Guest Chris Ying, former editor in chief of Lucky Peach, talks about his cookbook writing career and working at Majordomo Media. They discuss great food content, Koreatown's LA expansion, and their collaboration with David Chang. They also have lively conversations about coffee brewing, making it at home, and the role of cafes in the coffee experience. They explore the value of coffee, espresso pairings, favorite dishes at Barney Greengrass, and classic restaurants in NYC and Portland.
Chris Ying is a cookbook author and podcast host who cohosts The Dave Chang Show.
Great 'food content' in 2023 involves understanding the evolving trends and preferences of food enthusiasts.
Chris Ying discusses the expansion of Koreatown in LA and his plans at Majordomo Media.
The authors of the book 'But First, Coffee' explore various ways to use coffee beyond brewing it as a beverage.
Deep dives
The Versatility of Coffee: Exploring Unexpected Uses
The book explores the many ways coffee can be used beyond just brewing it as a beverage. It delves into using coffee in spice rubs, making coffee pan sauces, and even experimenting with different brew methods to achieve unique flavors.
Rediscovering Familiar Recipes with a Coffee Twist
The authors highlight how adding coffee as an ingredient can elevate familiar recipes. For example, they suggest adding coffee to a spice rub for fish or steak, creating a delicious coffee-infused pan sauce as it cooks.
An Exploration of Brew Methods and Variable Experimentation
The book delves into the various brew methods for making coffee, emphasizing how flexible and forgiving they can be. It encourages readers to experiment with variables like coffee-to-water ratios, water temperature, and brew times to find their preferred brewing style.
Sharing Coffee Routine and Insights from Industry Professionals
Throughout the book, the authors share their own coffee routines and insights from industry professionals. They provide tips for brewing the perfect cup at home, advocating for the joy of experimenting and finding what works best for each individual's taste.
The Rise of Specialty Coffee
Specialty coffee has become more accessible and popular over the years, with cafes now scattered throughout many cities, making it easier for consumers to find and enjoy.
Tips for Home Coffee Brewing
Investing in a good grinder can significantly improve the taste and quality of your coffee. Additionally, taking the time to care about and appreciate the art of making coffee at home can enhance the overall experience.
Exploring Espresso at Home and in Cafes
Espresso at home can be challenging, but with the right equipment and passion for the hobby, it can be a rewarding experience. When visiting cafes, exploring both third-wave and vintage establishments can offer unique and enjoyable coffee experiences.
How fun it was to have our old friend Chris Ying on the show. Chris is a cookbook author, podcast host, and the cofounder and former editor in chief of Lucky Peach. He’s currently running point at Majordomo Media, and he cohosts the podcast The Dave Chang Show with you can guess who. On this episode we find out about Chris’s cookbook writing career, including the fact that he’s authored one of our favorite books of all time (no joke). We talk about what makes great “food content” in 2023, working on a show with David Chang, Koreatown's LA expansion, and Chris’s big plans at Majordomo Media.
Also on the show we have a lively conversation with the authors of a great new book, But First, Coffee: A Guide to Brewing from the Kitchen to the Bar. Jordan Michelman and Zachary Carlsen are old friends, and run the influential coffee publication, Sprudge. We talk about all things coffee, including making it at home and drinking better in cafes. Make sure to check out their new book, as well as The New Rules Of Coffee, published by Ten Speed Press in 2019. This conversation is part of our ongoing TASTE Live at Rizzoli series in New York City.
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