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

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Top 5 Lists

When people head to Vegas, all they have is The Strip on their mind. When it comes to restaurants, all they can think of are the celebrity chef restaurants and the plethora of buffets to choose from. However, if you venture off the beaten path, you can find gems are that even tastier and easier to get a seat in without having to battle casino crowds and parking.
 
 

1. Aburiya Raku

Aburiya Raku is just west of the Strip located in a very unassuming strip mall. You wouldn’t think that such a high quality dining establishment serving top notch Izakaya style Japanese food, a.k.a. Japanese tapas, would exist in this location. Chef Mitsuo Endo’s restaurants attracts everyone from foodies to chefs from the Strip’s top restaurants, so you know that Raku has to be good. Their fresh made tofu has turned tofu haters into tofu lovers. From its fresh fish selections to famous items from the robata grill of tender Kobe beef to delicacies of foie gras to even seemingly normal items of chicken wings with flavor to another level, this is the place to be for anyone who appreciates QUALITY food. Round out your meal with delicately crafted desserts such as green tea crème brulée and a very light and delightful fluffy cheesecake.
 

2. Ichiza

If Raku is your mature and refined sibling, then Ichiza can be the younger sibling that is hip and fun. Just like Raku, it is an Izakaya style establishment, but it is in a fun environment that encourages beers by the pitcher and encourages sampling of many dishes as illustrated all over the walls written in Japanese and English. Looking around, you’ll notice that everyone has their favorites, and you can’t really go wrong closing your eyes and saying “Eeny, meeny, miny, moe”. However, some must try food includes yellowtail tartare, jalapeno fried rice, agedashi tofu, butter corn, variety of kushiage (deep fried tempura items), robata grill items and last but not least, HONEY TOAST, which combines a crispy and buttery hunk of white toast with honey drizzled all over creamy vanilla ice cream.
 

3. Lotus of Siam

Lotus of Siam is located on the east side of town in the Commercial Center. This area is known to be seedy day and night, but Lotus of Siam is worth the trek known for some of the best Thai food in the country! Some dishes that you don’t see often at “regular” Thai joints are chilean seabass (buttery and savory), nam koi tod (crispy rice with tangy, salty and sweet flavors) and crispy duck penang (all the wonderful flavors of penang curry with uber crispy duck). I suggest going with at least several friends, so that the meal can be enjoyed family style to allow for optimal tasting of as many dishes as you can stomach.
 

4. Parma by Chef Marc

Eating at Parma by Chef Marc is like eating at your favorite Italian mama’s home kitchen. Though it is a bit of drive to the Northwest part of Las Vegas, you will not regret it once you step into the restaurant and your nose gets a whiff of the food. The ambiance is cute, romantic, homely (in a good way) with a touch of hole in the wall feel. Everyone on staff is super warm and friendly and make you feel like family. Also, if you have any dietary restrictions, Chef Marc will always take care of you. All of the pastas and sauces are always fresh. The complimentary bread is always perfectly crusty. Once you get a taste of these dishes, you won’t be able to stop thinking about the bolognese sauce, amazingly tender chicken marsala, and highly sought after portobello mushroom appetizer made of creamy sauce, chunks of portobello over baby spinach greens that is sold out every night.
 

5. Hot & Juicy Crawfish

Bring your Pepcid AC, Pepto Bismo and Tums because Hot & Juicy Crawfish is a place where you throw down and eat seafood until you drop. This is no place to dig in and eat with your hands. Have no fear though because the staff provides you with rolls of paper towels, plastic bibs, and plenty of drink refills. Here you can order seafood like shrimp, alaskan king crab legs, crawfish by the pound with choices of different sauces, Lousiana Style, Juicy Cajun, Garlic Butter, Lemon Pepper, and the Hot & Juicy Special. If you want to up the ante, you can also order spicy levels from mild, medium, spicy to EXTRA spicy. You can also “enhance” the your cholesterol profile by ordering deep fried delicious sides like sausage, deep fried catfish, chicken wings, crispy cajun fries, and don’t forget your side of fluffy white rice. Word of advice, be ready of strange stares because you might be reeking of garlic for a few days, but it’ll all be worth it.
 

 
Have you stumbled upon other amazing “Off the Beaten Path” restaurants while in Vegas?

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When Michelle Wong is not writing on her food blog at Cravings of a Fat Girl, she is often found pinning new recipes, fantasizing about her next meal, or reading about the next food find on other food blogs.

If you have visited the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, chances are you passed through or very close to Knoxville. Placed beautifully at the foothills of the Smokies, Knoxville is now actively establishing itself as a destination all its own. From the Urban Wilderness in south Knoxville to the water sports on the Tennessee River and Fort Loudon Lake, more people are visiting our charming, yet “scruffy” city every year, and brunch is an ever-growing offering at local restaurants all over the city.
 
 

1. Knox Mason

Downtown on the 100 Block of Gay Street, sits the restaurant food lovers in Knoxville have been waiting for. Using a myriad of local ingredients, Chef Matt Gallaher has created southern inspired dishes with a unique twist. They serve brunch on Sundays and you should start with a Beermosa or Mason Bloody Mary. If you are hungry, try the Griddled Honey Bun with fresh whipped cream then move on to the Steak and Eggs from Strong Stock Farms or the Falls Mills Shrimp and Grits. You will not be sorry.
 

2. The Plaid Apron

Nestled in the heart of Sequoyah Hills neighborhood lays a true treasure when it comes to brunch. Drew and Bonnie McDonald work hard to provide their patrons traditional and unique brunch dishes based on the most fresh and locally available ingredients. If you are in a breakfast mood check out the Sourdough French Toast topped with seasonal fruit and an anglaise or whipped cream. For a more savory breakfast you have to dig in to the Eggs Benedict with house cured Canadian bacon and local veggies. If lunch is more your thing, try the Burger topped with a sunny up egg and Benton’s Bacon mayo. You will certainly not be disappointed in any selection!
 

RELATED: Top Five Shrimp and Grits in Nashville

3. Food Truck Row at The Market Square Farmers Market

On Saturdays from late April through October Market Square in Downtown Knoxville comes alive with local farmers, artisans and food trucks. Food Truck Row, located on Market Street from the square toward Gay Street, is home to some of the best food Knoxville has ever seen. First, grab yourself a cup of hand poured coffee at the Old City Java tent then head towards Gay Street to pick up a breakfast burrito or Go Big Orange biscuit from the Savory and Sweet Truck. The Tootsie Truck offers up braised pork belly with creamy cheese grits and a made to order egg that will stop you in your tracks. After filling up on the savory options, do not leave without trying the truck raised spelt doughnuts at Mister Canteen.
 

4. Cosmo’s Cafe at The Gourmet’s Market

This is a recent addition to the favorites list. Located in the heart of the District in Bearden, Cosmo’s extensive menu of breakfast and lunchtime offerings makes it hard to decide what to eat. If it’s your first time there, try the Toad in a Hole, grilled sourdough bread with cooked to order eggs and local sausage, or the Breakfast Bowl, buttermilk biscuit covered with sausage gravy, scrambled eggs and cheese. These two plates are well worth the visit. For the coffee lover in your group, try the Hammerhead coffee or any one of their espresso based beverages.
 

RELATED: Where to Eat in Nashville

5. Cafe 4

A few years ago, brunch was hard to find in Knoxville. One of the first to jump on the trend was Cafe 4 in Market Square. This trendy spot offers an industrial feel interior and a heated patio perfect for people watching on Market Square. Cafe 4’s seasonally changing menu offers you options ranging from lighter fare such as Yogurt Granola Parfait and salads to more comforting dishes like the Tennessee Cheesesteak with shaved sirloin and Lobster-Bacon Flatbreads. A personal favorite is the Grilled Cheese Dipper with a rich grilled cheese and hearty tomato bisque. It is an excellent balance of breakfast and lunch food.
 

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About Eric McNew

Mandee and Eric McNew have been blogging about cooking and dining since 2013 but have been living the life of food lovers for much longer. You can read about their travels and adventures in their own kitchen at Gather with ME and also on Twitter and Instagram

One of the meanest things that has ever happened in the last forty years of people writing about regional food was somebody, somewhere, up and decided that Atlanta, Georgia was not a barbecue city. Since then, scores of misinformed food writers have made the poor decision to give the Peach State short shrift and focus on barbecue in other places. Make no mistake, I bow to nobody in my admiration of the awesome barbecue traditions of Texas, Memphis, North Carolina, and all points in between. But this nonsense that Atlanta’s not a barbecue town, that Georgia’s not a barbecue state, has gone on long enough.
 
Atlanta is more than just a cultural melting pot, where the barbecue traditions of every other region come to life. It’s a vibrant and wonderfully diverse city where new traditions carve out their own niche. If you’ve got a weekend, come to the ATL and try these five places for five very, very different takes on wonderful barbecue.

1. Big Shanty Smokehouse

Big Shanty Smokehouse

Chic Dillard had been working as a consultant in the restaurant biz for something like thirty years before opening his own place about two miles west of I-75 in this northern suburb in 2007. Since then, he’s received awards and acclaim for some of the best pork in town, offering “inside pulled” or “outside chopped” meat that smokes over hickory for twelve hours overnight. So richly seasoned that the meat is a dark red and brown, it genuinely doesn’t need a drop of sauce, although a pretty good tomato-vinegar blend is available on the side, along with some killer potato salad and heavenly banana pudding.
 

3393 Cherokee St NW
Kennesaw, GA 30144
(770) 499-7444
 

 

2. Heirloom Market Bar-B-Que

If you’ll pardon me mixing my metaphors, Cody Taylor and Jiyeon Lee have been the new 800-pound gorillas on the block in Atlanta since they opened Heirloom Market in the too-small space next to a convenience store in 2010. They’ve been waging war with county officials for having too many cars parked up and down the roads ever since. Those who brave the very long lines for takeout here – in an uncomfortable compromise, they have been limiting dine-in customers for several months – will find some amazing pulled pork given a sparkling, Korean flair, with novel, constantly changing sides like their kimchi cole slaw, several great sauces, and arguably the best beef brisket in town.
 

2243 Akers Mill Rd
Atlanta, GA 30339
(770) 850-1008
 

3. Hudson’s Hickory House

Hudson’s Hickory House

Buford Hudson opened this popular family restaurant in 1971, and created a style only found in the city’s western suburbs. His hickory-smoked chopped pork is served completely drowned in a thin, blood-red vinegar / Worcestershire / pepper sauce that nobody anywhere outside of this region replicates. Hudson-style sauce can be found at nine or ten other restaurants in the area, like Wallace in Austell, Johnny’s in Powder Springs, and J & W near Carrollton, all of whom accompany it with a bottle of magma-hot mustard and cayenne. Absolutely unique and utterly unforgettable.
 

6874 Bankhead Hwy
Douglasville, GA 30134
(770) 942-4828

 

4. Miss Betty’s House of Ribs

Betty Patterson set up shop in this old trailer in 2006. Various family members tend to the pit in a screened building out back, and inside, she’s greeting old friends and new with the sweetest charm of the south, and one of the most curious sauces. Arguments have been started over the ingredients in the Boss Sauce: is it soy sauce and Caro syrup? Honey with Worcestershire? Whichever, a thin drizzle over these thick, peppery ribs is a fabulous treat. The ribs, incidentally, never taste quite the same, owing to differences in wood and preparation time, but they always taste perfectly fresh. Sometimes, you’ll have to wait a few minutes while the smoke is making your ribs just right.
 

1281 Bouldercrest Dr
Atlanta, GA 30316
(404) 243-8484
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5. Wyatt’s Country Bar-B-Que

Wyatt’s Country Bar-B-Que

The intown neighborhood of Kirkwood is home to a ramshackle green and yellow building so garish that it looks like the Bugaloos have fallen on hard times. You’ll thread your way through a very narrow corridor to place an order to go, and possibly carry it to an adjacent screened porch to kick back and consider what you’ve selected. Pig’s ears and oxtails are popular here among the older customers. The chopped pork is smoked and then steamed, and you’ll definitely want to order it with the sauce on the side. It’s never technically dry, as it’s been marinating in its own gravy, with a texture similar to pot roast. The Kansas City-style sauce is a very good accompaniment, and, in a really neat magic trick, changes the flavor of the meat completely. I like to alternate tastes, one bite with sauce and one without. They taste not a darn thing alike, but boy, do they taste good.
 

1674 Memorial Dr SE
Atlanta, GA 30317
(404) 371-0311
 

 
That claim can be made about Atlanta barbecue in general rather than one single, fun, restaurant. With so many restaurants here that are so radically different from each other, I’d argue that one reason we’re overlooked is that we represent too great a challenge. There is no flavor that can honestly be called “Atlanta barbecue.” We’re too broad, too wild, and too tasty to be shoved under a single umbrella. Don’t overlook us on your way to more storied temples of smoked meat. Pull up a chair and stay a while.
 
What’s your favorite barbecue joint?
 

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Grant Goggans has co-written, edited, and taken woeful photographs for the blog Marie, Let’s Eat! since February 2010. When he is not eating barbecue, he is eating something else.