The journey of a dedicated vegan chef. In this episode, Elijah shares his unique journey from studying criminology and psychology to diving headfirst into the culinary world. Focusing on plant-based and vegan cuisine, Elijah describes his experiences in fine dining, including working at renowned establishments and exploring the intricacies of hospitality through pop-up events.

The conversation delves into foraging techniques, consulting challenges, and the importance of building community and connections through food. Elijah also reveals his future plans to transition into restaurant management, merging his culinary passion with a deeper understanding of guest experiences. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:32 Guest's Background and Journey into Cooking 01:49 Discovering Vegan Cooking 02:39 Pop-ups and Community Building 05:04 The Importance of Starting at the Bottom 06:25 Mentorship and Learning 21:58 Foraging and Its Cultural Significance 27:03 Roots Dining Concept 34:36 Consulting and Restaurant Innovation 38:21 Finding Happiness as a Chef 38:36 Learning and Mentorship in the Culinary World 39:27 Knowing When to Move On 42:04 Challenges in the Hospitality Industry 43:30 Collaborations and Community in the Culinary Scene 48:27 Quick Fire Questions 51:12 Hospitality Horror Stories 01:04:10 Future Career Aspirations 01:07:15 Reflections on Podcasting and Hospitality