Culinary Passion and Sustainable Artistry: Conversations with Spike Gjerde
Settle in for a captivating journey on 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, led by your host, Rob Lee. For today’s episode, our guest is Spike Gjerde, an award-winning chef with a distinctive Midwestern ethos, who has left an indelible mark on Baltimore's culinary scene. Hailing from Iowa farm country, Gjerde's deep ties with local farmers and fishermen enrich his Baltimore restaurants, notably Woodberry Kitchen, Artifact Coffee, and Grand Cru. His reverence for regional ingredients garnered him the James Beard Foundation's mid-Atlantic Best Chef accolade in 2015. With academic roots in philosophy and Chinese studies, Gjerde transitioned into the culinary world, co-founding Spike and Charlie's with his brother in 1991, cementing his enduring influence on Baltimore's vibrant dining landscape.
In this talk, we navigate through:
Spike discusses his passion for food and restaurants. He shares how his fascination with food began at a young age and his journey in the culinary industry. Gjerde emphasizes the importance of sustainable and locally sourced ingredients in his cooking philosophy. He also discusses the evolving dining scene in Baltimore and the need for independent restaurants with a unique point of view. Gjerde shares his signature dish, a deboned chicken cooked in a cast iron pan, and his dislike for the term "chef." He concludes by discussing his plans for the future, including reopening Woodberry Kitchen and focusing on events.
Mentioned in this episode:
Woodberry Kitchen
Photograph by Stephen Voss
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This program is supported in part by a grant from the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation.
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Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard.
Episode illustration by Alley Kid Art.
About "The Truth In This Art"
Hosted by Rob Lee, "The Truth In This Art" podcast dives into the heart of creativity and its influence on the community. This arts and culture podcast from Baltimore highlights artists discussing their ideas, sharing insights, and telling impactful stories. Through these artist interviews, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the creative economy and artistic life in Baltimore.
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