This week on Snacky Tunes, Darin sits down with Chef Jeff Okada-Ramsey, executive chef of Mizumi at the Wynn Las Vegas, whose global journey—from being in a band to slicing sashimi—has shaped a truly unique culinary voice. We talk about his sushi beginnings, deep dives into Japan’s kitchen culture, and what it means to bring that depth & discipline to the Vegas Strip. Then we head into the archives for a live performance from She Keeps Bees—one of our all-time favorites.

Snacky Tunes: Music is the Main Ingredient, Chefs and Their Music (Phaidon), is now on shelves at bookstores around the world. It features over eighty of the world’s top chefs who share personal stories of how music has been an important, integral force in their lives. The chefs also give personal recipes and curated playlists too. It’s an anthology of memories, meals and mixtapes. Pick up your copy by ordering directly from Phaidon, or by visiting your local independent bookstore. Visit our site, www.snackytunes.com for more info.

On this episode of Snacky Tunes, Darin Bresnitz heads to the Lone Star State for a conversation with Alba Huerta, the award-winning bartender and owner of Julep in Houston. Alba shares how her childhood backyard parties shaped her hospitality style, her journey to mastering the craft of cocktails, and what it meant to win a James Beard Award while giving back to her local community through mentorship.

Then it’s a trip into the archives with a visit from Samira Winter of the band Winter, recorded live at Dangerbird Records in Silver Lake. Samira reflects on her college days in Boston and performs a few tracks off her shimmering release Infinite Summer.

Snacky Tunes: Music is the Main Ingredient, Chefs and Their Music (Phaidon), is now on shelves at bookstores around the world. It features over eighty of the world’s top chefs who share personal stories of how music has been an important, integral force in their lives. The chefs also give personal recipes and curated playlists too. It’s an anthology of memories, meals and mixtapes. Pick up your copy by ordering directly from Phaidon, or by visiting your local independent bookstore. Visit our site, www.snackytunes.com for more info.

This week on Snacky Tunes, Darin brings listeners an all-new, all-live episode straight from the heart. First up is a powerful conversation with Chef Heena Patel of San Francisco’s Besharam. She reflects on her journey from India to the United States and how cooking her youth's bold, beautiful food has become a tribute to her family and heritage. It's an emotional and inspiring story of reinvention, culture, and courage.

Then, singer-songwriter Mark Mallman joins for a live set and talks through his creative process, the long road to finishing his latest album, Magic Time, and performs a few new tracks. It’s a great listen—and a good hang.

For those looking to support LA restaurants, check out the Snacky Tunes Substack for donation links and action items. Also, a quick note: if you're looking to support the ongoing relief efforts for the LA fires, World Central Kitchen remains one of the best places to donate.

Snacky Tunes: Music is the Main Ingredient, Chefs and Their Music (Phaidon), is now on shelves at bookstores around the world. It features over eighty of the world’s top chefs who share personal stories of how music has been an important, integral force in their lives. The chefs also give personal recipes and curated playlists too. It’s an anthology of memories, meals and mixtapes. Pick up your copy by ordering directly from Phaidon, or by visiting your local independent bookstore. Visit our site, www.snackytunes.com for more info.

On this episode of Snacky Tunes, Darin sits down with Buddha Lo, executive chef and co-owner of Huso in NYC, and the two-time winner of Top Chef. Buddha shares how he started cooking in his family’s Chinese restaurant in Australia, his journey through London’s top kitchens, what drew him to New York, and how music plays a key role in shaping the vibe at his fine dining spot.

Then we dig into the archives with a visit from 2:54, who stopped by while on tour from London. We chat about their then-new album and their unexpected love of Mexican food—a rare find in the UK then.

For those looking to support LA restaurants, check out the Snacky Tunes Substack for donation links and action items. Also, a quick note: if you're looking to support the ongoing relief efforts for the LA fires, World Central Kitchen remains one of the best places to donate.

Snacky Tunes: Music is the Main Ingredient, Chefs and Their Music (Phaidon), is now on shelves at bookstores around the world. It features over eighty of the world’s top chefs who share personal stories of how music has been an important, integral force in their lives. The chefs also give personal recipes and curated playlists too. It’s an anthology of memories, meals and mixtapes. Pick up your copy by ordering directly from Phaidon, or by visiting your local independent bookstore. Visit our site, www.snackytunes.com for more info.

This week on Snacky Tunes, Darin sits down with Marc Rose and Med Abrous of the iconic LA restaurant Genghis Cohen. In a heartfelt and candid conversation, they reflect on the emotional journey of deciding to close their original, legendary location and the hope and excitement of starting fresh in a new space. They discuss what it means to be woven into the cultural fabric of Los Angeles and the resilience it takes to keep a decades-old institution alive through change and upheaval.

Later, we dive into the archives for a live set from Brooklyn’s own Active Bird Community, recorded just before the release of their album Amends. It’s a lively session filled with music, laughs, and good vibes that perfectly complement the spirit of our food story.

For those looking to support LA restaurants, check out the Snacky Tunes Substack for donation links and action items. Also, a quick note: if you're looking to support the ongoing relief efforts for the LA fires, World Central Kitchen remains one of the best places to donate.

Snacky Tunes: Music is the Main Ingredient, Chefs and Their Music (Phaidon), is now on shelves at bookstores around the world. It features over eighty of the world’s top chefs who share personal stories of how music has been an important, integral force in their lives. The chefs also give personal recipes and curated playlists too. It’s an anthology of memories, meals and mixtapes. Pick up your copy by ordering directly from Phaidon, or by visiting your local independent bookstore. Visit our site, www.snackytunes.com for more info.

This week on Snacky Tunes, Darin sits down with chef Jesús “Chuy” Cervantes, the force behind Damian and Ditroit Taquería in Los Angeles. From growing up in El Paso to cooking alongside Enrique Olvera, he shares his journey through kitchens, cities, and flavors—including the big moves that brought him from Brooklyn to DTLA. Plus, we talk about this week’s can’t-miss Pujol pop-up at Damian (pro tip: try the bar).

Later, Darin pulls up a performance from the archive by the Big Ups (featuring former HRN Engineer Joe Galarraga!) who had recently released their album, Eighteen Hours of Static. The crew discussed band life, touring, and which band member dominated the kitchen.

For those looking to support LA restaurants, check out the Snacky Tunes Substack for donation links and action items. Also, a quick note: if you're looking to support the ongoing relief efforts for the LA fires, World Central Kitchen remains one of the best places to donate.

Snacky Tunes: Music is the Main Ingredient, Chefs and Their Music (Phaidon), is now on shelves at bookstores around the world. It features over eighty of the world’s top chefs who share personal stories of how music has been an important, integral force in their lives. The chefs also give personal recipes and curated playlists too. It’s an anthology of memories, meals and mixtapes. Pick up your copy by ordering directly from Phaidon, or by visiting your local independent bookstore. Visit our site, www.snackytunes.com for more info.

This week on Snacky Tunes, host Darin Bresnitz heads back to his hometown of Philadelphia for a delicious convo with chef and restauranteur Kelsey Bush. From growing up in Hershey to culinary school to working on a farm, Kelsey shares the journey that led her to feed none other than the reigning Super Bowl champs—the Philadelphia Eagles—serving up Pop-Tarts and pastries from her new restaurant, Loretta’s, at every home game this past season.

Then, we dig into the archives for a dreamy live set from Brooklyn trio The Unders, who stopped by to perform tracks from their EP and preview their upcoming LP.

For those looking to support LA restaurants, check out the Snacky Tunes Substack for donation links and action items. Also, a quick note: if you're looking to support the ongoing relief efforts for the LA fires, World Central Kitchen remains one of the best places to donate.

Snacky Tunes: Music is the Main Ingredient, Chefs and Their Music (Phaidon), is now on shelves at bookstores around the world. It features over eighty of the world’s top chefs who share personal stories of how music has been an important, integral force in their lives. The chefs also give personal recipes and curated playlists too. It’s an anthology of memories, meals and mixtapes. Pick up your copy by ordering directly from Phaidon, or by visiting your local independent bookstore. Visit our site, www.snackytunes.com for more info.

This week on Snacky Tunes, host Darin Bresnitz welcomes back Leah Ferrazzani, founder of Semolina Artisanal Pasta and now the heart behind Ferrazzani’s, her new café in Altadena. Leah shares what it’s been like shifting from the world of CPG to running a neighborhood spot, how she's been nourishing her community in the wake of the Eaton Canyon fire, and the sounds that set the tone inside her café.

Then, we head into the archives for a performance from rapper False Prpht, who recounts the chance airport encounter in North Carolina that led to a creative partnership with producer Poozy—and the music that followed.

Want to support Leah’s work and help feed folks in Altadena? Hit this link to donate!

For those looking to support LA restaurants, check out the Snacky Tunes Substack for donation links and action items. Also, a quick note: if you're looking to support the ongoing relief efforts for the LA fires, World Central Kitchen remains one of the best places to donate.

Snacky Tunes: Music is the Main Ingredient, Chefs and Their Music (Phaidon), is now on shelves at bookstores around the world. It features over eighty of the world’s top chefs who share personal stories of how music has been an important, integral force in their lives. The chefs also give personal recipes and curated playlists too. It’s an anthology of memories, meals and mixtapes. Pick up your copy by ordering directly from Phaidon, or by visiting your local independent bookstore. Visit our site, www.snackytunes.com for more info.