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.

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Top 5 Lists

Columbus and coffee go together like chocolate and peanut butter in our state’s favorite candy, the buckeye. The capital city has a great selection when it comes to coffee shops, these five are my favorites.
 
 

1. Winans Fine Chocolates & Coffees

I love Winans Fine Chocolates and Coffees – it’s hands down my favorite coffee shop! Winans is based where it started in my hometown of Piqua, Ohio, where Winans coffee is still roasted and the chocolates are made in the candy kitchen! There are two Winans coffee shops in Columbus, one in German Village and another in Dublin. In addition to having delicious coffee and espresso, Winans also sells delectable chocolates and other treats. I highly recommend Wetzels (chocolate covered pretzels), the salted caramel, peanut butter delight, and the Bavarian mint, all in dark chocolate! Winans also makes amazing brittle. My favorite brittle is the coconut brittle, but be warned, it’s addictive!
 

2. Luck Bros’ Coffee House

Luck Bros’ Coffee House is a hidden gem in Grandview Heights! It’s a little off the beaten path, away from Grandview Avenue where several great restaurants and shops reside, Luck Bros’ can be found in a little shopping area along 1st Avenue, across from Pierce Field. The coffee house is a very open and well lit, with indoor and outdoor seating – in the back you can see coffee being roasted and sampled! Luck Bros’ is open every day of the week so you can get your caffeine fix. In addition to coffee, Luck Bros’ sells tea, other beverages and a few different coffee house baked goods (including donuts, bagels and an in-house made breakfast bake). They also sell coffee mugs and supplies for brewing your own cup of joe at home.
 

RELATED: Where to Eat in Columbus, Ohio.

3. Pistacia Vera

Pistacia Vera serves Cafe Brioso coffee, tea and delicious pastries, macarons and other treats! Many of their desserts are gluten-free or nut-free, a few of them are both! My favorite dessert is the cassis truffle torte – it’s amazing! Smooth layers of chocolate mousse flavored with earl grey tea, flourless chocolate cake and a cassis buttercream and glaze. The macarons are perfect – light and airy with a wonderful chewy texture. The cafe is very open and bright, but still cozy. It’s the perfect spot to read, work or sit by the window and people watch during warmer weather.
 

4. Mission Coffee Co.

Mission Coffee is a small coffee shop in the Short North. Located in a former garage (the windows in the big garage door let in a lot of natural light!), the coffee shop has a cool yet cozy and welcoming atmosphere. Mission opened its doors in 2011 by coffee enthusiasts Jonathan Starr and Jared Williamson. The coffee shop has a very laid-back vibe, there are cafe tables and chairs, comfy couches or you can grab a seat at the bar. The focus at Mission is on coffee, though you can also order tea and a few different pastries. There are several different ways to order your coffee at Mission, the equipment used is on display right by the counter where you order. Try a latte – Mission has fantastic espresso!
 

5. Stauf’s Coffee Roasters

Stauf’s Coffee Roasters is a micro coffee roaster in Grandview Heights. Stauf’s roasts coffee for Cup O’ Joe, MoJoe Lounge and their own coffee shop located on Grandview Avenue. The coffee shop has a lot of indoor and outdoor seating and is a great place to stop in for a cup of coffee while studying or meeting friends. You can even see Stauf’s roaster in the coffee shop! In addition to serving coffee, hot chocolate and tea, they also carry a variety of baked goods and some soups, salads and sandwiches. You can also pick up some freshly roasted coffee beans, or loose leaf tea. Stauf’s carries coffee and tea brewing tools like French presses, pour over coffee makers, coffee grinders and t-sac teabags for loose leaf tea. A number of items with the Stauf’s logo are also available, like t-shirts, coffee mugs and canisters.
 

RELATED: 5 Reasons the Columbus Food Truck Festival is Awesome.

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About Courtney Denning

Courtney has been blogging about Ohio eats, entertainment and culture for the past year. She’s a cat person who loves to write, bake gluten-free treats and spend time outside hiking and taking nature photos.

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

It is not your regular bacon, eggs and toast that you will find here in Seattle for a typical brunch. Several restaurants and chefs strive to marry their lineage or an inspiration to the wonderfully abundant local food sources out here in the Northwest. It is really hard to pick out just 5 favorite brunch spots in Seattle but here is the top 5 not-to-miss brunch spots for you to go to if you were to visit the Seattle area.
 

1. Portage Bay Café

If you ask me to tell you one brunch place to go to in Seattle, Portage Bay would be my answer. I think I can safely say that it is the best brunch spot in Seattle. They source organic and sustainable ingredients from local farms and sources and you can see it in their menu as well as in a big list at the front.
 
Weekends can get really crowded, so it is best to get reservations or to go earlier than you would like to eat, to get your name in. You can however sip some free drip coffee they have set up at the front, while you wait. My personal favorites are Migas – a burrito of sort, the Farmer’s Hash, Goat Cheese Scramble and their Eggs Benedicts’. Several dishes on the menu can be made vegetarian, vegan or gluten free. Be sure to order something from their “Breakfast Bar” section of the menu. This has pancakes and French toast and you get to top your dish as much as you want with anything from the breakfast toppings bar.
 
The bar has a wide variety of seasonal fruits, nuts, maple syrup and whipped cream and they are all just so good! Portage Bay has three locations in the Seattle area and all three are equally good and popular.
 

2. Lola

A visit to Seattle definitely deserves a visit to at least one of the restaurants of the city’s culinary mogul, Tom Douglas. Though his other restaurants also serve brunch, especially noteworthy of the lot for brunch is Lola. Lola serves Middle Eastern inspired food made from local ingredients.
 
While everything on their brunch menu is well balanced, flavorful and delicious, you should definitely not miss the kebabs and the lamb shawarma. Order not one but maybe an extra one to-go (shhh! We won’t tell anyone) of the made to order doughnuts that comes with vanilla mascarpone and seasonal jam.
 
Tom’s Big Breakfast with Mediterranean octopus, vegetables, bacon, and green garlic yogurt and topped with a poached egg is also something that is definitely worth ordering, if you have any space left after the delicious kebabs and the doughnuts
 

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

3. Toulouse Petit Kitchen & Lounge

Toulouse Petit is a New Orleans meets Seattle restaurant that serves an amazing brunch during the day and transforms into an equally amazing dinner and happy hour spot at night. Their claim to fame is having more than 50 preparations in their happy hour menu all priced under $10.
 
The breakfast menu is available all day but they have a special breakfast happy hour from 8 am to 11 am where most items on the breakfast menu is only $9 and some others have a special reduced pricing during the breakfast happy hour.
 
You just have to try everything on the menu here – the crawfish tasso scramble, the Dungeness crab benedicts, the Creole crawfish sausage, the Cajun meatloaf and eggs with gravy and wash it down with either the Toulouse Hurricane or the Creole Bloody Mary. Don’t forget to try the pillowy soft beignets that will make you feel you are in Café Du Monde. Reservations are very strongly recommended. Sometimes reservations get so full that don’t even allow walk-ins.
 

4. Citizen

A laidback neighborhood joint that has a hipster-y vibe to it – that is how I would describe Citizen. It is a great atmosphere with the exposed brick walls, attic like second floor seating are with a couch and coffee table and a pretty good outdoor seating area which is in high demand during Seattle’s few sunny warm days.
 
It is a small-ish space, so it can get crowded at times, but I have never experienced a very long wait here, so far. Apart from the regular breakfast egg items, they have sweet and savory crepes on the menu. You will definitely want to have the Citizen crepe and don’t forget that extra fried egg to add to it. It just makes the crepe so much more delicious.
 
Try one of the sweet crepes too, if you have a sweet tooth like me and don’t forget to ask for the monthly crepe specials which are usually seasonal. Inexpensive mimosas and wines by the glass is an additional bonus.
 

RELATED: Check out these foodie “must-visits” in Seattle.

5. Pomegranate Bistro

Pomegranate Bistro is a favorite brunch spot on the Eastside (east of the SR 520 Bridge) of the Greater Seattle Area. It is part of the Lisa Dupar catering company. Brunches are available on the weekends and they have a limited breakfast menu for other days. If you get a table towards the back of the restaurant, you can see Lisa’s crew in action though huge glass windows.
 
It is nice to watch the goings-on in the bakery while you wait for your food to arrive. The Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles are something you should not miss, so are the fire breads and the quiche. They have their bakery out at the front near where you wait and you can order your dessert from there to be brought to the table or to take it to-go to eat later.
 

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About Manju Mahadevan

Manju Mahadevan is the author of the Seattle based food blog Mirch Masala. She has been blogging for about 7 years and writes about her passion for food, travel, eating out in Seattle and her experience at various local food related events.