In this episode, host James Golding sits down with acclaimed Welsh chef Owen Morgan, co-founder of the award-winning 44 Group, for a vibrant, flavour-packed conversation full of passion for Spanish food and culture. From unforgettable childhood food memories in Spain to building a thriving restaurant empire, Owen shares the moments that shaped his journey and the philosophy behind his bold, ingredient-led cooking rooted in seasonality and a true sense of place.

Get ready for lots of inspiration as the conversation explodes with creative flavour combinations, including the unexpected magic of pure Canadian maple syrup in savoury Spanish dishes. Owen reveals how its rich, complex sweetness elevates roasted vegetables, cured meats, and so much more, showing how this iconic ingredient is far more than just a topping for pancakes. Owen also takes listeners behind the scenes of cooking live on television and the real effort it takes to bring a cookbook to life.

With energy, honesty and wisdom, Owen tackles the realities of modern hospitality, from rising costs to leading and inspiring teams in a fast-moving industry. Packed with insight, excitement, and culinary creativity, this episode is a must for anyone who loves food, drink, and the thrill of the restaurant world.

You can find more about 44 Group here https://grupo44.co.uk/bar44/

For more seasonal recipe inspiration using pure Canadian maple syrup, follow Maple from Canada UK: www.instagram.com/maplecanadauk/ or visit the website https://www.maplefromcanada.co.uk/

Join host James Golding as he sits down with Elky Whittaker, better known as Smokin' Elk, a barbecue phenomenon and founder of the Smoking Elk Barbecue School near Portsmouth. In this lively conversation, Elky shares his inspiring journey from a 20-year IT career to becoming a celebrated chef and educator.

Discover how Elky turned his passion for fire cooking into a thriving business, blending American barbecue traditions with UK flavours and techniques. He dives into the differences between UK and US barbecue culture, emphasising the importance of temperature control and mastering the barbecue lid for perfect results every time.

Elky reveals his love for using pure maple syrup in sauces and glazes, preferring it over honey for it's unique balance of sweetness. He also talks about the evolving barbecue scene, including the growing popularity of live fire cooking and fusion flavours inspired by Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines.

Listeners will get a peek into Elky's recent adventures, including a whirlwind tour in Texas, a creative cooking stint in Thailand, and exciting upcoming projects like his new barbecue business Ember and Iron, plus collaborations with world-renowned barbecue chef's.

Whether you have a burning passion for open fire cooking or want to try something new, Elky's "don't overthink it" and "just get stuck in" attitude will inspire you to enjoy the craft of barbecue with friends and family.

You can find more about Elky and his BBQ School here: https://www.thesmokinelk.com/

For more seasonal recipe inspiration using pure Canadian maple syrup, follow Maple from Canada UK: www.instagram.com/maplecanadauk/ or visit the website https://www.maplefromcanada.co.uk/

In this episode, we're joined by Cherie Tu, Maple from Canada Australia ambassador, home cook, and content creator behind @thrivingonplants on Instagram.

In this episode, Cherie, who is known for her vibrant plant-based recipes, discusses where her passion for food began and her journey to adopting a plant-based diet. She also shares the philosophy behind the plant-based recipes she develops; accessible recipes that don't compromise on taste.

Reflecting on her childhood, Cherie shares how Chinese and Vietnamese influences still play a role in the recipes she creates today, alongside her current focus on adding a plant-based spin to recipes, making them more inclusive and versatile.

Cherie also discusses how pure Canadian maple syrup has shaped her cooking journey. Praising its versatility that goes far beyond pancakes and waffles, she shares examples of how she uses maple syrup in her cooking, including using it to sweeten soy sauce and glaze tofu, for plant-based cooking that is both delicious and flavourful.

Tune in for an episode full of Cherie's passion for delicious plant-based food, that's sure to have you wanting to get in the kitchen!

For delicious plant-based recipes, follow Cherie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivingonplants/?hl=en

Cherie's eBooks and essentials can be found here.

For more seasonal recipe inspiration using pure Canadian maple syrup, follow Maple from Canada UK: www.instagram.com/maplecanadauk/