The Dave Chang Show

Brooks Headley, an award-winning chef and musician, is known for his vegetarian-focused eatery, Superiority Burger. In this lively discussion, he shares insights on the evolution of his menu and the punk ethos that fuels his creativity. Brooks reflects on the challenges of moving to a new space, how iteration has shaped his dishes, and the art of maintaining a small yet impactful menu. He also muses on the joys of walking NYC, the importance of seasonal specials, and the unique relationships with local farmers that inspire his cooking.

Mark Ladner, a veteran New York chef and restaurateur known for Lupa and Del Posto, joins to discuss the highly anticipated reopening of Babbo. He shares memories of New York's dining scene and the evolution of Italian cuisine. The duo delves into risotto techniques, innovative pasta approaches, and the importance of embracing traditional flavors. Mark also reveals insights on kitchen upgrades and his ambitious new menu. Listeners get a sneak peek of Babbo's thrilling offerings, including a unique aged minestrone and a revival of the iconic 100-layer lasagna.

Dive into the juicy evolution of the burger and its pivotal role in fast casual dining. Discover how DB Bistro redefined it as a luxury item and how Eleven Madison Park's team birthed Shake Shack from a humble cart. Learn about celebrity butcher Pat LaFrieda's unique blends that elevated the burger experience. From Minetta Tavern's iconic Black Label blend to the science of cooking techniques, this discussion fuses culinary history with modern trends. Get ready for a delicious exploration of the ultimate umami sandwich!

In this engaging conversation, Sarah Fennel, founder of Broma Bakery and author of 'Sweet Tooth,' shares her journey from anthropology to baking and blogging. She discusses how she leveraged social media to carve out a food career and the pivotal role early experimentation played in her success. Sarah reveals how the pandemic and TikTok significantly boosted her followers and explores her aspirations for a physical bakery. She also emphasizes the importance of passion and resilience in recipe development and creative pursuits.

Jeremy Fox, acclaimed chef and author, shares insights on his new book, 'On Meat,' and reflects on the groundbreaking influence of his restaurant Ubuntu on vegetable cuisine. He discusses the major changes in the restaurant industry post-COVID, touching on staffing challenges and mentorship lessons learned from culinary masters like David Kinch. Fox also tackles the balance between managing restaurant scale and personal life ambitions, all while Dave wraps up with an easy pan pizza recipe anyone can try at home.

In this lively discussion, Dave previews his cooking adventure to master béarnaise sauce. He dives into the impressive career and innovative techniques of guest Jeremy Fox, highlighting his vegetable-forward approach. The Ask Dave segment tackles everything from potato fry preferences to the overuse of culinary jargon. Listeners are treated to insights on classic sauces and practical cooking tips, ensuring a delightful mix of humor and culinary wisdom.

Dave recounts a hilarious faux pas from a live cooking show featuring Chrissy Teigen and Diplo. He dives deep into the inspirational legacy of Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and shares stories of his culinary journey. The conversation also touches on the evolution of food quality in U.S. convenience stores, inspired by Japanese standards. Humor and self-awareness permeate the discussion as they reflect on the pressures of live cooking and the importance of using quality ingredients. A delightful culinary tasting wraps up the show!

Jack Benchakul, owner and sole barista at Endorffeine Coffee, transitioned from a biotechnology career to embrace his passion for coffee in Los Angeles's Chinatown. He shares insights into the evolving coffee culture, contrasting historical and modern brewing practices. The conversation dives into the quest for contentment, exploring personal journeys and the challenges of career transitions. They also discuss the art of creating unique dishes, like coffee-infused red-eye gravy, blending culinary creativity with personal stories.

Dave shares his newfound appreciation for Italian Sunday dinners, uncovering the rich culinary heritage behind them. He tackles intriguing questions from listeners, covering everything from the challenges of bad diners to the perfect T-bone steak cooking methods. The heartfelt nostalgia for traditional Italian-American dishes shines through as he reminisces about family gatherings and recipes like tortellini and lasagna. It’s a delightful blend of culinary anecdotes and practical tips for navigating food and family life.

Join the debate over chicken wing preferences, from flats to drums, highlighting the importance of quality ingredients and cooking techniques. Experience a surprising winner in the quest for the best home-cooked wings. Discover tips for achieving crispy skin while navigating the challenges of frying at home. Enjoy nostalgic memories of game-day dishes and learn how flavor profiles evolve over time. Plus, get insight into creating the perfect chicken stock from leftover wing tips, making every part of the bird count.