All in the Industry
All in the Industry is an award-winning podcast founded in 2014 by host and producer Shari Bayer of NYC-based Bayer Public Relations, focusing on behind-the-scenes talent in hospitality. On each episode, Shari invites experienced culinary, hospitality and restaurant professionals across the globe to share their story, engaging in inspiring conversations about their careers and our dynamic hospitality industry. Shari also tips off each episode with a PR tip, features speed rounds, industry news discussions, and her signature solo dining experiences. In addition, Shari covers premier culinary and hospitality events, festivals and conferences worldwide as part of her exclusive ‘On the Road’ series. Tune in wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for being a part of All in the Industry®!
All in the Industry
Matt Orlando, ESSE, Copenhagen
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Today on our episode #438 of All in the Industry, Shari Bayer's guest is Matt Orlando, chef and owner of ESSE in Copenhagen, Denmark, his latest restaurant focusing on Regenerative Organic practices in farming as its starting point. Shari was thrilled to be on location at ESSE in early February to chat with Matt about his career and new restaurant, and get to experience dining there as well. (4:28)
A California native, Matt worked at some of the world’s most decorated kitchens, including Aureole and Per Se in NYC, and Noma in Copenhagen, where he was the restaurant’s first chef de cuisine before opening his sustainably-focused, fine dining restaurant, Amass, in Copenhagen in 2013 along with wife Julie.
After an impressive 10-year run, Amass closed in 2022; and that same year, Matt embarked on a new project, opening AIR (Awareness, Impact, Responsibility) in Singapore, where he applied his conscious cooking to a tropical palate of ingredients. He returned to Copenhagen to open his dream restaurant, ESSE, which name means “to be" or "to exist" or "to self-reflect,” expressing the circular cuisine that has been at the core ethos that he has been championing throughout his career.
Matt is also the co-founder of Endless Food Co., focusing on food system sustainability and its alternative chocolate, THIC. In addition, he is a contributor to Shari's book, Chefwise, and a past guest of our show – episode #213 (April 2019).
Many thanks to Matt for the wonderful conversation and hospitality at ESSE. Shari can't wait to return!
Today's show also features Shari's PR tip to self-reflect; and Solo Dining experience at Kadeau, head chef and co-owner Nicolai Nørregaard's New Nordic tasting menu restaurant in Copenhagen rooted in Bornholm, which has two Michelin stars & one green star, & is currently #41 on The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2025. Shari loved returning to Kadeau and grateful for the warm welcome back. (48:04)
Thanks to Bilt for supporting this episode. Learn more at biltdining.com/shari
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Check out Shari's book, Chefwise: Life Lessons from Leading Chefs Around the World (Phaidon), available wherever books are sold. #chefwisebook
Thanks, as always, for being a part of All in the Industry®!
