Vons, Albertsons and Pavilions are celebrating Pride Month. Join us on 94.7 The Wave’s FOOD FOR THOUGHT as we pay tribute to inspiring LGBTQ+ leaders who have made innovations in the food industry.
Ted Allen is an American author and television personality, best known for being the food and wine expert on Queer Eye, as well as host of the long running “Chopped” and “Chopped Junior” TV cooking competition series. Ted was born in1965 in Columbus Ohio, went on to attend Purdue University where he received a degree in psychology, and then on to graduate school where he earned an MA in journalism from the Science and Environmental Reporting Program at New York University. He is the author of two cookbooks and longtime contributing write to Esquire magazine. He is also the host on “America’s Best Cook”, regularly appears on “Beat Bobby Flay” and hosted a four-part special “Best Ever” which scoured America for its best burgers, pizza, breakfast and barbecue.
Dominique Crenn was born in April 1965 in France and was adopted at 18 months by a French couple in Versailles. Her mother was a cook who took her to experience a diverse range of cuisine including Indian, Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese restaurants in Paris, and her father would take her to dine at Michelin Star restaurants. As a result of her mother’s cooking and visiting high profile restaurants with her father she developed a sophisticated culinary taste and appreciation. Dominique Crenn has the special distinction of being the only female chef in the United States to earn three Michelin stars for her restaurant Ateleier Crenn in San Francisco, California. Ateleier Crenn is also featured as one of the world’s 50 Best Restaurants. Crenn has been featured on several Food Network shows and competed on Iron Chef America -- winning the battle.
Born in 1903 in Portland, Oregon, James Beard was an American culinary expert who championed American and European dishes and helped pioneer the farm-to table movement. James wrote one of the first books on outdoor cooking, focusing on using fresh and local ingredients. He was the host of “I Love to Eat”, a live television cooking show, becoming the first chef to showcase cooking on network television. Over the years James Bear became known as 'The Dean of American Cuisine’ and the James Beard Foundation Awards recognizes chefs, restaurateurs, authors and journalists in the United States. James’ contribution to America's food heritage helped cement him as one of the leading culinary figures in America.
What started as a fun summer business venture in 2009 became a successful career decision for Doug Quint and Bryan Petroff. Without any formal culinary experience, Quint, a freelance bassoonist and Petroff, a formal corporate HR employee, co-founded Big Gay Ice Cream stores and food trucks, specializing in soft-serve ice cream. Their unique menu items and unusual flavors and toppings have made them a staple of the gourmet food truck trend. Big Gay Ice Cream has published a critically acclaimed cookbook and earned many accolades including best ice cream parlor and food truck in the country. 14 years later, Big Gay Ice Cream continues to expand their business reach while maintaining their commitment of serving a mix of high-quality ingredients and creative, whimsical combinations.
In 1972, Hamburger Mary's Bar & Grille opened its first drag-themed burger restaurant in San Francisco, California. The burger chain quickly became a staple in the LGBTQ+ community, serving as a safe space for both employees and their customers. The restaurant offers a fresh, made to order full lunch and dinner menu along with daily entertainment such as drag shows, trivia nights, and bingo nights. Since the 50+ years of its inception, Hamburger Mary's Bar and Grille has expanded to more than a dozen cities across California, Texas, Florida, Ohio, Missouri, Nevada, Wisconsin and Colorado. Whether it's catching a song during a "Mary-Oke Karaoke" night or enjoying a weekend Mimosa Brunch, Hamburger Mary's Bar and Grille sets itself apart by combining American comfort food staples and a fun-filled, welcoming environment of acceptance.
Food For Thought and 94.7 The Wave invite you to come into any local Vons, Albertsons and Pavilions locations to experience food differently.