Food Broken Promises – Details, episodes & analysis

In today’s episode, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Ursula Bittner, economic expert at Greenpeace CEE and founder of Saubere Hände - Stoppt Korruption. SPECIAL GUEST BIO Ursula Bittner is an economic expert at Greenpeace CEE working on democracy, compliance, civil society, Greenwashing and also on trade, supply chains, agriculture and biodiversity. She holds a degree in International Development from the University of Vienna, a MBA degree specialised in general management of the California Lutheran University, US and a degree from the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna. 10 years ago she worked for a soya-food company before she founded together with a colleague an association for a sustainable European protein supply. She worked there for 8 years as the General Secretary. During that period she also managed the Austrian Soy Association, an association combining Austrian soy-food companies.  In 2021 she founded the Initiative Saubere Hände - Stoppt Korruption to fight against corruption in Austria.  Bittner advocates a liberal democracy, a strong civil society and for sustainable agriculture, and the protection of our planet.  Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast. You can also follow us on our different platforms: https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live https://www.youtube.com/@atablefortwo https://www.facebook.com/atablefortwo.live https://www.linkedin.com/company/atablefortwo/

In today’s episode, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Anissa Helou, chef, food writer, journalist, and photographer (Italy & UK) SPECIAL GUEST BIO Anissa Helou (www.anissas.com) is a chef, food writer, journalist, broadcaster, and consultant focusing on the cuisines and culinary heritage of the Middle East, Mediterranean and North Africa, and most recently the Islamic world. Born and raised between Beirut, Lebanon, and Mashta el-Helou, Syria, she knows the Mediterranean as only a well-traveled native can. Ms. Helou is the author of numerous award-winning cookbooks including Feast, Food of the Islamic World; Sweet Middle East, Levant, The Fifth Quarter, An Offal Cookbook; Modern Mezze; Savory Baking from the Mediterranean; Mediterranean Street Food; Café Morocco; and Lebanese Cuisine, which was a finalist for the prestigious Andre Simon awards and chosen as one of the Los Angeles Times’ favorite books in 1998. Lebanese Cuisine remains the classic and most comprehensive work on this increasingly popular cuisine. The Fifth Quarter, An Offal Cookbook; Modern Mezze; and Mediterranean Street Food have received Gourmand World Cookbook awards. The latter was included in Food & Wine magazine’s selection of the Best of the Best for 2002. Mediterranean Street Food was chosen by Cooking Light magazine as one of the top 100 cookbooks of the last 25 years. Savory Baking from the Mediterranean, was chosen by NPR, The New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, and Food & Wine as one of the best cookbooks for 2007 and Levant was chosen as best of the year by several publications including the Observer Food Monthly and Australian Gourmet Traveller. Her new book, Feast: The Food of the Islamic World, was published to great acclaim by Ecco in May 2018 (also published in the UK and Germany) has been short-listed for the very prestigious Art of Eating award. It has also won the James Beard Foundation award in the International category and was short-listed for the IACP awards in the General and International categories. It was also chosen by the New Yorker as one of the 10 best cookbooks of the century so far. She was also the winner of the Foodics Icon Award for Middle East and North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023. An accomplished photographer and intrepid traveler, Anissa runs culinary tours to various Mediterranean countries, Iran and Central Asia. She also teaches cooking classes. She was the featured chef in the travel/cooking Show, Al Chef Yaktachef (meaning the chef discovers), that was shown on Abu Dhabi TV in 2010. She has also featured as one of the judges/mentors to a team of chefs in Taste Arabia, which aired on Al Nahar TV in Egypt and OSN all over the Arab world and was one of the guest judges in the final of one of the series of Top Chef Arabia. She also recently gave a masterclass and was a guest judge on Masterchef Italia. She was also listed in 2013 in the Arabian Business Magazine as one of the “100 Most Powerful Arab Women” and on the “500 Most Influential Arabs”. Ms. Helou is fluent in French, Arabic, and English and soon to be fluent in Italian as well. (Trapani, Sicily & London, UK) Thank you for listening! Don't forget to subscribe to/follow our podcast. You can also follow us on our different platforms: Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/atablefortwo.live/ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@atablefortwo
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In today’s episode, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Marion Nestle, Paulette Goddard Professor, of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health, Emerita, at New York University, USA

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Marion Nestle is Paulette Goddard Professor, of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health, Emerita, at New York University, which she chaired from 1988-2003 and from which she officially retired in September 2017. She is also Visiting Professor of Nutritional Sciences at Cornell. She earned a Ph.D. in molecular biology and an M.P.H. in public health nutrition from the University of California, Berkeley, and has been awarded honorary degrees from Transylvania University in Kentucky (2012) and from the City University of New York’s Macaulay Honors College (2016).

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In this insightful new episode, host Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Special Guest Emma Banks, Vice President of Food & Beverage Strategy and Development at Hilton EMEA.

In their conversation, Emma shares her insights and experiences in the world of hospitality. From sustainable sourcing to wine culture, Emma discusses the importance of local produce, reducing carbon emissions, and creating memorable guest experiences. Discover the fascinating stories behind Hilton's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and food waste, supporting local communities and providing exceptional dining options. With topics ranging from farm-to-table initiatives to making wine more accessible and enjoyable, Emma's passion for authenticity and connection shines through. This podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of food, sustainability, culture, and hospitality. Tune in and be inspired by Emma's journey to transform the industry and create meaningful experiences for guests worldwide.

SPECIAL GUEST BIO

Based at Hilton’s MEA Regional Office in Dubai, Emma Banks is responsible for F&B strategy and development across EMEA, supporting Hilton’s trading and future pipeline of hotels. 

Over the course of Emma’s career, she has seamlessly transitioned from independents to large global hospitality companies. She joined Hilton in 2019 with a mission to make the company the clear leader in food and drink. In but a short time she has made a big impact, bringing a wealth of exceptional F&B talent into the business while being actively involved in Hilton’s various diversity initiatives.

Emma recognizes the critical responsibility that F&B plays in protecting the planet and has been involved in several market-leading initiatives to reduce single-use plastics, track food waste and source ingredients locally, which was recognised at the launch of Gault & Millau in the UAE, when Emma was shortlisted as a finalist in the category of ‘Sustainability Champion Of The Year’, and most recently when she was declared the Gulfood Sustainability Professional of The Year 2023.

Emma is also a role model to women in the industry, ranking #1 in Caterer Middle East’s “2020 Women in F&B” Power List. At the end of 2020 Emma was elected a Member of the Board of Governors and Member of the Board of the Academic Committee of Dubai College of Tourism (DCT) and in 2022, she was selected to be one of HSBC’s ’75 Faces of the UAE’. Most recently Emma was acknowledged with a Middle East Women Leader Award at the World Women Leadership Congress Awards Middle East, for her contribution to the promotion of empowerment and social change and she was included in the 2023 Top Women in Travel and Hospitality report by Women Leading Travel & Hospitality.

Emma holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Leeds University and lives in Dubai with her husband Jon, daughter Lily (when home from university) and a menagerie of rescue cats and dogs!

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In today’s episode, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Jennifer Estevez, CEO, Consciously Planted, USA

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Jennifer Estevez is a CEO, entrepreneur and business advisor with years of experience working in marketing, communications, food, beverage, hospitality and startups. She originally started her professional career as a sommelier, receiving her CMS Advanced Certification and sitting for her Master Sommelier Diploma. She transitioned to the world of marketing and communications by starting her own firm, OMvino, after seeing an opportunity to provide insider trade knowledge and experience to a variety of food and beverage businesses.

Jennifer delved into the startup world at the same time as she started OMvino and co-founded an online wine club app called Palate Club. Growing the two companies simultaneously gave Jennifer an opportunity to expand her skills in starting businesses, and she began to use this knowledge to advise on other emerging brands and startups. Recently, she decided to dovetail her veganism and wellness practices to her professional life and founded Consciously Planted Advisory where she focuses solely on plant-based and sustainable startup consultancy.

In her spare time she teaches yoga, meditation, breath work, while also leading wellness retreats. She is also an advocate for plant-medicine and studies martial arts.

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In today’s episode, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Max La Manna, Chef, Author, UK

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Max La Manna is an award-winning chef, author and presenter. He started cooking at a young age in his father's restaurants and has worked in Michelin-starred establishments. He was named 2022 Digital Creator of The Year by Fortnum & Mason. With over 15 years of cooking experience, Max is best known for his captivating, super simple plant-based recipe videos. Max has been featured on Food Network, Guardian Feast, Vogue, The Times, and recently appeared on BBC One’s Saturday Kitchen. Inspired by asking his followers what their most-wasted ingredients are, his new book, "You Can Cook This!" is designed to help you champion the food you already have in your fridges and cupboards and find exciting new ways to cook the meals we crave the most.

Max lives in the Cotswolds with his wife and their 33 houseplants.

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In today’s episode, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Pierre Thiam

Founder & President, Yolélé, and Founder & Executive Chef, Teranga, USA

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⁠Pierre Thiam⁠ is a celebrated chef, restaurateur, award-winning cookbook author, and entrepreneur. Born and raised in Senegal, he is known for his innovative cooking style, at once modern and eclectic yet rooted in the rich culinary traditions of West Africa. He is the chef and owner of critically acclaimed, Harlem-based restaurant ⁠Teranga⁠, which serves fast-casual West African fare directly sourced from farmers in the region, and the co-founder of ⁠Yolélé⁠, a purpose-driven food business that makes African ingredients available to US home cooks and restaurants, while connecting smallholder farms in West Africa with the global food economy. Pierre is the author of three cookbooks, and this September 2023 will release his third, ⁠Simply West African: Easy, Joyful Recipes for Every Kitchen⁠. He has won numerous awards and accolades for his cooking and advocacy work and he is on the board of directors for two global nonprofits, IDEO.org and SOS Sahel. Here’s a ⁠TED Talk⁠ he did on the power of the ancient African grain fonio to help Africa prosper.

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In today’s episode, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Lidia Díaz, Presidenta Asociación Española Contra la Despoblación AECD, Salamanca, España.

En el episodio de hoy, Antoine Abou-Samra da la bienvenida a Lidia Díaz, Presidenta Asociación Española Contra la Despoblación AECD, Salamanca, España.

The podcast is in Spanish / El podcast es en español.

SPECIAL GUEST BIO / BIOGRAFÍA DE LA INVITADA ESPECIAL

[ENGLISH]

Lidia Dìaz is the president of the Spanish Association Against Depopulation (AECD), a non-profit organization focused on finding solutions to the challenges posed by depopulation in Spain. She has been actively involved in promoting policies and initiatives aimed at revitalizing rural areas and combating demographic decline.

Dìaz is a recognized expert on issues related to depopulation and has spoken at numerous events and conferences on the subject. She has also collaborated with various organizations in the development of strategies to promote the sustainable development of rural areas as a consultant in conscious personal development.

As President of AECD, Dìaz works closely with other organizations, policy makers and stakeholders to identify the root causes of depopulation and develop effective solutions. She is committed to raising awareness of the problem and advocating for policies that support the revitalization of rural communities and the promotion of sustainable development from a self-compositional model of co-governance.

[ESPAÑOL]

Lidia Dìaz es la presidenta de la Asociación Española Contra la Despoblación (AECD), una organización sin ánimo de lucro centrada en la búsqueda de soluciones a los retos que plantea la despoblación en España. Ha participado activamente en la promoción de políticas e iniciativas destinadas a revitalizar las zonas rurales y combatir el declive demográfico.

Dìaz es una reconocida experta en temas relacionados con la despoblación y ha intervenido en numerosos actos y conferencias sobre el tema. También ha colaborado con diversas organizaciones, en la elaboración de estrategias para promover el desarrollo sostenible de las zonas rurales como consultora en desarrollo personal consciente.

Como Presidenta de la AECD, Dìaz colabora estrechamente con otras organizaciones, responsables de políticas y partes interesadas para identificar las causas profundas de la despoblación y desarrollar soluciones eficaces. Está comprometida con la concienciación sobre el problema y la defensa de políticas que apoyen la revitalización de las comunidades rurales y la promoción del desarrollo sostenible desde un modelo autocompositivo de cogobernaza.

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In today’s episode, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Dr. Cynthia Rosenzweig, Senior Research Scientist, NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, New York, USA.

SPECIAL GUEST BIO Dr. Cynthia Rosenzweig is a Senior Research Scientist at the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies and the co-located Columbia University Climate School’s Center for Climate Systems Research. Dr. Rosenzweig’s specific area of expertise is climate change and food systems. At NASA GISS, she heads the Climate Impacts Group whose mission is to investigate the interactions of climate (both variability and change) on systems and sectors important to human well-being.

Dr. Rosenzweig is the co-founder and member of the Executive Committee of the Agricultural Model Intercomparison and Improvement Project (AgMIP), a globally integrated transdisciplinary study of climate change and the food system at regional, national and global scales, including the participation of over 1000 leading researchers from developed and developing nations. She has developed new methods of detection and attribution of observed changes in physical and biological systems to anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and pioneered research on the impacts of and adaptation to climate change and climate variability.

In 2019, Dr. Rosenzweig was Coordinating Lead Author of the Food Security Chapter for the IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Land. She is the 2022 recipient of the World Food Prize, considered as the “Nobel Prize for Food and Agriculture.”

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In today’s episode, Antoine Abou-Samra welcomes Andrew Revkin, Founding Director,  Initiative On Communication And Sustainability, New York, USA.

SPECIAL GUEST BIO Andrew Revkin has reported on global environmental risk and solutions for 40 years - mostly for The New York Times. He began writing about global warming in 1988 and has never stopped, pursuing related questions from the North Pole to the Amazon to the White House and conveying what he’s learned across all media formats. A 2006 Guggenheim Fellowship helped him launch his pioneering and award-winning Dot Earth blog at The Times. In 2019 he founded the Initiative on Communication and Sustainability at Columbia University's Earth Institute, which is now the Columbia Climate School. There he fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration, writes his Sustain What dispatch (⁠revkin.substack.com⁠) and runs his Sustain What webcast, which has reached some 3 million viewers through more than 360 episodes. Revkin has written or co-written five lauded books on environmental themes, most notably The Burning Season, his 1990 biography of slain Amazon defender Chico Mendes, which won a Robert F. Kennedy Book Award and was the basis for the Emmy- and Golden-Globe-Winning HBO film of the same name. In spare moments Revkin is a performing songwriter. Born and raised in Rhode Island, he now lives in coastal Maine with his wife and sometime co-author Lisa Mechaley. Learn more at⁠ http://j.mp/revkinlinks⁠.

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