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
Nick Wong is the Co-Owner and Executive Chef of Agnes and Sherman, Houston Heights’ Asian American diner-inspired concept, a 2026 James Beard Award Finalist for Best New Restaurant.
In 2023, Chef Kari Shaughnessy founded Hayward, a restaurant now in Carlton, Oregon, that has quickly gained acclaim for its innovative ‘New Northwest Fare’ and commitment to local sourcing. At Hayward, Kari’s deep connections with local farmers and winemakers shine through, creating a dining experience that celebrates the rich ecosystems and vibrant community of the Willamette Valley. The menu reflects Chef Kari's dedication to seasonal, farm-led flavors and her expertise in fermentation and whole animal butchery. Within just a year, Hayward became a finalist for the 2024 James Beard Best New Restaurant award, cementing Kari's place as a cornerstone of the community and Chef Kari's future as a national leader advocating for rural foodways.
Adam Sobel is a chef, restaurateur, entrepreneur, and builder of teams driven by one simple belief: hospitality is about how you make people feel. Today, as the founder of Aether Group, Adam is focused on creating soulful, culture-driven concepts that blur the lines between food, music, art, and community. That entrepreneurial drive extends beyond restaurants. Adam is the founder of Sobelini Pizza Crunch, a chef-driven CPG brand born from his obsession with bold flavor and texture.
Philip Tessier, an acclaimed chef, author, and mentor, serves as Chef Partner at PRESS Restaurant in St. Helena, California. Best known for its modern, refined American cuisine, PRESS has earned a Michelin star and the distinction of being a World’s 50 Best Discovery restaurant. Along with Owner Samantha Rudd and Managing Partner Justin Williams, Tessier recently launched Under-Study, a new culinary marketplace with a modern patisserie, counter-service café, and butcher shop next door to PRESS in May 2025.
Shola Olunloyo is a talented, passionate, and resourceful chef, and distinguished member of the Philadelphia restaurant community. At Studio kitchen, or “SK,” Olunloyo develops and plays with culinary concepts, global foods, and cuttin-gedge technology in an approachable laboratory setting. There, he sees ideas to fruition, from concepts for restaurants to innovations for food service equipment manufacturers.
