Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Radio
Milk Street Radio
Every week, Milk Street Radio travels the world to find the most fascinating stories about food—a detective who tracks down food thieves and a look inside the most famous (and often scandalous) restaurant kitchens—and interviews with culinary icons such as José Andrés, Padma Lakshmi, Jacques Pépin, and Marcus Samuelsson. And on Milk Street Radio you can always find the unexpected: the comedian who ranks apples using an elaborate 100-point system, the scientists who study if vegetables have souls, and the journalist who reveals the world’s 10 biggest food lies. We also answer our listeners’ cooking questions, find out how to make the perfect cup of coffee, and share how to eat your way through Italy.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 7, 2025 • 51min
Beyond Cronuts: How Foods Go Viral
Chef Joshua McFadden, known for his innovative book *Six Seasons of Pasta*, shares his transformative pasta cooking techniques, emphasizing seasonal flavors and avoiding common mistakes. He explains how butter enhances tomato sauces and offers tips for using supermarket produce creatively. Meanwhile, reporter Adwoa Gyimah-Brempong delves into the viral belovedness of tinned fish, exploring its cultural resurgence, history in Portugal, and the influence of online communities on this trend. Together, they serve up a feast of culinary insights!
Nov 4, 2025 • 39min
Live at the Wisconsin Art of Cheese Festival: Fortune Tellers, the Ultimate Grilled Cheese, and Cheddar Blue
Marika Penderman, an award-winning Gouda producer from a dairy farm, shares her fermentation secrets and triumphs in making aged Gouda. Chris Raleigh, a fourth-generation cheesemaker, introduces his innovative Dunbarton Blue, a cheddar-blue hybrid, emphasizing the importance of quality milk in small-scale production. Meanwhile, James Beard winner Tory Miller discusses his culinary journey, reveals how he bested Bobby Flay, and provides tips for the ultimate grilled cheese. The event also features cheeky cheese fortune telling and insights into Wisconsin's rich cheese-making culture.
33 snips
Oct 31, 2025 • 51min
Busting Pizza’s Biggest Myths with Nathan Myhrvold
Nathan Myhrvold, founder of Modernist Cuisine and author of Modernist Pizza, shares his insightful tests debunking pizza myths related to water and oven types. He reveals the intriguing history of pizza in America and the truth behind the Margherita story. Alongside Adam Gopnik, a New Yorker staff writer, they discuss modern food identities and navigating diverse dietary restrictions. Their conversation emphasizes accessible home pizza-making and the importance of accommodating various eating preferences in family meals.
Oct 29, 2025 • 17min
BA Bake Club: Perfect Pie with Erin Jeanne McDowell
Join Erin Jeanne McDowell, a talented baker and author of The Book on Pie, as she tackles listener questions about perfecting pie. She shares her journey from baking with her grandmother to pastry school and emphasizes the importance of clear visual cues in pie dough. Discover tips on achieving a sturdy pie, including the intricacies of baking double-crust pies and avoiding pitfalls like overly watery strawberries. Plus, enjoy Erin's hot takes on pie preferences and her thoughts on pie baking throughout the seasons!
Oct 24, 2025 • 51min
Our Haunted Podcast! Witches' Brew, The Candy Store Ghost, and The Secret History of Jack-o'-Lanterns
In this spooktacular discussion, pastry chef Stella Parks shares baking tips and Halloween candy preferences, while candy historian Susan Benjamin dives into the ghostly tales from her candy shop. They explore the mischievous origins of jack-o'-lanterns, the eerie transition of candy from medicine to kid culture, and the marketing tricks behind iconic sweets. Listeners also get insights into Day of the Dead celebrations from Oaxacan tour guide Gabriel Sánchez, making it a hauntingly sweet treat!
Oct 17, 2025 • 51min
The Vegan Nightmare! Do Vegetables Have Souls?
In this intriguing discussion, Joe Yonan, food and dining editor at The Washington Post and plant-based cooking expert, shares tips for delicious vegan meals, including a Greek White Bean Soup recipe. Journalist Zoë Schlanger dives into the fascinating world of plant intelligence, revealing how plants can remember their kin and even react to sounds like bee buzzing. Food writer J. M. Hirsch adds culinary techniques for the soup, making it a perfect combination of science and cuisine.
10 snips
Oct 10, 2025 • 50min
Steakhouse Secrets: What Nobody Tells You About The Perfect Steak
Food writer Tim Hayward dives into steak's captivating history, from secret beefsteak societies to the impact of women on steakhouse culture. He reveals how older cows can produce richer flavors and introduces an Argentinian technique for brining steaks to perfection. Chef Kenji López-Alt shares insights from his quest through Seattle for standout teriyaki, emphasizing the art of marination and high-heat grilling. Together, they uncover the hidden stories behind two beloved culinary staples!
11 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 50min
Granny Smith Is Vile and Wretched! Apple Tasting Reveals Shocking Reviews
Brian Frange, a comedian and apple connoisseur, delivers hilariously scathing critiques of various apple varieties, declaring some as 'indigestible filth.' He champions favorites like Lucy Glow and warns against the blandness of typical supermarket apples. Meanwhile, reporter Katie Thornton dives into the revolutionary design of the Frankfurt Kitchen, showcasing its enduring influence on modern kitchens. Adam Gopnik reflects on the magical transformations of everyday cooking ingredients, revealing the joys of culinary alchemy.
Sep 26, 2025 • 52min
Dining Dos, Dining Don’ts: The New Rules of Restaurant Etiquette
Maggie Hennessy, a Bon Appétit columnist, discusses modern dining etiquette, including when it's appropriate to use your phone at the table and the best ways to communicate with servers without causing a scene. She emphasizes that restaurants can reveal personal behaviors, and offers insights on the dynamics of group dining, such as splitting bills. Irene Yu, co-owner of Orion Bar, shares the art of soju culture, covering pouring rituals and popular Korean cocktails, making for a vibrant conversation about food and manners.
Sep 19, 2025 • 51min
Culinary Tour of Colombia: Sweet Corn Arepas and Brisket Dust
In this engaging discussion, Mariana Velásquez, a talented recipe developer and author, delves into the heart of Colombian cuisine, highlighting staples like homemade arepas and the rich flavor of panela. Yiying Lu shares her journey in designing food emojis, illustrating how these digital symbols reflect cultural nuances. Adam Gopnik adds a thoughtful commentary on how dining habits evolve across generations, making for a lively exploration of food's cultural significance.
