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

Are you planning your first trip to the Big Apple? Here are five fantastic New York City restaurants that should be on every foodie’s bucket list.

1. Toro

Boston chef Ken Oringer arrived in New York City to lots of buzz in the fall of 2013 to showcase his pièce de résistance, Toro. Situated in a lofty corner space at the edge of Chelsea, this tapas restaurant will unleash your taste buds. Don’t expect your run-of the-mill Spanish tapas taverna. Toro’s flair focuses on exciting and unusual items like fresh live sea urchin, tripe, foie gras, and blowfish.

 

If you can, grab a seat at the back bar and watch Chef Oringer work his magic firing up hundreds of delectable morsels. The menu is quite extensive. Take your time, the staff will walk you through the favorites and measure your adventurous quota.

 

$$$

85 10th Avenue, New York, NY 10011
(212) 691-2360

 

 

2. Taim

Founded by Israeli couple Chef Einat Admony and Stefan Nafziger, Taim brings New York City a gourmet version of the vegetarian street food staple, falafel. Their original outpost can be found on a quintessential West Village street.

 

A line usually forms outside of this tiny gem. If you’re lucky, seat yourself at the small bar and people watch window-side. You should definitely try the harissa falafel, which is topped with homemade creamy hummus and a delicious pickled cabbage slaw.

 

Taim also boasts a smoothie bar, with a favorite being the date, lime, and banana. Don’t let the vegetarian menu dissuade you; even the most carnivorous of clientele will leave satiated.

 

$

222 Waverly Place, New York, NY 10014

(212) 691-1287

 

 

3. Artichoke Basille’s Pizza

If you’re looking for decadent pizza, Artichoke is your place. You can grab a few slices to-go at various locales throughout downtown, but if you want to rest your feet, you should get comfy at the Chelsea location.

 

Created by Staten Island cousins Francis Garcia and Sal Basille, their artichoke slice–a thick pizza smeared with a cream sauce and finished with crisp artichokes, spinach, and gooey cheese–won praise amongst critics. However, their other pizzas, such as the vodka sauce with a twice-baked crust or the classic margarita, are not-to-be-missed. A full bar with Italian wines as the signature pieces and draft beers complement the meal nicely. Plan on being very full upon leaving.

 

$$

114 10th Ave, New York, NY 10011
(212) 792-9200

 

 

4. Aroma Kitchen & Wine Bar

Tucked away on a quiet East Village street, Aroma Kitchen & Winebar is a wonderful date-night restaurant. Expect to be greeted by the welcoming owners, Vito Polosa and Alexandra Degiorgio. You can choose to mosey up to the wine bar near the front and chat it up with friendly bartenders or escape to the back dining room and surround yourself with exposed brick and delicate chandeliers.

 

All of their pastas are homemade, created with the freshest ingredients, and demonstrate a certain flair and thoughtful quality. Their wine list is lovely as well, showcasing a bevy of Italian wines.

 

$$$

36 East 4th Street, New York, NY 10003
(212) 375-0100

 

 

5. Prune

There is usually a queue form ed down the street during weekend brunches, but if you’re lucky, you can sometimes snag a table without waiting on a weeknight. Gabrielle Hamilton’s prized possession, Prune, has been a hit in the East Village since 1999. Rich dishes such as roasted bone marrow or spatchcocked pigeon are a must with a varied wine list to boot.

 

Hamilton does a wonderful job creating a decadent and memorable dining experience. If you’re brave, wait out the line for Saturday and Sunday brunches. Be prepared for close quarters—the restaurant boasts a natural buzz that makes you feel like you’re part of New York City’s pulse.

 

$$$

54 East 1st Street, New York, NY
(212) 677-6221

 

 

What New York City restaurants are on your must-eat list?

 

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Marisa Olsen is the founder of Les Foodités, a food blog that explores the culinary arts with a focus on my passion for cooking and restaurant reviews in New York City.

The Latin Quarter encompasses much of the 5th arrondissment (district) of Paris, with the Sorbonne University as its center. Back in medieval times, the slope on which the Sorbonne stands was covered with schools to which students from all over Europe came to study. The common language that they spoke was Latin, hence the name Latin Quarter. Today, the hill is still covered with schools, ranging from elementary to university. But one doesn’t have to be a student to enjoy the vibrant night life that spills out onto narrow streets on weekends. There are a number of fine neighborhood restaurants in the quarter whose mid-range (€€) and higher (€€€) prices are probably too steep for students to frequent, but travelers to Paris who have an adequate budget will find any of the five that I list a great place to begin their French dining experience.
 
 

1. Le Resto

Le Resto has been one of my favorites for many years. It stands on a side street around the corner from the lively rue du Pot de Fer. A handsome façade with curtainless windows trimmed in grey and a grey awning trimmed in burgundy welcome diners. The interior boasts bare-stone walls, exposed ceiling beams, a hardwood floor, and table tops made out of riddling boards covered with clear glass. The overall effect is rustic and reposing—as if one were dining at a country inn. I recently went there for lunch and ordered Pasta sotto de cavatappi au poulet et tomate ancienne. Three generous portions of tender, sliced chicken breast were served in on a bed of pasta that had been tossed in melted Parmesan. Slices of green, orange, and red tomatoes added color and flavor to the dish. It was a delicious, satisfying meal.
 

$$
8, rue de Tournefort, Paris
http://www.lerestoparis.fr/

 
 

2. Le Pré Verre

I have dined at Le Pré Verre many times over the years. I especially like the two-course, 14.50€ lunchtime menu that includes a glass of wine and an espresso. In the evening, a three-course menu (without beverages) runs 30€. The specialty of the house is Cochon de lait fondant aux épices douces et choux croquants. You get a wide-brimmed, shallow bowl containing a bed of lightly cooked cabbage upon which rest two slices of tender, milk-fed pork, all in a broth of light cream, white wine, and juices from the piglet. Flavored with cinnamon and star anise, this dish is exquisite.
 

$$
8, rue Thénard, Paris
http://www.lepreverre.com/

 

RELATED: Where to Eat in France.

 
 

3. Aux Verres de Contact

Aux Verres de Contact stands at the corner of boulevard Saint-Germain and rue de Bièvre. Its curtainless, sparkling-clean, tall and wide windows offer a view of its smart interior to passersby. Step inside to see a handsome zinc bar as you pass though to the main dining room. There, grey wallboards and room dividers trimmed in cherry; wallpaper displaying stylized glasses of wine; reddish-orange and bare-stone walls; and polished dark tables provide reposing atmosphere. The night that I dined there, popular music played over the sound system, including a song by the Temptations. For the main course, I chose Joue de bœuf façon pot au feu. The waitress asked me if I liked os à moelle, and I responded positively. When she returned, she presented me with a generous portion of stewed beef cheek, a cut of beef bone containing marrow (the os à moelle), and chunks of cabbage, carrot, small potatoes, leek, and turnips. This was a wonderful dish perfect for a chilly winter’s evening. I enjoyed it immensely and you will, too!
 

$$$
52, boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris
http://www.auxverresdecontact.com/

 

4. Le Buisson Ardent

A cheery red façade makes this bistrot stand out among the commercial establishments along the south side of rue Jussieu. Inside, the walls display painted murals on a forest-green background. The cherry-red and burgundy benches lining the periphery of the front dining room are comfortable, and the lacquered wooden tables lend elegance to the place. This restaurant was once a coaching inn. Its 1925 décor has been preserved. My choice for the main course was Noix de gigot d’agneau rôti à basse température, crème de pois chiches au cumin et polenta aux raisins secs. The boneless cut of tender leg of lamb was served rosé (pink), just as I had ordered, and was accompanied by a lovely cream of chick pea sauce. Alongside rested a large dollop of fluffy polenta (which was surprisingly light) studded with yellow raisins. The combination was simply delicious.
 

$$$
25, rue Jussieu, Paris
http://www.lebuissonardent.fr/

 
 

5. Le Reminet

A royal purple façade sets the tone for the fine dining experience that you will enjoy when you enter this small restaurant. Tables are set with tall candles and roses; gilt-framed mirrors hang on the walls; and spotless glassware stands on white tablecloths—diners will appreciate all of this and good service and great food, too! My main-course choice was called Filet de canette en croûte de lard et noisette, choux rouge croquant au vinaigre de Xérès et patate douce rôtie aux épices. I received a filet of duckling breast covered by a crust of breadcrumbs and bacon bits resting on a bed of cooked, crunchy, shredded red cabbage. The duck breast was tender, but nonetheless somewhat chewy (I had ordered it “rosé”). The red cabbage added color and texture to the dish and was quite flavorful on its own. Alongside lay a delicious wedge of roasted sweet potato cut lengthwise. Superb!
 

$$$
3, rue des Grands Degrés, Paris
http://www.lereminet.com/

 

RELATED: The Art of French Eating.

 

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About Tom Reeves

Confirmed Francophile Tom Reeves is the co-founder of Discover Paris! and the author of two books: Paris Insights – An Anthology and Dining Out in Paris: What You Need to Know before You Get to the City of Light.

 

What began as a Low Country, fisherman’s breakfast Shrimp & Grits (or Shrimp Grits) has become a staple and can be found all over the South, from the Carolinas to Texas. Every restaurant has their own version and eateries in New Orleans are no exception. If you’re ever in the Crescent City, I highly recommend all of the following restaurants (and not just for their heavenly interpretations of Shrimp & Grits).
 

1. Commander’s Palace

Located in the Garden District, Commander’s Palace is notorious for excellent Creole cuisine as well as phenomenal chefs, top notch service, and several elegant dining rooms and courtyards. Executive Chef Tory McPhail offers a mouth-watering Louisiana Shrimp & Grits featuring wild caught, Louisiana white shrimp served over goat cheese, stone ground grits, caramelized onions, concasse tomatoes and topped with a sauce forestiere (wild mushroom sauce).
 

1403 Washington Ave
New Orleans, LA 70130
504.899.8221

 

2. La Petite Grocery

Justin Devillier is both chef and part owner of La Petite Grocery, an old 19th century storefront renovated almost a decade ago into a restaurant with all its New Orleans nostalgia intact. Sit at a linen-covered table on old tile floors with a lofty, painted-tin ceiling overhead while enjoying Chef Devillier’s version of Gulf Shrimp & Grits featuring a sauce of roasted mushrooms, smoked bacon, house made butter and fresh thyme.
 

4238 Magazine Street
New Orleans, LA 70115
504.891.3377

 

3. Coquette

Opened on the corner of Magazine Street and Washington Avenue almost six years ago, Coquette has quickly climbed its way to becoming a local favorite and with their decadent cocktails, lively atmosphere and creative, French-inspired cuisine, it is not difficult to see why. Sip on Gnome’s Cup (Coquette’s version of a Pimm’s) and enjoy Chef Michael Stoltzfus’ dish of fresh, gulf shrimp served atop Anson Mill’s grits with sweet corn and Louisiana Hot Sauce gravy.
 

2800 Magazine Street
New Orleans, LA 70115
504.265.0421

 

4. Boucherie

Located in a small, shotgun house in the Carrollton neighborhood, Boucherie is Chef Nathanial Zimet’s dream of a restaurant that offers fine dining for everyone. Like most of the best restaurants in New Orleans, Boucherie does almost everything in-house and make a point to purchase produce and seafood from local farms and fishermen, but they turn around and offer exquisitely prepared cuisine at an better-than-fair price. Boucherie offers a Blackened Shrimp & Grit Cake featuring jumbo Gulf shrimp drizzled with a warm, house-cured bacon vinaigrette.
 

8115 Jeanette Street
New Orleans, LA 70118
504.862.5514

 

5. Tableau

The latest by local restaurateur and national celebrity Dickie Brennan, Tableau recently opened in the newly renovated Le Petite Theatre on the corner of Jackson Square in the historic French Quarter. Hailing from Lafayette, Louisiana, Chef Ben Thibodeaux offers his take on the Southern classic, a BBQ Shrimp & Grits featuring jumbo, Gulf shrimp in a New Orleans-style BBQ sauce (basically Worcestershire sauce, lemon, and lots of pepper and butter) spiked with Abita Beer and served over stone ground grits whipped with chévre cheese.
 

616 St. Peter Street
New Orleans, LA 70116
504.934.3463

 
Where did you get the best shrimp and grits you’ve ever had?
 

 

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Though she was born in the San Francisco Bay Area, Kim Ranjbar felt New Orleans calling her home as soon as she hit puberty. A graduate of Sonoma State University, Kim took her passion for the written word and dragged it over 2000 miles to flourish in the city she loves. You can follow Kim on Twitter (@sucktheheads) and read some of her other works at Where Y’at, New Orleans Living Magazine and her personal blog, Suck the Heads.