FROM AUSTIN TO THE END OF THE WORLD

Consider this the amuse bouche to her new National Geographic series as Kish recalls some of the memorable faces and findings from her expeditions.

BOQUETE, PANAMA: Chef Rolando

Chamorro / Restaurant: Hacienda

Mamecillo

What I loved seeing was Chef Rolando and Gabriela’s kids’ absolute knowledge and instinct with their surroundings… from slaughtering a chicken to knowing which plants to eat or not eat. It was a reminder that oftentimes the best schooling is out in the environment. They knew so much, were fearless, adventurous and had an innate sense of survival that was impressive.

SVALBARD, NORWAY: Chef Rogier Jansen / Restaurant: Isfjord Radio

This was the most “at the end of the world.” It felt the most like a restaurant in which I’ve worked, coupled with the complete sense of being out of place. We were in the middle of nowhere with supply chains truly out of the way, but somehow, the kitchen felt the most like my kitchen. I worked with a couple ingredients I’ve never had before and went on some pretty epic adventures that I don’t know if I would have taken myself.

NORTH HAVEN ISLAND, MAINE:

Chef Carolynn Ladd /

Restaurant: Turner Farm

Although this was the most familiar to me—I had been to this area before because New England was where I spent a lot of my adult career—what made it fully new was the point of view of Ben, the owner, and Chef Carolynn. Carolynn had quite literally started that job weeks before we came to film. It was a front-row seat to see the relationship form between Ben (who was also relatively new in his role) and Carolynn: her food came into focus; his vision became clearer; and we saw what the next phase of Turner Farm could look like.

PARATY, BRAZIL: Chef Gisela

Schmitt / Restaurant: Sem Pressa

A location that started with a 4.5-hour, very bumpy, narrow winding road was quickly met with Chef Gisela, who is a true businesswoman taking matters into her own hands. She not only creates supply chains, but she educates the fisherman in order to best serve her and her community. Cooking on a boat is fun and has its own challenges, but what I found most impressive was her ability to harness and create a reality for herself and her business that otherwise didn’t exist.

Restaurants at the End of the World premieres on March 21st at 10/9c on National Geographic, with all episodes streaming March 22nd on Disney+.