What Makes a Great Risotto?

Dave and Mark debate risotto technique, restraint, and Lydia Bastianich's advice to leave it alone for best texture.

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Babbo is back! Dave welcomes executive chef Mark Ladner of the newly reopening New York City institution, the Italian restaurant Babbo. Dave and Mark catch up, share old New York memories, and discuss that ever-debated rice dish: risotto. They finish with a sneak peek of Babbo's new menu, Pre-Reopening Diaries, and an Ask Dave.

Learn more about Babbo: https://babbonyc.com/

Try to get your Babbo reservations if you can here: https://resy.com/cities/new-york-ny/venues/babbo-restaurant?date=2025-09-30&seats=2

Listen to our recent podcast with Paul Carmichael: https://www.theringer.com/podcasts/the-dave-chang-show/2025/05/22/feeling-good-with-paul-carmichael

Learn more about Kabawa: https://www.momofuku.com/restaurants/kabawa

Learn more about Eeeeeatscon NYC: https://www.eeeeeatscon.com/new-york

Read Kitchen Confidential: https://amzn.to/46TcWPN

Read the NYT article about Stephen Starr: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/30/dining/stephen-starr-restaurants.html

Learn more about Brooklyn Glass: https://brooklynglass.com/

Learn more about Alto-Shaam: https://www.alto-shaam.com/en

Learn more about CVAP: https://foodservice.winstonind.com/commercial-kitchen-equipment/

Learn more about Rational: https://www.rational-online.com/en_us/home/

Learn more about Craft: https://www.craftrestaurant.com/