Experienced chef and TV personality Michael Symon talks with Marc Maron about home cooking, fermenting, hyper-local BBQ, the perfect egg and his journey in the food industry. Todd Barry also stops by to discuss his new standup special.
Read more
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
Visualization and understanding of cooking process are key to becoming a skilled cook.
Lack of interest can result in limited cooking skills.
Chefs often assess potential hires by testing their control and dexterity in the kitchen.
The culinary industry has shifted towards creating positive and respectful kitchen environments.
Deep dives
The Importance of Visualizing Cooking Process
To be able to cook, one must be able to visualize how the ingredients come together and understand the cooking process. Without this ability, it can be difficult to follow a recipe or improvise while cooking.
The Impact of Personal Interest on Cooking Skills
Some people simply do not have an interest in cooking or see it as a priority. This lack of interest can result in limited cooking skills, as they may not invest time and effort into learning and improving their abilities in the kitchen.
The Role of Experience and Practice in Cooking
Becoming a skilled cook requires practice and experience. Chefs often test potential hires by asking them to cook dishes such as French omelettes, soft scrambled eggs, or sunny-side-up eggs to assess their control over the heat and their dexterity in the kitchen.
The Evolution of the Culinary Industry
The culinary industry has changed over the years, with a shift away from aggressive and intense kitchen environments. While these environments were once prevalent, many chefs now prioritize creating a positive and respectful workplace for their staff.
The Sunday Supper Tradition
The podcast episode discusses the Sunday supper tradition and the importance of gathering with family and friends for a meal. The host shares personal experiences of growing up with Sunday suppers and how it was a time for sharing delicious food and creating lasting memories. The episode highlights the consistency of the Sunday supper menu, with dishes like spaghetti pomodoro and Eastern European favorites being regular features. The host also mentions the joy of hosting Sunday suppers for friends at their own home, continuing the tradition and creating a sense of community.
Exploring the Versatility of Fish
The conversation delves into the topic of cooking fish and the challenges and opportunities it presents. The host expresses love for eating fish and the versatility it offers. While acknowledging the need for finesse and gentleness in cooking fish, it is seen as an ingredient that is adaptable and can be made interesting in various ways. The importance of not overcooking fish is emphasized, and the host shares an appreciation for the unique flavors and textures that can be achieved through different cooking techniques.
Looking at the Evolution of Fine Dining
The podcast episode touches upon the evolution of fine dining and mentions the various trends and fads that have come and gone. The host expresses a personal dislike for overly precious and avant-garde culinary techniques such as foams and intricate plating. Instead, the focus is on cooking over live fire and creating flavorful dishes with simplicity and honesty. The episode notes that while these techniques may have their value, the host's personal cooking style gravitates towards robust flavors, acidity, crunchy vegetables, and meat-centric dishes.
Michael Symon’s food journey has taken many unexpected turns, from revitalizing the Cleveland restaurant scene to changing his own diet after being diagnosed with autoimmune disorders to being at the ground floor of the Food Network phenomenon. Michael and Marc talk about home cooking, fermenting, hyper-local BBQ and the perfect egg. Plus, old friend Todd Barry stops by to talk about his new standup special.
