Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders

Mastering Sushi at Kawa: California & Dragon Roll Secrets

Hi, and welcome to another episode of Local Chefs Go International. This monthly podcast showcases a different country each month. This month, we are in Japan, and we visit Kawa Ramen & Sushi in Milwaukee to explore Japanese sushi making.
 
Master Sushi Chef Mars demonstrates how to make California rolls, dragon rolls with eel, and nigiri like salmon and yellowtail, sharing tips on rice, knife skills, and sauces.
 
Host Charlie tastes the creations and discusses Kawa’s locations and their upcoming new concept, Miyaki, celebrating Milwaukee’s vibrant Japanese food scene. Co-owner Selina Zheng joins Charlie for the taste test.
 
Watch the YouTube video here - https://youtu.be/UUZ-pKfEJ90 

From Cockpits to Community: Joseph Addison’s Mission in Milwaukee

On Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders, host Charlie interviews Joseph Addison, President of 100 Black Men of Greater Milwaukee. They talk about his Pensacola, FL roots, military family values, and his pathway to Milwaukee.
 
Joseph explains how his chapter of 100 Black Men focuses on mentoring youth, promoting education, health and wellness, and economic empowerment for the African-American community and the city at large.
 
He describes programs like the Rising Leaders Academy, partnerships with Big Brothers Big Sisters, an aviation camp, and efforts to build relationships with law enforcement and first responders.
 
You can watch the YouTube Video here - https://youtu.be/91H8VWSTEM0 
 
“Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders” is part of the "Milwaukee Podcast Network." This show is an Interview and cooking show with Milwaukee Community Leaders.
 
We have an interview about their work in the community, then we cook something, and then we eat it. From our elected leaders to those working at the grassroots, we talk with people trying to make Milwaukee a better place.
 
The episode closes with a cooking segment where Joseph makes a quick rigatoni with chicken apple brats and vodka sauce, illustrating practical, family-friendly meals alongside community leadership.

From Filipino Roots to Sanford’s Table: Chef Josh Mendiola’s Milwaukee Story

On Munching Around Milwaukee, host Charlie sits down with Josh Mendiola, chef de cuisine at Sanford in downtown Milwaukee, to explore his culinary journey from the Philippines to leading the kitchen at one of the city’s top restaurants.
 
The episode highlights Josh’s signature dishes (a beef kofta and Filipino okoy), his mentors and influences, Sanford’s menus and dining experience, and his work with community programs and chef collaborations.
 
You can watch the YouTube video here - https://youtu.be/ALl9XNN5mo0 
 
“Munching Around Milwaukee” is part of the “Milwaukee Podcast Network”. It is an Interview show with local Milwaukee chefs, restaurateurs, foodies, and food influencers.
 
We talk about the Milwaukee food scene and what makes it so special. We talk while munching on some of the best food Milwaukee has to offer. Join us each week as we Munch Around Milwaukee.

From Trinidad to Milwaukee: Frank Cumberbatch on Community, Philanthropy, and Cajun Meatloaf

On this episode of Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders, Frank Cumberbatch shares his journey from Trinidad to Milwaukee and his decades-long career in public, private, and nonprofit sectors. 
Frank talks about his work as VP of Engagement at Bader Philanthropies, focusing on community-driven development and inclusive decision-making.
The episode closes with a lighthearted kitchen segment where Frank and host Charlie prepare a spicy Cajun meatloaf and a king cake for Mardi Gras, highlighting how food and conversation bring neighbors together.
“Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders” is part of the "Milwaukee Podcast Network." This show is an Interview and cooking show with Milwaukee Community Leaders.
We have an interview about their work in the community, then we cook something, and then we eat it. From our elected leaders to those working at the grassroots, we talk with people trying to make Milwaukee a better place.

From St. Lucia to the St Kate: Chef Kess' Culinary Journey to the St. Kate

On Munching Around Milwaukee, Host Charlie talks with Chef Heskeith "Kess" Flavien, (you can see the YouTube video here - https://youtu.be/7KLr_mz8aBE ), executive chef at St. Kate the Arts Hotel in downtown Milwaukee. Kess discusses his journey from St. Lucia to Louisiana culinary school and through local restaurants to his role leading multiple dining outlets at St. Kate, including a new sushi program and seasonal menus.
The episode highlights menu favorites like the Fiesta Fire roll and other sushi offerings among the many menu entrees. They also explore how Kess manages large banquets, multiple kitchens, and a hospitality-driven team culture within the Marcus Corporation family of properties.
His recipes for Cajun-style gumbo and Caribbean red snapper are featured in the Visit Milwaukee "Milwaukee Flavor Cookbook."
St Kate the Arts Hotel - https://www.saintkatearts.com/ 
“Munching Around Milwaukee” is part of the “Milwaukee Podcast Network”. It is an Interview show with local Milwaukee chefs, restaurateurs, foodies, and food influencers.
We talk about the Milwaukee food scene and what makes it so special. We talk while munching on some of the best food Milwaukee has to offer. Join us each week as we Munch Around Milwaukee.

Maxie's Makeover: Chef Joe Mensch Unveils New Southern Bites

On this episode of Munching Around Milwaukee, Host Charlie visits Maxie's on Milwaukee's west side to meet chef-owner Joe Muench and sample newly updated appetizers — including hush-puppy-style cheese bites, popcorn crayfish, and a crab-topped deviled egg — following a renovation and menu refresh.
The episode also highlights Black Shoe Hospitality's other concepts (Blue's Egg, Story Hill BKC), Joe's culinary background, the group's catering/food truck, and their community work supporting events like the Kentucky Derby fundraiser and the Ronald McDonald House.
You can watch the YouTube video here - https://youtu.be/4gz_y3BT_zg 
Black Shoe Hospitality - https://www.blackshoehospitality.com/
Maxie's Milwaukee - https://www.maxiesmke.com/
Blue's Egg - https://www.bluesegg.com/
Story Hill BKC - https://www.storyhillbkc.com/ 
“Munching Around Milwaukee” is part of the “Milwaukee Podcast Network”. It is an Interview show with local Milwaukee chefs, restaurateurs, foodies, and food influencers.
We talk about the Milwaukee food scene and what makes it so special. We talk while munching on some of the best food Milwaukee has to offer. Join us each week as we Munch Around Milwaukee.