Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Radio

This week, we share stories from the world of fine dining. Maître d' Michael Cecchi-Azzolina has encounters with mobsters, fainting celebrities and unruly guests at New York’s top restaurants and reveals the secrets to great service. Writer Geraldine DeRuiter sits down for the world’s strangest Michelin-starred meal: She eats rancid cheese, slurps foam out of a ceramic mouth and is forced to watch the kitchen staff play extreme sports. Plus, historian Rebecca Spang uncovers the invention of the restaurant, Sara Moulton reveals the most baffling thing she ever witnessed in her career as a chef, and actors tell us how waiting tables unexpectedly helped their theater careers. (Originally aired June 22nd, 2023.)We want to hear your culinary tips! Share your cooking hacks, secret ingredients or unexpected techniques with us for a chance to hear yourself on Milk Street Radio! Here's how: https://www.177milkstreet.com/radiotipsListen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guest Jesse Tyler Ferguson from 'Modern Family' shares amusing stories from his culinary adventures, including dining with Joan Rivers. The podcast also explores the Vienna Vegetable Orchestra's unique music, Yucatecan Citrus-Marinated Pork Tacos recipe, and the linguistic origins of grilling terms.

This week, we’re diving into the foods of summer. Culinary historian Tonya Hopkins tells us about the Black innovators who made ice cream what it is today; Bill Alexander reveals the history and fate of the tomato; artist Ana Inciardi tracks down a tomato from her family's past; Dan Pashman gives us a lesson on his favorite ways to eat watermelon and corn; and we bake up a Fresh Peach and Raspberry Crostata. (Originally aired August 17, 2022.)Get this week’s recipe for Fresh Peach and Raspberry Crostata here.We want to hear your culinary tips! Share your cooking hacks, secret ingredients or unexpected techniques with us for a chance to hear yourself on Milk Street Radio! Here's how: https://www.177milkstreet.com/radiotipsListen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts| Spotify Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sara Franklin shares the life story of Judith Jones, the legendary editor behind some of the greatest cookbooks of the 20th century. We hear how she discovered Julia Child, why Edna Lewis sent her a box of squirrels and what happened when she was told to reject the diary of Anne Frank. Plus, historian Stephen Puleo recounts the sticky disaster that was Boston’s Great Molasses Flood of 1919, and we head to Paris for the world’s greatest ham and cheese sandwich.Get the recipe for Oven-Baked Three-Layer Croque Monsieur Sandwiches here.We want to hear your culinary tips! Share your cooking hacks, secret ingredients or unexpected techniques with us for a chance to hear yourself on Milk Street Radio! Here's how: https://www.177milkstreet.com/radiotipsListen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re joined by baker Claire Ptak, whose desserts are a winning combination of California flavor and London style—and even royalty agrees. She shares her favorite recipes and reveals the behind-the-scenes details of being chosen to bake the cake for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding. Plus, Rowan Jacobsen crash-lands into the Amazon for an up-close look at wild cacao harvesting; Adam Gopnik revisits his mother’s sourdough bread; Cheryl Day answers your toughest baking questions; and we make a Hot Milk Sponge Cake just in time for spring. (Originally aired May 12, 2023).Get the recipe for Hot Milk Sponge Cake here.We want to hear your culinary tips! Share your cooking hacks, secret ingredients or unexpected techniques with us for a chance to hear yourself on Milk Street Radio! Here's how: https://www.177milkstreet.com/radiotipsListen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chantha Nguon, co-author of “Slow Noodles,” shares her story of survival as a Cambodian refugee. Also this week: We learn about the world’s first fast-food chain from Kansas City reporter Mackenzie Martin, and Alex Aïnouz ranks the best pastas at the grocery store.We’re working on a story about the battles we have in our kitchens at home, and we want to hear about your kitchen drama—from the biggest food fights to your everyday grievances. Please leave us a voicemail at 617-249-3167 or send a voice memo to radiotips@177milkstreet.com.More radio stories on White Castle can be found on 99% Invisible and A People’s History of Kansas City.Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chef Missy Robbins shares pasta-making secrets including the importance of egg yolks, skipping salt, and her cacio e pepe trick. Romy Gill explores Kashmiri cuisine, Adam Gopnik talks kitchen time rules, and a zucchini chickpea salad recipe is featured.

If you’ve turned on your TV in the last 30 years, you’ve seen Kyle MacLachlan: Think “Twin Peaks,” “Sex and the City” and “Desperate Housewives.” But when he’s not starring in Hollywood, he’s wandering vineyards in Washington. This week, MacLachlan joins us for memories from the set of “Blue Velvet,” the food of “Twin Peaks” and the reason why Napa Valley isn’t the be-all and end-all of American wine. Plus, Sandra Gutiérrez leads a tour through the foods of the Spanish-speaking world; Adam Gopnik delights in witnessing true culinary mastery; and we prepare a Seoul-style Kimchi Fried Rice.Get the recipe for Kimchi Fried Rice here.We’re working on a story about the battles we have in our kitchens at home, and we want to hear about your kitchen drama—from the biggest food fights to your everyday grievances. Please leave us a voicemail at 617-249-3167 or send a voice memo to radiotips@177milkstreet.com.Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Valentine Thomas, a fearless spearfisher who dives deep without a tank, shares her ocean hunting adventures and fish recipes. The podcast also explores the history of kosher food, unique cooking techniques, and umami in Japanese cuisine.

Food science expert Harold McGee answers intriguing food mysteries like why oysters taste like cucumbers and if there's a raspberry smell. Also, learn about 30-foot longevity noodles and the origins of dishes like Lobster Newburg. Plus, make a delicious pork in Veracruz sauce recipe.