In this episode of Mission Critical, Lance sits down with David Zilber — chef, fermentation expert, author, and Top Chef Canada judge — to explore how food reflects who we are, where we come from, and where we’re headed. From his groundbreaking work leading the Fermentation Lab at Noma (once named the world’s best restaurant) to his current work in biotechnology, Zilber has become one of the most influential voices redefining how we think about food, science, and sustainability.

He shares how microbes can teach us about collaboration, control, and surrender, and why the most meaningful meals often have nothing to do with perfection — but everything to do with connection.

Key highlights and takeaways:

• On food as reflection: Zilber sees food as “the most essential human endeavor,” one that m ...