip to Dubai underscored the essential principles of hospitality: creating memorable experiences through thoughtful planning and execution. The logistics of the event were just as important as the food and entertainment, demonstrating that every detail matters. Ian's experience serves as a reminder of the power of hospitality to connect people and create lasting memories.

Today, Ian is channeling those decades of high-stakes logistics and his passion for global hospitality into HospitalityChain.com. As the first official partner of the Fell Into Food podcast, Ian and his team are building a digital bridge that connects culinary professionals, suppliers, and innovators across the globe. From the shipping docks of Sydney to the luxury suites of Dubai, Ian’s journey proves that behind every great meal and every world-class event is a complex web of people and planning working in harmony. Join us as we explore how Ian is digitizing the "cold chain" and creating a massive global directory designed to help the hospitality industry thrive in the next decade.

Socials

Hospitalitychain.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-sutherland-5a662a286/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hospitalitychain/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hospitalitychain/

Listen to the full episode and more! It would mean the world to me if you could leave a 5 star review on your listening platform to help grow and expand the Podcast.

YouTube - https://lnkd.in/gQM3S5mr

Spotify - https://lnkd.in/g_5kFXie

Apple Podcast - https://apple.co/41RoTm4

Pandora - https://lnkd.in/gS-wu_YJ

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@FellIntoFood

Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/fell-into-food

Instagram: http://instagram.com/fell_into_food

Facebook: https://facebook.com/fellintofood

FellintoFood.com