Let’s Talk Food

After taking a much-needed break, Chef April Fontenot is back behind the mic and catching listeners up on life, what she’s been up to, and the shows and movies she’s been loving lately—from hot new favorites to binge-worthy comfort watches. Then, she dives fork-first into a fresh and energizing conversation inspired by the Delish article “12 Foods That Give You Energy & Combat Fatigue, According To Science.” In this episode of The Let’s Talk Food Podcast, Chef April breaks down 12 powerhouse foods that can help naturally boost energy, improve focus, and fight everyday fatigue. From lean beef and chickpeas to kiwis, mushrooms, apples, and more, she explores how these science-backed foods help fuel your body, support stamina, and keep those mid-day crashes in check. Delish highlights nutrient-rich foods that may support energy by helping with oxygen flow, steady blood sugar, vitamin absorption, and overall wellness—making food one of the most natural tools for feeling your best. Chef April also shares practical ways to work these energizing foods into everyday meals, plus simple reminders on why boosting energy is about more than caffeine—it’s about building a plate that works for you. If you’ve been feeling drained, sluggish, or stuck in survival mode, this episode is your delicious reminder that the right foods can help take you from tired to thriving.
 
Reference Article: “12 Foods That Give You Energy & Combat Fatigue, According To Science”
 
https://www.delish.com/just-for-fun/a65090132/foods-that-give-you-energy/
 
📬 Connect with Chef April 💌 Email: april3802@outlook.com
 
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In this deliciously inspiring episode of Let’s Talk Food, we’re celebrating International Waffle Day by taking your taste buds on a global journey—one golden, crispy bite at a time. Waffles are more than just a breakfast favorite—they’re a reflection of culture, history, and culinary creativity across the world.
From the light and airy Belgian waffle to the rich and buttery American classic, and even savory variations enjoyed in different regions, waffles tell a story that goes far beyond the plate.
Join host Chef April Fontenot as she explores the cultural roots and traditions behind this beloved dish while sharing must-try recipes you can recreate right in your own kitchen.
Whether you love your waffles topped with fresh fruit and syrup, paired with fried chicken, or transformed into a savory masterpiece, this episode has something for every foodie.
✨ Inspired by the featured article: “International Waffle Day – March 25, 2026”
🔗 https://nationaltoday.com/international-waffle-day/ ✨
In this episode, you’ll discover: *
The history and cultural significance of waffles around the world.
* The difference between Belgian, American, and global waffle style.
* Sweet and savory recipes to elevate your waffle game .
* Creative ways to celebrate International Waffle Day at home.
So grab your waffle iron and get ready to explore the flavors, traditions, and stories that make waffles a global favorite.
📬 Connect with Chef April
💌 Email: april3802@outlook.com
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🍴 Instagram:
@coopiesamericancuisineandseafood
🎥 TikTok: @coopies.american
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Season 5 of Let’s Talk Food brings a powerful and eye-opening conversation as Chef April Fontenot sits down with Ozan Ozaskinli, CEO & Co-Founder of Value Gene, a global food consulting business boutique dedicated to solving some of the most pressing challenges within the food industry. With more than 20 years of experience in corporate America and over a decade in food manufacturing, Ozan offers a unique, data-driven perspective on the evolving food landscape.
 
In this episode, he and Chef April explore the noticeable decline in fresh food sources and unpack the complex factors contributing to this shift—from supply chain disruptions and changing consumer behaviors to global sourcing challenges. Ozan also highlights how Value Gene is working with food manufacturers across the U.S. and internationally to navigate these challenges, optimize operations, and build more resilient, future-ready food systems.
 
 
To further dive into this topic, listeners are encouraged to explore Ozan’s insightful article:
 
 
 
“The Future of the U.S. Fruit Market: Consumption Trends, Supply Shifts and Rising Import Dependence”
 
 
 
🔗 https://valuegeneconsulting.com/future-of-fruit/
 
 
 
This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about food, sustainability, and the future of what we eat.
 
 
 
🔗 Connect with Ozan Ozaskinli:
 
 
 
🌐 Website: www.valuegeneconsulting.com
 
 
📧 Email: ozan.ozaskinli@valuegeneconsulting.com
 
 
 
📬 Connect with Chef April
 
 
💌 Email: april3802@outlook.com
 
 
 
 
🎧 Follow the Let’s Talk Food Family 🍴
 
 
Instagram: @coopiesamericancuisineandseafood
 
 
🎥 TikTok: @coopies.american
 
 
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“Healthy Plates & Happy Vibes: 
Welcome back to Let’s Talk Food Podcast – Season 5, Episode 7!
This special episode celebrates National Nutrition Month with your host, Chef April, bringing you a perfect blend of inspiration, wellness, and excitement! 💚
Chef April shares buzz-worthy insights on upcoming movies that haven’t been released yet, giving listeners something fun to look forward to, while also delivering a heartfelt message filled with love, hope, and encouragement for a safe and brighter future.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Let’s Talk Food without practical goodness—Chef April dishes out simple, effective tips to help you eat healthier during National Nutrition Month and beyond. From adding more colorful fruits and vegetables to your plate to making mindful, balanced choices every day, this episode is your reminder that small steps can lead to big lifestyle changes.
This episode is all about feeling good, staying motivated, and embracing a healthier, happier you—one plate at a time.
 
📖 Reference Article:
“Celebrating March as National Nutrition Month” — VA News
 
🔗 https://news.va.gov/137752/celebrating-march-as-national-nutrition-month/
 
📬 Connect with Chef April
 
💌 Email: april3802@outlook.com
 
 
Follow the Let’s Talk Food Family
 
🍴 Instagram: @coopiesamericancuisineandseafood
🎥 TikTok: @coopies.american
 
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 March Into Wellness!”
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It’s officially rodeo season in Houston, Texas! 🤠🔥
In this exciting kickoff episode, Chef April Fontenot celebrates the start of the iconic Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the electrifying events leading up to weeks of unforgettable fun. From the smoky anticipation of the legendary World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest to the concerts, carnival, livestock shows, and rich Texas traditions, Chef April shares her personal take on what makes rodeo season one of the most flavorful times of the year.
 
She also catches listeners up on her week, reflects on the cultural impact of the rodeo in the community, and dives into what you can expect for the 2026 season.
 
 
For official 2026 exhibitor and contestant information, visit: 👉 https://www.rodeohouston.com/exhibitors-contestants/
 
 
And because it wouldn’t be Let’s Talk Food without bold flavors, Chef April brings you 49 smoky and delicious backyard BBQ recipes inspired by the Food Network article:
 
Article Title: 49 Backyard Barbecue Recipes That Are Smoky and Delicious
 
🔗 https://www.foodnetwork.com/grilling/grilling-central-barbecue/best-backyard-barbecue-recipes
 
 
 
Get ready to fire up brisket, ribs, chicken, savory sides, and sweet backyard favorites right from your own home. Whether you're hosting a rodeo watch party or planning a weekend cookout, this episode is packed with inspiration to help you bring championship-level flavor to your table. Boots on. Pit lit. Volume up.  It’s rodeo time, Houston — and we’re celebrating in delicious style.
 
📬 Connect with Chef April
 
Follow the Let’s Talk Food Family 🍴
 
💌 Email: april3802@outlook.com
 
Instagram: @coopiesamericancuisineandseafood
 
🎥 TikTok: @coopies.american
 
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Let’s Talk Food isn’t just a podcast — it’s a movement rooted in culture, community, and cuisine. See y’all at the rodeo! 🤠🔥

The Let’s Talk Food Podcast – Season 5, Episode 5
 
Guest: Mario Gomez-Hall, Co-Founder & CEO of Zest Maps
 
In this exciting episode of The Let’s Talk Food Podcast, Chef April sits down with visionary entrepreneur Mario Gomez-Hall, Co-Founder and CEO of Zest Maps, to talk about how his culinary roots sparked a tech revolution for food lovers everywhere.
Before stepping into the world of startups, Mario built his foundation in the tech industry.Now, he’s bringing that same passion to the digital space with Zest Maps, an innovative map app designed to help users discover the best hidden gems in restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, nightlife, and more. Whether you’re traveling to a new city or exploring your own backyard, Zest Maps helps you find the spots that locals love but tourists often miss.
 
 
Chef April and Mario dive into:
         How culinary training influences tech innovation
Why storytelling and experience matter in hospitality
 
The power of community-driven recommendations
      • How Zest Maps is changing the way we explore food culture
If you love discovering off-the-beaten-path eateries and supporting local businesses, this episode is for you!
 
Connect with Mario Gomez-Hall & Zest Maps
🔗 LinkedIn (Zest Maps): https://www.linkedin.com/company/zest-maps/posts/?feedView=all
🔗 Mario’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariohall/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zestmaps/
 
Connect with Chef April
💌 Email: april3802@outlook.com
 
Follow the Let’s Talk Food Family
 
🍴 Instagram: @coopiesamericancuisineandseafood
🎥 TikTok: @coopies.american
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Tune in and discover how food, tech, and passion collide in this inspiring conversation on The Let’s Talk Food Podcast!

Chef April Fontenot is back—and this episode is serving culture, current events, and culinary creativity all on one plate!
Before diving into the deliciousness, Chef April catches up on the latest movies, trending happenings, and even shares her thoughts on the Super Bowl halftime buzz featuring Bad Bunny. Because you know on Let’s Talk Food, we talk about what’s happening in culture just as much as what’s happening in the kitchen!
Then, we turn up the heat as love meets legacy—celebrating Black History Month and Valentine’s Day in true foodie fashion. Chef April highlights powerful culinary contributions and shares inspiration from the article “10 Important Food Moments in Black History” from Food Network:👉 https://www.foodnetwork.com/fn-dish/news/important-food-moments-in-black-history
She also spreads the love with Valentine’s inspiration from “Soul Food Valentine’s Day Recipes Made With Love And Care” from The Soul Food Pot:👉 https://thesoulfoodpot.com/soul-food-valentines-day-recipes/
From iconic food milestones to romantic, flavor-packed dishes you can recreate at home, this episode blends history, entertainment, and heart in the most delicious way possible.
So whether you’re planning date night, celebrating legacy, or just staying in with good vibes and good food—this episode has something for you.
Press play and let’s talk food! 🍓🎉
Connect with Chef April
💌 Email: april3802@outlook.com
Follow the Let’s Talk Food Family
🍴 Instagram: @coopiesamericancuisineandseafood🎥 TikTok: @coopies.american📺 YouTube: youtube.com/@aprilfontenot9354🎧 Available wherever you listen to podcasts!
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In this crave-worthy episode of Let’s Talk Food, host Chef April Fontenot welcomes Nils Schaede, Marketing Director at Zentis North America and partner behind the premium popping boba brand Kultee Kaviar. Together, they dive into the vibrant world of popping boba—crafted by one of the largest manufacturers in the world and designed to bring elevated flavor, texture, and innovation to modern menus. With a candid and witty back-and-forth, Chef April and Nils explore the endless flavor combinations and culinary applications of Kultee Kaviar—from beverages and desserts to unexpected savory uses. They also unpack what truly sets this brand apart: popping pearls that aren’t just playful and delicious, but also align with health-conscious, clean-label trends today’s consumers are craving. Whether you’re a chef, mixologist, operator, or food trend enthusiast, this episode delivers inspiration, insight, and plenty of pop. In This Episode, You’ll Hear About:     •    What makes Kultee Kaviar a premium popping boba brand     •    Creative applications beyond traditional drinks     •    Flavor pairing ideas that elevate menus     •    Health-forward benefits without sacrificing indulgence     •    Industry insights from Zentis North America Guest & Brand Information Nils Scahede Marketing Director, Zentis North America Partner, Kultee Kaviar Kultee Kaviar Instagram: @kulteekaviar LinkedIn: Nils Schaede 📬 Connect with Chef April 💌 Email: april3802@outlook.com 📲 Follow the Let’s Talk Food Family 🍴 Instagram: @coopiesamericancuisineandseafood 
🎥 TikTok: @coopies.american 
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Chef April Fontenot is back for Season 5 of Let’s Talk Food, and in this episode she’s diving into what everyone’s cooking this January! From cozy comfort meals to classic home favorites, Chef April shares inspiration from Taste of Home’s most popular recipes of the month.
She also catches up on her week, chats about reality TV and movies she’s loving right now, and talks about what she’s hoping to bring to the rest of Season 5. It’s a fun, food-filled episode packed with inspiration and real-life conversation.
Inspired by this article:
The Most Popular Taste of Home Recipes for January
👉 https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/the-most-popular-taste-of-home-recipes-for-january/
Connect with Chef April
💌 Email: april3802@outlook.com
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🎉 Season 5 Is Here! 🎉

Chef April Fontenot is back with a brand-new season of the Let’s Talk Food Podcast, and she’s kicking things off by celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day in a meaningful (and delicious!) way.
In this episode, Chef April explores ways to honor Dr. King’s legacy by uniting through food, sharing thoughtful ideas on h ow meals can bring families and communities together. Along the way, she catches listeners up on the highlights of her week, dishes on movies and shows she’s been enjoying, and—of course—serves up great food ideas perfect for MLK Day.
This episode blends education, heart, and humor, making it a feel-good listen for the whole family as we reflect, connect, and celebrate through food. 🍽️✨
Grab a seat at the table and let’s talk food!
📬 Connect with Chef April
💌 Email: april3802@outlook.com
📲 Follow the Let’s Talk Food Family
🍴 Instagram: @coopiesamericancuisineandseafood

 🎥 TikTok: @coopies.american

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