Recent Episodes

Dwight Furrow, the author of American Foodie: Taste, Art, and the Cultural Revolution, talks about the philosophy of food. We discuss everything the impact of everything from automobile to Alice Waters to the Slow Food movement have shaped the way Americans think about food.
 
 
 
 

Inbal Baum

Inbal Baum, the Founder of Delicious Israel, joins us to talk about where foodies should eat when they travel to her country.

• Shakshouka is a popular dish in Israel
• Israeli Breakfast is a distinct and important meal
• The modern cherry tomato has roots in Israel
• Tel Aviv and Jerusalem top the list of cities you should visit
• Beach season runs from April to October
• Rosh Hashana is a great time to visit Israel
• When you visit Tel Aviv, go to the Carmel Market, the Levinsky Market
• Try the date syrup, Silan

Food for Thought

• Q: After pita bread, what is the most common food used to “wipe” humus?
• A: Raw onion.

Out of the Frying Pan

• Favorite Spot for Outdoor Dining: Milgo & Milbar
• Favorite Place to Buy Spices: Cafe Arma in Levinsky Market
• Herbs to Try: Za’atar and Hawaij (in Yemenite Coffee)
• Favorite Winery: Sphera
• Favorite Place for Dessert: The Malabia
• Favorite Food Experience for Kids: Max Brenner
• Chef to Watch: Eyal Shani
• Dish to Try at Different Places: Shakshouka and sabich

Bennett Jacobstein

Bennet Jacobstein, author of The Joy of Ballpark Food: From Hot Dogs to Haute Cuisine, talks to us about what foodies can find at different baseball stadiums around the country.

• Hot dogs and sausages are not the same thing.
• The quality of ballpark food was elevated in the 90s as new stadiums were built and food television shows took off.
• Stadiums have highlighted regional foods.
• Gordon Biersch‘s founder Dan Gordon introduced garlic fries at Candlestick Park in 1994.
• The song “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” was written in 1908.
• The Yankees replaced Cracker Jacks at one point, but brought it back after a public outcry.
• 

  San Francisco Giant Gordon Biersch Garlic Fries

  Veggie Happy spearheaded the movement to get veggie dogs sold at ballpark stadiums.

• Andrew Zimmern has a stand in the Minnesota ballpark.
• Rocky Mountain Oysters are bull testicles.
• “The Big Six” are the food companies that service the major ballparks.
• As you go from ballpark to ballpark, try the hot dogs at each to see how they’re done differently.
• Proceeds from Bennett’s book go to Second Harvest Food Bank.

Food for Thought

• Q: In what year were Cracker Jacks first served at a baseball game?
• A: 1896 in Atlantic City.

Out of the Frying Pan

Here’s what Bennet recommends you try at each ballpark:

• Yankees Stadium in New York City: Chicken and Waffles.
• Fenway Park in Boston: Lobster Roll and a cuban sandwich.
• Wrigley Field in Chicago: Chicago-style hot dog with Vienna beef.
• Turner Field in Atlanta: Boiled peanuts.
• Marlins Park in Miami: Cuban dishes.
• Safeco Field in Seattle: The Ivar’s hot dog (with fish) and cream cheese hot dog.
• Nationals Park in Washington D.C.: A cauliflower hot dog and presidential cupcakes.
• 

  Chicago White Sox Chicago-Style Hot Dog

  Busch Stadium in St. Louis: The BBQ.

• Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles: Tommy Lasorda Spumoni ice cream.
• AT&T Park in San Francisco: Crab salad, lamb sausages, and Gordon Biersch garlic fries.

Try a Food Tour

More in this Country

Cherimarie Poulos is the owner of the amazing Carlsbad Food Tours. We asked her a few questions to learn more about her tours and what to expect if you have the chance to go on one.
 

1. What do Foodies need to know about Carlsbad?

Carlsbad’s mild weather and stunning beaches make it one of the perfect southern California destinations all year round. But don’t mistake Carlsbad for a sleepy surfer village. Whether your tastes lie in fine arts, live concerts, classic cars or craft beers or fine eateries, Carlsbad is never short on amazing experiences. Carlsbad has some exceptional restaurants with amazingly talented Chefs, here are a few just to give you a taste of what Carlsbad has to offer.
 
Chef Robert Ruiz of the Land & Water Company continues to redefine what real sushi is. Ruiz’s strong desire for knowledge and inventiveness has given him a distinct household reputation as a destination chef.
 
He has had extensive training under Hawaii’s finest chefs and he is now known as one of San Diego’s best non-traditional sushi chefs. Chef Ruiz is also very committed to saving and preserving our Oceans through his sustainability movement is changing how fish and sushi will be served worldwide.
 
Chef Gregory Frey Jr. is the dynamic chef at the La Costa Blue Fire Grill, you’re sure to meet dynamic chef Gregory Frey Jr., who circulates through the dining room greeting patrons and sharing his culinary tips. It’s impossible to miss Chef Frey’s passion for the freshest ingredients and his attention to detail infuses every bite of your meal here.
 
Along with fresh coastal seafood selections, the menu includes fine meats and seasonal ingredients from local farmers and purveyors. The menu is paired with an extensive wine list and patrons enjoy indoor or outdoor dining, along with a regular schedule of live music performances and a lively lounge scene.
 
Chef David Gallardo’s restaurant Paon offers California cuisine with French influences. Paon’s menu features seasonal, locally grown organic produce for the palates of fine food lovers from all over the world. Spotlighting organic prime meats, game and fish prepared with traditional French sophistication.
 

2. What can people expect on a food tour?

Carlsbad Food Tours offers unique and specially-selected food tastings: Our guided historical walking food tour visits 7 food tasting locations within the quaint village of Carlsbad-by-the-Sea. The food samplings on our North County San Diego tour are sure to satisfy your appetite and put a smile on your face.
 
Each tasting is served from locally-owned and operated specialty food shops and ethnic eateries. Stops include one of Carlsbad’s most romantic restaurant, tasty desserts from local eateries that have been made from recipes passed on from generation to generation. Award-winning California wines. Our goal is to tease your taste buds and entice your mind with the sights, flavors, and way of life in Carlsbad.
 

3. Where should wine lovers go on their first trip to Carlsbad?

Carlsbad has several award winning wineries including Witch Creek Winery, which is also on our food tour. Other options are Relm for a fun get together with friends and wine tasting or Paon, a French influenced wine tasting room.
 

4. If we want a meal with a great view, is there a place you recommend?

• Vigilucci’s Seafood and Steakhouse has a fabulous view of the ocean, sunset is the best time for this restaurant.
• Chandler’s at the Hilton also has a beautiful ocean view from their dining room.

5. Give us some dining advice after a long day at Legoland with the kids.

I would suggest Pizza Port it is a fun place for the kids but it also has a great brewery for the adults to relax and kick back after a long day in LegoLand.
 

RELATED: What is a food tour?

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Boise, Idaho is a city on the rise. Not only is the population growing, but with new businesses coming into the area, more people are visiting for business trips and vacations. In turn, when you’re busy running around all day, in meetings, or getting into town in the evening, a late night meal is all you have time for. Fifteen years ago, your options for late night food in Boise were limited to fast food chains and the occasional visit to a convenience store. As in the case with many growing cities, the demand for late night options for food expands. To meet these expectations, food chains, restaurants and bars make the choice to stay open later, providing a service that wasn’t necessarily needed before. While the fast food places are still an option, your choices (and variety) of places to eat in the wee hours has grown. Whether you are a night owl, in town for business, or simply winding down from a night on the town, here are the top five places in Boise, ID to enjoy a late night meal.
 
 

1. Merritt’s Family Restaurant

Home to the World Famous Scone, don’t let the full title of Merritt’s fool you. While Merritt’s leans towards the family attitude during the day, by night it transforms into a place where all walks of life congregate. This restaurant has the old school, greasy spoon diner feel to it, which only lends to the party like atmosphere that is felt the later the night gets. The scone is a can’t miss, sometimes even providing a meal in and of itself. Honey is the preferred topping, but if you’re feeling risky, go with chocolate syrup. (Don’t worry, chocolate is good for you. And for the scone.) Even if scones aren’t for you (which you should definitely try one), the menu offers a variety of options, ranging from breakfast items to cheeseburgers to seafood platters, all at reasonable price. Just don’t forget to bring a few extra dollars to play the jukebox to listen to some good music while you enjoy your meal.
 

2. Pita Pit

Though a national chain, Pita Pit is a healthy alternative to the other late-night options that may not necessarily be good for you. In this case, Pita Pit is both healthy and delicious, hopefully fulfilling both of your needs. Lines can be long on weekend nights after midnight, but the staff moves efficiently and quick in delivering your order. Located in the heart of downtown Boise, you may have to deal with a outgoing bar crowd (if you’re not part of that group already) but these meat, veggie, and even breakfast pitas are well worth it. Plus, a sandwich is a great meal to take with you back to your hotel or home, ideal since options for seating at this Pita Pit location are limited.
 

3. Quinn’s Restaurant/Lounge

Looking for a place that is relaxing and moderately priced with a friendly staff? You should look no further than Quinn’s. This restaurant is located halfway between the Boise airport and the downtown area and is within walking distance of a few hotels in the area. The restaurant is separate from the lounge, in case a sometimes rowdy bar crowd is not quite your scene. The kitchen remains open until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays, staying open until midnight on most other nights. The food is top notch, ranging from breakfast to burgers to prime rib. And since you’re in Boise, make sure to sample the finger steaks, a food item generally only found in the Northwest, more specifically in Idaho. You usually won’t walk away from Quinn’s after a meal feeling unsatisfied and the staff provides a warm and welcome atmosphere that make it seem like they’ve known you for years.
 

4. Pie Hole

Pie Hole is also located in the heart of downtown Boise and is a favorite among many of the locals, especially if you’re part of the younger crowd. New York style pizza is what’s on the menu here and also is great for a meal on the run. Seating is limited at the Pie Hole, but an outdoor patio is available to sit and enjoy your pizza if the weather permits. It’s definitely worth it to grab a couple of slices of pepperoni (or the local favorite, the potato bacon pizza) and head back to your hotel or home for the night. Don’t want to deal with the hassle of the downtown area? No need to worry, as there is another location just outside of downtown. Parking is also limited but when it comes to great pizza by the slice, Pie Hole is definitely worth the hassle.
 

5. Los Betos

Los Betos is a 24-hour Mexican Restaurant which has numerous locations in the Boise area, with the closest being is about a five to ten-minute drive from downtown Boise. (If you really want to conquer the late night food scene, you can visit a second location that is only minutes away from Merritt’s). Los Betos offers the standard fare of burritos, quesadillas, and tacos, but if you really want to fill yourself to the brim, try the Chiles Rellenos meal. Even if you don’t go this route, the burritos are packed full of ingredients and most of the meals will provide the late-night sustenance needed to fulfill your hunger needs.
 

About Jason Haskins

Jason Haskins is an author and playwright. He is new to the food blogging realm but has been a fan of food for years. Jason loves to jog as well but enjoys pizza and Italian food too much to ever make running a serious habit.

It is not your regular bacon, eggs and toast that you will find here in Seattle for a typical brunch. Several restaurants and chefs strive to marry their lineage or an inspiration to the wonderfully abundant local food sources out here in the Northwest. It is really hard to pick out just 5 favorite brunch spots in Seattle but here is the top 5 not-to-miss brunch spots for you to go to if you were to visit the Seattle area.
 

1. Portage Bay Café

If you ask me to tell you one brunch place to go to in Seattle, Portage Bay would be my answer. I think I can safely say that it is the best brunch spot in Seattle. They source organic and sustainable ingredients from local farms and sources and you can see it in their menu as well as in a big list at the front.
 
Weekends can get really crowded, so it is best to get reservations or to go earlier than you would like to eat, to get your name in. You can however sip some free drip coffee they have set up at the front, while you wait. My personal favorites are Migas – a burrito of sort, the Farmer’s Hash, Goat Cheese Scramble and their Eggs Benedicts’. Several dishes on the menu can be made vegetarian, vegan or gluten free. Be sure to order something from their “Breakfast Bar” section of the menu. This has pancakes and French toast and you get to top your dish as much as you want with anything from the breakfast toppings bar.
 
The bar has a wide variety of seasonal fruits, nuts, maple syrup and whipped cream and they are all just so good! Portage Bay has three locations in the Seattle area and all three are equally good and popular.
 

2. Lola

A visit to Seattle definitely deserves a visit to at least one of the restaurants of the city’s culinary mogul, Tom Douglas. Though his other restaurants also serve brunch, especially noteworthy of the lot for brunch is Lola. Lola serves Middle Eastern inspired food made from local ingredients.
 
While everything on their brunch menu is well balanced, flavorful and delicious, you should definitely not miss the kebabs and the lamb shawarma. Order not one but maybe an extra one to-go (shhh! We won’t tell anyone) of the made to order doughnuts that comes with vanilla mascarpone and seasonal jam.
 
Tom’s Big Breakfast with Mediterranean octopus, vegetables, bacon, and green garlic yogurt and topped with a poached egg is also something that is definitely worth ordering, if you have any space left after the delicious kebabs and the doughnuts
 

RELATED: How well do you know the Seattle food scene? Take our quiz to find out.

3. Toulouse Petit Kitchen & Lounge

Toulouse Petit is a New Orleans meets Seattle restaurant that serves an amazing brunch during the day and transforms into an equally amazing dinner and happy hour spot at night. Their claim to fame is having more than 50 preparations in their happy hour menu all priced under $10.
 
The breakfast menu is available all day but they have a special breakfast happy hour from 8 am to 11 am where most items on the breakfast menu is only $9 and some others have a special reduced pricing during the breakfast happy hour.
 
You just have to try everything on the menu here – the crawfish tasso scramble, the Dungeness crab benedicts, the Creole crawfish sausage, the Cajun meatloaf and eggs with gravy and wash it down with either the Toulouse Hurricane or the Creole Bloody Mary. Don’t forget to try the pillowy soft beignets that will make you feel you are in Café Du Monde. Reservations are very strongly recommended. Sometimes reservations get so full that don’t even allow walk-ins.
 

4. Citizen

A laidback neighborhood joint that has a hipster-y vibe to it – that is how I would describe Citizen. It is a great atmosphere with the exposed brick walls, attic like second floor seating are with a couch and coffee table and a pretty good outdoor seating area which is in high demand during Seattle’s few sunny warm days.
 
It is a small-ish space, so it can get crowded at times, but I have never experienced a very long wait here, so far. Apart from the regular breakfast egg items, they have sweet and savory crepes on the menu. You will definitely want to have the Citizen crepe and don’t forget that extra fried egg to add to it. It just makes the crepe so much more delicious.
 
Try one of the sweet crepes too, if you have a sweet tooth like me and don’t forget to ask for the monthly crepe specials which are usually seasonal. Inexpensive mimosas and wines by the glass is an additional bonus.
 

RELATED: Check out these foodie “must-visits” in Seattle.

5. Pomegranate Bistro

Pomegranate Bistro is a favorite brunch spot on the Eastside (east of the SR 520 Bridge) of the Greater Seattle Area. It is part of the Lisa Dupar catering company. Brunches are available on the weekends and they have a limited breakfast menu for other days. If you get a table towards the back of the restaurant, you can see Lisa’s crew in action though huge glass windows.
 
It is nice to watch the goings-on in the bakery while you wait for your food to arrive. The Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles are something you should not miss, so are the fire breads and the quiche. They have their bakery out at the front near where you wait and you can order your dessert from there to be brought to the table or to take it to-go to eat later.
 

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About Manju Mahadevan

Manju Mahadevan is the author of the Seattle based food blog Mirch Masala. She has been blogging for about 7 years and writes about her passion for food, travel, eating out in Seattle and her experience at various local food related events.