Show Notes
James Beard Award-winning chef Rocco DiSpirito sits down with Dan Souza to confront his culinary nemesis: arugula. Along the way, Rocco shares the gritty story behind his culinary rise—from getting his first restaurant job at age 11 to chasing a legendary three-star review, navigating the intense spotlight of reality TV fame, and rediscovering what matters most through time spent caring for his mother.
Recipes Mentioned:
Arugula Falafel
Roquette Cocktail
More from I Changed My Mind with Dan Souza
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Murray Hill hates tomatoes, to the point that even looking at one makes him gag. Dan puts three dishes to the test hoping to change his mind. Along the way, Murray explains how performing helped him find himself, why Somebody Somewhere gave him the chance to feel seen, and how writing his memoir helped him reckon with his past. But will Dan win him over on tomatoes?
Restaurateur, author, and long-time chef Geoffrey Zakarian has dined across the world – and yet – he can’t escape one pesky ingredient: mackerel. Dan pulls out all stops in three mackerel-packed dishes, determined to change Geoffrey’s mind. Between bites, Geoffrey shares tales from his year abroad in France and on The Kitchen, and discusses the importance of keeping yourself busy.
Amber Ruffin says she hates almost all food, broccoli included. Dan puts three dishes to the test, hoping to change her mind. Along the way, Amber explains how being the youngest of five turned her into a lifelong picky eater, the gut-punch call that came three days after losing out on SNL, why bombing on stage cured her of fear, and the unforgettable night a sleeping audience member stole the show. Does Dan finally win her over on broccoli?
Rick Bayless is celebrating 40 years of his restaurant, Frontera Grill and a lifetime of avoiding celery. In this episode, Dan puts three creative dishes to the test, hoping to change the mind of this restaurateur legend. Along the way, Rick recounts how a childhood in his family's Oklahoma barbecue joint shaped his love of cooking, the trip to Mexico City that changed his life, why he still stands at the front door of his restaurant every day before opening, and the advice from Jacques Pépin that he's never forgotten. Will Dan's dishes be enough to turn this lifelong skeptic?