
Episode 235: Lena Ciardullo (Union Square Cafe/NYC)
About this episode
Since quietly taking the helm of Union Square Cafe in New York City, chef Lena Ciardullo has been turning out some of the best Italian-based food in town ... not bad for a woman who majored in communications in college before deciding to pursue a kitchen career. Recently, Lena sat down with Andrew at Union Square Cafe to discuss her own Italian roots, the time she spent in Italy, the pros and cons of spending her entire post-school career with the same restaurant group, and her philosophies of training and education.
Since 2019, Andrew Talks to Chefs has been a fully independent podcast and no longer affiliated with our former host network; please visit and bookmark our official website for all show updates, blog posts, personal and virtual appearances, and related news.
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:
Andrew is a writer by trade. If you'd like to support him, there's no better way than by purchasing his most recent book, The Dish: The Lives and Labor Behind One Plate of Food (October 2023), about all the key people (in the restaurant, on farms, in delivery trucks, etc.) whose stories and work come together in a single restaurant dish.
We'd love if you followed us on Instagram.
For Andrew's writing, dining, and personal adventures, follow along at his personal feed.
Thank you for listening—please don't hesitate to reach out with any feedback and/or suggestions!
Get every episode summarized
Each time Andrew Talks to Chefs publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Andrew Talks to Chefs

Andrew Zimmern on His New Food Network show "Pitmasters" (& just about everythin...
Andrew Talks to Chefs

Caroline Glover (Annette and Traveling Mercies -- Aurora, Colorado)
Andrew Talks to Chefs

Claudette Zepeda (Chef & Author of Cooking the Borderlands)
Andrew Talks to Chefs

Sherry Cardoso (Cynthia restaurant — NYC)
Andrew Talks to Chefs