What’s Really in Your Food? One Restaurateur’s Mission to Heal | Jackie Sharlup - Tula Kitchen

Welcome to Staying Hungry, where passion meets purpose - plate by plate.

In this soul-stirring episode, hosts Mike and Vinny sit down with Jackie from Tula Kitchen, a Bay Shore culinary institution with a deeper mission: to heal through food. What started as a daughter watching her mother save her father’s life with nutrition became a lifelong philosophy and a restaurant unlike any other.

From exploring what’s really in our food and how it impacts both body and mind, to uncovering the hidden challenges and rewards of running a mission-driven restaurant, this conversation dives deep into the soul of what we eat and why it matters. We’ll look at the power of energy, intention, and human connection in the kitchen, and how old-school values can still thrive in a hyper-digital, DoorDash-fueled world. And finally, we ask whether the secret to longevity might be found in the famed Blue Zones - or perhaps, right on a plate at Tula.

This isn't just a conversation about cuisine - it’s a conversation about conscious living. If you’ve ever questioned what’s in your meal, why you eat what you eat, or how restaurants should serve their communities, this one’s for you.

Timestamps

[00:00] Welcome to Tula Kitchen: A Unique Dining Experience

[04:47] The Meaning Behind Tula

[09:46] The Evolution of Bayshore and Tula's Impact

[14:15] The Tula Experience: More Than Just Food

[22:03] The Future of Tula Kitchen

[34:02] The Role of Technology in Tula's Operations

[37:21] Balancing Financials and Staff Happiness

[43:42] Reflections on Childhood and Parenting

[47:16] Mentoring and Community Involvement

[55:09] Summer Plans and Catering Services

[59:59] Exploring Blue Zones and Longevity

[01:04:34] Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude