This Is TASTE

In this engaging conversation, Nathan Thornburgh, co-founder and CEO of Roads & Kingdoms and former Time magazine correspondent, shares his journey from music writer to journalist. He recounts the challenges and inspirations behind founding Roads & Kingdoms, including pivotal moments with Anthony Bourdain. Nathan discusses the shift to organized travel experiences guided by charismatic locals, and the ethical dilemmas of crafting trips while maintaining editorial integrity. His passion for food, travel, and storytelling shines through as he reflects on culinary memories and future ambitions.

Fatima Popal, COO of the Popal Group, shares her family's journey from refugees to running successful restaurants in D.C., discussing team dynamics and diverse culinary concepts. Chef Sam Lawrence talks about the Michelin-starred Bridges, celebrating its success and revealing plans for year two, including guest chefs and a focus on whole-animal butchery. They touch on community connections in Chinatown and balancing tradition with modern influences, crafting a unique dining experience.

Chef Marc Vetri, renowned for his Philadelphia dining influence and author of acclaimed pasta cookbooks, passionately discusses his love for pasta and its rich history. He takes listeners through the origins of Vetri Cucina, sharing stories from its early days and his latest culinary adventures in Kyoto. Marc reveals his innovative approach to multi-course pasta tastings and the art of balancing sauce with noodles. He also reflects on the impact of Michelin on Philadelphia’s restaurant scene and shares favorite recipes, including his famous rigatoni with sausage ragu.

Join chef-owner Nikko Cagalanan of Kultura in Charleston as he shares his inspiring journey from nursing to fine dining, driven by a passion for Filipino flavors. He discusses the excitement of transitioning to a larger kitchen and expanding his menu with traditional dishes like pancit and kare-kare. Nikko also reveals his experiences on TV competition shows and the crucial role they played in funding his restaurant. Tune in for insights on Charleston's evolving food scene and the growing diversity in its culinary offerings.

Tamar Adler, an award-winning author known for her insightful writings on cooking, discusses her latest book, Feast on Your Life. She shares her journey of writing daily entries, turning personal food memories into culinary prose. Tamar dives into the beauty of cooking with leftovers and offers clever tricks to make it more appealing. With anecdotes from her life in Madrid and reflections on ingredients, she reveals how cooking fosters connection and mindfulness. A delightful exploration of food’s role in our lives awaits!

Andrea Hernández, founder of Snaxshot, shares insights into the evolving grocery landscape, discussing trends like shorting protein and Starbucks's recent stumbles. She critiques the rise of 'farmer cosplay' branding and the future health concerns surrounding protein. Winston Alfieri, co-founder of Sauz, reveals his journey of creating a distinctive pasta sauce brand, touching on flavor innovations and the challenges of retail distribution. This engaging dialogue dives deep into grocery's past year and what lies ahead for food culture.

Dan Souza, Chief Content Officer of America's Test Kitchen and culinary expert, shares his journey from teaching English in Hungary to leading food media. He dives into the science behind cocktails in his new book, 'Cocktails Illustrated,' discussing techniques like carbonation and dilution. Souza also addresses challenges home cooks face, emphasizing ATK's practical solutions. Plus, he offers hosting tips for easy, communal drinks. From Boston's food scene to recipe development, his insights are both informative and entertaining!

Laurel Kratochvila, an American baker and writer based in Berlin, shares her expertise in Polish baking and her new book, Dobre Dobre. She delves into the intertwined history of Jewish and Polish baking traditions and highlights her adventures capturing regional bakes. Laurel discusses unique pastries like bialys and charlotka, and contrasts the evolution of Polish bakeries in America versus Poland. She also reflects on running her Fine Bagels bakery in Berlin, revealing the hand-shaping techniques that keep customers coming back.

Join Jenn Harris, a prominent critic for the Los Angeles Times, along with Jordan Okun and Max Shapiro from the Air Jordan podcast, as they dive into the vibrant world of LA dining. They discuss the meticulous process behind the LA Times' 101 Best Restaurants list, revealing criteria for rankings and the emotional resilience of chefs amid challenges. From Mercado La Paloma's community impact to up-and-coming dining spots, the trio shares their favorite meals and the culinary landscape of Los Angeles, offering a rich tapestry of flavors and stories.

In this insightful discussion, Alan Sytsma, the food editor at New York Magazine, shares his expertise on NYC dining trends, highlighting the challenges of restaurant openings and the importance of honest coverage. He also details the unique recipes behind the year's best new restaurants like Ha Snack Bar. Joining him is Mahira Rivers, a freelance restaurant critic for The New York Times, who reflects on her experiences, the rise of sour flavors, and her ambitious croissant project. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of New York's culinary scene.