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

To me, coffee is more than just a ritual to wake in the morning, it is an experience. Every coffee shop has a unique personality, sense of style and craft to making the perfect cup of coffee. As a Los Angeles native and passionate lover of gourmet coffee I am very jubilant to share with you my most adored coffee shops in the area.
 
 

1. Go Get Em Tiger

Located on the quaint picturesque street of Larchmont is my absolute favorite coffee spot Go Get Em Tiger! Apart from is delightfully playful name, it is the perfect place to escape to have a sumptuous cup of joe. The decor is clean and modern with a large bar. Instead of waiting in line you walk up to the bar and order your coffee. You can stand European style and have your coffee at the bar or sit at their small geometric shaped tables. My favorite is their Iced Almond Macadamia Latte that are served in glass mason jars. They make their almond milk in house and its absolutely rapturous! They also have a great happy hour from 4-8pm everyday with a delectable assortment of pies like their Black Plum Pie ,Salted Caramel Appel Pecan or Kabocha Squash.
 

$$
230 N Larchmont Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

http://ggetla.com

 
 

2. Sqirl

A tiny gem tucked among the eclectic streets of Silver Lake is my absolute favorite coffee and brunch spot Squirl. The shop is always bustling with stylish hipsters and innovative dishes to tantalize the pallet. Don’t be deterred by the line, this coffee shop and restaurant is worth the wait. While very small the menu is quiet large. My coffee favorites are “The 1 & 1 4” which is a single shot espresso and a single shot of macchiato served side by side, their “Lait ‘N’ Egg” which is a Vietnamese stye iced Cortado shaken with egg whites or the “Al Puccino,”a sweetened iced cappuccino. If your stopping in for coffee you should definitely take a look at the menu as well. Their Brown Rice Porridge with traditional Kokuho Rose Brown Rice , Straus milk, toasted hazelnuts and choice of home made Jam is positively sinful.
 

$$
720 Virgil Ave #4, Los Angeles, CA

http://sqirlla.com/about/

 

RELATED: Top 5 Places to Eat for Less Than $5 in Los Angeles

 
 

3. Coffee + Food

If you love Chi Tea Latte’s then Coffee+ Food has one of the best. Their Chi Tea Latte is the perfect blend of sweetness and tea. I also love their black coffee. Coffee + Food uses a medium roast from Central America, South America and Indo Pacific. The taste is smokey caramel and molasses.
 

$$
5630 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA

https://coffeeplusfood.wordpress.com

 
 

4. Bullet Proof Coffee

Health nuts will be the first to sing the praises of Bullet Proof Coffee. Known for its ability to enhance performance and focus coffee drinking is taken to the next level. Bullet Proof Coffee is thoughtfully crafted with organic hand picked coffee beans in Central America, the strict Bulletproof Process™ minimizes performance-robbing mold, bacteria and toxins and XCT and Brain Octane which is high quality fat. If you have to get your game face on this is the coffee you want to drink. They also have a small food menu there that serves Non Gmo, No gluten, No sugar, Grass-fed, Local! Its such a treat to find a place that features quality products, without even having to study the menu!
 

$$
3110 Main St, Santa Monica, CA

https://www.bulletproofexec.com/bulletproof-coffee-shop/

 
 

5. Sycamore Kitchen

On the trendy LA Brea Avenue, home to many of LA’s trendiest and most unique restaurants , take a trip to Tuscany with Sycamore Kitchen’s Tuscany Latte. Their Tuscan latte is simply delectable. It is made with fresh rosemary, maple syrup and creamy milk. I also love their Iced Cubano with espresso, creamy milk and cinnamon! Sip these sweet savory coffees while listening to hollywood most elite directors, writers pitch movies and tv shows an ear shot away. Its scrumptious and entertaining!
 

$$
143 South La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA

http://thesycamorekitchen.com

 
 

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About Alexandra Catalano

Alexandra is an author, blogger and lifestyle expert in the field of health and wellness. She has been a guest on Good Day LA, WGN Chicago News, CW San Diego, Women’s Forum television Lifetime Network’s Supermarket Superstar with her blog Eat Cute!

http://www.eat-cute.com

If you’re a foodie headed to Nashville, you’ll definitely want to try some Shrimp and Grits. Check out these great restaurants to get it.
 

1. Urban Grub Fish Pit and Southern Cantina. (12th Avenue South Neighborhood)

 

The culinary talent at the Urban Grub is exceeded only by their dedication. They drive to Kentucky to get the corn and grind their own grits. The shrimp are large gulf shrimp. The flavors are complex; the dish is creamy perfection. In addition to their commitment to seafood, the Urban Grub chefs are masters at charcuterie, curing their own meats. The Urban Grub may be the only restaurant in Nashville that offers shrimp and grits and pit smoked pork carnitas. Located in the 12th Avenue South neighborhood, Urban Grub features indoor and outdoor dining in stunning decor and design.
 

2506 12th Avenue S. Nashville

615.679.9342 

 

 

2. The Mad Platter (Germantown)

 

A small, locally owned restaurant open for over twenty years, has masterfully and consistently plated shrimp and grits to locals and tourists lucky enough to know about this neighborhood place. Small, quaint, charming in a European fashion, this is where I had my first shrimp and grits and probably will always have my heart.
 
Just the right amount of heat, making each bite as tasty as the last, and surprisingly, a bit of crunchy celery that added a flavor that made me think that celery might be a very overlooked vegetable. Creamy, but not overly creamy and the smoked gouda grits are perfection. The Mad Platter adjusts their menu daily to meet the season and do something unique. If you want a long, leisurely meal, you can choose the five-course option for an additional $20 in which you receive soup, salad, appetizer, entree and dessert.
 

1239 Sixth Avenue North Nashville

615.242.2563

 

 

3. Gray’s on Main (Historic Franklin)

 

A chic casual triple story brandy centric restaurant repurposed from a 1930’s drug store, known as Gray’s. They make a tasting platter of grits cakes with collard greens and shrimp. It’s as unique as their vintage cocktails and when you find yourself on Franklin’s Main street, a twenty minute ride south of Nashville’s downtown, you’ll be enamored with the town’s charm, history, shops and dining. A stop in at Gray’s on Main is a must for modern day, casual Southern charm.
 

332 Main St, Franklin

615.435.3603

 

 

4. M Restaurant and Bar at Cummins Station

 

Not far from the new Music City Center, M is part of a local Southern Culinary dynasty, at least here in Nashville where they started making shrimp and grits 14 years ago at their Franklin restaurant Mack & Kates. M is a favorite because it’s glamorous, chic, contemporary and comfortable, with Southern hospitality and an elegant fine dining atmosphere. Save room for blackberry cobbler, and you’ve just had the perfect Southern experience. The shrimp and grits is a staple on the menu, served in a bowl with creamy grits.
 

209 Tenth Avenue, South, Ste 223, Cummins Station, Nashville

615.678.1591

 

 

 

5. Saffire

 

Located in the historic Factory in Franklin serves outstanding Creole Style Shrimp and Grits. Aside from serving upscale comfort food like their legendary Chicken Fried Chicken with Vermont Cheddar Cheese Sauce, you will swoon over the shrimp and grits. Order the oyster appetizer first, perhaps a Saffire cocktail and then close your eyes when you take that first bite of a grits cake that is surprisingly creamy inside.
 
Owned by Tom Morales of the TomKats Group, who also owns the downtown very successful Southern Steak and Oyster, this is veteran cooking and one of the guys who helped elevate Nashville as a true dining destination.
 

230 Franklin Road, Franklin

615.599.4995

 

 
It would be so unfriendly and unfair of us if we didn’t tell you about two more places, the locals will jump up and down about when it comes to shrimp and grits. For casual fine dining, it’s the Midtown Cafe and for a more family friendly setting, it’s Puckett’s (a Southern meat and three) with several locations in Nashville and Franklin, where you might hear some music, drink lots of sweet tea and get a big fat “welcome y’all.”
 
When is the last time you’ve eaten shrimp and grits or do you need to plan a trip here?

 

 

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Angela Roberts, publishes, Spinach Tiger. She expresses her love for all things food in writing about Nashville local food scene, and any other cities she happens to travel to, featuring locally owned restaurants and shops. Dining out is what inspires her to develop recipes which are also included at Spinach Tiger, where she shares personal stories and food photography. From fine dining to casual food trucks, Angela searches out the places that put their heart into the menu, sourcing locally and emphasizing quality ingredients over flair. You can follow her on Twitter.

It is no secret that New York City can be an expensive city to live in or visit. But if you know where to look, there are definitely bargains to be found. With that in mind, from $1 pizza slices to $5 Vietnamese sandwiches, here are the best cheap eats in New York City.
 
 

1. $1 Slice from 2 Bros Pizza

There are a ton of $1 slice pizzerias in New York City these days but the best is still 2 Bros Pizza. They have locations across the city and the slice has always a nice chewy crust, tasty sauce and lots of cheese. It basically has everything you could possibly want from a slice of pizza! Two slices and a can of soda will only set you back $2.75. You can’t find a lunch anywhere else (especially in Midtown) for that price.
 

$
32 St. Marks Place, New York, NY
(212) 777-0600
http://www.2brospizza.com/

 
 

2. $1.25 Dumplings from Tasty Dumpling

New York City has its fair amount of dumpling shops that are reasonably priced. Our recommendation, as the name implies is tasty and you will find some of the best pan fried dumplings that Chinatown has to offer. Tasty Dumpling is popular local hotspot and in fact, it is one of the most popular spots on our food tour. On an average day, you can find students, businessmen and women, locals, visitors etc. all waiting on line for some dumplings. For only $2, their pancake with beef is also a great deal.
 

$
42 Mulberry St, New York, New York, NY
(212) 349-0070

 

RELATED: 5 Downtown New York City Restaurants Every Tourist Should Visit

 
 

3. $5 House Special Sandwich from Saigon Vietnamese Sandwich Deli

There is a tiny sandwich shop on the outskirts of Chinatown called the Saigon Vietnamese Sandwich Deli and their $5 house special sandwich is an absolute steal! It is has three kinds of pork and vegetables. It is just loaded with flavor.
 

$
369 Broome St, New York, NY

http://www.vietnamese-sandwich.com/

 
 
 

4. $5.75 Chicken over Rice from Rafiqi’s

Chicken over rice from Halal street cart food stands have become a staple in New York City cuisine and the most famous of them are probably The Halal Guys but our favorite is actually Rafiqi’s. You have more choices of vegetables and their platter is simply a good delicious, hearty lunch that won’t break the bank. You can’t beat that!
 

$
44th St and 5th Ave, New York, NY

 
 

5. $3.50 Falafel Sandwich from Mamoun’s Falafel Restaurant

Finally, you can find the best falafel (a patty of ground chickpeas and fava beans fried to perfection) at Mamoun’s Falafel Restaurant. Their falafel pops with delicious Middle Eastern flavor. For a few bucks more a platter is also a good buy.
 

$
119 MacDougal St, New York, NY
(212) 674-8685
http://www.mamouns.com/

 

RELATED: Don’t Leave New York City Without Trying These 5 Dishes

 
 

 

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About Alana Hoye

Alana Hoye Barnaba is the founder of Ahoy New York Tours and Tasting, a fun foodie adventure that explores two fascinating neighborhoods, Chinatown and Little Italy. Taste the best mozzarella from the oldest Italian cheese shop in America, learn about the original egg roll and much more!