Radio Cherry Bombe

Violeta Edelman’s fascinating journey begins in the Amazon. She was a curious 20-year-old from Buenos Aires looking for the answers to life and searching for a soulmate at, of all places, an ayahuasca conference. She found her soulmate, wound up in Washington, D.C., and launched a gelato business with lots of enthusiasm but zero experience. There were lots of tears, expensive mistakes, and a contractor who ran off with their money, but they found a passionate audience for Dolcezza Gelato and things eventually turned around. Today, there are six Dolcezza locations in D.C., and their pints of gelato can be found in more than 3,000 grocery stores nationwide. Violeta stopped by our studio to chat with host Kerry Diamond about her unlikely path to entrepreneurship. She shares her story and some advice, and encourages everyone to trust themselves and never stop learning and growing. Radio Cherry Bombe is supported by Whole Foods Market and Anjali’s Cup. Learn more at wholefoodsmarket.com. Snag early-bird tickets to Jubilee 2023 here!Our podcast is recorded at Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Our theme song is by the band Tra La La.Subscribe to our newsletter and check out past episodes and transcripts here!More on Violeta: Instagram, Dolcezza

If you’ve watched the Netflix reboot of Iron Chef, you know one of the hardest jobs is held by… the judges! Sure, the chefs are under pressure to get their dishes done and to the judges’ table in record time, but someone has to eat all that food—and pass judgment on the country’s top culinary talent. Globetrotter and TV personality Nilou Motamed handled the gig with aplomb. The food and travel expert joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about the show, the comfort foods and hospitality traditions of her native Iran, and some formative experiences from her childhood. If you love the intersection of culture and cuisine, don’t miss this episode. Radio Cherry Bombe is supported by Whole Foods Market and Anjali’s Cup. Learn more at wholefoodsmarket.com. Our podcast is recorded at Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Our theme song is by the band Tra La La.Subscribe to our newsletter and check out past episodes and transcripts here!More on Nilou: Instagram, WebsiteIron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend  is streaming now on Netflix

If Courtney Storer’s life sounds like an episode of The Bear, it’s no surprise. She’s the culinary producer of the hit show, which was created by her brother, Christopher Storer. The restaurant world has reacted strongly to The Bear and its portrayal of kitchen culture. Courtney, for her part, was drawn to the restaurant industry as a teenager but had to lie about her age to snag her first job. She later wound up working in HR, but was encouraged to attend culinary school because of her passion for cooking. That led to a stint in Paris and senior roles at Animal and Jon & Vinny’s, the critically acclaimed Los Angeles restaurants.Courtney joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about her culinary journey and what it was like working with the cast and crew of The Bear to accurately portray back-of-house life. She also talks about Raising Foodies, a program developed by the Alliance of Moms to teach individuals in L.A.’s foster care system how to make affordable meals for themselves and their families. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to catch Jeremy Allen White, the star of The Bear, on Radio Cherry Bombe. This episode is supported by Wild Planet, leaders in sustainable seafood. For more information, recipes, and a store locator, head to wildplanetfoods.com. This episode is also supported by Whole Foods Market and White Moustache. Learn more at wholefoodsmarket.com. Radio Cherry Bombe is recorded at Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Our theme song is by the band Tra La La.Subscribe to our newsletter and check out past episodes and transcripts here!More on Courtney: Instagram, The BearMore on Raising Foodies by the Alliance of Moms here

Years ago, when Esther Choi was working behind the scenes of Iron Chef on the Food Network, helping procure specialty groceries for the competitors, she never imagined that one day she’d be battling the country’s best chefs for the show’s top prize. But there she was, part of the star-studded lineup of the new Netflix reboot, Iron Chef: Quest For An Iron Legend. We won’t say if Esther won, but just know there are a few spoiler alerts on this week’s episode. Esther and host Kerry Diamond talk about the series; what next for Mökbar, Esther’s growing chain of Korean ramen eateries; the good and bad of hustle culture; and Esther’s Sessy sesame oil product line. This episode is supported by Wild Planet, leaders in sustainable seafood. For more information, recipes, and a store locator, head to wildplanetfoods.com. This episode is also supported by Whole Foods Market and La Newyorkina. Learn more at wholefoodsmarket.com. Radio Cherry Bombe is recorded at Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Our theme song is by the band Tra La La.Subscribe to our newsletter and check out past episodes and transcripts here!More on Esther: Instagram, Mökbar, YouTube, Sessy

When the former community organizer Reem Assil opened Reem’s California in Oakland, she knew she wanted to do things differently. But she never could have imagined what was to come. There were protests and death threats, but also industry accolades; a heavy mix for anyone, but especially a new mom and new restaurateur. Reem joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about the early days of Reem’s, her time with La Cocina’s incubator program, and how social justice continues to permeate everything she does. They also discuss Reem’s debut cookbook, Arabiyya: Recipes from the Life of an Arab in Diaspora, a tribute to the food at Reem’s and the Arab hospitality she grew up with and champions today.This episode is supported by Talea Beer Co. For locations and more info, check out taleabeer.com. Radio Cherry Bombe is recorded at Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Our theme song is by the band Tra La La.Subscribe to our newsletter and check out past episodes and transcripts here!More on Reem: Instagram, Reem’s California, Arabiyya, La Cocina

After an unconventional childhood, Zoë François thought the structure of corporate America seemed very appealing. But once she got there, she realized a desk job was not her future and she started baking to deal with the professional doldrums. That led to a stint at the Culinary Institute of America and the start of a fascinating career. Today, Zoë is the star of Zoë Bakes on the Magnolia Network and the author of Zoë Bakes Cakes, her first solo cookbook. Zoë has become known for her beautiful signature baked goods, including puffy pavlovas and layer cakes coated in torched meringue, that she features on her popular Instagram account. Zoë joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about the twists and turns her life has taken and the sweet life is so satisfying.  Thank you to Kerrygold for supporting today’s show. Visit kerrygoldusa.com for product info, recipes, and a store near you. Radio Cherry Bombe is recorded at Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Our theme song is by the band Tra La La.Subscribe to our newsletter and check out past episodes and transcripts here!More on Zoë: Instagram, Newsletter, Website

Sajani Amarasiri was born to launch her own business. She was entrepreneurial as a child growing up in Sri Lanka, studied supply chain management in college, and pursued numerous side hustles as a young adult. While working at Microsoft, she had the idea to launch the first networking and co-working space in Sri Lanka. Called Colombo Cooperative, the concept was embraced by the emerging entrepreneur community in her native country. Around the same time, back in the U.S., Sajani couldn’t help but notice how Southeast Asian traditions and ingredients were influencing the wellness world, so she decided to launch her second bootstrapped brand, one that would pay homage to the Sri Lankan practices she and her family hold dear. That brand, Kola Goodies, earned Sajani the Cherry Bombe Women in Food Award as part of the Foxtrot Market 2022 Up & Comers competition. Her prize includes a monetary award, marketing support, and a spot on Foxtrot’s shelves. Sajani joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about her journey, the situation in Sri Lanka, how to survive and thrive in a corporation, and what’s next for Kola Goodies. To learn more about Kola Goodies and try them for yourself, visit Foxtrot’s online store. Radio Cherry Bombe is recorded at Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Our theme song is by the band Tra La La.Subscribe to our newsletter and check out past episodes and transcripts here!More on Sajani: Instagram, Kola GoodiesMore on Foxtrot: Locations, Online Shop

Grace Young knew she wanted to cook from a young age. She was making Julia Child recipes at the age of 10 and as a teen and washed dishes in exchange for cooking lessons from a local instructor. Grace went on to work in test kitchens and write her own cookbooks, including two classics, The Wisdom of The Chinese Kitchen and Breath of a Wok. Before the start of the pandemic in 2020, Grace found herself in a new role, that of activist, as she started fighting for the survival of Manhattan’s Chinatown. Her activism expanded to include Chinatowns around the country, as well as AAPI communities. Because of that work, Grace received this year’s Julia Child Award from the Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts, as well as Humanitarian of the Year from the James Beard Foundation. She joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about her work and culinary calling, and the unexpected turn her life has taken. Thank you to Brightland for supporting this episode. Shop and find recipes at brightland.co.Here is the KK Discount Go Fund Me that Grace mentioned. Radio Cherry Bombe is recorded at Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Our theme song is by the band Tra La La.Subscribe to our newsletter and check out past episodes and transcripts here!More on Grace: Instagram, The Julia Child Award, Website

For the keynote conversation at this year’s Cherry Bombe Jubilee Conference, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Kim Severson of The New York Times sat down with food TV superstar and best-selling author Rachael Ray for an honest chat about her life, work, and philanthropy. Introducing Kim and Rachael is Brittany Bradford, the actor who plays Alice Neiman on the HBO Max original series Julia.Rachael and Kim’s conversation was recorded in April at Center415 in Manhattan. The Cherry Bombe Jubilee conference is the largest gathering of women in the food and drink space in the U.S. This was the 9th in-person Jubilee and the largest one yet. Thank you to Kerrygold for supporting today’s show. Visit kerrygoldusa.com for product info, recipes, and a store near you. Radio Cherry Bombe is recorded at Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Our theme song is by the band Tra La La.Subscribe to our newsletter and check out past episodes and transcripts here.More on Kim: Instagram, WebsiteMore on Rachael: Instagram, Rachael Ray Show, Website

The Bear might be the best TV show about restaurant life ever, and its emotional center is Jeremy Allen White, formerly of Shameless, who plays Chef Carmen “Carmy” Berzotto. Carmy, a rising star in the culinary world, returns to Chicago after the death of his brother in an attempt to save his family’s failing eatery. He’s supported and sometimes thwarted in his mission by family, his brother’s longtime crew, and an upstart sous chef named Sydney. Jeremy joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about how he prepared for his role, the team behind the show, and his take on restaurants today. Don’t miss this episode! And be sure to catch The Bear on Hulu. Clips courtesy of FX Networks. Thank you to Kerrygold, makers of Irish grass-fed butter and cheese, for supporting this episode. To learn more and find a store near you, visit kerrygoldusa.com. This episode is also supported by Brightland, the modern pantry essentials company. Radio Cherry Bombe is recorded at Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Our theme song is by the band Tra La La.Subscribe to our newsletter and check out past episodes and transcripts here!More on Jeremy: Instagram, “The Bear”