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

New York City is an eating town. Everywhere you turn there is an abundance of food to purchase. Actually, even if you don’t leave home, deciding where to order in from can be an hour long process. I was born and raised in the boroughs of New York and am definitely not complaining because I love having not only choices when I eat, but that I have delicious choices when I eat. However, if you have limited time in New York, I’ve narrowed my long list of must eats to just five dishes you have to try when you are here. In my head I keep going back and forth wondering if I should have swapped out one dish for another because there is so much good food here, but I have a feeling that you won’t be disappointed with any of these five items.
 
 

1. Ike’s Vietnamese Fish Sauce Wings at Pok Pok

Amazing. It just kind of sneaks up on you how wonderful these Asian style chicken wings are and you don’t realize how addicting they are until you have eaten the entire plate. Pok Pok uses Amish chicken wings that have been marinated in sugar and fish sauce, then fried and then tossed in a beautiful, caramelized sauce. They are a tiny bit on the salty side, but in a good way because it makes your beer that much more satisfying.
 

117 Columbia St., Brooklyn, New York
(718) 923-9322
http://pokpokny.com/

 

 

 RELATED: Top Five Downtown New York City Restaurants

 
 

2. Spaghetti at Scarpetta

The ‘holy crap’ reaction to this dish is that you are being charged $24 for spaghetti. But I guarantee you that it is worth every single penny. I have gone back on multiple occasions to just sit at the bar of this meatpacking neighborhood restaurant to eat a bowl of this fresh, simple and intensely comforting bowl of pasta. What’s amazing is that the sauce is simply tomatoes, some seasoning, butter and cheese. But because great ingredients are used and the pasta is very well made, it really elevates the dish and turns it into spaghetti that you have never had at home, unless your grew up in Scott Conant’s household.
 

355 W 14th St., New York, New York
(212) 691-0555
http://www.scottconant.com/restaurants/scarpetta/new-york/menu

 

 
 

3. Doughnuts at Doughnut Plant

My mouth waters at the thought of a doughnut from doughnut plant. And to show you how gluttonous this shop makes me, let’s just say that I have never left with just one doughnut. I have also never left with less than four doughnuts. Not only do they have a variety of seasonal doughnuts depending on what produce is at its peak, but they have different styles for you to choose from such as yeast, cake and filled depending on your own personal preference. Whenever I go I purchase one of the seasonal doughnuts, a doughnut of the day, a Crème Brulee and a yeast Vanilla Bean. Some of my other favorites also include the Tres Leches, Peanut Butter & Jam and Blackout Cake.
 

379 Grand St., New York, New York

http://doughnutplant.com/

 

 

RELATED: Interview with author of Noshwalks New York

 
 

4. ‘21’ Burger at the Bar Room at the 21 Club

You can also order this delectable burger at the 21 Club restaurant, but I just love the décor of the Bar Room. It was love at first bite with this burger, but I must tell you that it has more of a meatloaf flavor profile than it does your typical, salt and pepper, grilled burger. I eat it with my hands, like a big burger should be eaten, and don’t care how I look to the fancy neighboring tables. Though, I must say that I must look like I am sincerely enjoying it every time because usually someone leans in to ask me what I ordered.
 

21 W 52nd St., New York, New York
(212) 582-7200
http://www.21club.com/

 

 
 

5. Pizza

Growing up in New York, pizza is near and dear to me. And because of this, I must separate the types of pizza offerings into three categories and then offer up my top pick for each category.
 
New York Style Pizza at New Park New York style pizza are big triangle slices of pizza that you usually see in movies, being served on paper plates, folded in half and that leaves patrons pulling on strings of cheese with each bite. New Park’s sauce, mozzarella and slightly charred bottoms make for a perfect New York slice.
 

New Park Pizza
15671 Cross Bay Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11414

http://newparkpizza.com/

 

 
 
Neapolitan Pizza at Don Antonio. The men behind Don Antonio have so much experience in the pizza world, it’s no wonder that they have become one of the hottest Neapolitan pizza places in the city. Neapolitan pizzas are sold as small pies, cooked at very high temperatures in a wood brick oven, have a chewy crust and have to meet certain standards set by the Associazione Vera Pizza Napoletana in order to be called Neapolitan pizza. Be sure to try more than one pie at Don Antonio because they are just that good.
 

309 W 50th St., New York, New York
(646) 719-1043
http://www.donantoniopizza.com/

 

 
 
Brick Oven Style Pizza at Grimaldi’s think of what is called a brick-oven pizza in New York as an Americanized version of a Neapolitan. It’s normally sold as a pie (though much bigger in size than a Neapolitan), very thin, cooked in a coal brick oven and has a crust that is crispy on the outside with a slight chew on the inside. Because they are so thin, you can easily go through half a pie before you start to get full and want to stop eating. Grimaldi’s just knows how to cook their pies beautifully, so much that you will want to get one to go with you.
 

Grimaldi’s
1 Front St. New York, NY 11201
(718) 858-4300

http://www.grimaldis.com/

 

 
 

 

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About Joyce Huang

Joyce Huang is a New York native, owns TheAlchemyShop.com, is the CCO at LustreLife.com and runs the food blog, Chasing James Beard. Find her on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook @JoyceHuang1126.

 

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

Choosing the top five of any food category in Providence is going to delight and disappoint, cause contention and elation and be ever changing as exciting new and traditional established vendors vie for the hearts of Providence food lovers.
 
The bakery selection in Providence is incredible, with the vibrant influences of Downcity, progressive West Side and classic East Side culinary communities continuing to offer delights of the pastry variety, here is my list of Providence’s “Top 5 Bakeries.”
 
 

1. Foremost Baking Company

 
With flavors coming from traditional European recipes, and utilizing the best ingredients, Foremost is a standout supplier in the Providence Bakery world. Seasonal local whole fruits, single origin South American chocolate, house made fills and syrups make Foremost stand out in the Providence Bakery game.
 
Foremost hopes to open their own retail concept soon, but in the meantime can be found supplying many local cafes and restaurants in Providence, including:
Cafe la France at Amtrak, Bolt Coffee (where their face-sized croissants are incredible!), Small point café, The Grange and Flan Y Ajo to name but a few.
 

25 Eagle Street Unit 107
, Providence, RI 02909
(401) 744-5132

 

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

 
 

2. Ellie’s Bakery

 
Located in the Biltmore Garage on Washington Street in Downcity Providence, Ellie’s is the little bakery sister to Gracie’s. Known for their elegant high class dining, Gracie’s bring their wondrous command of flavors and exquisite technique to this Parisian inspired bakery.
 
Famed for their French Macarons (served up by Millie the Macaron Cart, filled with ice cream in the Summer months) Ellie’s is the Downcity go-to for pastries, sandwiches and their upscale take on the brown bag lunch.
 
Their breads and bakes change seasonally and use local flavor and ingredients- some must try items are: mustard crusted pickle bread, the gluten free chocolate brownie and Ellie’s very own ‘Elios’.
 

61 Washington St, Providence, RI 02903
(401) 228-8118

 

 
 

3. Olga’s Cup and Saucer

 
Tucked into a tree shaded corner on Point Street in the Historic Jewelry district of Providence, Olga’s courtyard garden offers a reprieve from the hub bub of the nearby city.
 
When you’re a met with a backdrop of freshly baked breads upon entering a store you know you’re in a place of bakery brilliance. Using artisan techniques and creating everything by hand, authentic and traditional is the name of the game at the Cup and Saucer.
 
Among the varieties adorning the bakery wall are: Kalamata Sicilian olive sourdough, rosemary olive oil, golden raisin fennel as well as traditional sourdoughs, pillow bread and multigrain offerings.Winners of the Edible Rhody 2013 Local Hero award, Olga’s credentials are a widely known and long standing in the Providence community having established the current bakery in 1997.
 
Serving breakfast, lunch and a weekend brunch, a visit to Olga’s is not complete without an oat, chocolate chip and pecan ‘Cowboy Cookie’ whilst sitting in the courtyard garden or a breakfast treat of Black Forest Ham and Swiss cheese croissant.
 

103 Point St, Providence, RI 02903
(401) 831-6666

 

 
 

4. Seven Stars

 
Locally born and locally ‘bread’, Seven Stars is an institution within Providence. With three sites: Hope Street on the East Side, Broadway on the West Side and The Rumford Center in East Providence, their popularity is evident from their expansion since launching in January 2001.
 
With daily baked breads, pastries and treats on offer, complimented by teas and locally roasted coffees of both the iced and hot variety, Seven Stars is a neighborhood and community hub in all its locations.
 
Baking everything from scratch using ‘local eggs, real butter, unbleached flours and some organic whole grains’ as well as eschewing additives or preservatives, Sevens Stars serves up not only a delicious product but one of integrity and quality- priding themselves on ‘classics done well’.
 
Highly recommended is their fresh take and bake pizza dough, almond croissants and vegetarian sandwich on rustic French baguette, filled with Narragansett Creamery ricotta, arugula, roasted peppers and olive tapenade.
 

342 Broadway, Providence, RI 02909
820 Hope St, Providence, RI 02906
Rumford Center, 20 Newman Avenue, East Providence RI 02916
(401) 521-2200

 

 

RELATED: Where to eat in Providence, Rhode Island.

 
 

5. North Bakery

 
New to the Bakery line up is North Bakery, an offshoot of the eponymous bijou, Asian fusion restaurant located just around the corner from the bakery also on the West Side.
 
The bakery concept is led by friend of the restaurant, Kelly Dull, whose reputation was one of the prompts for creating the bakery and bringing her on board.
With a personal history firmly within the West Side, the Battey Street location continues the authentic, dynamic and progressive story of North.
 
Considered a non traditional American bakery, North take familiar flavor profiles and turn them in a unexpected but recognizable way. While the Dan Dan Hand Pies are a hot ticket item at North, my money is always on the coconut macaroons or toasted meringue crumble topped lemon tarts!
 

70 Battey St, Providence, RI 02903
(401) 421-4062

 

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Cooking, living and working in Providence, Rhode Island, Holly Vine is originally from Sussex, England. Posting recipes, kitchen hints and thrifty tips on her blog Holly Likes To Cook, she is discovering America and New England through its food, flavors and many incredible eateries.