Adam Mesnick is the “Chairman of the Board” and founder behind Deli Board in San Francisco - a place that’s built a cult following with chefs, tech execs, and loyal regulars alike. With a career that started in mortgage banking, Adam made the leap to professional cooking in his mid-30s, fueled by a lifelong passion for food and a deep respect for hospitality. In this episode, he shares how Deli Board became a benchmark for sandwich craftsmanship, why he limits bulk orders, and how every detail - down to the way each sandwich is wrapped - reflects his relentless dedication to quality and consistency. Adam also opens up about the impact he strives to make daily in his community - whether it’s being vocal about the neighborhood he’s built his business in by calling for change, helping clean up the streets he walks every day, feeding someone in need, or contributing to the SOMA West Community Benefit District. Enjoy this episode as we go Beyond the Plate… with Adam Mesnick.

This episode is brought to you by Siete Foods.

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Kevin Armstrong is a celebrated bartender, bar owner, educator, and author based in East London. His neighborhood bar has become a global destination - thanks in part to its daily-changing cocktail menu and one of the most thoughtfully trained teams in the business. In this episode, Kevin shares why he believes great bars are built on great experiences, not just great drinks, and how he empowers his staff to lead with both creativity and consistency. He also highlights his involvement with organizations like Equal Measures and Celebrate Her, which support mentorship and diversity in the bar industry. Enjoy this episode as we go Beyond the Drink… with Kevin Armstrong.

This season of #BeyondtheDrink is brought to you by Fords Gin, - the cocktail gin.

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Jake Cohen is a two-time bestselling cookbook author, culinary content creator, and unapologetic dinner party enthusiast. In this episode, he shares how a childhood curiosity for hosting dinner parties and Shabbat dinners became a lifelong passion for bringing people together around the table. From CIA to food media, Jake opens up about his path through fine dining, his strategic career shifts, and the intentionality behind every step of his new book Dinner Party Animal. He talks about building a life and career rooted in intention, creativity, and joy. He also opens up about how he gives back to his community through his work with OneTable and City Harvest, two organizations that reflect his belief in the power of food to bring people together. Enjoy this episode as we go Beyond the Plate… with Jake Cohen.

This episode is brought to you by Fords Gin - the cocktail gin.

(You’ll find the drink recipe heard in this episode below.)

This episode is brought to you by Siete Foods.

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***

The Chosen Martini

Recipe courtesy of Anna Mains.

Batched in a 750ML Fords Gin bottle - makes approximately 6-7 martinis

15 parts Fords Gin

5 parts Dry Vermouth

3 parts filtered pickle brine*

2 parts filtered water

Dill cornichons, garnish

Cocktail Onions, garnish

Caper Berries, garnish

Set aside 10oz. of gin into a mixing glass (or deli quart container) - make yourself a cocktail to enjoy while your martinis are chilling, or save for later.

Add dry vermouth, pickle brine and water into the Fords Gin bottle, put the cap back on the bottle, give it a few shakes, and put it in the freezer to chill (ideally overnight).

When the bottle is visibly frozen, pour the batched cocktail into a COLD ‘nick & nora’ glass or a coupe glass, and garnish with speared cornichon, cocktail onion, and caper berry.

*I prefer a classic kosher dill brine, but I’m not your Jewish mother- I...

In this episode, Kappy shares what’s on his plate at the moment.

Links and handles mentioned in this episode:

Vitamix Immersion Blender and Attachments | IG

Instant Pot Pressure Cooker | mine

Beyond the Drink x Alexis Soler

Mac Knives | Professional Series

Chef Joel Gamoran | Homemade | ReFED Food Waste Solutions Summit

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Alexis Soler made the leap from Miami’s high-energy bar world to a Nashville that looked very different from the city we know today. In this conversation, she shares how that move shaped her creatively and opened the door to building some of Nashville’s most thoughtful and dynamic hospitality experiences. We explore her process for developing cocktails, her growing passion for design, and her love of pushing herself - whether that’s opening a new food and beverage concept or climbing mountains (literally). She also speaks about her thoughtful approach to social impact - from supporting national parks to choosing brands whose values align with her own. Enjoy this episode as we go Beyond the Drink… with Alexis Soler.

This season of #BeyondtheDrink is brought to you by Fords Gin, - the cocktail gin.

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Vaughn Vreeland is a writer, recipe developer, and video series host for NYT Cooking - and the co-creator behind the wildly popular Cookie Week. We sat down for a live conversation at The Book Cellar in Chicago to talk about his journey from bakery counter to bylines, and how he brings joy and intention to everything he creates. Vaughn shares the inspiration behind COOKIES, the new book he curated for NYT Cooking. Whether you're a seasoned home baker or a total beginner, there are plenty of recipes that’ll make you want to play in the kitchen and share the joy of baking. And don’t miss the audience Q&A at the end - it’s filled with fun, thoughtful, and insightful questions. Enjoy this LIVE episode as we go Beyond the Plate… with Vaughn Vreeland.

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In this episode, Kappy shares what’s on his plate at the moment.

Links and handles mentioned in this episode:

Motorino London | Stevie Parle | Luke Ahearne

Chef Liv’s Soy Sauce | HEYDOH Soy Sauce

Cookies book | Vaughn Vreeland

Chicago Chefs Cook

Palate Palette | The Taste Curators | Lish Steiling | Abbey Cook

Hedley & Bennett corduroy collection | Ellen Bennett

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