Behind the Table with John Yelinek
/When you talk with John Yelinek, it doesn’t take long to realize how deeply he cares about food, wine, and the stories they carry. As the head chef and wine director at Ladder 4 Wine Bar in Detroit, John has spent years curating flavors that bring people together — whether it’s an inventive dish in the kitchen or a perfectly chosen glass of wine.
In our newest episode of Tastes Like Somewhere, John joins us to share his perspective on what makes food and wine meaningful, and how travel has influenced the way he cooks, drinks, and live.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify
We’re grateful to John for bringing his passion and perspective to the podcast. If you’ve ever sat at Ladder 4, you know how special his approach is — and we’re excited to share his voice with you here.
Photo Credit Gerard & Belevender
Photo Credit Gerard & Belevender
Photo Credit Gerard & Belevender
Photo Credit Gerard & Belevender
What is the Tastes Like Somewhere Podcast?
Tastes Like Somewhere is a podcast where flavor meets memory, tradition, and terroir. Hosted by Kristie Brablec, Managing Partner of Zingerman’s Food Tours, each episode invites listeners into the kitchens, farms, and vineyards of the world’s most delicious places—introducing the people who grow, cook, and preserve the flavors that define a region.
With a deep love of travel and connection to the land, Kristie brings a seasoned guide’s perspective to every story. The daughter of an airline pilot and a farmer, Kristie grew up with a curiosity for culture and a taste for adventure. Whether cooking gulyás over an open fire in Hungary or watching wheels of Parmesan come to life in Italy, she finds inspiration in the people and traditions behind every bite.
Since joining Zingerman’s over two decades ago, and becoming a partner in 2018, Kristie has designed and led immersive food tours across the globe. Now, through Tastes Like Somewhere, she shares those experiences in a new way, bridging listeners along on a journey that’s part storytelling, part travelogue, and entirely delicious.
Tastes Like Somewhere is a project of Zingerman’s Food Tours, part of the Zingerman’s Community of Businesses in Ann Arbor, Michigan. What began in 1982 as a single deli has grown into a collection of independently owned businesses with shared values and a commitment to great food, great service, and the local community.
What is Zingerman’s Food Tours?
Zingerman’s Food Tours takes you behind the scenes to the source of amazing food and people from Denmark, Morocco, Italy, and more! Together we’ll venture off the beaten path, where local cuisine provides a direct connection to the history of a region, the soul of its people, and the rhythm of daily life.
Discover your next culinary adventure at zingermansfoodtours.com. We would love to travel with you!
Warmly,
Kristie Brablec
Managing Partner, Zingerman’s Food Tours
www.zingermansfoodtours.com
