Chef Massimo Orlando and Jack Ross on Italian Roots, Food Culture, and Resilience

2025-12-12

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In this episode of the Walk-In Talk Podcast, Carl sits down with Chef Massimo Orlando and Jack Ross for a powerful conversation about Italian heritage, food culture, and the stories that shape who we are. Chef Massimo Orlando shares his journey from growing up in Italy and learning to cook in his grandmother's kitchen to working professionally at a young age in the kitchens around Lake Como. His path took him across the ocean to Miami Beach and eventually to California, where he built a life, a career, and a community. Massimo opens up about mentorship, immigration, the impact of the pandemic, rebuilding after loss, and how mental health and therapy changed his leadership and outlook on life. He also discusses his role with A.P.C.I. North America and the mission to protect and promote real Italian food and culture ...

Chef Massimo Orlando shares his journey from growing up in Italy and learning to cook in his grandmother's kitchen to working professionally at a young age in the kitchens around Lake Como. His path took him across the ocean to Miami Beach and eventually to California, where he built a life, a career, and a community. Massimo opens up about mentorship, immigration, the impact of the pandemic, rebuilding after loss, and how mental health and therapy changed his leadership and outlook on life. He also discusses his role with A.P.C.I. North America and the mission to protect and promote real Italian food and culture in the United States and Canada.

Joining the episode in the studio is Jack Ross, the creator of YO! Meatball. Jack is a home cook whose Sicilian family recipes are rooted in tradition, comfort, and the Sunday table. While cooking his signature meatballs live, Jack shares how family food traditions became a way to connect with community and preserve heritage outside of the professional kitchen.

This episode explores two different paths connected by one common thread. Food as memory, identity, resilience, and connection.

Brand & Industry Partners

• Metro
https://www.metro.com

• RAK Porcelain USA
https://www.rakporcelain.com/usa

• Pass the Honey
https://www.passthehoney.com

• Aussie Select
https://www.aussieselect.com

• Ibis Images Studio
https://www.ibisimages.com

Official Trade Show & Event Partners

• New York Restaurant Show
https://www.nyrestaurantshow.com

• California Restaurant Show
https://www.californiarestaurantshow.com

• Florida Restaurant Show
https://www.floridarestaurantshow.com

• Pizza Tomorrow Summit
https://www.pizzatomorrowsummit.com