This Is TASTE

B. Dylan Hollis, a creative force on TikTok and YouTube, known for his quirky takes on vintage recipes, shares his journey of baking across America with his new book. He recounts wild dishes like prune whip pie and pickle cheesecake, and dishes on his adventurous road trip through 19 states, capturing the essence of American culinary culture. Dylan also reflects on nostalgic childhood memories linked to baking and discusses the playful joy in merging history with modern baking. Expect laughter, delightful stories, and a celebration of culinary creativity!

Marc-Kwesi Farrell, founder of Ten to One, dives into the world of contemporary Caribbean rum, sharing his journey from Trinidad to the iconic beverage scene. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling and education in reshaping perceptions of rum. The conversation explores the intricacies of rum distillation and his successful partnership with singer Ciara. Additionally, the hosts share fresh culinary delights from Michigan and New York, celebrating local produce and new beverage trends, creating a lively blend of food culture and personal anecdotes.

Mahira Rivers, a seasoned journalist and former Michelin Guide inspector, shares her culinary journey in New York City. She dives into her quest for the best croissants and the vibrant bakery scene, while discussing her insightful Substack, Sweet City. Mahira also reflects on her experiences at Michelin, the challenges of food writing in a digital landscape, and the art of culinary critique. Her passion illuminates the intersections between personal storytelling and the evolving nature of food journalism.

Jodi Moreno, a chef and food stylist in Mexico City, shares her creative journey and insights on summer salads and entertaining. She discusses the vibrant local dining scene and unique ingredients like mame fruit, while Tim Spector, an epidemiology professor, tackles food science questions like probiotics and ultraprocessed foods. Together, they advocate for diverse, plant-based diets and the joy of cooking, revealing how personal experiences shape culinary adventures and foster community through shared meals.

Max Shapiro, co-host of the Air Jordan podcast and a globe-trotting restaurant critic, shares his culinary adventures in the Basque region of Spain. He reveals must-visit spots like Gresca and Asador Etxebarri, while cautioning against booking at Arzak. Max contrasts his Basque experiences with culinary gems in Los Angeles, including Dunsmoor and Shunji. He also discusses the art of dining service, the complexity of Basque pil pil sauce, and the importance of genuine food reviews in an ever-evolving culinary landscape.

Leo Schaltz, cofounder of BonBon, a beloved Swedish candy store in NYC, shares insights on the booming popularity of Swedish sweets. He discusses the unique cultural tradition of 'Lördagsgodis,' which celebrates Saturday candy rituals in Sweden. Leo reveals how social media has fueled BonBon's viral success and shares personal stories about his journey in the candy business. The conversation also touches on candy quality control and the whimsical nostalgia that drives consumer preferences.

Hailee Catalano, a trained chef and cookbook author known for her engaging home cooking content, shares her journey from Chicago's Italian-American roots to culinary innovation. She discusses the artistic balance of simplicity and creativity in food, particularly how social media influences recipe development. David Nayfeld, co-owner of Che Fico, reflects on how cooking for his daughter inspired his cookbook. Their heartfelt conversations explore familial connections through food, the joy of creating content, and innovative culinary approaches, making for an engaging dialogue.

Aimee France is a cake baker and internet personality based in Brooklyn. Her distinctly bumpy cakes and elaborate eating habits have won over many fans online, and it’s so fun to have her in the studio to go deep on her singular perspective on food, from her three-drink-minimum breakfasts to her unexpected sources of inspiration.And, at the top of the show, it’s the return of Three Things, where Aliza and Matt talk about what is exciting them in the world of restaurants, cookbooks, and the food world as a whole. On this episode: An amazing meal at Ultramarinos Marin in Barcelona, Santo Taco in NYC is really exciting, Vila Viniteca is a great non-tourist food shop in the Barcelona tourist center, Tashkent Halal Supermarket in Brighton Beach caused a blackout in the pastry section, Thattu in Chicago is the place for Keralan food, Natoora does amazing event catering.Subscribe to This Is TASTE: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Swamp Dogg, a legendary R&B singer and songwriter known for his unique style and collaborations with icons like Patti LaBelle, dives deep into his culinary passion. He shares incredible stories from touring the segregated South and highlights how food shaped those experiences. His new cookbook, 'If You Can Kill It, I Can Cook It', infuses nostalgia and family recipes, showing how cooking helped him overcome anxiety. With a blend of music and food, Swamp Dogg delivers a heartfelt exploration of his artistic journey.

Norma Listman and Saqib Keval, the innovative chefs behind Masala y Maíz in Mexico City, delve into their unique approach to culinary fusion that marries Indian, East African, and Mexican traditions. They discuss their commitment to creating an equitable restaurant environment that prioritizes their workers, as well as the excitement of expanding to a new location. The duo also reflects on their memorable experiences shooting for Chef’s Table and navigating the challenges of cultural authenticity in a social media-driven dining scene.