The Menu

It’s only natural to spend time reflecting on your habits at the beginning of the new year – and that includes eating and drinking too. In this episode we speak to the author tracing the philosophy of food systems around the world and drop in to a mocktail bar in Canada. Plus: we sit down with the Danish “gastrophysicist” on a mission to get the country to eat more greens.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We head to Lagos in the Algarve region of southern Portugal, a busy summer-tourist destination known for its golden beaches and limestone cliffs. Here, in the quieter months, Angelica Jopson takes us for a walk through town in search of the best spots to enjoy the local cuisine’s delicious simplicity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We meet author Ben Mims to flick through his new book, ‘Crumbs’, which traces the history of cookies and biscuits from around the world. Also in the programme, Monocle’s Petri Burtsoff is in Tallinn to try a newly opened Dagestani restaurant, Kurze. Plus: Elna Nykänen Andersson heads to Stockholm’s Spritmuseum, dedicated to Swedish drinking culture, to learn about depictions of food and drink in Andy Warhol’s artwork.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Périgueux, capital of the Dordogne department in southwestern France, is renowned for a history that is just as rich as its food. From truffles and walnuts to foie gras and goats cheese, the hallmarks of Périgord cuisine are some of the nation’s most revered and can be found in local marketplaces alongside other delicious delicacies. Against the old town’s medieval and Renaissance backdrop, journalist and travel writer Tamara Thiessen embarks on a tour de taste.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monocle’s Chiara Rimella looks back at a delicious 2024.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monocle’s Chiara Rimella looks back at a delicious 2024. This week we reflect on our favourite drinking and dining books of the year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We celebrate the season with an episode dedicated to the joys of eating in winter. First up, we get the scoop on why a successful London restaurant is expanding into serving up ice cream. Then: we’re in Singapore to learn about the craze for hotpot at this time of year. Plus: we head to Lapland for some fine dining at Tapio.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re heading to Norway’s third-largest city, Trondheim. Also known as the Viking capital, Trondheim boasts abundant culinary traditions, particularly at Christmas time. Monocle’s Oslo correspondent, Lars Bevanger, takes us on a taste-filled tour. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re getting into the festive spirit with an episode dedicated to drinking and dining at Christmas. First up, we bring you a selection of must-have holiday treats from around Europe. Then: George Ruskin sinks his teeth into Lübeck marzipan. Plus: we visit London’s Smithfield Market to learn more about its annual jamboree.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’re thinking of a continental excursion this winter, one place to head for culinary delights is Kraków. This picturesque city is at its best when covered in a thick blanket of snow and what better way to warm up than with a comforting plate of traditional pierogies. Monocle’s Flynn Symonds shows us his favourite spots in the city.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.