Sweet'N Up with Jeff Spencer

#122: Chef Prasad Chirnomula

Chef Prasad Chirnomula is an award-winning chef and a two time Honoree of the popular James Beard Foundation. Chef Prasad owns and operates Chef Prasad in New Canaan, CT and Gourmet United in Easton, CT. Episode Sponsors: The Amber Room Colonnade ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theamberroom.net/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.theamberroom.net/] Affinity Esports ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.affinityesports.gg/⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.affinityesports.gg/] Negative Kitty ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/negative_kitty⁠ [https://linktr.ee/negative_kitty]

#121: Chris Sanzeni

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Sanzeni, a former aerospace engineer turned founder and head brewer of Broken Symmetry Gastro Brewery. Established in 2018, Broken Symmetry is a charming brewpub nestled in the heart of Bethel, CT, inside the town’s beautifully renovated historic train station. With 9 tap lines featuring their own unique brews, this spot offers an ever-evolving selection of beer styles, blending both traditional and modern flavors. Plus, Broken Symmetry stands out as one of the few brewpubs in Connecticut with a full kitchen, serving up mouthwatering dishes crafted by Executive Chef Matt Stanczak, the culinary genius behind the opening of Good Old Days Pizza. Episode Sponsors: The Amber Room Colonnade ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theamberroom.net/⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.theamberroom.net/] Uncle Matt's Bakery & Cafe ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://unclemattsbakeryandcafe.com/⁠⁠⁠ [https://unclemattsbakeryandcafe.com/] Affinity Esports ⁠⁠⁠https://www.affinityesports.gg/⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.affinityesports.gg/] Negative Kitty ⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/negative_kitty⁠ [https://linktr.ee/negative_kitty]

#120: Justin Morales

Justin Morales is a seasoned hospitality professional with over 30 years of experience. With an impressive career in the industry, Justin has been a part of the opening teams of four restaurants in Hartford, Connecticut alone. He has worked and lived in the city for a significant part of his career, earning him a deep understanding and appreciation for its vibrant culinary scene. In 2017, Justin was honored with the Connecticut mixologist of the year award, showcasing his exceptional skills behind the bar. His expertise in crafting unique and delicious cocktails has earned him several other accolades over the years. Currently, Justin is the general manager of Fire by Forge , a Pan-American inspired, chef-driven concept located in Hartford on Broad Street that includes a café, full-service restaurant, bar, and catering operation. In 2024, Justin released his first book entitled “Serving Life: Behind Bars, Kitchens and the hospitality industry.” Episode Sponsors: The Amber Room Colonnade ⁠⁠⁠https://www.theamberroom.net/⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.theamberroom.net/] Uncle Matt's Bakery & Cafe ⁠⁠⁠https://unclemattsbakeryandcafe.com/⁠⁠ [https://unclemattsbakeryandcafe.com/] Affinity Esports ⁠⁠https://www.affinityesports.gg/⁠⁠ [https://www.affinityesports.gg/] Negative Kitty ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/negative_kitty [https://linktr.ee/negative_kitty]

#119: Dom Alessandro

*Episode recorded summer 2024* Dom Alessandro has been the founder and owner of AW Design since 2000, a company which is dedicated to helping brand owners realize the potential of their brands through meaningful strategic development, passionate design exploration and detailed execution. Prior to AW, Dom was a Design Director at Landor NY, leading a team of designers on branding programs for clients such as Nestle, Pepsi and Proctor & Gamble. Dom has been one of the keys to the history of Danbury Hockey with his contribution centering around the logo design for four of the five teams to call Danbury home. Dom designed the iconic Danbury Trashers logo, followed by the Whalers, Titans, and Hat Tricks. Episode Sponsors: The Amber Room Colonnade ⁠⁠https://www.theamberroom.net/⁠⁠ [https://www.theamberroom.net/] Uncle Matt's Bakery & Cafe ⁠⁠https://unclemattsbakeryandcafe.com/⁠ [https://unclemattsbakeryandcafe.com/] Affinity Esports ⁠https://www.affinityesports.gg/⁠ [https://www.affinityesports.gg/] Negative Kitty ⁠https://linktr.ee/negative_kitty [https://linktr.ee/negative_kitty]

#118: Kyle Marcoux (Vulgar Chef) & Bobby Manere Jr.

Kyle Marcoux, known as THE VULGAR CHEF on Instagram is a creative foodie, who for many years has either delighted or outraged the foodie community with his eye popping recipes and combinations of different foods. Kyle was also one of the original guitarists for the popular metal band Within The Ruins. You’ve probably seen his reels while scrolling on your phone, and with 320k followers and counting, Kyle has worked with industry giants such as Liquid Death & DudeWipes.  Bobby Manere Jr. is the founder and owner of DOGTOWN a hot dog and burger joint located in Milford, CT since 2017.  The name Dogtown pays homage to Southern California’s 60’s and 70’s culture and music.  A play on words that embodies the laid back vibe of LA’s culture with an East Coast attitude and edge. If the last name Manere sounds familiar it’s because his father owned and operated Swanky Franks a legendary hotdog stand in Norwalk. With an emphasis on hotdogs, Dogtown captures the food and lifestyle of Southern California with a classic New England twist. Episode Sponsors: The Amber Room Colonnade ⁠https://www.theamberroom.net/⁠ [https://www.theamberroom.net/] Uncle Matt's Bakery & Cafe ⁠https://unclemattsbakeryandcafe.com/ [https://unclemattsbakeryandcafe.com/] Affinity Esports https://www.affinityesports.gg/ [https://www.affinityesports.gg/] Negative Kitty https://linktr.ee/negative_kitty [https://linktr.ee/negative_kitty]