Episodes
Thursday Nov 19, 2020
Chef Omar Tate & Chef Robert Watson
Thursday Nov 19, 2020
Thursday Nov 19, 2020
Philly chefs have a way of weaving their experiences into their culinary creations so the result is irresistible, unforgettable food. In this episode of Love + Grit, hosts Laiya, Rachel and Justin welcome two talented people who’ve recently returned to the City of Brotherly Love with incredible stories and the food to match. Germantown native Chef Omar Tate worked his way up from Philadelphia hotel kitchens to private chef life and even the Smithsonian before returning to his hometown, where he’s cooking up flavors of the Black experience and funding a community center. And Executive Chef Robert Watson, who entered the Philly service industry as a teen, flew back from Arizona to open Steak 48 on the Avenue of the Arts. But COVID-19 had other plans, so Watson found an interim gig — volunteering to help end hunger.
Thursday Nov 05, 2020
Shawn Finnie & Leigh Goldenberg
Thursday Nov 05, 2020
Thursday Nov 05, 2020
Philly brings it on the big screen and on the stage, and the guests on this episode of Love + Grit work behind the scenes to make it all happen, proving that the heart and soul of a travel destination are the people we meet. Shawn Finnie’s journey is an incredible example of our city’s resilience and grit. His career path brought him from Philly to experiencing homelessness in New York City to Los Angeles, where he now works for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, ensuring that diverse voices and backgrounds aren’t just represented, but also engaged and activated. And in Philly, Wilma Theater Managing Director Leigh Goldenberg — also the brains behind the annual Philly Theatre Week — joins the conversation to discuss efforts to increase diversity on local stages and expand the prestigious Barrymore Awards with honors for gender-inclusive performances.