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.
For this week's special rewind, we ask: Should you judge a wine by its label? Andres O'Hara studies the influence of wine label design; Alexander Smalls shares how the Afro-Asian diaspora changed the world of cooking; we settle the eternal debate: corks or screwcaps?; and we prepare a pasta with broccoli sauce.
This week, it's all about food inventions and innovations. Nicola Twilley reveals the history of refrigeration, from ingenious fridge designs to Rwanda’s pioneering “coldscape.” Plus, meat scientist Chris Calkins invents new cuts of steaks, and Dan Pashman wonders if the food tech takeover is actually a bust. Finally, we share a recipe for the pope’s carbonara. (Originally aired August 23, 2024.) Get this week’s recipe for Spaghetti with Prosciutto, Parmesan and Peas here . Listen to Milk Street...
In this special episode, we’re sharing an extended cut of our interview with Hannah Selinger about her tell-all memoir, Cellar Rat . She shares her best somm secrets and favorite stories—like what happened when she wore a Yankees cap to her restaurant job in Boston. Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify...
Former restaurant server and sommelier Hannah Selinger shares stories from her tell-all memoir, Cellar Rat , featuring run-ins with critics, strategies for spotting bad tippers, what she considers the stuffiest restaurant in New York, and how she thinks the industry may one day reform. Plus, Özlem Warren gives us the true taste of Istanbul and Kim Severson explains why America is breaking up with the calorie. Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify...
For this week's special episode, we're replaying our 2017 interview with Samin Nosrat about her now-classic cookbook, Salt Fat Acid Heat. Plus, Dan Pashman weighs in on burgers and we make skirt steak salad. Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
This week, we share a story of revenge, betrayal and secrets … at a frozen vegetable empire. John Seabrook investigates why running “the biggest vegetable factory on Earth” led to generations of drama in his family, like a real-life version of the TV show “Succession.” Plus, Brendan Liew gives us a tour of Japan’s incredible convenience stores; Kenji López-Alt finds the best way to crack an egg; and we learn how to make Sri Lankan Spinach and Coconut Dal with Tomato Tarka. (Originally aired June...
In this special episode, we’re releasing an extended cut of our interview with José Andrés. He shares stories and strong opinions about his favorite foods from Spain (migas! escabeche! churros!). Plus, José explains the magic of cooking in all its forms, from molecular gastronomy to simple home-cooked meals.
José Andrés is back to celebrate the food from his home country! He goes beyond paella and sangria to honor lesser-known Spanish foods like migas, wine-soaked bread and… mayonnaise. Plus, he shares stories from one of history's best restaurants, elBulli, and explains why you should never order churros at a restaurant. Also, Trevor Warmedahl makes cheese in Mongolia's Valley of the Yaks; and Grant Barrett and Martha Barnette of "A Way With Words" break down the meaning of internet food memes. Lis...
Today, we look back at one of our favorite episodes with YouTube sensation Maangchi. She talks kimchi, sea squirt, and why French food doesn’t stand a chance. Plus, we learn how ancient Minoans cooked; Alex Aïnouz wonders if we should all have 3D printers in our kitchens; and we share our recipe for Savory Bread Pudding. Get the recipe for Savory Bread Pudding here . Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify...
Itamar Srulovich and Sarit Packer, the married couple behind Honey & Co., are back! This time, they’re here to fix your frittatas, throw out your stocks, and even offer a few suggestions for your love life. Plus, we meet the villagers restoring Germany’s communal bakehouses; Adam Gopnik praises the most useful tool in the kitchen; and Sohla El-Waylly is here to answer your cooking questions, from the best ways to use up Dungeness crabs to tips on how to replicate an accidentally perfect cher...
We're revisiting some of our wackiest, most whimsical stories. We explore the music of the Vienna Vegetable Orchestra, where flutes and drums are replaced by carrots and pumpkins; Samuel West uncovers a shameful history of food failures; and we head down to North Carolina for "O' Moldy Night": the jiggliest, wobbliest food competition around. [NOTE: We previously posted the episode but due to a technical issue, we are re-uploading a corrected version.] Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podca...
We get real with “Top Chef” host Kristen Kish. She talks about her career, her show and what bugs her most about restaurant goers. Also on the show—we chat with Reya Hart about eating and traveling on tour with her father, Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart; Kim Severson explains why meat is on the rise again; we make Puff Pastry Khachapuri; and Chris Kimball and Sara Moulton answer listener calls. (Originally aired May 2, 2025.) Get the recipe for Puff Pastry Khachapuri here . Listen to Milk Str...
This week, a food fight: authors Jan Dutkiewicz and Gabriel Rosenberg present their case for…embracing McDonalds and Burger King? Listen to their vision for a better industrial food system that looks nothing like the farm-to-table diets of Michael Pollen and Alice Waters. Plus, we tour the secret cookies of Italy with Domenica Marchetti; and Elazar Sontag and Lyndsay C. Green discuss the changing state of restaurant criticism. Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify...
This week: suitcases full of contraband, a smuggler who writes poetry in jail and the chance to make thousands of dollars in a single night. Reporter Otis Gray brings us the story of America’s eel fishing boom, and what happened when it got out of hand. Plus, Kenji López-Alt discusses the surprising science of salting scrambled eggs, and we make kefta in a creamy tahini sauce. (Originally aired September 27, 2024.) Get this week’s recipe for Baked Kefta with Tahini here . Listen to Otis Gray’s “...
In this special episode, we’re sharing an extended cut of our interview with Helen Zoe Veit about how American children become picky eaters—and how to raise kids who aren’t. Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
American children are some of the fussiest eaters in history, but it wasn’t always this way. In the 19th century, kids ate oysters and corned beef, and loved all things sour, smoky, and funky. Helen Zoe Veit shares how American children become picky eaters—and how to raise kids who aren’t. Plus, honey sommelier Marina Marchese guides Chris through a blind taste test (which includes the bitterest honey in the world!) and Milk Street’s Digital Editor Claire Lower sits down with comedian Josh Gonde...
Lidia Bastianich joins Christopher Kimball to answer our listeners’ Italian cooking questions—from the ultimate 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. (Originally aired April 11, 2025.) Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Ap...
This episode features renowned restaurateur Drew Nieporent discussing his journey, celebrity partnerships, and the secrets behind opening and sustaining iconic restaurants like Nobu. Expert gardener Kevin West provides actionable advice for starting a small, manageable garden and creative ways to cook produce. Additionally, Cheryl Day tackles common baking questions and a previously untranslated Italian cookbook, "The Talisman of Happiness," is explored for its historical and culinary significance.
Today, we look back at one of our favorite episodes with cooking legend Diane Kochilas. She talks the real Greek yogurt, how to make great dishes with stale bread and the magical Greek island of Ikaria. Plus, we explore the art and nostalgia of Jell-O molds; Dan Pashman untangles the legal definition of a sandwich; and we present a fresh new take on Spaghetti Puttanesca. (Originally aired May 10, 2019.) Get the recipe for Spaghetti Puttanesca here . Want more recipes inspired by the Greek isles?...
Josh Niland is a master of his craft: whole fish cooking, bones and all. He joins us to talk about transforming fish into ice cream and chips, and the tricks he’s played on customers at his Sydney restaurant, Saint Peter. Plus, reporter Sean Cole meets the prison inmate preparing chili and dragon rolls; and Matt Goulding shares the best restaurants you’ve never heard of. Get this week’s recipe for Skillet-Roasted Chicken with Burnt Shallot Jus here . Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcast...
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; Alex Aïnouz is on a journey to make the world’s best roasted chicken; and we cook up Spinach and Ricotta Dumplings in Tomato Sauce. Get this week’s recipe for Spinach and Ricotta Dumplings in Tomato Sauce here . Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify...
Today, we’re sharing an extended cut of our interview with Padma Lakshmi. We discuss everything from her early years in India to her love for standup comedy. She reminisces about her time on an Italian variety show, which laid the foundation for a long and successful career as a cooking competition host. Plus, she reveals the secret to being a great judge on Top Chef.
After 17 years hosting Top Chef , Padma Lakshmi was ready for something new. This week, she fills us in on her recent endeavors: a new book, an original culinary competition show and standup comedy. Plus, Elyse Inamine celebrates a cult-favorite mayonnaise, Kewpie; and Mariena Mercer Boarini, Master Mixologist for Wynn Resorts North America, shares why martinis are the cocktail of the year. Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify...
Reporter Rebecca Rosman takes us to one of France’s favorite grocery stores—Picard—where everything is frozen. Every spring they celebrate “America Week” with concoctions such as popcorn ice cream, doughnuts made of ground-up potatoes and marshmallows in places they don’t belong. Is this really what American cuisine looks like in the eyes of the French? Plus, Adam Savage of “MythBusters” fame joins us to break down his favorite food experiments, including the time he dropped an Olympic swimmer i...
In this special episode, we’re sharing an extended cut of our interview with Ella Quittner, author of Obsessed With the Best. We cover everything: her tests for the best chocolate chip cookies, what food science gets right (and wrong), the trendiest food of 2026, and the problem with meat that’s more like “baby food." Plus, Ella shares her tests for the flakiest biscuits, crispiest bacon, most tender yellow cake, and more. Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify...
Ella Quittner has spent years meticulously testing recipes for the flakiest biscuits, crispiest bacon, perfectly poached eggs, most tender yellow cake, and more. This week, she joins us to share her findings and her new book, Obsessed with the Best . Plus Milk Street Radio Producer Mari Orozco brings us to Cake Picnic; Stella Parks is back to answer your baking questions; and we learn the language of butter from our friends at A Way with Words . Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | S...
Today, we’re sharing a special episode from The Big Dig podcast from GBH News, Catching the Codfather. Carlos “The Codfather” Rafael dominates the most valuable fishing port in the United States, and no one is quite sure how he did it. But in 2015, when undercover federal agents offer to buy his business, Carlos opens his books. Listen to the series host Ian Coss talk with Christopher Kimball on Milk Street Radio about the full story here . Subscribe to The Big Dig Presents: Catching the Codfath...
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 Sara Moulton (of Cooking Live fame) answers caller cooking questions, and Adam Gopnik weighs in on the spectacle of Iron Chef . Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podca...
Delve into the fascinating tale of Carlos Rafael, known as "The Codfather," who amassed a fortune through an elaborate fishing fraud involving mislabeled catches and cash smuggling, as investigated by reporter Ian Coss. The episode also features chef Natasha Pickowicz on the communal joys and simple techniques of hot pot, and a segment answering listener questions about Norwegian pancakes, Julia Child's Gâteau de Crêpes, shallots, and herb infusions.
Something surprising happened earlier this month: Five intrepid journalists brought Gourmet magazine back from the dead after they discovered Condé Nast let its trademark lapse. This week, we revisit our episode from 2019 with Gourmet’s final editor-in-chief, Ruth Reichl. She shares stories about the magazine’s glory days, its final days, and the perks of being an editor in the golden age of publishing. Plus, Vicky Bennison takes us behind the scenes of Pasta Grannies, her YouTube channel that d...
