The Sporkful

Maida Qureshi, a clinical dietitian at Elmhurst Hospital and the mastermind behind The Pakistan stall, shares her journey of blending French, Mexican, and Pakistani flavors. She reflects on the vibrant cultural heritage of the Queens Night Market and the profound impact of the pandemic on small businesses. listeners hear personal stories from vendors, celebrating community bonds and culinary creativity. Maida also highlights the significance of food traditions during Ramadan and her charitable efforts supporting children's education in Pakistan.

Sebastian Maniscalco, one of America's top-grossing comedians, shares hilarious tales from his food-obsessed Chicago upbringing that shaped his comedic style. He reflects on his journey from burning hams to selling out Madison Square Garden. The conversation covers the art of dining etiquette and amusing anecdotes from his waitstaff days. Sebastian also discusses the pressures of culinary contributions during social gatherings, all while maintaining his witty observations on food, family, and identity.

Dive into the quirky feud over New Jersey's favorite breakfast sandwich: pork roll or Taylor ham? Discover the amusing cultural divide that fuels this 150-year dispute. Explore the rich history behind the names, brand rivalries, and personal anecdotes from locals. The podcast delves into how this culinary clash shapes community identity and pride, and hear about a divided pork roll festival that adds spice to the rivalry. It's a deliciously entertaining exploration of food, culture, and the lengths people go to defend their breakfast choices!

Willa Paskin, host of Slate's Decoder Ring, brings insight alongside food critic Brian Reinhart and journalist Gustavo Arellano to unravel the mystery of the declining spice in jalapeños. Reinhart shares his personal experiences and research about how grocery store jalapeños have become milder over time. The trio explores the cultural shift in American cuisine, the impact on the salsa industry, and the challenges faced by growers. They delve into the oscillating popularity of Mexican food in the U.S., critically examining how tastes have evolved.

Dan Souza, the editor-in-chief of Cook's Illustrated and host of 'What's Eating Dan?', dives into the bubbly world of seltzer. He discusses the science of carbonation and what makes certain seltzers stand out in a rapidly growing market. Listeners are treated to intriguing insights on flavor innovations, including savory options and the historical rise and fall of brands like La Croix. From perfecting home carbonation to savoring the sensory experience of effervescence, Souza shares expert tips and playful anecdotes that make the art of seltzer intriguing.

Join Deena Shanker, a Bloomberg food reporter, and Mamrie Hart, actor and comedian with a new vegetarian cookbook, as they dive into the quirks of dining culture. Discover whether atmosphere trumps food quality and the rising trend of "functional sodas." They debate the merits of unsalted pretzels and the new 'Rip and Dip' bagel craze, while tackling the tricky terrain of tipping practices in casual dining. Their lively banter paints a vivid picture of modern food trends and the evolving role of restaurants in our lives.

Join Nigella Lawson, a renowned food TV star and author of 11 best-selling cookbooks, as she dishes on her unique cooking persona that balances aspiration with accessibility. She humorously connects food choices to method acting and shares memorable meals from her life in London. Nigella reveals her go-to condiments and discusses the emotional ties we have to comfort food, like family movie night brownies. She also tackles the weight of criticism faced by female chefs and reflects on the impact of the Me Too movement on media and self-image.

Ted Genoways, a journalist and author, dives into the fascinating life of José Cuervo, the man behind the world’s best-selling tequila. He uncovers Cuervo's dramatic navigation through the Mexican Revolution, political alliances, and business rivalries. The story reveals how he powered through Prohibition-era challenges to shape the tequila industry. Genoways also shares insights from his new book, "Tequila Wars," highlighting Cuervo’s hidden legacy and the cultural significance of tequila woven into the fabric of Mexican history.

In 2007, Maangchi was 50 years old, a single mother of adult kids, and was addicted to online gaming. Her son suggested she post a cooking video to YouTube. Today she has 4 million subscribers and has taught fans all over the world how to cook traditional Korean food. This week she tells us her story, and talks about cooking when you're in an "immigrant time warp." Plus we hear her take on a popular Korean dish that was renamed for the Oscar-winning film, Parasite.This episode originally aired on February 16, 2020, and was produced by Dan Pashman, Emma Morgenstern, Harry Huggins, with editing by Tracey Samuelson. The Sporkful team now includes Dan Pashman, Emma Morgenstern, Andres O'Hara, Kameel Stanley, and Jared O'Connell. This update was produced by Gianna Palmer. Publishing by Shantel Holder.Every other Friday, we reach into our deep freezer and reheat an episode to serve up to you. We're calling these our Reheats. If you have a show you want reheated, send us an email or voice memo at hello@sporkful.com, and include your name, your location, which episode, and why.Transcript available at www.sporkful.com.Right now, Sporkful listeners can get three months free of the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/sporkful. Get all your favorite podcasts, more than 200 ad-free music channels curated by genre and era, and live sports coverage with the SiriusXM app.

Mackenzie Martin, host of the KCUR Studios podcast A People’s History of Kansas City, dives into the century-long rivalry between Hydrox and Oreo. Discover how Hydrox, the original sandwich cookie, was overshadowed by Oreo’s marketing prowess. Mackenzie shares personal anecdotes and the nostalgia tied to Hydrox in Kansas City, revealing the cookie's legacy. They also engage in a humorous tasting comparison, highlighting surprising differences in flavor and texture. It's a sweet exploration of iconic American snacks and their cultural significance.