The Sporkful

Mokhtar Alkhanshali, an unlikely coffee entrepreneur and subject of Dave Eggers' 'The Monk of Mocha', details his harrowing journey during Yemen's civil war. He recounts his near-death experiences and imprisonment while desperately trying to export coffee samples to a major fair. The narrative explores his resilience, the rich history of Yemeni coffee, and his unexpected wrongful arrest in Djibouti. Ultimately, Mokhtar's determination leads him from chaos to showcasing Yemeni coffee at a prestigious expo, empowering local farmers along the way.

Ben Naddaff-Hafrey, a senior producer at Revisionist History, dives into the intriguing world of Thomas’ English Muffins and their legendary nooks and crannies. He narrates the captivating tale of a skilled baker whose departure to a competitor ignited a fierce legal battle over the secret recipe. The conversation also explores the emotional connection many have with breakfast foods and unpacks the historic significance of these beloved muffins in the baking industry.

Mokhtar Alkhanshali, the founder of Port of Mocha, shares his incredible journey from a doorman in San Francisco to a coffee entrepreneur in war-torn Yemen. He discusses the transformative impact of a national coffee auction aimed at empowering local farmers despite ongoing conflict. Mokhtar takes listeners through the nuances of coffee brewing while reflecting on his deep cultural connections to the beverage. His unwavering determination amidst chaos showcases both personal ambition and the resilience of Yemeni coffee producers.

Joining the conversation is Alexa Lim, a producer from The Atlas Obscura Podcast, who dives into the world of kolaches—a traditional Czech pastry that has become a Texan staple. She shares the fascinating journey of kolaches from Czech immigrants to their rise in Texas cuisine. The discussion explores the deep cultural significance of these pastries, personal stories tied to kolache-making, and how a New York couple is bringing this delightful treat to the Big Apple. Nostalgia, culinary innovation, and regional pride take center stage!

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.