Welcome to How the Sausage is Made with Chris Cosentino where I talk with chefs, restaurateurs, athletes, philanthropists, and others who inspire me. We look below the surface, behind the curtain, and dig deep to learn how the sausage is made, maybe literally in some cases.
Music by:
Tommy Guerrero
Ilan Hall rose to national attention as the winner of Top Chef and went on to host and executive produce shows like Knife Fight and Food to Get You Laid, captivating audiences with his bold point of view and infectious energy. His culinary legacy lives on through his groundbreaking restaurants—The Gorbals in Los Angeles and Brooklyn, Esh, and Ramen Hood at LA’s Grand Central Market—each celebrated for pushing boundaries while fostering a deep sense of community.
Based in New Orleans, Nini Nguyen is a chef and cookbook author known for blending her Vietnamese heritage with Louisiana flavors. She began her culinary journey in some of the country’s most innovative kitchens, including Eleven Madison Park in New York, before stepping into the spotlight on Top Chef Season 16 and Top Chef: All-Stars Los Angeles, where she earned a dedicated fan following.
Marc Vetri is the chef and founder of Philadelphia’s acclaimed Vetri Cucina. A Philadelphia native, he opened the storied restaurant in 1998 with partner Jeff Benjamin. Marc’s restaurant group has since expanded nationally and internationally. In 2020, he opened Fiorella, a pasta-focused bar in Philadelphia’s Italian Market; Mr. Maurice’s Italian at Ace Hotel Kyoto in Japan, honoring his grandfather Maurice Rotenberg; and Osteria Fiorella at Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa in Las Vegas, which transitioned from a pop-up into a permanent fixture. In 2022, Marc debuted Pizzeria Salvy in Philadelphia’s Xfinity Mobile Arena, later opening a flagship location in the Comcast Technology Center in 2023, celebrating his father Sal’s legacy with perfected pizzas, signature meatballs, and classic Italian fare. Most recently, Marc launched Fiorella Las Vegas at Durango Casino and Resort in December 2023, bringing the beloved pasta bar to the West Coast.
Chef Alex Kemp is the chef/partner of My Loup in Philadelphia with his wife Chef Amanda Shulman. The menu is influenced by their collective cooking experiences over the past six years, resulting in a mix of French inspired market cuisine with an emphasis on freshness.. The menu is French Canadian with a lighter touch.
