Solena Cheese: Mark Maurer's Transition to a Cheesemaker's Life
Savor the flavors of innovation and tradition as we whisk you away on a culinary journey where the future of food trends meets the age-old craft of cheese-making. Last week's gastronomic adventures had us reminiscing about Jefferson's flavorful excursion to Boston, the ingenuity of Chef Keith Sarasin duck à l'orange egg roll, and Chef Johnathan Rodriguez's foray into Supermarket Steakout. We're not just teasing your taste buds; we're preparing them for the big reveal of Jefferson's "The Craveable Cookbook" and hinting at mouth-watering collaborations on the horizon.
Take a seat at the table with Mark Maurer, the cheese maestro behind Solena Cheese, and indulge in the tale of his inspiring shift from Hilton executive to artisanal cheese advocate. Mark's laughter-filled anecdotes range from the precision of mozzarella production to the joy of building a business that mirrors one's true passions, all while we contrast our host's humorously declared aversion to CrossFit with Mark's dedication. As we sample Solena’s finest, we're reminded that the story behind each bite is as rich as the cheese itself.
Wrap your palate around the delicious complexities of Oaxaca cheese, a stringy delight that's breaking free from its Mexican roots and making its mark in kitchens worldwide. We'll take you through the impact of sin
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.
Elevate your dining experience with RAK Porcelain USA! As the exclusive tableware brand for the Walk-In Talk Podcast, RAK combines exceptional craftsmanship with innovative design. Whether you’re a chef, a restaurant owner, or a food enthusiast, RAK’s high-quality porcelain products will enhance every meal. Discover the artistry of food presentation and make every dining occasion special. Visit rakporcelain.com today and see how RAK can transform your table
The following brands and companies help us continue supporting the food industry - have a look below!
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
Mentioned in this episode:
Auto Citrus Slicer Streamlines Prep
Boost efficiency and cut waste with SupraCut's automated citrus slicer for streamlined prep.
RAK Porcelain USA -Tableware
We use RAK for all in-studio tableware—clean, durable, and designed for chefs.
Aussie Select - Fully cooked, premium Australian lamb
Fully cooked, premium Australian lamb—ready to serve and packed with clean flavor.
Metro Foodservice Solutions
Kitchen and back-of-house systems for better flow and function.
Citrus America
Citrus America – Commercial-grade juicing systems built for speed and yield.
