'74Escape

In the twentieth episode, Vera interviews Esquire writer and author Jeff Gordinier. Jeff talks to Vera about his travels and discoveries as a food writer and a fellow foodie. Join us on this gastronomic conversation and let's break bread together!

In the nineteenth episode, Vera interviews Valentino Cassanelli, the Executive Chef & Owner of Michelin-starred Lux Lucis in the coastal town of Forte dei Marmi, a gem of Versilia, Italy. Valentino talks to Vera about the Italian food traditions, his former experience working in the kitchens all around Europe and with Asian cuisine, running a Michelin-starred restaurant and everything in between. Join us on this gastronomic conversation and let’s break bread together!

In the eighteenth episode, Vera Loulou interviews John Karangis, the Executive Chef & Vice President of Culinary Innovation at the world-renowned burger chain Shake Shack. John talks to Vera about his early days of starting to work at restaurants, his experience working in the kitchens of Paris, how he got to where he is at Shake Shack, his travel plans for exciting new collaborations and everything in between. Join us on this gastronomic conversation and let’s break bread together!

In the seventeenth episode, Vera Loulou interviews Alina Prokopenko, 22 year-old Ukranian pastry maker and art historian. Alina talks to Vera about her journey from her hometown Kyiv to Paris, how the recent events in Ukraine affected her life and career, working with Michelin-starred chef Daniel Rose, how she marries her love for pastries and art, and everything in between.

On the sixteenth episode, Vera Loulou interviews Hanz Gueco, the creative and adventurous chef of Verjus Paris. Hanz talks to Vera about his journey as an internationally renowned chef, how his childhood affects his style now, life as a chef in the unique food scene of Paris, gastronomy giants such as Passard and Ducasse and everything in between.

In the eighth episode of '74Escape Store & Gallery - Meet The Designers and Makers series, we welcome Gökhan Eşeli, the founder of Isla Plus. Tune in to hear about Gökhan's inspirations, his time in Cuba, the story of Isla Plus and its offerings.

In the fifteenth episode, Vera Loulou interviews Ignacio Mattos, chef and owner of Michelin-starred Estela and Café Altro Paradiso. Ignacio talks to Vera about growing up surrounded by a family of great cooks, how he discovered his love for baking at the ripe age of 8, his journey from France to working in Michelin-starred kitchens, how he sees cooking as a form of storytelling, and everything in between.

In the fourteenth episode, Vera Loulou interviews Virgilio Martinez, one of the pioneer chefs of Peruvian cuisine, chef and owner of Central in Lima. Virgilio talks to Vera about finding his path as a chef, traveling the world as a creative soul and exploring different cultures, drawing inspiration from his own roots, post-pandemic plans and predictions, and everything in between.

In the thirteenth episode, Vera Loulou interviews Fatih Tutak, one of the most successful Turkish chefs, chef and owner of TURK Fatih Tutak. Vera talks to Fatih about living in Asia, starting his journey as a Turkish chef, finding his cooking style, representation of different cultures in the world of gastronomy, working with culinary giants such as Seiji Yamamoto and Rene Redzepi, the relationship between art and cooking, post-pandemic plans, and everything in between.

In the twelfth episode, Vera Loulou interviews Tom Cenci, one of London’s most prominent and distinguished chefs. Tom and Vera talk about the start of his culinary journey and how his career launched at age 15 in Michelin-starred kitchens, the discipline one inherits by simply being in the kitchen, the importance of culinary education, how the time he spent in Paris affected him, the beauties and challenges of living in the city of Istanbul and its gastronomic offerings, effects of COVID-19, 2021 predictions and wishes, and everything in between.

In the eleventh episode, Vera Loulou interviews Tom Aikens, one of the UK’s most acclaimed and inspirational chefs, still holding the record as the youngest chef to gain two Michelin-stars. Tom talks to Vera about growing up in Norfolk with a large back garden where his mother grew their own fruits and vegetables, the influence of France which he visited every year, the path he followed while becoming a chef, his philosophy and experiences, effects of COVID-19, and everything in between.

In the tenth episode, Vera Loulou interviews Carlo Bernardini, an executive chef, who mastered the art of Italian cooking at a young age. He ventured into other cuisines and worked with world-famous chefs in London, New York, San Francisco, Singapore, Tokyo before settling in Turkey over 20 years ago to create unforgettable feasts for his clients. Carlo talks to Vera about growing up in Venice, seafood and local dishes, cooking for royalty, his inspirations, effects of COVID-19, and everything in between.

In the ninth episode, Vera Loulou interviews Gennady Jozefavichus, a food and travel writer, who is a published author and has contributed to numerous publications including Conde Nast, Tatler, Vogue, and GQ. He has visited approximately 140 countries and countless restaurants. Vera and Gennady talk about Gennady’s journey from economics to culinary, his transition to being a food and travel writer, his inspirations, traveling, effects of COVID-19, and everything in between.

In the eighth episode, Vera Loulou interviews João Grinspum Ferraz, a historian and political scientist, who curated the “Museu do Pão” (Bread Museum) in addition to several curatorial works for art exhibitions. He also created and directed the documentary “A Terra eo Prato” (Behind the Plate) and established a home/closed door restaurant Casa do Carbonara. They talk about João’s family’s impact on his culinary journey, travelling, his favorite chefs and artists, his inspirations, effects of COVID-19, and everything in between.

In the seventh episode of ‘Meet the designers!’ hosted by Öykü Baştaş, we meet the founder and designer of Siedres, Ceylan Türkkan. SIEDRES is an independent fashion brand catering to the contemporary wardrobe with soul. Tune in to hear about Ceylin's inspirations, her travels and the story of Siedres.

In the sixth episode of ‘Meet the designers!’ hosted by Öykü Baştaş, we meet the founder and designer of jewelry brand Fidelle, Defne Granit. Tune in to hear about Defne's inspirations, her travels and the story of Fidelle.

In this episode Vera Loulou interviews Manolis Stithos, a Greek chef who is the Executive Pastry & Bakery Chef of the 2 Michelin star “Funky Gourmet” restaurant in Athens and also working with the famous top Greek Pastry Chef Stelios Parliaros at his pastry shop “Sweet Alchemy” also in Athens. Manolis also is presenting his own seminars, workshops and masterclasses. Together with Vera they talk about his culinary journey from volleyball to pastry, his inspirations, effects of COVID-19, and everything in between.

In the fourth episode of ‘Meet the designers!’ hosted by Öykü Baştaş, we meet the founder and designer at LAR Studio, Laris Alara Kilimci. Tune in to hear about Laris' inspirations, her travels, and the story of LAR Studio!

In this episode, Vera Loulou interviews Bruno Verjus, chef and owner of Michelin-starred "Table by Bruno Verjus" in Paris. Bruno Verjus is a chef, poet, and philosopher. Together with Vera, they talk about Paris, having a holistic approach to food and nourishment and the effects of COVID-19.

In the fifth episode of ‘74Escape x Breaking Bread with Vera Loulou, Vera interviews Tom Halpin, Australian chef, and owner of Tom’s Takeaway. They talk about his culinary journey from Australia to Copenhagen and finally Russia, his new projects and inspirations, picking strawberries, and everything in between.