ADK Talks
ADK Talks brings you the stories behind the people, places, and things to do in the Adirondack Park of New York State. With 6 million acres, the Adirondacks are the ultimate playground.
We take you beyond the guidebooks and into the heart of one of America's most breathtaking regions. Just like we do on our website, adktaste.com, our podcast uncovers the hidden gems of the Adirondacks, offering hand-picked recommendations for the best places to stay, eat, shop and do in the Adirondack Park.
But this isn't just about places. It's about the people who make the Adirondacks so special and unique. In each episode, we talk to people from all walks of life—restauranteurs, farmers, innkeepers, historians, artists, local leaders, writers, hikers, and more. Hear real stories about what they do, their passions, and how they found their way here.
And they'll share their insider tips on the best things to see and do in the Adirondacks – insights you won't find anywhere else.
So subscribe now to ADK Talks to get real stories from real people, sharing the real Adirondacks.
You can also visit us online at adktaste.com.
ADK Talks
Kitchen Confidential (ADK Edition) with Chef Billy Trudsoe
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What’s really happening behind the kitchen doors of an Adirondack restaurant in the dead of winter?
In this episode of ADK Talks, we welcome back Chef Billy Trudsoe of Lizzie Keays in Warrensburg for an honest, energetic, and eye-opening conversation about restaurant life in the Adirondacks.
We jokingly dubbed this one “Kitchen Confidential: Adirondack Edition,” and Billy delivers. From skeleton crews and shoulder seasons to garlic loyalty and watermelon obsessions, he pulls back the curtain on what it truly takes to survive—and thrive—as a chef and small business owner just minutes off the Northway.
We also dive into his global travels (hello, Bali), his ever-expanding “Mad Flavor” brand, restaurant collaborations across the region, and why supporting local businesses isn’t just a slogan—it’s survival.
What you’ll hear in this episode
- What winter really looks like for Adirondack restaurants—and why patience from diners matters
- How Billy’s travels to Bali influence dishes like his spicy Bali stir fry
- Why old-school dining touches (bread service, palate cleansers, lingering meals) still matter
- The economics of seasonal businesses in a summer-driven region
- Behind the scenes of the “Battle of the Billy’s” local restaurant challenges
- Why garlic is non-negotiable in Billy’s kitchen
Resources:
- Lizzie Keays Restaurant
- Follow Billy Trudsoe on Instagram: @adkchef
- Season 21 of Hell's Kitchen ft Billy Trudose
- Email us your restaurant suggestions or questions: info@adktaste.com
Produced by NOVA