This Is TASTE

Betül Tunç, a rising star in the culinary world, shares her incredible journey from Turkey to creating stunning Instagram content and her debut cookbook, Turkuaz Kitchen. She delves into her innovative dough recipes and the cultural significance behind them. Betül discusses the challenges and joys of amassing 10.5 million followers, along with her collaboration with Anthropologie. The conversation highlights her love for desserts and her passion for blending traditional and modern cooking techniques, making her culinary story both inspiring and relatable.

Justine Doiron, the creative mind behind @Justine_Snacks and author of "Justine Cooks," shares her culinary journey filled with inspiration from New York City’s vibrant food scene. She discusses the joys of mindful cooking as a form of self-care and the pleasures of seasonal meals. The conversation dives into the resurgence of restaurant cookbooks and the emotional connections formed in functional kitchens, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in the creative process. Justine also offers insights into her favorite salad dressings and the magic of plant-forward cooking.

Sue S. Chan, an expert marketer and former brand director at Momofuku, shares her journey building culinary brands and the challenges she faced. PJ Vogt, host of Search Engine, dives into his coffee debacle and sushi fraud explorations. They discuss food culture's evolution in NYC, personal culinary mishaps, and the competitive beverage landscape, including the rise of innovative non-alcoholic drinks. Their lively chat also touches on beloved local grocery chains and unforgettable meals, painting a vibrant picture of today's food scene.

Nok Suntaranon, a former flight attendant turned James Beard Award-winning chef, shares her inspiring culinary journey and tips from her cookbook, Kalaya's Southern Thai Kitchen. Caroline Choe, a recipe developer, discusses her book Banchan, highlighting the joys of Korean small plates. They dive into the art of crafting flavorful dishes, reveal a beloved baked shrimp recipe, and discuss the controversial appeal of durian. Both guests celebrate Philadelphia's vibrant food scene and the importance of staying true to culinary roots.

Join Alex Bleeker, musician from Real Estate and co-author of 'Taste in Music', alongside Luke Pyenson, food journalist and former Frankie Cosmos drummer. They dive into the delicious world where music and food collide on tour. Discover the emotional narratives behind culinary preferences among musicians, heartfelt fan interactions through food gifts, and insightful anecdotes about their unique travel experiences. Plus, they share their favorite indulgences and nostalgic performance stories, proving that food is truly the new rock and roll.

In this conversation, Ryan Sutton, a highly respected restaurant critic and founder of the Substack newsletter "The LO Times," shares insights on New York City's evolving dining scene. He discusses the rise of innovative pizza spots and the changing economics of sushi dining, highlighting the allure of luxurious omakase experiences. Ryan also explores how social media is reshaping restaurant criticism and emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives in culinary journalism, especially in a post-pandemic world.

Emily Weinstein, Editor in Chief of New York Times Cooking, and cookbook author Ali Slagle join the conversation to share insights into the vibrant New York culinary scene. They discuss the thrill of quick weeknight dinners and the power of community feedback in recipe development. From tips on cooking seafood at home to reinventing store-bought gnocchi, they offer practical cooking advice. Personal anecdotes and memorable recipes take center stage, reflecting the joy and creativity of cooking, all while highlighting the importance of flavors and ingredients.

Franco Fubini, founder of Natoora and sustainability professor at Columbia, shares his passion for high-quality produce. He delves into the vital role of flavor in sustainable farming and the intricate connections between chefs and farmers. Fubini discusses the rise of environmentally-focused farmers in the Northeast and examines innovative solutions recognized by the Food Planet Prize. He also highlights seasonal heirloom favorites and the fascinating story of winter tomatoes from Sicily, showcasing how stress influences their unique flavors.

In this lively chat, Sarah Fennel, the self-taught baker and creator behind Broma Bakery, shares her journey from a passion project to a beloved baking blog. She reminisces about her early writing days and the evolution of Broma over 15 years. Sarah discusses the pandemic's impact on creativity and the rise of food influencers while emphasizing the emotional connections behind shared recipes. Listeners will also learn essential tips for perfecting pavlova and explore innovative twists on classic treats, revealing the joys and challenges of the culinary world.

Dan Barber, renowned chef and co-owner of Blue Hill restaurants, chats about his revolutionary approach to cooking rooted in simplicity and innovation. He shares insights on the unique veggies from his Row 7 Seed Company, like the Sweet Garleek, and emphasizes the importance of flavor and nutrition in produce. The conversation also touches on the GMO debate, the versatility of beets, and the cultural significance of salads. Barber reflects on mentoring young chefs and the joy of dining at their establishments, blending culinary passion with sustainable practices.