The Dave Chang Show

In this delightful conversation, Chris Bianco, a renowned pizzeria owner and James Beard Award winner, joins the fun. They dive into the quirky world of holiday gift exchanges, debating absurd ideas and sharing personal anecdotes. The conversation turns to playful critiques of holiday traditions, from gingerbread houses to the commercialization of Christmas lights. They humorously tackle controversial flavors like peppermint ice cream and explore meaningful gift-giving. With laughter and insight, they celebrate the joy of the season, no matter the weather.

Anoop Pillarisetti, owner of the New Orleans-inspired restaurant Strange Delight in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, shares his inspiring journey in the restaurant world. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of opening a restaurant, emphasizing the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it. Anoop dives into the culinary connections between New Orleans and Brooklyn, sharing a vibrant local guide to Fort Greene. He humorously navigates the unique pressures of serving celebrity diners and highlights the passion required in the ever-evolving culinary landscape.

Dive into wild tales from a Black Friday football broadcast and a culinary triumph during 'Dinner Time Live.' Experience the magic of Kansas City barbecue, complete with a side of humorous rib-eating challenges. Enjoy funny anecdotes from a late-night burger escapade and learn about creative sandwich-making on game day. Plus, engage in a lively breakfast debate over English muffins and crumpets, and discover the quirky world of cereal and chocolate pairings that spark unexpected debates.

Christina Tosi, a two-time James Beard Award-winning pastry chef and Milk Bar founder, chats about her new book, 'Bake Club.' She emphasizes the importance of trusting one’s culinary instincts over sticking strictly to recipes. The conversation dives into nostalgic baking memories and creative desserts that highlight personal interpretation. They share amusing parenting challenges in cooking for kids and experiment with fun ideas like stuffing-flavored croissants, showcasing Tosi’s belief in the joy of culinary creativity and experimentation.

Eddie Huang, a chef and author known for his memoir "Fresh Off the Boat," joins the hosts for a lively discussion in Las Vegas. They share hilarious late-night adventures and chaotic hotel experiences, highlighting the trials of modern room service and menu quirks. The trio dives into their love for Din Tai Fung, where they explore the art of ordering soup dumplings. Mixing celebrity culinary encounters with racing excitement adds to the charm, offering a flavorful glimpse into the vibrant dining scene of Sin City.

As Thanksgiving approaches, hosts dive into a feast of listener questions about food and traditions. They explore innovative turkey cooking techniques, pondering the merits of spatchcocking and brining. A playful side showdown reveals the love for stuffing, while pigs in a blanket and cold lasagna emerge as potential crowd favorites. In a spirited taste test, they blind sample various key lime pies, critiquing crusts and flavors, ultimately debating what makes a pie truly great. Nostalgia and humor enrich their discussions on Thanksgiving traditions.

Explore the culinary magic of Philadelphia through the eyes of celebrated chef Marc Vetri, who revolutionizes Italian cuisine in America. Discover the hustle and flavors at Wawa, complete with chaotic yet entertaining shopping tales. Dive into nostalgic favorites and unexpected culinary delights, from iconic cheesesteaks to whimsical snack reviews. Experience a humorous journey as the hosts navigate the city's vibrant food scene, blending heartfelt culinary appreciation with laughter and memories.

Dive into the quirks of grocery shopping, from the challenges of managing perishables to the endless frustrations with bananas. The hosts share hilarious anecdotes about dairy products and fresh produce while proposing innovative solutions to reduce waste. They also tackle the mysteries of cloud storage, discussing digital photos and the philosophical implications of technology. With lighthearted banter about magnets, electricity, and even nuclear power, listeners will find humor in the complexities of modern life and food.

Tom Colicchio, renowned chef and head judge of Top Chef, joins the discussion to share insights from his culinary journey and his new book, 'Why I Cook.' He reflects on his experiences in elite kitchens and the evolution of New American cuisine. The conversation highlights the importance of cooking with confidence, addressing anxiety in the kitchen, and the transformative power of mentorship. Colicchio also passionately discusses the challenges of food insecurity in America, calling for political advocacy and personal involvement in the fight against hunger.

Delve into the culinary world as hosts discuss the legendary chef Tom Colicchio's profound influence on New American cuisine and his activism. The conversation highlights mentorship among chefs and evolving meat preferences, particularly the versatility of Chuck roast. Engage in a lively debate over stuffed peppers versus chili rellenos, while uncovering the hidden gems of fast food culture. Explore the latest food trends, from mushroom chocolates to the future of Caribbean takeout. This episode promises insight and humor for food lovers!