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, 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

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

Top 5 Lists

*Give or take.
 

 

When you find yourself in Los Angeles with only a fin in your pocket, here is the list of the top 5 places to get the most bang for less bucks! The Los Angeles dining scene is hot on the heels of New York City and Chicago, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot to get a great meal! These 5 restaurants are where you can taste the essence of multicultural L.A. for less than it costs for the cab ride there.
 
 

1. Chego

Only the father of the food truck movement, Roi Choi, could bring us such Korean goodness and for such little money! His beer battered ooey gooey fries for $6 will keep you coming back!
 

727 North Broadway, Los Angeles, CA

http://eatchego.com

 

 
 

2. Pink’s Hot Dog

An L.A. Institution since 1939 that began with a couple of Pink’s selling hot dogs on the corner, and morphed into an L.A. Landmark! Pink’s Hot Dogs is still a place you can go and have an original chili dog for $3.85. Plus with an ever changing menu of “super star dogs” you can keep coming back to Pink’s to taste the celebrity dujour!
 

709 N. La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
(323) 931-4223
http://pinkshollywood.com

 

 

 RELATED: Where to Eat in Los Angeles.

 
 

3. Ink Sack

Surprising low prices for such a hot chef, Michael Voltaggio’s Ink Sack feeds the masses with his well priced “sandos” My personal favorite is the Jose Andres aka “the spanish godfather” made with ham, tomato, chorizo and manchego for $6 dollars. Another great find is the cold fried chicken, and with a $5 price tag you can afford to have 2.
 

8360 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA

http://mvink.com

 

 
 

4. Porto’s Bakery

Although this restaurant is technically in the valley, it’s worth the drive for some of the best Cuban food in the city (and as a Cuban girl I should know!) A freshly pressed “Medianoche” will only cost you $4.25…possibly less than the cost of the gas it took to get you to Glendale!
 

315 N Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA
(818)956-5996
http://portosbakery.com

 

 

 RELATED: The inside scoop on the Los Angeles food scene.

 
 

5. In-N-Out Burger

No list of affordable LA eats would ever be complete without a nod to the food that has kept it classy since the beginning. Even with a recent 10 cent price hike, you can still get a cheeseburger “animal style” off the not so secret menu for less than $4.
 

7009 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, California

http://www.in-n-out.com

 

 
 

 

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About Caroline Gelabert-Noh

Caroline Gelabert-Noh is a cultural anthropologist who enjoys the finer things in life while still finding frugal ways to do it. Read more from her at EatDrinkLA.com.

The selection of authentic Japanese ramen in Toronto has grown exponentially in the past five years. Ramen shops originating from Japan and Vancouver now populate the downtown core offering eaters a variety of options. A bowl of ramen is like a burger, in the sense that although the base components are common (noodles, broth, toppings), everyone has a unique preference to how each ingredient is cooked and the whole dish assembled. In Toronto, you’ll be able to find a combination that meets any preference at one of the restaurants listed. What I look for in a bowl of ramen are three things: The noodles – are they chewy? has a good texture? not doughy and not over done? The broth – is it rich? how much fat is there? is it bland? and even for me, is it too salty? The toppings – what’s included? is there an egg? how’s the meat cooked? garlic paste? bamboo? seaweed? is there a good portion and balance?
 
 

1. Sansotei Ramen

With two locations in Toronto, the original at Dundas and University and the second at Yonge and Bloor, Sansotei is located in the heart of Toronto and my favourite stop for a bowl of noodles. Both locations are small, seating about 25 people and don’t be surprised if there’s a queue outside at peak meal times. Turn around is fast though so the wait is quick. The menu is short, concise and the servers efficient. My go to order is the Tonkotsu Ramen with thick noodles and an extra marinated soft boiled egg on top. The broth is milky, creamy, on the salty side, and the noodles perfectly al dente. The thin slices of bbq pork belly is rolled, thin and melts in your mouth. Another good option is the Spicy Tan Tan Ramen for those who enjoy some heat. In addition to ramen, Sansotei’s Chashu Don (bbq pork belly over rice) is a good bet. Sansotei is a perfect stop for a quick and delicious ramen meal.
 

179 Dundas St West, Toronto, ON
(647) 748-3833
http://www.sansotei.com/

 

 
 

2. Santouka Ramen

Santouka Ramen originated in Japan and now has many locations throughout Asia, the US and two in Canada. The Toronto outpost is located a block from the Eaton Centre and Ryerson university; a perfect lunch spot when touring the city. If you can, grab a seat at the kitchen bar and watch chefs assemble each order. This is a very common layout in Japan. Santouka’s menu is more expansive with meal combos and a limited number of Toroniku bowls, their signature pork jowl ramen, every day. The noodles have a great texture, not too soft and still chewy while the broth is fatty, rich and mild in salt. Toppings include bamboo, seaweed, two slices of thick, buttery bbq pork belly and a salted plum. Santouka is great for families and those with a big appetite.
 

91 Dundas Street E, Toronto, ON

http://www.santouka.co.jp/en

 

 
 

3. Kinton Ramen

With three locations in Toronto, Kinton ramen is a favourite of many locals. The atmosphere is boisterous, friendly and hectic. Servers greet you with an enthusiastic welcome and bid you farewell with the same energy. Despite the busy pace, service is friendly and efficient. Kinton offers every customer the opportunity to become a “Kinton Bowler” by polishing off their ramen, broth and all. If successful, you get your picture taken and posted on their Facebook page, a member card and a stamp. Collect 10 stamps and the reward levels start with a free 10pc gyoza. Aside from the loyalty program, Kinton puts out a great bowl of ramen with the best bbq pork belly topping in town. Occasionally, Kinton runs special, Mega Bowl challenges where you’re given 15 minutes to polish off a supersized bowl of ramen with a mountain of toppings. Kinton is the place to go if you’re looking for a lively dinner.
 

51 Baldwin St, Toronto, ON

http://kintonramen.com/

 

 

RELATED: Top Five Burgers in Toronto

 
 

4. Touhenboku Ramen

One of the newest additions to Toronto’s ramen scene is Touhenboku, who now has two locations. The original is at Queen and University with a second restaurant with an expanded izakaya menu has opened at Yonge and Eglinton. Touhenboku specializes in chicken based broth and I’m always surprised at how rich and creamy their soup is. Each bowl of ramen is fully customizable from the thickness of the noodle, sea salt or soy for the seasoning and the cut of meat for the topping, which includes chicken. Touhenboku offers great value with their lunch combos that include a bowl of ramen and a small donburi. My favourite is their kaarage don, deep fried bites of chicken with Japanese mayonnaise on a bed of steamed rice. Dessert is another course that shouldn’t be skipped. Their in-house Mille Crepe is light, airy and a sweet end to any meal. Touhenboku’s is a great venue for those who don’t eat pork to still enjoy a delicious, authentic bowl of ramen.
 

261 Queen St W, Toronto, ON

http://touhenboku.ca/

 

 

RELATED: Where to Eat in Toronto

 
 

5. Ramen Raijin

Two blocks north of Santouka is Ramen Raijin, named after the Japanese god of Thunder. One of the biggest draws of Ramen Raijin is their spacious dining area and large private room, perfect for large groups. Ramen Raijin also serves Tsukumen, a special type of ramen where the noodles are served separate from the broth and is dipped into it. In addition to the usual bowls of Tonkotsu ramen, the menu also includes some delicious deviations including the Kakuni Ramen (topped with cubed braised pork belly and canola greens). Noodles are chewy and the broth milky and flavourful. Ramen Raijin is an ideal ramen shop for large parties looking for an expanded menu.
 

3 Gerrard Street E, Toronto, ON

https://twitter.com/ramenRAIJIN

 

 
 

 

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About Xiao Eats

Xiao has been blogging about her restaurant and food experiences since 2013. While she’s based in Toronto, she loves to travel and has a soft spot for local street food. From Michelin star restaurants in Paris to road side sashimi stands in Tokyo, this girl will eat it all and take plenty of pictures to document the meal. Follow her as she eats her way around Toronto at her blog.

 

With Massachusetts being one of the top ice cream consuming states in the country, it’s no surprise that Boston is home to a plethora of ice cream shops. However, as any ice cream lover knows, not all frozen treats are created equal. New England is known for the ultra-dense consistency of its ice cream. Thick and almost chewy in texture, New England style ice cream tends to veer in the direction of adding in lots of extra cookie crumbles, sauces, and other sweet bits.

1. Toscanini’s

Named “the world’s best ice cream” by the New York Times, Toscanini’s was first opened in 1981 by co-founder Gus Rancatore. Known for their expansive selection of over 40 unique flavors, customer favorites include the Burnt Caramel, the B3 (brown sugar, brown butter, and brownies) and the Kenyan Khulfee, a unique flavor that includes cardamom, almonds and pistachios. Toscanini’s also has an entire line of ice creams devoted to chocolate lovers, including flavors such as Belgian Chocolate, Cocoa Pudding, Black Bottom and Rather Dark Chocolate. If you’re having trouble deciding on a flavor, staff are happy to offer up to two free samples. Additionally, Toscanini’s menu also includes a variety of homemade toppings, including their fresh whipped cream, made daily. For those with smaller appetites, Toscanini’s has their micro sundae, a small scoop of ice cream with any toppings, packed in a special espresso sized cup. Toscanini’s also sells pints of their ice cream for those looking to enjoy this premium ice cream at home. If you’re not quite in the mood for ice cream, Toscanini’s also serves a variety of other cool treats including ice cream sandwiches. If you’re looking to indulge in a less chilling sweet treat, consider some of Boston’s top dessert places. From cloud-like pastries to decadent chocolate cakes, these top dessert spots will satisfy any sweet tooth.

$$$
899 Main St., Cambridge,
(617) 491-5877
https://www.tosci.com/

 

2. Cabot’s

Cabot’s Ice Cream & Restaurant has been serving up scoops of decadent ice cream for over 35 years. This family owned ice cream parlor is known for its ultra-decadent sundaes. From building your own to the traditional hot fudge sundae, Cabot’s is a favorite amongst Boston locals. In recent years, Cabot’s has also expanded its selection to include a wide selection of non-dairy options. Cabot’s hosts birthday parties with a unique selection of Party Sundaes to choose from. Cabot’s also prides itself on its community involvement and fundraising events. For example, they even made pink whipping cream for their participation in the Boston Bakes Breast Cancer Fundraiser.

$$$
743 Washington St, Newton, Massachusetts
(617) 964-9200
http://www.cabots.com/

 

3. Honeycomb Creamery

A newer addition to the Boston ice cream scene, Honeycomb Creamery was founded in 2015 by husband and wife team, Rory Hanlon and Kristen Rummel. This humble pair prides itself on making all of their ice cream and waffle cones from scratch, using simple and natural, locally sourced ingredients. For example, their milk and cream come from Mapleline Farm in Hadley, MA. Honeycomb Creamery is serious when it comes to making their ice cream. For this artisanal ice cream shop, ice cream isn’t just for a cool treat; it’s an entire experience. The shop pasteurizes their own ice cream base, which means that they can create each unique flavor exactly the way they want. Their menu includes classic favorites, but with a sophisticated twist, like the double chocolate swirl and burnt vanilla bean. Some of their popular seasonal picks include the brown butter oatmeal cookie and the sweet corn with blackberry jam. For non-dairy ice cream aficionados, Honeycomb Creamery also offers several vegan options.

$$$
1702 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, Massachusettshttp://www.honeycombcreamery.com/

 

4. FoMu

This completely plant-based ice cream shop is 100 percent dairy, egg and animal product free. Their signature blend of ice cream is made with coconut milk and a blend of natural sweeteners. FoMu strives to use seasonal and locally sourced, organic ingredients. Recently, FoMu also paired up with a variety of top chefs in Boston, for their local chef collaboration series. This series included a variety of limited edition flavors such as sugar pumpkin sesame by chef Douglass Williams of MIDA. For those who enjoy the seasonal flavors, FoMu also has a “seasonal pint club.” This annual subscription includes four seasonal pints, delivered straight to your door.

$$$
655 Tremont St, Boston, Massachusetts
(617) 982-7955
http://www.fomuicecream.com/

 

5. Amorino Boston

Founded in 2002, Amorino Boston was created by two childhood friends, Cristiano Sereni and Paolo Benassi. These two chefs are adamant about using only the finest quality ingredients, which also means that customers won’t find any artificial flavorings or coloring agents in their dessert. Amorino Boston’s signature item is their gelato. This European style gelateria isn’t just known for the taste of their gelato, however. The presentation is equally as important at Amorino Boston. Their signature gourmet gelatos scoops are served shaped into flowers, making both a delicious and beautiful dessert. Customers can also have multiple flavors combined into a single flower scoop. The gelato also comes served topped with a macaron adding an extra decadent touch.

$$$
249 Newbury St, Boston, Massachusetts
(617) 585-3185
http://www.amorino.com/us/

 

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About Mike Jones

Mike Jones writes about food, traveling, and reviews ice makers. You can read his articles on IceMakerExperts.