Gregory Gourdet is an American chef, writer, restaurateur, and former finalist on the twelfth and seventeenth seasons of Top Chef. His first restaurant Kann was named America’s best new restaurant at the 2023 James Beard awards.

Gregory shares his experience on Top Chef and how it inspired him to travel around the world. We also get a sneak peek of his work guiding global travel experiences with Modern Adventure. We learn about what part of the world Gregory is most passionate about right now. We hear what trendy country in South America is unlike any other place on earth in terms of unique ingredients and flavor. Gregory shares one of his favorite travel experiences up in the mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico. He also shares his thoughts on why his restaurant Kann has been so well received. We learn about Haiti and why Gregory thinks it’s poised to become a hot travel destination again. We find out what his “last meal” would be if he had to pick only one! Gregory shares his favorite nonfood-related trip, and why it’s such an ultra experience. Finally, we hear what and where Gregory’s best meals of the year have been. 

In the wrap, Bruce welcomes chef Wayne Brown to the show. Wayne heads up operations of Carte Blanched – Ennismore’s in-house F&B development and concepting studio. We learn what goes into the concept development with Carte Blanched projects. Wayne also shares how Carte Blanched tailors each concept to its unique region and culture. We get a sneak peek into an exciting upcoming mixology project opening in Barcelona. We hear more about the new Mondrian Singapore Duxton food concepts coming to life, and how “the greatest butcher in the world” Dario Cecchini is building their new restaurant Bottega Di Carna. Finally, Wayne shares some interesting stories about his travels to Asia, and how those trips led him to who he is today. 

To learn more about Gregory Gourdet or any of his projects, visit https://gregorygourdet.com/ 

To find out more about Wayne Brown and Carte Blanched, visit https://carte-blanched.com/ 

A special thanks to Stonestreet Estate Vineyards for sponsoring the show today. Don't forget, listeners of the Master Chef Series can receive exclusive access to Stonestreet wines and experiences including some unique sets chosen by Bruce, along with a complimentary Single Vineyard tasting for two at the estate. Head over to Stonestreetwines.com/Travel to access these incredible wines—and don’t forget to use code TRAVEL to book your complimentary tasting.

Thank you also to Accor and the Mondrian Singapore Duxton for sponsoring this episode of the Travel That Matters’ Master Chef series. To learn more about the Mondrian Singapore Duxton and their Bottega Di Carna restaurant visit https://book.ennismore.com/hotels/mondrian/singapore-duxton/dining 

Links and mentions:

• Modern Adventure: https://modernadventure.com/
• La Picanteria (Peru): https://picanteriasdelperu.com/
• Kann (Portland): https://kannrestaurant.com/
• Sousol (Portland): https://sousolbar.com/
• Tatiana (NYC): https://www.tatiananyc.com/
• Skybar Condesa (Mexico City) https://book.ennismore.com/nightlife/skybar/condesa
• Cleo Mediterraneo: https://book.ennismore.com/restaurants/cleo
• Mondrian Singapore Duxton: https://book.ennismore.com/hotels/mondrian/singapore-duxton
• Hyde Hotel, Niko (Ibiza): https://book.ennismore.com/hotels/hyde/ibiza/dining
• Bottega Di Carna (Singapore): https://book.ennismore.com/hotels/mondrian/singapore-duxton/dining 

Travel That Matters is a CurtCo Media Production.

Host: Bruce Wallin

Producer: AJ Moseley

Marketing: Catrin Skaperdas

Music: Joey Salvia