
Food People by Bon Appétit
Food People is a show about how food and drinks shape society. On every episode of Food People, we talk about how we eat and why food matters. Join Bon Appétit’s Editor-in-Chief Jamila Robinson and the magazine’s editors as we bring you interviews with renowned voices from the food world, behind-the-scenes details into how the magazine is made, and insight from our latest stories.
Latest episodes

Nov 14, 2022 • 33min
What are Drew Barrymore and Pilar Valdes hungry for?
Drew Barrymore didn’t always love to cook. When she first lived alone, at 14 years old, she stuck to instant ramen, boxed mac and cheese, and egg-in-the-hole toasts. But as an adult, sharing food with her friends and loved ones has become one of her favorite things, and her close friend and personal chef Pilar Valdes is a big reason why. The pair met in the midst of major life transitions, and they found solace and inspiration together in the kitchen. This week, they’re on the pod with host Amanda Shapiro talking about friendship, food preferences, and their new cookbook, Rebel Homemaker: Food, Family and Life. Stuff we talk about in this episode:
Rebel Homemaker: Food, Family, Life by Drew Barrymore and Pilar Valdes: https://amzn.to/3Ey6dv2
Pilar’s Catering Company, Kickshaw Cookery: http://kickshawcookery.com/
Drew Barrymore’s Kitchenware Collection, Beautiful: https://cookwithbeautiful.com/
Frankie & Olive’s Roast Chicken Recipe: https://thehappyfoodie.co.uk/recipes/frankie-and-olives-roast-chicken/
Drew and Pilar Make Turkey Roulade (Video): https://www.thedrewbarrymoreshow.com/videos/drew-and-pilar-valdes-make-turkey-roulade-and-corn-casserole
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Nov 14, 2022 • 29min
What’s Stanley Tucci Doing for Thanksgiving?
Who but Stanley Tucci could charm us on social media with his Negroni-making skills, eat his way through Italy for a documentary series, and publish a food-heavy memoir all during a global pandemic? He’s had so much going on that we almost forgot that he’s also a Hollywood star. The man/myth/legend gave us his best tips for entertaining in our November issue, and this week on the podcast, he sits down with editor in chief Dawn Davis to chat about his favorite Thanksgiving dishes, the gifts he insists on giving, and the pasta faux-pas that you NEED to avoid. Of course, when it comes to putting on a proper feast, we can’t all be Stanley Tucci—but that doesn’t mean we can’t try. And for the hosts who need the most help, associate food editor Rachel Gurjar is back with a procrastinator’s guide to cooking a Thanksgiving meal.Stuff we talk about in this episode:
Menu from Rachel Gurjar’s Thanksgiving “Procrastinator” Newsletter
Sahara Bohoskey’s Marinated Peppers with Basil and Garlic recipe: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/peperoni
Justin Lee’s Crunchy Greens With Fat Choy Ranch recipe: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/crunchy-greens-with-fat-choy-ranch
Gerardo Gonzalez’s Beer-and-Orange-Marinated Roast Chicken recipe: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/beer-and-orange-marinated-roast-chicken
Cheryl Day’s Pineapple Upside-Down Cake recipe: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/pineapple-upside-down-cake-2
Claire Saffitz’s Fridge-Dive Pesto Pasta recipe: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/fridge-dive-pesto-pasta
Taste: My Life Through Food by Stanley Tucci: https://www.amazon.com/Taste-My-Life-Through-Food/dp/1982168013?asc_campaign=&asc_source=&asc_refurl=https://www.bonappetit.com/story/stanley-tucci-thanksgiving&ascsubtag=61770ed22aa62461f131c295&linkCode=sl1&tag=bapodcasts-20&linkId=46bc32f8e570b522cba622f8b07d6251&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Bon Appétit on what Stanley Tucci is doing for Thanksgiving: https://www.bonappetit.com/story/stanley-tucci-thanksgiving
Science In the Kitchen and the Art of Eating Well by Pellgrino Artusi: https://www.amazon.com/Science-Kitchen-Lorenzo-Italian-Library/dp/0802086578?hvadid=312031138203&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18077107301282618684&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1023191&hvtargid=pla-454049301060&psc=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=bapodcasts-20&linkId=47070fea873e0bf560251f361519cc31&language=en_US&ref…
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Nov 14, 2022 • 39min
What are Dorie Greenspan’s favorite cookies?
There’s a reason fans call Dorie Greenspan the “Cookie Queen.” Over her 30-year career, the James Beard Award-winning author has published 14 cookbooks, developed thousands of recipes, and built an online following years before “influencers” were even a thing. In our sweetest episode yet, she sits down with Amanda to talk about a few of her favorite cookies in her newest book, Baking With Dorie—just in time for your cookie swap. Later on, senior commerce editor MacKenzie Chung Fegan stops by with a few gift ideas for the choosiest food people on your list.Stuff we talk about in this episode:
Baking with Dorie : https://amzn.to/3EaNyFA
Baking From My Home To Yours: https://doriegreenspan.com/recipe/world-peace-cookies-the-newest-version-from-dories-cookies-sneak-peek/
Bon Appétit’s Annual Cookie Section : https://www.bonappetit.com/type/cookie
Dorie’s World Peace Cookie recipe: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/world-peace-cookies
Dorie Greenspan’s World Peace Cookie 2.0 recipe: https://doriegreenspan.com/recipe/world-peace-cookies-the-newest-version-from-dories-cookies-sneak-peek/
Dorie’s Caramel Crunch-Chocolate Chunklet Cookies recipe: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/caramel-crunch-chocolate-chunklet-cookies
Dorie Greenspan’s Cocoa-Cornmeal Biscotti recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019374-cocoa-cornmeal-biscotti
Dorie Greenspan’s Iced Spiced Hermits recipe : https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/iced-spiced-hermits
Dorie’s Bulletin, xoxoDorie: https://doriegreenspan.bulletin.com/
Bon Appétit’s Gift Guides 2021: https://www.bonappetit.com/entertaining-style/gift-guides
Alex Beggs’ Cookbook Gift Guide: https://www.bonappetit.com/story/best-cookbooks-2021-gift-guide
MacKenzie’s Gift Recommendations:
Hestan NanoBond Titanium Essential Pan: https://amzn.to/3EcB686
Mortadella Pool Float : https://www.katiekimmel.com/items/mortadella-pool-float
Supra Endura Beeswax Food Wraps: https://www.supraendura.com/products/copy-of-beeswax-food-wrap-in-selva-print-3-pack
Pura Salsa Macha : https://masienda.com/shop/pura-macha/?sscid=b1k5_gonu6&sscid=b1k5_11agp8
GE Profile Opal Nugget Ice Maker: https://amzn.to/2ZIkne6
To Asia, With Love by Hetty McKinnon: https://amzn.to/3xCjMqR
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Nov 14, 2022 • 29min
Can Thanksgiving ever just be simple?
Maybe you’re like us: Year after year, we tell ourselves that THIS Thanksgiving is going to be the simple one. Then, year after year, we find ourselves back in the kitchen, feeling way too stressed out while juggling 15 recipes for sides, salads, desserts, and of course, a massive turkey that refuses to finish cooking. Why do we do this to ourselves? And is there another way? Associate food editor Kendra Vaculin thinks there is, and she’s here this week, along with test kitchen director Chris Morocco, to talk through her super-simplified menu for this year’s feast, which you can find in the November issue of the magazine. Tune in for tips on maximizing oven space and hot takes on why no one needs a roasting pan. Plus, Chris makes the case for yet another “compelling and dynamic” salad.Stuff we talk about in this episode:
Bon Appétit’s Thanksgiving, Simplified Menu: https://www.bonappetit.com/gallery/thanksgiving-dinner-simplified
More on Cheryl Day’s Desserts : https://www.bonappetit.com/story/cheryl-day-southern-baking
Diana Yen’s Pumpkin-Tahini Mousse Pie recipe: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/pumpkin-tahini-mousse-pie
Kendra Vaculin’s Kale Salad With Pecan Vinaigrette recipe : https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/kale-salad-with-pecan-vinaigrette
Kendra Vaculin’s Green Beans and Mushrooms With Crispy Shallots recipe: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/green-beans-and-mushrooms-with-crispy-shallots
Kendra Vaculin’s Stuffing Biscuits recipe : https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/stuffing-biscuits
Kendra Vaculin’s Twice-Roasted Squash With Vanilla, Maple, and Chile recipe: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/twice-roasted-squash-with-vanilla-maple-and-chile
Kendra Vaculin’s Sheet-Pan Turkey and Gravy recipe: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/sheet-pan-turkey-and-gravy
Nordic Ware Half Sheet Pan: https://market.bonappetit.com/products/half-sheet-1
Nordic Ware Baking and Cooling Grid : https://market.bonappetit.com/products/large-baking-cooling-grid-1
Chris Morocco’s Burnished Potato Nuggets recipe: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/burnished-potato-nuggets
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Nov 14, 2022 • 26min
Why are pop-ups popping off?
It used to be that opening your own restaurant was the only path to gaining recognition as a chef. But these days, more and more chefs are opening pop-ups as a first step, or even an alternative, to a brick-and-mortar spot. Pop-ups can offer flexibility, freedom, and exposure without the high overhead and financial risk. But that doesn’t mean pop-up life is a walk in the park. This week on the show, Amanda talks to two LA chefs who run their own pop-ups—Rashida Holmes of Bridgetown Roti and Brandon Gray of Brandoni Pepperoni—about the pros and cons of the business model, their mixed feelings about press attention, and what chefs need to know before popping up. Stuff we talk about in this episode:
The Promises and Perils of Pop-Ups: https://www.bonappetit.com/story/promises-and-perils-of-popups
Bridgetown Roti website: https://www.bridgetownroti.com/
Brandoni Pepperoni website: https://www.brandoni-pepperoni.com/
About Chef Craig Wong: https://chefcraigwong.com/about
Santa Monica Farmers Market: https://www.smgov.net/Departments/pcd/farmercontent.aspx?id=10039
Crafted Kitchen LA website: https://www.craftedkitchenla.com/the-kitchens
Rashida Holmes and Bridgetown Roti – @bridgetownroti
Brandon Gray and Brandoni Pepperoni – @la_brandoni_pepperoni
For a transcript of this episode, please follow this link.
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Nov 14, 2022 • 25min
Is the martini the best cocktail of all time?
Name a more iconic cocktail. We’ll wait. Yep, that’s what we thought. Today on the podcast, Amanda is joined by contributor Amiel Stanek, senior staff writer Alex Beggs, and senior food editor Christina Chaey to talk all about martinis: Why we love them, what makes them perfect vs. “perfect,” and how to order them properly (or make them at home). Along the way, Andrea Hernández aka the Snack Oracle comes by to try to explain why the espresso martini is making a comeback—and whether it’s here to stay. Stick around for trivia, jokes, and plenty of cocktail-shaker ASMR.Stuff we talk about in this episode:
SECO Cocktails: https://www.secococktails.com/
Bon Appétit’s Make-Ahead Martini: https://www.bonappetit.com/story/make-ahead-martini
Bon Appetit’s Classic Martini recipe: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/classic-martini-2
Bon Appétit’s How To Speak Fluent Martini: https://www.bonappetit.com/story/how-to-make-a-martini
Andrea Hernandez’s Snaxshot: https://www.snaxshot.com/
Timothée Chalamet and Larry David: https://www.gq.com/story/timothee-chalamet-larry-david-new-york
Alex Beggs’ Latest Articles : https://www.bonappetit.com/contributor/alex-beggs
Amiel Stanek’s Latest Articles: https://www.bonappetit.com/contributor/amiel-stanek
Christina Chaey’s Latest Articles: https://www.bonappetit.com/contributor/christina-chaey
For a transcript of this episode, please follow this link.
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Nov 14, 2022 • 36min
What Happens When You Use TikTok to Cook?
Even if you’re not on FoodTok, you probably know it exists . Every day, our algorithms fill our feeds with cooking hacks, recipe walkthroughs, and ambient ASMR moments. We can’t look away, but we also can’t help but wonder: Does any of it actually work? To find out, senior food editor Christina Chaey and BA’s head of video June Kim spent a day cooking meals from TikTok—yes, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This week on the podcast, they’re reporting on how it went and giving their definitive (read: totally subjective) rankings of some of the platform’s most iconic foods. Along the way, associate editor (and FoodTok creator) Bettina Makalintal joins Amanda to talk about a few of her favorite follows on the app.Stuff we talk about in this episode:
Emily Mariko’s (@emilymariko) TikTok video for Leftover Salmon Bowls: https://www.tiktok.com/@emilymariko/video/7000469368232512773?is_copy_url=0&is_from_webapp=v1&sender_device=pc&sender_web_id=7005173277049390597
Amy Wilochowski’s (@amywilochowski) TikTok video for Pesto Eggs : https://www.tiktok.com/@amywilichowski/video/6955536851595758853?referer_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.today.com%2F&referer_video_id=6955536851595758853&refer=embed
Alexandra Johnsson’s (@simplefood4u) Wrap Hack Demonstration TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/foryou?lang=en&is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1&item_id=6913548768847727877#/@simplefood4you/video/6913548768847727877
@liemessa’s original Baked Feta Pasta (uunifeta pasta) recipe and blog post: https://liemessa.fi/2020/09/baked-feta-pasta-original-recipe/
J. Kenji Lopez-Alt’s video on Baked Feta Pasta: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3gvRjIQ6Lo
Deb Perelman’s Baked Feta with Tomatoes and Chickpeas recipe : https://smittenkitchen.com/2021/02/baked-feta-with-tomatoes-and-chickpeas/
Bettina Makalintal’s (@bettinamak) TikTok page: https://www.tiktok.com/@bettinamak?
@eatwkriss’s TikTok page: https://www.tiktok.com/@eatwkriss?
@oldtimehawkey’s TikTok page: https://www.tiktok.com/@oldtimehawkey?lang=en
@sxmplyni’s TikTok page: https://www.tiktok.com/@sxmplyni?lang=en
For a transcript of this episode, please follow this link.
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Nov 14, 2022 • 20min
Dirty South Hot Tamales with Bryant Terry
This week, editor in chief Dawn Davis is back for a conversation with chef, writer, and James Beard award winner Bryant Terry about his new cookbook Black Food, a sprawling collection of essays, art, and recipes from more than a hundred Black visionaries across the globe. Our September issue features excerpts and recipes from the book, and with Black Food hitting shelves October 19, we’re welcoming him back to talk about cooking with his family, building communities through food, and whether there’s a wrong way to cook grits.Stuff we talk about in this episode:
BA’s excerpt from Bryant Terry’s Black Food : https://www.bonappetit.com/gallery/bryant-terry-black-food
Black Food by Bryant Terry : https://amzn.to/3AQO2y7
More Books by Bryant Terry : https://www.bryant-terry.com/allbooks
Bryant Terry’s Dirty South Hot Tamales With Jackfruit and Cilantro Sauce recipe: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/hot-tamales-with-jackfruit-and-cilantro-sauce
Nicole A. Taylor’s Cocoa-Orange Catfish recipe: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/cocoa-orange-catfish
Kia Damon’s Sweet Potato Grits recipe: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/sweet-potato-grits
Jocelyn Delk Adams’ Cinnamon-Roll Pound Cake recipe: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/cinnamon-roll-pound-cake
More information on Bryant Terry’s imprint, 4 Color Books: https://sites.prh.com/4-color-books
More recipes from Bryant Terry
Grape-Tarragon Spritzer recipe: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/grape-tarragon-spritzer
Bitter Greens With Sweet Mustard Vinaigrette recipe: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/bitter-greens-mustard-vinaigrette
Quick-Pickled Cauliflower recipe: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/quick-pickled-cauliflower
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Nov 14, 2022 • 33min
Will dinner parties ever be the same?
As Food People, we know our way around a dinner party—or at least, we did, before we couldn’t attend or throw any for almost two years. During that hosting hiatus we had plenty of time to think about what made dinner parties great but also what made them stressful, exhausting, and way too much work. This week on the show, Amanda talks to Test Kitchen director Chris Morocco and Associate Food Editor Zaynab Issa about the new rules they’re following when it comes to entertaining in a post-lockdown world. They debate outsourcing the main course, skipping dessert, and what makes a “compelling and dynamic” salad. Along the way, we also turn to Katherine Lewin—owner of Big Night, a brilliantly stocked, expertly curated dinner party shop in Brooklyn—for a crash course on cheese and charcuterie.Stuff we talk about in this episode:
Shoui Kim’s Red Wine and Soy–Braised Short Ribs recipe: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/red-wine-and-soybraised-short-ribs
Chris Morocco’s BA’s Best Lasagna recipe: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/ba-best-lasagna
Andy Baraghani’s BA’s Best Bolognese recipe: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/bas-best-bolognese
Chris Morocco’s Weeknight Ragù recipe: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/weeknight-ragu
Camille Becerra (De Maria, NY)’s Bitter Greens and Avocado Salad with Seaweed recipe: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/bitter-greens-and-avocado-salad-with-seaweed
Camille Becarra’s tips for a compelling and dynamic salad: https://www.bonappetit.com/story/chicory-2017-vegetable-of-year
Chris Morocco’s Radicchio Salad with Pickled Grapes and Goat Cheese recipe: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/radicchio-salad-with-pickled-grapes-and-goat-cheese
Molly Baz’s Anything-Goes Green Goddess Salad recipe: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/green-goddess-salad
Rick Martinez’s Obscenely Chocolatey Chocolate Cookies recipe: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/double-dark-chocolate-cookies
Mina Stone’s Super Lemony Olive Oil Cake recipe: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/super-lemony-olive-oil-cake
How to Turn a Cheese Plate Into a Main Event: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Nov 14, 2022 • 29min
Are air fryers just a bunch of hot air?
It’s practically impossible to ignore the air fryer. Much like the InstantPot a few years back, these countertop appliances promise us a faster and healthier way to cook: crunchy chicken, golden french fries, crispy vegetables with none of the downsides of deep frying. But how much can an air fryer really change the way you cook and eat? And, like, can you actually fry something with air? This week, Amanda is joined by BA senior staff writer and air fryer enthusiast Alex Beggs to talk about this latest must-have kitchen gadget, whether they can deliver on their promises, and how to decide if it’s worth the price...and the counter space. Along the way, associate food editor Rachel Gurjar stops in to talk about her sesame coconut chicken tenders and brussels sprouts with honey butter recipes (both made for the air fryer, of course). Stuff we talk about in this episode:- Gaby Melian’s Instant Pot Pork Carnitas recipe: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/instant-pot-pork-carnitas- Bon Appétit’s Air Fryer Guide: https://www.bonappetit.com/story/best-air-fryer- Beggs’ Air Fryer-Centric Trader Joe’s Reviews: https://www.bonappetit.com/story/trader-joes-spring-2021-reviews- Breville Oven Air (Pro): https://www.amazon.com/Breville-BOV900BSS-Convection-Brushed-Stainless/dp/B01N5UPTZS?&linkCode=sl1&tag=bapodcasts-20&linkId=5fdea3b0cf6c0b1978e59b6e4a32ed7e&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl- Breville Mini Smart Oven: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices