Welcome to Episode 8 of the Farm.One podcast. Kicking things off, Rob, Jess and Michael talk about GMOs. Is there really a problem?

Rob then sits down for an extended conversation with NYC's Chef Russell Jackson about his career as a chef (he’s been cooking for other people for over 40 years), his vocal and monetary support of urban farming (he’s an investor in Farm.One), food deserts and changing the food system, the crazy level of drama that is Los Angeles (his hometown), making his way through the culinary Mecca of the Bay Area, his principles and what he’s trying to express in his restaurants, businesses and cooking and how important his community of friends have been in his success.

Known to some for his appearances on the Food Network’s Iron Chef and The Next Food Network Star, Russell was born and raised in Los Angeles and eventually made his way to graduate top of his class at the California Culinary Academy in 1990. After returning to LA to open a restaurant, Russell made his way back to San Francisco. Through the highs and lows of working at some of California’s best restaurants, he opened Lafitte to great fanfare in San Francisco, only to close it a few years later.

Russell found himself in New York City and opened his latest restaurant in Harlem last year. In his telling, Reverence is more than just a restaurant. It’s a story, an exchange of ideas, an expression of him. The culmination of all his experiences at age 57 and his message to the world about what he’s learned is important.

Learn more about Russell’s restaurant, Reverence

Instagram: @reverencenyc and @chefrjackson

Independent Restaurant Coalition

Article: Stop Arguing Over GMOs, Scientific American, Dr Sarah Garland, Dec. 14, 2020