Tasting Notes Toronto by Insider Wine
Tasting Notes Toronto by Insider Wine
Podcast Description
Hosted by Toronto-based sommelier Alex Abbott Boyd, Tasting Notes Toronto explores the personal and professional stories behind the people shaping the city’s food and wine scene. We talk about the real work behind the scenes — from first jobs and turning points to running restaurants and shaping wine programs. If you’re interested in the behind-the-scenes of hospitality and the people who drive it, this is the show for you.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on themes related to the hospitality industry, wine culture, and personal storytelling. Episodes feature guests discussing their journeys in food and wine, such as Ian Stoddart on creating a community wine bar and Robert Luo on crafting world-class wine programs. Other topics include innovation in restaurant concepts, the evolution of wine lists, and the artistry behind hospitality.
Hosted by Toronto-based sommelier Alex Abbott Boyd, Tasting Notes Toronto explores the personal and professional stories behind the people shaping the city’s food and wine scene. We talk about the real work behind the scenes — from first jobs and turning points to running restaurants and shaping wine programs. If you’re interested in the behind-the-scenes of hospitality and the people who drive it, this is the show for you.
In this episode of Tasting Notes Toronto, I sit down with Scott Vivian and Nate Middleton, co-owners of Beast Pizza in Toronto. They discuss their journey into the culinary world, the inspiration and challenges behind running a unique pizza restaurant with a fine dining twist, and their dedication to creativity and hospitality. The conversation covers Scott and Nate’s background, their approach to whole animal dinners, the transition to Beast Pizza during the pandemic, and their plans for a new location in Kitchener.
Scott Vivian and Nate Middleton — Beast Pizza, An Open Door to Creativity, and Fine Dining in a Pizzeria
00:00 Introduction and Creative Drive
00:33 Welcome to Tasting Notes Toronto
00:38 Meet Scott and Nate of Beast Pizza
02:07 Scott’s Journey into the Culinary World
07:04 Nate’s Culinary Path and Inspirations
08:00 The Jamie Kennedy Influence
12:44 Founding of Beast
14:49 Whole Animal Dinners Concept
18:33 The Horse Tartar Controversy
22:00 Collaborations and Chef Collective
25:34 Anthony Bourdain and Toronto’s Food Scene
27:36 Pandemic Pivot to Beast Pizza
32:36 The Inspiration Behind the Pizza Shop Pivot
33:51 Creating a Unique Dining Experience
36:05 The Art of Pizza Making
39:50 Innovative Pizza Toppings
41:42 Empowering the Staff
46:10 Crafting the Perfect Wine and Beer List
58:02 Future Plans for Beast
01:01:10 Conclusion and Farewell
Books Referenced:
The French Laundry Cookbookby Thomas Keller
Flavor by Rocco Dispirito
Cooking With the Seasonsby Jean-Louis Palladin
Ottolenghi Flavor: A Cookbook
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Champagne: Cork Pop and Pour by ultradust — https://freesound.org/s/166923/ — License: Attribution 4.0
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