Gail Simmons (Bravo’s Top Chef Judge): Kibbutz in Israel, Neighborhood Spot in Melbourne, Safaris in South Africa, Love of Japan

06/06/23 • 42 min

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Gail Simmons has served as a permanent judge on Bravo’s Emmy-winning series Top Chef since the show’s inception in 2006. She is also a food journalist, cookbook author, mother of two, and avid global traveler.

In this episode, we hear some of Gail Simmon’s insights on judging Top Chef contestants and dishes, but she mainly talks about how travel has shaped her career and life. We learn about her time working on a kibbutz in Israel, and her firsthand knowledge of why the country has such a unique culinary scene and culture. She also talks about her love of Australia, why the country’s food scene is so exciting, and how she found the perfect neighborhood spot in Melbourne.

Gail also shares why she goes back to South Africa again and again, and how safaris have been such an influential experience throughout her life. As for her favorite food destination, Gail goes into her love of Japan and some of her great culinary adventures in the country. She also talks about how important traveling with her family has been—and will continue to be—for her.

In the wrap, Bruce sits down with acclaimed Israeli chef Uri Jeremias at his Efendi Hotel in the Old City of Akko. The man behind the famed restaurant Uri Buri, Uri shares his insights about what makes Israel such a special destination for food, history, and more.

To learn more about Gail Simmons or any of her projects, visit http://gailsimmons.com/.

To find out more about Uri Jeremias and his Efendi Hotel and Uri Buri restaurant in the Old City of Akko, visit https://efendi-hotel.co.il/?lang=en.

A special thanks to Stonestreet Estate Vineyards for sponsoring the show today. Don't forget, listeners of the Master Chef series receive exclusive access to Stonestreet wines, including some unique sets chosen by Bruce, along with a complimentary Single Vineyard tasting for two at the estate. Head over to www.Stonestreetwines.com/Travel to access these incredible deals—and don’t forget to use code TRAVEL to book your complimentary tasting.

Thank you also to Accor and Raffles Doha for sponsoring this episode of the Travel That Matters’ Master Chef series. To learn more about the Raffles Doha or its new ALBA restaurant from chef Enrico Crippa, visit https://www.raffles.com/doha/dining/alba-by-enrico-crippa/.

Kann (Portland) https://kannrestaurant.com/

ARU (Melbourne) Thai https://aru.net.au/

Cumulus (Melbourne) https://www.cumulusinc.com.au/

Kruger National Park https://www.krugerpark.co.za/

Six Senses Shaharut https://www.sixsenses.com/en/resorts/shaharut

Travel That Matters is a CurtCo Media Production.

Host: Bruce Wallin

Producer: AJ Moseley

Marketing: Catrin Skaperdas

Music: Joey Salvia

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To learn more about Gail Simmons or any of her projects, visit http://gailsimmons.com/.

To find out more about Uri Jeremias and his Efendi Hotel and Uri Buri restaurant in the Old City of Akko, visit https://efendi-hotel.co.il/?lang=en.

Kann (Portland) https://kannrestaurant.com/

ARU (Melbourne) Thai https://aru.net.au/

Cumulus (Melbourne) https://www.cumulusinc.com.au/

Kruger National Park https://www.krugerpark.co.za/

Six Senses Shaharut https://www.sixsenses.com/en/resorts/shaharut

Travel That Matters is a CurtCo Media Production.

Host: Bruce Wallin

Producer: AJ Moseley

Marketing: Catrin Skaperdas

Music: Joey Salvia

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Previous Episode

undefined - Daniel Boulud (Highly Decorated chef): Michelin Star Restaurants in Europe, Hometown of Lyon, Delicious Bahamian Food, Traveling with Children

Daniel Boulud (Highly Decorated chef): Michelin Star Restaurants in Europe, Hometown of Lyon, Delicious Bahamian Food, Traveling with Children

Highly decorated chef and owner of prestigious restaurants all over the world Daniel Boulud starts off this episode of Travel That Matters by telling us what and how he prepared one of the best meals host Bruce ever had the night before this interview was recorded. The two go on to discuss Daniel’s experience working in a variety of Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe as well as why Daniel thinks his hometown of Lyon, France, is such a great travel and food destination. They also discuss their shared love of Bahamian food and what makes the seafood culture so unique. Then, Daniel names some of his favorite countries to travel and eat his way through, and why he thinks they’re so distinguishable from the rest.

Daniel is a lover of philanthropy and shares some of the ways he likes to give back both globally with his chef colleagues and nationally with his family. Daniel also shares a sneak peek of his first west coast restaurant opening soon. Finally, the two chat about the importance of family travel and sharing unique foods with their children at a young age.

To learn more about Chef Daniel Boulud or any of his projects, visit https://www.danielboulud.com/

A special thanks to Stonestreet Estate Vineyards for sponsoring the show today. Don't forget, listeners of the Master Chef series can receive exclusive access to Stonestreet wines and experiences including some unique sets chosen by Bruce, along with a complimentary Single Vineyard tasting for two at the estate. Head over to Stonestreetwines.com/Travel to access these incredible wines—and don’t forget to use code TRAVEL to book your complimentary tasting.

Thank you also to Accor and Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk for sponsoring this episode of the Travel That Matters’ Master Chef series. To learn more about the Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk and Brasserie Boulud, visit https://www.sofitel-dubai-theobelisk.com/restaurants-bars/brasserie-boulud/

Mentions:

Restaurant Del Pescatore: https://www.dalpescatore.com/it

LA MEUNIÈRE: https://www.lameuniere.fr/

Le Suprême: https://lesupremelyon.fr/fr

Café Boulud The Bahamas: https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/baha-mar/dining/cafe-boulud

Le Pavillon NYC: https://lepavillonnyc.com/

Le Gratin: https://www.legratinnyc.com/

Travel That Matters is a CurtCo Media Production.

Host: Bruce Wallin

Producer: AJ Moseley

Marketing: Catrin Skaperdas

Music: Joey Salvia

This interview with Chef Daniel Boulud took place at the Rosewood Baha Mar resort in The Bahamas. https://bahamar.com/hotels/rosewood/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Next Episode

undefined - Gregory Gourdet (2x Top Chef Finalist): Peruvian Adventures, Oaxaca (Mexico) for Food Lovers, Haitian Cuisine and Travels, Best Meals of the Year

Gregory Gourdet (2x Top Chef Finalist): Peruvian Adventures, Oaxaca (Mexico) for Food Lovers, Haitian Cuisine and Travels, Best Meals of the Year

Gregory Gourdet is an American chef, writer, restaurateur, and former finalist on the twelfth and seventeenth seasons of Top Chef. His first restaurant Kann was named America’s best new restaurant at the 2023 James Beard awards.

Gregory shares his experience on Top Chef and how it inspired him to travel around the world. We also get a sneak peek of his work guiding global travel experiences with Modern Adventure. We learn about what part of the world Gregory is most passionate about right now. We hear what trendy country in South America is unlike any other place on earth in terms of unique ingredients and flavor. Gregory shares one of his favorite travel experiences up in the mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico. He also shares his thoughts on why his restaurant Kann has been so well received. We learn about Haiti and why Gregory thinks it’s poised to become a hot travel destination again. We find out what his “last meal” would be if he had to pick only one! Gregory shares his favorite nonfood-related trip, and why it’s such an ultra experience. Finally, we hear what and where Gregory’s best meals of the year have been.

In the wrap, Bruce welcomes chef Wayne Brown to the show. Wayne heads up operations of Carte Blanched – Ennismore’s in-house F&B development and concepting studio. We learn what goes into the concept development with Carte Blanched projects. Wayne also shares how Carte Blanched tailors each concept to its unique region and culture. We get a sneak peek into an exciting upcoming mixology project opening in Barcelona. We hear more about the new Mondrian Singapore Duxton food concepts coming to life, and how “the greatest butcher in the world” Dario Cecchini is building their new restaurant Bottega Di Carna. Finally, Wayne shares some interesting stories about his travels to Asia, and how those trips led him to who he is today.

To learn more about Gregory Gourdet or any of his projects, visit https://gregorygourdet.com/

To find out more about Wayne Brown and Carte Blanched, visit https://carte-blanched.com/

A special thanks to Stonestreet Estate Vineyards for sponsoring the show today. Don't forget, listeners of the Master Chef Series can receive exclusive access to Stonestreet wines and experiences including some unique sets chosen by Bruce, along with a complimentary Single Vineyard tasting for two at the estate. Head over to Stonestreetwines.com/Travel to access these incredible wines—and don’t forget to use code TRAVEL to book your complimentary tasting.

Thank you also to Accor and the Mondrian Singapore Duxton for sponsoring this episode of the Travel That Matters’ Master Chef series. To learn more about the Mondrian Singapore Duxton and their Bottega Di Carna restaurant visit https://book.ennismore.com/hotels/mondrian/singapore-duxton/dining

Links and mentions: