Chef Lance Nitahara's Hawaiian Roots & CIA Flare with Pooch Rivera

Send us a text Join us for an illuminating conversation with the extraordinary Chef Lance Nitahara as he takes us on a personal culinary journey from the tropical shores of Oahu to the esteemed Culinary Institute of America (CIA) and beyond. Discover how Chef Lance masterfully marries his Hawaiian heritage with classical culinary traditions, transforming these influences into an innovative approach that has earned him global acclaim. In this episode, we also welcome Pooch Rivera, who spices up the dialogue with creative dishes like an Asian-inspired Reuben and lamb fajitas, crafted using versatile Aussie Select products. Chef Lance shares the thrill and pressure of competing in high-stakes culinary events, drawing deeply from his Hawaiian roots to showcase unique flavors despite logistical challenges such as sourcing authentic ingredients. Amid the cultural shifts he experienced moving from Hawaii to the CIA, Chef Lance Introducing the SupraCut System - the automated solution that enhances safety, quality, and efficiency, cutting up to 120 perfect citrus wedges per minute, 6 times faster than manual. Patented tech delivers uniform slices, reducing waste and eliminating plastic, while the hygienic, contactless design lowers contamination and injuries, integrating seamlessly to transform your operations and improve profitability - get started at SupraCut.com and ask about risk-free trials. The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!  Peninsula Foodservice: The Best Beef! Peninsula Foodservice delivers Creekstone Farm beef, with top-quality meats and #1 service for Chefs Cured Lamb Loin by Aussie Select Fully cooked, pasture-raised Australian lamb. Agave rosemary, tikka masala, & more: Aussieselect.com Crab Island Seafood Co: Quality Dips Check out Crab Island Seafood Company @crab-island-seafood-dip.com & order yours today! Metro Shelving The industry leader in organization and efficiency Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show Walk-In Talk Podcast Where kitchen culture meets raw storytelling. Hosted by Carl Fiadini, founder of Walk-In Talk Media, this #1 Apple-ranked food podcast dives deep with chefs, restaurateurs, farmers, and frontline pros. From trade shows to short films, we bring the food world to life—one honest conversation at a time. We're the Official Podcast Partner for the NY, CA & FL Restaurant Shows, Pizza Tomorrow Summit, and U.S. Culinary Open . Brand Partners: RAK Porcelain USA Metro Foodservice SupraCut Systems Aussie Select Crab Island Seafood Pass the Honey The Burnt Chef Project Citrus America Walk-In Talk Media proudly serves as the North American media partner for The Burnt Chef Project, supporting mental health in hospitality. 📩 Partner or pitch a story: Carl@thewalkintalk.com