Every week, Milk Street Radio travels the world to find the most fascinating stories about food—a detective who tracks down food thieves and a look inside the most famous (and often scandalous) restaurant kitchens—and interviews with culinary icons such as José Andrés, Padma Lakshmi, Jacques Pépin, and Marcus Samuelsson. And on Milk Street Radio you can always find the unexpected: the comedian who ranks apples using an elaborate 100-point system, the scientists who study if vegetables have souls, and the journalist who reveals the world’s 10 biggest food lies. We also answer our listeners’ cooking questions, find out how to make the perfect cup of coffee, and share how to eat your way through Italy.
Lidia Bastianich joins Christopher Kimball to answer our listener's Italian cooking questions—from the best recipe for ravioli to tips for avoiding soggy lasagne. Plus, The Great British Bake Off's Giuseppe Dell'Anno shares the joys of Italian baking, from cannoli cake to sfogliatelle; culinary guide Arianna Pasquini takes us on a tour of Rome's hidden food gems; and J.M. Hirsch reveals secrets from a Neapolitan trattoria. Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify...
YouTube coffee expert James Hoffmann shares the best, worst and weirdest coffee in the world—from his tried-and-true recipe for the ultimate cup at home to the time he tasted 70-year-old beans in Japan. Plus, Don and Petie Kladstrup tell us the story of the man who taught America to love Champagne; we make Beef Chili Colorado Tacos; and Adam Gopnik discusses the greatest food debates of our time. (Originally aired May 20, 2022.) Get the recipe for Beef Chili Colorado Tacos here . Listen to Milk ...
This week, we uncover everything you never knew about the stomach, including its ability to think. Author Elsa Richardson also reveals ancient medical practices for quieting a gurgling gut, and we find out just how similar human and dog stomachs are. Plus, Florence Fabricant of The New York Times discusses the best and worst in food writing; and Kim Severson untangles the recent rise in egg prices. Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify...
Chris Kimball explores Las Vegas' evolving culinary scene with Al Mancini, visiting historic bars like Atomic Liquors, experiencing fine dining at China Club with Peking duck, and discovering unique spots like the dog-themed pirate bar, Stray Pirate. They discuss signature dishes, immersive dining experiences, and the city's diverse food culture, highlighting both high-end and local favorites. The episode emphasizes Vegas' commitment to hospitality and its ever-changing gastronomic landscape.
Angela Hui tells the story of her childhood growing up in her family’s Chinese restaurant—there are flaming woks, short tempers and zero privacy. Plus, we’re joined by journalist Jenn Harris to learn how influencers are making their mark on the restaurant industry; Alex Aïnouz speeds up beef bourguignon; and we make Italian Wedding Soup. (Originally aired February 23rd, 2023.) Get this week’s recipe for Italian Wedding Soup here . Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify...
We explore the whimsical world of Irish baking with Cherie Denham. Plus Madison Avenue veteran Jeff Swystun shares the little-known history of food advertising; we cook up Spinach and Ricotta Dumplings in Tomato Sauce; and Alex Aïnouz is on a journey to make the world’s best roasted chicken. Get this week’s recipe for Spinach and Ricotta Dumplings in Tomato Sauce here . Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify...
Pete Wells, former New York Times restaurant critic, joins us to look back on his most infamous reviews, plus why he blasted Guy Fieri’s Times Square restaurant but loved Señor Frog’s. Photojournalist Kate Medley reveals why some of the best food in the South is served at the gas station; we make Cantonese Stir-Fried Black Pepper Beef and Potatoes; and Chris and Sara Moulton answer listener calls. Get this week’s recipe for Cantonese Stir-Fried Black Pepper Beef and Potatoes here . Listen to Mil...
Bees solve puzzles, have distinct personalities and play with balls like a puppy. Zoologist Lars Chittka reveals amazing new discoveries about the mind of a honeybee and what a bee’s consciousness means for us humans. Plus, we investigate the mysterious phenomenon of bee heists; Sylvan Mishima Brackett, chef-owner of Rintaro, shares the secrets to perfect hot spring eggs and ruby grapefruit jelly; Alex Aïnouz searches for the perfect paella; and we bake Basque Country’s burnished cheesecake. (Or...
Irina Georgescu joins us to relive her and Chris’s journey to the heart of Transylvania. We discover the world of Romanian breads, snack pies, sour soups and folklore. Plus, archaeologist Brendan Foley explores a 15th-century shipwreck and uncovers a king's medieval spice cabinet; Alex Aïnouz reimagines deviled eggs; Cheryl Day returns to answer baking questions; and we make Irina’s recipe for Meringue-Topped Cake with Cherries. Get the recipe for Meringue-Topped Cake with Cherries here. Listen ...
Alice Waters thinks David Mas Masumoto’s peaches could change the world. Today, Masumoto shares his search for the perfect peach and the shocking family secret that changed the history of his farm. Plus, we chat with Nichole Accettola about Scandinavian baking, from cinnamon knots to rye bread, and we learn the language of strawberries. (Originally aired February 1, 2024.) Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify...
This week, we’re looking at the pioneers of food television. Emeril Lagasse reflects on his unlikely start at the Food Network, how he’s different from his on-screen persona and why he just opened his first Portuguese restaurant. Plus, Michelle T. King tells the story of Fu Pei-mei, Taiwan’s first cooking TV star, our very own co-host and food TV star Sara Moulton answers caller cooking questions, and Adam Gopnik weighs in on the spectacle of Iron Chef. Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podc...
Tamar Haspel of the Washington Post is here to share 10 truths about food that nobody wants to believe. From diet soda to organic vegetables to one overlooked fish, nothing is sacred. Plus, Amanda Herbert brings us inside history’s wildest dinner parties; Adam Gopnik reveals what your drink of choice says about you; we make Thai Coconut and Chicken Soup; and Cheryl Day returns to take your baking calls. (Originally aired February 29, 2024.) Get the recipe for Thai Coconut and Chicken Soup here ....
Richard Hart is here with the hottest takes in bread baking and sourdough—why he doesn’t care about your old sourdough starter, what everyone gets wrong about supermarket bread, and why the bread in Paris is, well, lacking. Plus, antique bookseller Don Lindgren reveals the history of community cookbooks, J. Kenji López-Alt discovers the perfect way to cut an onion, and we make Turkish Crescent Cookies with Spiced Walnut Filling. Get the recipe for Turkish Crescent Cookies with Spiced Walnut Fill...
This week, we taste the sweeter side of Mexican cuisine with chef Fany Gerson. Traveling from Mexico City to Veracruz to Oaxaca, we explore regional confections like chili-flavored paletas and guava and cheese doughnuts. Plus, we take a seat at the Noir Bar with writer and television host Eddie Muller, who infuses classic cocktails with a cinematic twist; Martha Barnette and Grant Barrett of “A Way With Words” unpack the history hidden in your spice cabinet; and we prepare a very crispy Korean F...
Kim Severson of the New York Times predicts the biggest food trends of 2025—from dirty sodas and whiskey ketchup to the new supermarket and the ingredient of the year. Also up this week, we get a lesson in southern Thai cooking from Nok Suntaranon, we make Bread Dumplings in Broth, Adam Gopnik examines what happens when we quit the foods we love, and Christopher Kimball and Sara Moulton answer our first caller questions of 2025. Get this week’s recipe Canederli in Brodo (Bread Dumplings in Broth...
We’re joined by New York Times book critic and author Dwight Garner. He presents food quips from his favorite writers, as well as John Updike’s lunch routine and Hunter S. Thompson’s party tricks. Plus, anthropologist Manvir Singh helps us digest the world of “meat-fluencers” and their all-meat diets; A Way with Words give credit to the Old Norse words lingering in our kitchens; and we prepare a Pakistani-Style Chicken Biryani. (Originally aired January 4th, 2024.) Get this week’s recipe for Pak...
We’re looking back at some of our favorite moments from 2024. We’ll share the surprises—from the secret lives of vegetables, to the underworld of restaurant reservations—and the best culinary advice we received from guests like José Andres and Stella Parks. Plus, Christopher Kimball and Sara Moulton revisit the most memorable listener questions of the year. You can find our Best Recipes of 2024 collection here . Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Hosted on Acast. See acast....
It’s an all-out holiday hour of Milk Street Radio! We check in with French baker Dominique Ansel about how the invention of the cronut changed his life, his secret trick to a perfect fruit soufflé and why you shouldn’t buy cookies in France. Plus, author Julia Georgallis offers three tips for how to eat (and drink!) your Christmas tree; Adam Gopnik and Chris Kimball reflect on their top food books of the year; J.M. Hirsch provides a festive batched cocktail recipe; Cheryl Day answers your bigges...
In this special episode, we’re sharing an extended interview with Al Roker. Al makes his return to Milk Street to discuss his latest cookbook — a collaboration with his daughter, Courtney Roker Laga — as well as the jobs he worked prior to landing at NBC and the food he uses as a test to determine whether or not someone can be his friend. You can find our Best Recipes of 2024 collection here . Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mor...
Al Roker is back on Milk Street with family recipes and television stories to share. He recalls celebrity-filled lunches at the NBC commissary and the holiday meal he dreamt of while recovering from surgery. Plus, Ben Mims reveals the secret history of cookies; Grant Barrett and Martha Barnette of “A Way With Words” express holiday gratitude with food-themed compliments; and we prepare Cantonese Sweet-and-Sour Pork. Get this week’s recipe for Cantonese Sweet and Sour Pork here . You can find our...
In this special episode, we share a few of our favorite moments about baking. Cheryl Day—cookbook author, co-owner of Back in the Day Bakery in Savannah, Georgia, and now Milk Street Radio guest co-host—reveals her tips for perfect biscuits, cakes and cookies. Plus, a computer designs the ultimate chocolate chip cookie; Chris Kimball and Dan Pashman consider the muffin; and is it magic, or is it Maple-Whiskey Pudding Cakes? Get the recipe for Maple-Whiskey Pudding Cakes here . Listen to Milk Str...
We’re kicking off the holiday season with Rose Levy Beranbaum and Woody Wolston in celebration of the 35th anniversary of “The Cake Bible.” Beranbaum and Wolston reveal their tricks for génoise, their secret ingredient for perfect chocolate cake and their full-throated defense of fondant—yes, fondant! Plus, we explore the delightfully strange world of food miniatures with Emily Kenway, Chris and Sara answer your holiday cooking questions, and we make Almond and Citrus Biscotti. Get this week’s r...
This week, we go behind the scenes of French restaurants with writer and former waiter Edward Chisholm to experience the chaotic rush of Sunday brunch, discover where waiters go on their time off and find out what happens to your food before it reaches the plate. Plus, we investigate a street food mystery in India with journalist Barkha Kumari, Adam Gopnik gets in a pickle about fermented foods, and we make the Moroccan beef and chickpea stew harira. (Originally aired December 9, 2022.) Get this...
It’s our annual Thanksgiving special, and we’re dedicating the hour to solving your toughest problems. Jet Tila has ideas for reimagining vegetable side dishes, Cheryl Day solves the issue of overflowing pies, Christopher Kimball defends mini marshmallows on sweet potato casserole, and much more. Plus, we’ll get a Thanksgiving poetry reading from Adam Gopnik, find out how to make a turkey in just two hours and hear about our listeners’ most unique holiday traditions. We want to hear your culinar...
Madhur Jaffrey joins us and shares memories from mountain picnics in the Himalayas, her favorite way to enjoy a mango and stories from her career as a film and food star. Plus, we make Turkish-Style Flaky Flatbreads and journalist David Johns tries to find out—could ice cream actually be good for you? (Originally aired November 9, 2023.) Get this week’s recipe for Turkish-Style Flaky Flatbreads here . We want to hear your culinary tips! Share your cooking hacks, secret ingredients or unexpected ...
Matt Goulding shares stories from his new documentary series, “Omnivore.” We find out why he followed a tuna on a journey around the world, what Big Ag can learn from Mexican corn farmers and what happened when René Redzepi served one of the world’s hottest chili peppers at Noma. Plus, Sonoko Sakai reveals how to “wafu” your cooking, J. Kenji López-Alt solves the problems of cooking fish at home, and we uncover the history of Ukrainian borsch. Get this week’s recipe for Ukrainian Borsch here . W...
According to journalist Zoë Schlanger, your garden isn’t just full of plants that are alive, but plants that can think —like the rice plant, which recognizes its own family members. Schlanger takes us inside a hotbed of scientific controversy: the study of plant intelligence. Plus, the Washington Post’s Joe Yonan masters the art of plant-based cooking; Grant Barrett and Martha Barnette help us wrap our heads around food words; and we make a Greek White Bean Soup. Get this week’s recipe for Greek...
This week, we’re celebrating the holiday of tricks and treats with Halloween scholar Lesley Bannatyne. She teaches us how to emulate the romping Halloween parties of the Victorian era, complete with matchmaking games and dinners for the dead. Plus, we discuss Cotton Candy Grapes and other new candy-inspired flavors in fruit breeding; Dan Pashman has a suggestion for your trick-or-treat offering this year; and we make a German-Style winter squash bread. (Originally aired October 28, 2022.) Get th...
Some of the most memorable moments in politics haven’t happened at speeches or debates—they’ve been all about food. Today, we talk about food on the campaign trail with New York Times food correspondent Kim Severson. Plus, Gary He studies the menu at McDonald's locations around the world; Alex Aïnouz reveals his quest for potato chip perfection; and we make Colombian Potato Soup with Chicken, Corn and Capers. Get this week’s recipe for Colombian Potato Soup with Chicken, Corn and Capers here . W...
Before there was “Top Chef,” Tom Colicchio worked for and launched some of the greatest restaurants in New York. This week, he shares his best stories and takes us inside the kitchens of some of the hottest restaurants of the last 30 years. Plus, Emily Monaco reveals the best places to eat in Paris right now, Tamar Haspel decodes supermarket labels, and we solve the mysteries of Cacio e Pepe. Get this week’s recipe for Cacio e Pepe here . We want to hear your culinary tips! Share your cooking ha...
