This Is TASTE

Antoni Porowski, the beloved culinary expert from Netflix's Queer Eye, shares his journey from Montreal food memories to navigating fame. He offers insights into the importance of childhood cooking experiences and defends simple recipes that resonate with people's needs. Joining him is Lindsay Baruch, a cookbook author influenced by her Iraqi-Jewish and Indian heritage. Lindsay discusses approachable cooking, family traditions, and her unique recipe for a reinvented BLT using crispy mortadella. Together, they explore the profound connections food makes in our lives.

Elyse Inamine, a talented journalist and cookbook author, engages in a delightful conversation about her food writing journey. She shares insights on highlighting local voices in Hawaiian cuisine versus tourism. From memorable meals to the unique uses of Kewpie mayo, Elyse dives into her recent projects, including a Taiwan cookbook based on rich cultural storytelling. The discussion also touches on the impact of NYC pricing on smaller cities and the crucial cultural significance of taro in Hawaiian foodways.

Sara Kramer, co-chef of Kismet, shares insights on her beloved LA restaurant that has mastered the blend of Mediterranean and Californian flavors. She reflects on achieving 'standby' status through consistency and community. Sarah Thompson, chef at Casa Playa in Vegas, delves into the challenges of cooking upscale coastal Mexican cuisine and her journey from Cosme to the Wynn. They discuss menu evolution, seasonal produce, and taking guest interactions to the next level while navigating the high-paced casino kitchen environment.

David Lebovitz, a celebrated cookbook author and former pastry chef at Chez Panisse, dives into his life in Paris and the updated edition of his iconic book, Ready for Dessert. He shares insights on the vibrant French pastry culture versus the American bakery scene, highlighting the accessibility of boulangeries in France. David reflects on evolving recipes, including a revamped chocolate chip cookie technique, and discusses his favorite Paris bakeries. He also delves into the creative process behind his book, blending culinary passion with captivating storytelling.

Ruby Tandoh, a trailblazing writer and former Great British Bake Off finalist, dives into the complexities of modern food culture. She discusses how social constructs shape our tastes, highlighting the rise of bubble tea in the UK, influenced by social media. Ruby also critiques the impact of wellness trends on our culinary landscape, drawing parallels with historical beverages. Reflecting on the transformation of food media, she shares insights on the democratization of food careers and the evolution of restaurant influencers. A captivating look at food's cultural significance!

Fardad Khayami, the dynamic chef-owner of Muse in Santa Monica, shares his inspiring journey from pop-up dinners at USC to opening his restaurant before turning 25. He discusses the challenges posed by January fires and how he creatively supported his community. Chef Eric Valdez of Naks in NYC adds his insights through rapid-fire food questions, sharing his love for Filipino cuisine and favorite dishes. Together, they explore the vibrant restaurant scenes in LA and NYC, revealing how passion and resilience shape culinary success.

Jake Cohen, a renowned cookbook author known for his engaging recipes, shares insights from his book, Dinner Party Animal. He discusses his innovative party planning techniques and the importance of community during gatherings. Griffin Owens and Basil Beshkov, co-founders of YUZUCO, dive into the unique flavor profile of yuzu, highlighting their journey to introduce this Japanese citrus into the culinary scene. They explore sourcing challenges and eco-friendly practices while showcasing yuzu’s versatility in both drinks and desserts.

Join Pulitzer-finalist Ed Park, known for his exploration of Korean-American themes, and author Jason Diamond, who delves into Chicago's Jewish food culture. Ed shares his roots in Buffalo, detailing how Korean dining has evolved and inspires his writing. He highlights vibrant NYC spots and food’s role in his short-story collection, An Oral History of Atlantis. Jason discusses his novel, Kaplan's Plot, revealing rich food scenes tied to Jewish heritage, like the classic Chicago hot dog and delis, while blending myth and modern-day culinary experiences.

Bettina Makalintal, a senior reporter at Eater specializing in cookbook coverage, joins to share insights from Eater’s fall cookbook preview. They explore exciting new titles like Hedy McKinnon’s 'Linger' and Alison Roman’s pantry-forward book. Bettina discusses the rise of entertaining-focused cookbooks and the need for more narrative-driven works. Aliza and Matt also highlight fresh restaurant gems in NYC and the Hudson Valley, making it a feast for food lovers.

Aaron Crowder, the chef-partner at Cervos and Eel Bar in NYC, shares insights into his Florida roots and culinary inspirations. He discusses the joys and challenges of casual dining while celebrating Basque influences at Eel Bar. Gilberto Cetina of Holbox in LA brings his Yucatan flavors to the conversation, sharing the best tacos in town and his favorite kitchen gadgets. They bond over childhood food memories and the art of food preparation, revealing how personal journeys shape their culinary identities.