This is... Taste the Culture! Chef Justin Sutherland of TruTV's Fast Foodies, visits the flagship location of Big Dave's Cheesesteaks in downtown Atlanta, to learn about the business from its owner and founder, Derrick Hayes. Justin and Derrick retrace Derrick's steps from a humble gas station, to two bustling businesses and a food truck. They dive into conversation about the challenges Black CEOs face, and the pressure to conform to others' definitions of professionalism and success. From there, Justin heads out to meet with Slutty Vegan owner Pinky Cole and takes part in the famed SV customer experience. Pinky uses a flashy and provocative business model to draw attention and start conversations not just about veganism, but education, finance, and leadership.
Justin meets Keisha & Warren Cameron on their farm in Grayson, GA. They are educators who use High Hog Farm to share their amazing breadth of knowledge in all things agricultural and botanical. The episode culminates with an extensive chat about their work on the farm, ranging from the nuances of regenerative farm practices and the importance of black people reclaiming their agricultural right, to the power of community and education.
Justin visits Bryan Furman at the site of his soon-to-be opened new barbecue restaurant. Bryan is one of the brightest rising stars in the barbecue world who has not only mastered the art of barbecue but also the art of giving back. In the episode, both chefs talk through what it takes to be a true master craftsman, the importance of remembering where you came from, and – most importantly to Bryan – the power of giving back.
Chef Justin Sutherland connects with Mia Orino and Carlo Gan from Filipino standout, Kamayan and Parnass Savang from authentic Thai-inspired Talat Market. For these entrepreneurs, the promise of the American Dream and the shared immigrant experience of “reinvention” has been a driving force of inspiration and purpose. Later, Mia and Carlo visit Parnass’ space at Talat Market to collaborate on a special multi-course pop-up feast for friends and Atlanta locals.
Host, Justin Sutherland, takes on New York City to visit award-nominated chef, Miguel Trinidad, at his inventive dinner club, 99th Floor. They explore how the use of a special refined ingredient can enhance dining experiences, culminating in a dinner party featuring a curated and imaginative cannabis-infused menu.
Justin continues his trip around New York City, meeting with Michelin Star Executive Sous Chef and ‘Top Chef’ finalist, Adrienne Cheatham. Adrienne has seen it all at the top of the culinary world and is now focusing on her newest concept, SundayBest. The pop-up dinner club is out to prove that collard greens, grits, and Soul Food have a seat at the highest levels of the food game. For dinner, Chef Adrienne invites Justin and other chef friends over to experience her newest menu.
On his last stop in New York, Justin heads to the historic Harlem neighborhood to link up with Karl Franz Williams at his nationally-acclaimed cocktail bar, 67 Orange Street. Before diving into Karl’s curated libations, they take a stroll through the neighborhood and chat about the enduring legacy of Harlem as one of the epicenters of Black culture.