Noshing With Nina Manchev – January 19, 2023

“Caviar Queen” and owner of Caviar Collective and Forte Tapas

This week on the Ira’s Everything Bagel Podcast, host Ira Sternberg spoke with Nina Manchev, the owner of the beloved Las Vegas restaurant Forte Tapas and founder of Caviar Collective. In this episode, aptly titled “A Fishy Tale: Exploring Bulgarian Cuisine with Nina Manchev,” Nina dives deep into her passion for Bulgarian food, dismantles misconceptions, and shares her inspiring journey as a restaurateur.

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From Bulgarian Roots to Las Vegas Success: Nina Manchev’s Culinary Journey

Born in Sofia, Bulgaria, Nina Manchev’s story is one of cultural preservation and culinary ambition. Fueled by a desire to honor her heritage and share it with the world, Nina moved to Las Vegas in 1990. There, she pursued her passion for hospitality by studying Food and Beverage at UNLV.

Nearly 15 years ago, Nina’s dream materialized in the form of Forte Tapas. This vibrant Las Vegas establishment isn’t your typical tapas bar. Here, Nina curates a menu that showcases the rich tapestry of Bulgarian cuisine, often misunderstood as solely meat and potatoes.

Beyond Meat and Potatoes: Unveiling the Delights of Bulgarian Food

Throughout the podcast, Nina sheds light on the unique flavors and ingredients that define Bulgarian food. Listeners will discover a world beyond kebabs and discover specialties like banitsa (a flaky pastry filled with cheese or vegetables) and gyuvech (a hearty stew). Nina’s passion for sharing her culture is palpable as she describes the importance of fresh, seasonal ingredients and traditional cooking methods passed down through generations.

A Life-Changing Email and the Rise of Caviar Collective

Nina’s dedication to her heritage extends beyond the walls of Forte Tapas. She is also the founder of Caviar Collective, a venture inspired by a life-changing email. In the podcast, Nina shares the fascinating story behind Caviar Collective and its mission to make caviar more accessible to food enthusiasts.

Forte Tapas Reviews: A Look Beyond the Podcast

For those interested in experiencing Nina’s culinary creations firsthand, the podcast episode concludes with a warm recommendation to visit Forte Tapas. Listeners can also delve deeper into the restaurant and its offerings by checking out Forte Tapas’s YouTube channel and online reviews to get a taste of what awaits them.

Her journey speaks volumes about her dedication and resilience. She has undoubtedly left a lasting mark on the Las Vegas culinary scene, and her passion for Bulgarian cuisine is truly inspiring.

Explore Bulgarian Culture and Cuisine at Forte Tapas Las Vegas

If you’re looking to expand your culinary horizons and discover the hidden gems of Eastern European cuisine, look no further than Forte Tapas Las Vegas. With Nina Manchev at the helm, Forte Tapas offers a unique and delicious dining experience that celebrates culture and tradition.

Podcast Conclusion

Ira’s Everything Bagel Podcast with Nina Manchev is a delightful exploration of Bulgarian cuisine and the story behind a passionate entrepreneur. Tune in to learn more about Nina’s inspiring journey, the delectable offerings at Forte Tapas, and the exciting future of Caviar Collective.

Links:

• Forte Tapas Youtube Channel
• Caviar Collective

Watch the full Podcast Video

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Read The Full Transcript

Nina Manchev Podcast Epsiode Full Transcript

Ira Sternberg: Welcome to Ira’s Everything Bagel, where I talk with intriguing people about everything—their passions, pursuits, and points of view. My guest today is a little fishy, but in a luxurious way. She’s Nina Manchev, the “Caviar Queen” and owner of Caviar Collective, which ships nationwide and aims to make caviar accessible, and Forte Tapas, located in Las Vegas, which she opened at age 22. For everything about Caviar Collective, go to caviarcollective.com, and for Forte Tapas, go to barforte.com. You can follow both on Instagram. Nina, welcome to the show.

Nina Manchev: Thank you for having me.

Ira Sternberg: Absolutely. So before we...