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Say Grace

Steve Palmer

A soulful exploration of the hospitality industry through the eyes of celebrated restaurateur and author Steve Palmer. Combining the richness of grace—a pre-meal tradition in the South, a gift freely given, and a timeless virtue—with the transformative journey of hospitality, this podcast dives deep into the stories behind the industry. With heartfelt conversations, Palmer uncovers personal journeys of resilience, mental health breakthroughs, and sources of inspiration, showcasing how lives are shaped and changed by the world of service. Say Grace is your place to reflect, connect, and savor thoughtful narratives. Pull up a chair, and join the dialogue about food, people, and the grace that sustains them both.

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21 episodes
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Avg 1 hr 1 min
English

Episodes 21

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S2 · E30
Thursday · 1 hr 6 min
EP 30: A Conversation with Sam Fore of Tuk Tuk Snack Shop
Sam Fore is a Sri Lankan-American chef and recipe developer based in Lexington, Kentucky, whose cooking blends her Sri Lankan heritage with her upbringing in the American South. She founded Tuk Tuk Sri Lankan Bites in 2016 after hosting Sri Lankan brunches in her home and went on to bring her cooking to pop-ups across the country. In 2023, she opened Tuk Tuk Snack Shop, which was named one of Garden & Gun’s Best New Restaurants of the South in 2025. Today, Sam continues to share her cooking through her online platform and in-person SnackEasy experiences. In this episode, Sam sits down with Steve to discuss what it’s like showcasing Sri Lankan cuisine to the world, her experience opening up her home for pop-ups and transitioning to bigger and bigger events, and the struggles she faced as a self-taught chef while learning through working in other kitchens. Thank you to Stolon Food Lab for allowing us to use the space to film this episode.
S2 · E29
August 27 · 1 hr 25 min
EP 29: A Conversation with Jeremiah Langhorne of The Dabney
Jeremiah Langhorne is the chef and co-owner of The Dabney in Washington, D.C., a restaurant that has helped redefine modern American cooking through a deep reverence for Mid-Atlantic ingredients, history, and hearth-driven technique. The Dabney has earned a MICHELIN star every year since the Guide’s D.C. debut, was named a 2025 James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurant, and was ranked the #1 restaurant in the District by Washingtonian. Jeremiah himself received the 2018 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic, cementing his place as one of the region’s defining culinary voices In this episode, Jeremiah joins Steve for a conversation on his journey to Washington, D.C., the mentors and friends who supported him through the various cities where he honed his craft, and the process of opening, adapting, and sustaining The Dabney throughout its 10+ years of business. Thank you to Stolon Food Lab for allowing us to use the space to film this episode.
S2 · E28
August 13 · 51 min
EP 28: A Conversation with Kyle Knall of Birch and CASSIS
Kyle Knall is the Culinary Director at Stone Bank Farms and chef/co-owner of Birch in Milwaukee, which he operates with his wife, Meghan. At Birch, he champions regionally sourced ingredients cooked over an open hearth, emphasizing sustainability and honest, flavorful food. His impact on Milwaukee’s dining scene has earned him multiple James Beard Foundation semifinalist nominations, including Best Chef: Midwest (2024, 2025) and Outstanding Chef (2022). Birch was also named to The New York Times’ 2023 “Restaurant List,” praised for its “worldly Midwestern cuisine free of clichés.” After serving as executive chef of Electric Lemon, Kyle and Meghan settled in Milwaukee, opening Birch and recently-opened CASSIS, a French bistro, in 2025. In this episode, Kyle joins Steve for a conversation on how growing up in the South and his Italian heritage shaped his cooking career and approach, the differences in food cultures across the various regions where he has worked, and the importance of creating a sense of place and ownership for his Milwaukee community through his restaurants. Thank you to Stolon Food Lab for allowing us to use the space to film this episode.
S2 · E27
July 30 · 1 hr 13 min
EP 27: A Conversation with Yia Vang of Vinai
Yia Vang is the executive chef and owner of Vinai in Minneapolis, where he honors the past, present, and future of Hmong cooking. Born in a Thai refugee camp and raised in Wisconsin, his culinary perspective is deeply rooted in family, culture, and the power of food to bring people together. He began his career as a dishwasher before launching Union Hmong Kitchen, earning James Beard recognition and becoming a defining voice in the Minneapolis dining scene. In 2024, he opened Vinai, a deeply personal tribute to his parents and a celebrated expression of Hmong cuisine. In this episode, Yia joins Steve for a conversation about what pushed him to take cooking seriously after finding his love for the kitchen at a young age, the impact his family’s time in a Thai refugee camp has on his motivation for success, and introducing Americans to Hmong food. Thank you to Stolon Food Lab for allowing us to use the space to film this episode.
S2 · E26
July 16 · 50 min
EP 26: A Conversation with Legendary Chef Nancy Silverton
Nancy Silverton is a five-time James Beard Award–winning chef and co-owner of the Mozza Restaurant Group, which includes eight locations worldwide. Her flagship California restaurants include MICHELIN-starred Osteria Mozza, Pizzeria Mozza, chi SPACCA, and Mozza2Go, with additional U.S. locations in Washington, D.C., and Hawaii, and international outposts in Singapore and Cabo. In 2025, she opened Max & Helen’s with Phil Rosenthal and will debut Spacca Tutto later this year. A celebrated author of eleven cookbooks, Silverton has been featured on Chef’s Table, MasterClass, and Food Network, and is deeply involved in philanthropic work. Nancy most recently was the recipient of the 2026 James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to the hospitality industry and was recognized as one of TIME Magazine’s Most Influential People of 2026. In this episode, Nancy sits down with Steve from the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen for a conversation on her illustrious career, including being a part of defining “California cuisine,” the evolution of hospitality around the world, and breaking barriers as a pioneering woman in the culinary field.
S2 · E25
July 2 · 1 hr 38 min
EP 25: A Conversation with Matt and Ted Lee of The Lee Bros.
Siblings Matt and Ted Lee grew up and learned to cook in Charleston, SC. They founded The Lee Brothers Boiled Peanuts Catalogue, a mail-order source for Southern pantry staples, in 1994 before embarking on a second career as food journalists and award-winning authors. The Lee Brothers currently produce live events and festivals, turning narratives around contemporary food and beverage culture into thrilling and transformative experiences. In this episode, Matt and Ted join Steve for a conversation about the growth of Charleston’s food scene, finding their footing in the hospitality industry, and what’s next for their journey. Thank you to Stolon Food Lab for allowing us to use the space to film this episode.
S2 · E24
June 18 · 1 hr 8 min
EP 24: A Conversation with Vinnie Cimino of Cordelia and ROSY
Vinnie Cimino is a Cleveland, Ohio-based chef who has built his reputation on Midwest values, exceptional ingredients, and genuine hospitality. At his restaurant, Cordelia, he champions “Midwest Nice,” putting team and guests first while celebrating farm-fresh, seasonal bounty. Named one of Food & Wine Best New Chefs in 2025, Cimino also co-founded Cleveland Family Meal, supports local charitable initiatives through Five Star Sensation, and recently opened his second restaurant, ROSY. His leadership and dedication to the region earned him a spot as a finalist for the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Great Lakes in 2026. In this episode, Vinnie joins Steve to discuss the importance of taking care of his employees, the business of food and opening restaurants, and the importance of investing and giving back to his community of northeast Ohio. Thank you to Stolon Food Lab for allowing us to use the space to film this episode.
S2 · E23
June 4 · 32 min
EP 23: A Conversation with Jon Bassford, Founder of Lateral Solutions
Jon Bassford is a best-selling author, TEDx speaker, and founder of Lateral Solutions, an operations consulting and advisory firm. With a background spanning law, philosophy, and executive operations, Jon now helps founders and leadership teams scale by transforming curiosity into a competitive advantage. In this episode, Jon sits down with Steve for a conversation about the power of curiosity, the importance of building a strong and positive company culture, and why lasting profitability is directly tied to the health of that culture.
S2 · E22
May 21 · 50 min
EP 22: A Conversation with Alyssa Maute Smith of Charleston Wine + Food
Alyssa Maute Smith is the Executive Director of Charleston Wine + Food, where she led the organization into its 20th anniversary year in 2026 with a focus on community, education, and sustainability. A Charleston native appointed to the role in 2023, she has overseen nearly $21.7 million in economic impact for the Festival while expanding its reach through free community programming and industry-first initiatives that support local talent and advance equity in the culinary world. In 2024, she was named one of Charleston Business Magazine’s “50 Most Influential,” recognizing her impact on both the Festival and the city’s broader hospitality landscape. In this episode, Alyssa joins Steve for a conversation about the local perspective Alyssa has brought to Charleston Wine + Food, the positive impact the festival has on Charleston’s economy, and their hopes for the future of the hospitality industry.
S2 · E21
May 7 · 1 hr 9 min
EP 21: A Conversation with Bill Addison of the Los Angeles Times
Bill Addison is the restaurant critic for the Los Angeles Times, where he writes influential reviews and guides that spotlight the diversity of the Southern California dining scene. Bill is the recipient of the 2023 Craig Claiborne Distinguished Restaurant Review Award from the James Beard Foundation, one of the highest honors in food writing. Before joining the Los Angeles Times, he was the national critic for Eater, where he traveled across the United States exploring regional cuisine. Bill recently made headlines by voluntarily dropping his long-held anonymity as a critic after nearly 25 years, embracing a more open approach to his craft while continuing to pay for every meal he reviews. In this episode, Bill joins Steve to discuss his journey from writing about Southern food culture to becoming a restaurant critic in Los Angeles, how the role of a food critic has evolved and changed over the years, and how life on the road shaped both his dining perspective and writing voice.
S2 · E20
April 23 · 1 hr 8 min
EP 20: A Conversation with Rose Previte of Maydan
Rose Previte is the owner of Washington, D.C.’s acclaimed restaurants and bars Compass Rose, MICHELIN-starred Maydan, Medina, and Maydan Market in Los Angeles. She is also the author of a cookbook called “Maydan,” and the co-founder of Go There Wines, which brings to market trailblazing wines made by women and other underrepresented winemakers from lesser-known wine-making regions around the world. As a prominent and progressive small business entrepreneur, she has attracted recognition including Washington Business Journal’s “40 under 40” and Washingtonian’s “Most Powerful Women in Washington” awards. In this episode, Rose joins Steve to discuss how her Lebanese and Italian heritages shape her work, the challenges of opening her first restaurant, being a female leader in the hospitality industry, and restaurant cultures in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles.
S2 · E19
April 9 · 51 min
EP 19: A Conversation with Chef Alex Harrell of The Gloriette and Ben’s Friends
Chef Alex Harrell brings a blend of classical technique and deep respect for Southern technique and seasonal ingredients to his cooking. Raised in southeastern Alabama, he spent childhood weekends on his grandparents’ Gulf Coast farm harvesting produce and cooking with his father. After earning a biology degree from Hampden-Sydney College, Harrell discovered his passion for the kitchen while working at a beachside seafood restaurant. He then moved to New Orleans, cooking under acclaimed chefs Susan Spicer and Gerard Maras. Harrell later led celebrated restaurants including Sylvain and Angeline and opened The Elysian Bar. Today, he serves as Executive Chef at The Gloriette in Covington, Louisiana. In this episode, Alex sits down with Steve to talk about his journey to sobriety, his leadership role with Ben’s Friends, a support group for hospitality workers navigating addiction, and what first drew him to the hospitality industry, as well as what continues to keep him there today. If you or someone you know that works in the hospitality industry is struggling with addiction, visit bensfriendshope.com to find resources.
S2 · E18
March 26 · 51 min
EP 18: A Conversation with Justin and Mia Devillier of La Petite Grocery
Chef Justin Devillier and Mia Devillier are the husband-and-wife team behind New Orleans’ beloved La Petite Grocery, where Justin serves as Chef/Owner and Mia as Director of Operations and co-owner. Raised in Dana Point, California, Justin’s early experiences fishing and diving along the Pacific coast sparked a lifelong passion for cooking. After moving to New Orleans in 2003, he worked in acclaimed kitchens before joining La Petite Grocery in 2004. He became Executive Chef in 2007 and, alongside Mia, purchased the restaurant in 2010. In 2016, Justin received the James Beard Award for Best Chef: South. Originally from Charleston, South Carolina, Mia brings a strong background in business and hospitality. Together, they have guided La Petite Grocery to national acclaim while fostering a culture of service-driven hospitality. In this episode, Justin and Mia sit down with Steve to discuss the evolution of the hospitality industry, their personal journey to becoming the owners of La Petite Grocery, and the challenges and joys of owning a restaurant.
S2 · E17
March 12 · 55 min
EP 17: A Conversation with James London of Chubby Fish
James London is a Charleston native whose culinary career began at age 14. After graduating from the College of Charleston and training at The French Culinary Institute in New York, he went on to lead kitchens in New York City and San Francisco, including serving as Executive Chef at the Japanese restaurant Niko in SoHo. Returning home to the Lowcountry, he opened Chubby Fish, a dock-to-table seafood restaurant that quickly earned national acclaim. Under his leadership, Chubby Fish has been recognized by Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, Eater, and The New York Times, and received James Beard Award nominations for Best Chef: Southeast (2024) and Outstanding Restaurant (2025). In this episode, James sits down with Steve to discuss his path to becoming a chef, how he discovered his cooking style and the science of food, and what it’s like running “Charleston's most famous restaurant” right now.
S2 · E16
February 26 · 1 hr
EP 16: A Conversation with Kat Kinsman of Food & Wine
Kat Kinsman is the Executive Features Editor at Food & Wine. She is the author of Hi, Anxiety: Life with a Bad Case of Nerves, host of the award-winning podcast Tinfoil Swans, and founder of Chefs with Issues. Previously, she served as senior food and drinks editor at Extra Crispy, editor in chief of Tasting Table, and founding editor of CNN’s Eatocracy. A two-time IACP Award winner, with honors in 2024 and 2020, her work has also been included in The Best American Food Writing. She is an internationally sought-after keynote speaker and moderator on food culture and mental health in the hospitality industry, and a former vice chair of the James Beard Journalism Committee. In this episode, Kat joins Steve for a conversation about what inspired Kat to speak up about the prevailing mental health issues in the restaurant community, how the food media landscape has changed since the rise of social media, the power of connection in a digital age, and more. Thank you to Stolon Food Lab for allowing us to use the space to film this episode.
S2 · E15
February 12 · 1 hr 4 min
EP 15: A Conversation with Culinary Icon Wolfgang Puck
Wolfgang Puck is a chef, restaurateur, and culinary pioneer whose name is synonymous with innovation in modern cuisine. Born in Austria, he worked in some of Europe’s most renowned kitchens before moving to the United States, where his fusion of French technique, California sensibility, and global influences reshaped fine dining. In 1982, he opened Spago, a flagship restaurant that became an international phenomenon and earned multiple James Beard Awards. Over his career, he has built a global restaurant empire, authored bestselling cookbooks, starred in television series, and received many honors including the James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award, induction into the Culinary Hall of Fame, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In this episode, Wolfgang joins Steve to share stories of his early years of training under his mentor in France, what it was like when Spago became a worldwide sensation, his transition into becoming the first celebrity chef, and his influence on modern American dining. Thank you to Wolfgang Puck and his team for allowing us to use their space to film this episode.
S2 · E14
January 29 · 1 hr 25 min
EP 14: A Conversation with Andrew Zimmern
Andrew Zimmern is an Emmy- and four-time James Beard Award–winning chef, creator, producer, and storyteller who has built a career on the belief that food tells the world’s most important stories. Through his acclaimed shows including Bizarre Foods, The Zimmern List, and Family Dinner, he’s explored how food can bridge divides and inspire change. Beyond television, he founded Intuitive Content and Passport Hospitality, authored five books, and co-created the Emmy-nominated series Hope in the Water. As a Global Goodwill Ambassador for the UN World Food Programme and The Nature Conservancy, he continues to champion sustainability, fight hunger, and advocate for cultural understanding. In this episode, Andrew joins Steve to discuss his journey to sobriety and what sparked his decision to support the recovery community, how he landed in food media and how it has changed throughout the years, and how people can display hospitality in their everyday lives. Thank you to Stolon Food Lab for allowing us to use the space to film this episode.
S2 · E13
January 15 · 1 hr 22 min
EP 13: A Conversation with Hospitality Entrepreneur Brooks Reitz
Brooks Reitz is a Charleston-based entrepreneur, investor, and writer. He is the owner of Leon's Oyster Shop, Little Jack's Tavern, and Melfi's, in Charleston, and The Bell, in New Orleans. He is also the founder of Jack Rudy Cocktail Co., a manufacturer of mixers and bar tools distributed internationally, and along with his wife, Erin, he is the co-founder of E.M. Reitz, making high-end shirts for women and men in NYC's Garment District. Via investments in brands like Blackbird and MUBI, he is focused on championing food, art, media, and culture; he writes his weekly newsletter, A Small & Simple Thing, available on Substack, through the lens of these experiences. In this episode, Brooks joins Steve to discuss how he discovered his love of hospitality, the ever-evolving Charleston culinary scene, and where he finds inspiration—both personally and professionally. Thank you to Stolon Food Lab for allowing us to use the space to film this episode.
S2 · E12
January 1 · 47 min
EP 12: A New Year’s Message from Steve Palmer
In this special kick-off to 2026, host Steve Palmer and his previous and upcoming guests, including Frank Stitt, Kat Kinsman, Andrew Zimmern, and more, share thoughts on what trends we will see more (and less of) in the new year. Thank you to our studio partners for allowing us to use their space to film this episode.
S2 · E11
Dec 25, 2025 · 22 min
EP 11: An End-of-Year Reflection from Steve Palmer
In this special holiday episode, host Steve Palmer takes a moment to reflect on the past year and highlight the important work his partners, community, and friends are doing within the hospitality community and beyond. Thank you to Sloss Real Estate for allowing us to use their space to film this episode.

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