Ryan Diaz on Mañana at Cahoots, Michelin kitchens and Richmond food culture
September 1, 2026 · 1:05:30 read
Category: Food & Drink
Show: Eat It, Virginia!
Chef Ryan Diaz joins Scott Wise and Robey Martin on “Eat It, Virginia!” to talk about his journey from Miami to Charleston, Los Angeles and ultimately Richmond, Virginia, where he now leads the seasonal kitchen concept Mañana inside Cahoots in the Fan District. Diaz shares stories
Chef Ryan Diaz joins Scott Wise and Robey Martin on “Eat It, Virginia!” to talk about his journey from Miami to Charleston, Los Angeles and ultimately Richmond, Virginia, where he now leads the seasonal kitchen concept Mañana inside Cahoots in the Fan District. Diaz shares stories from working in elite kitchens including McCrady’s, Animal, Vern’s and The Brooklyn, discusses balancing military life in the Air Force with late-night cooking shifts, and explains how burnout nearly pushed him out of the restaurant industry altogether. The conversation also dives into Richmond’s evolving food scene, seasonal cooking, restaurant culture, skateboarding, local farms and what Diaz hopes to build at Cahoots. If you love Richmond restaurants, chef interviews, food culture and behind-the-scenes kitchen stories, this episode is for you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.