This Is TASTE

Maggie Hoffman, a cookbook author and founder of The Dinner Plan Substack, dives into her journey through food media. She shares her experiences at Serious Eats and Epicurious, contrasting their creative and data-driven environments. Topics include the art of fried chicken preparation, the rise of private label grocery brands, and her innovative approach to independent newsletter monetization. Maggie also envisions a rich audio project on regional food traditions, while emphasizing the importance of slower, more connected food conversations.

Cha McCoy, a Harlem entrepreneur and sommelier, shares her journey from engineering to wine with infectious enthusiasm. She discusses her book, 'Wine Pairing for the People,' and how it democratizes wine knowledge through storytelling and cultural context. Cha emphasizes making wine accessible, challenging traditional pairing rules, and celebrating diverse food cultures alongside wines. Also featured are tasty highlights from Matt and Aliza’s recent discoveries in Korea and NYC, enriching the conversation around food and culture.

Pablo Rivero, CEO of Resy and Tock, shares his deep passion for the restaurant industry and dining experiences. He reflects on his early days in Venezuela's bakery and his journey from banking to hospitality. Listeners discover trending dining spots, including the rise of high-quality pizza and wine bars with gourmet food. Pablo highlights the importance of regional cuisines and how diners take charge at the table. Lastly, he emphasizes supporting both new and established neighborhood restaurants, creating vibrant culinary communities.

Anna Archibald and Kevin Serai, the creative duo behind Cabbages World, discuss their journey from viral cooking videos to a robust lifestyle platform. They share childhood food memories steeped in Japanese culture and dive into their unique two-person filming style that captivates audiences. The couple emphasizes approachable recipes for busy lives and reflects on their careful approach to brand partnerships. With hopes for a cookbook in the future, they highlight signature dishes that resonate with their community while navigating the challenges of parasocial relationships.

Dorie Greenspan, an award-winning cookbook author and recipe developer, shares her journey from a non-food writing background to creating 15 beloved cookbooks. She discusses her new release, Anytime Cakes, delving into the origins of her cake passion and the simplicity of baking. Dorie reminisces about collaborations with culinary legends like Julia Child, and reveals how global inspirations shape her recipes. From yogurt-and-berry cakes to the intriguing 'invisible cake', her passion for easy, delicious desserts shines throughout.

Join award-winning sommelier and canned spritz creator Jordan Salcito, alongside seafood maestro Ari Kolender. Jordan shares her unique journey from a kitchen to the wine world, discussing her new book Smart Mouth and how it demystifies wine for busy readers. She also talks about the joy of canned wine and her life in Paris. Meanwhile, Ari dives into the top restaurants that shaped his culinary path, reflecting on his love for seafood and the importance of sourcing fresh ingredients. Together, they explore passion, palate, and the art of dining.

Chelsea Fagan, CEO of The Financial Diet and author of Having People Over, shares her insights on hosting and etiquette. She warns against trying new recipes at dinner parties and explains how home cooking can be a financial strategy. Chelsea discusses Gen Z's reliance on delivery apps and offers budgeting tips. She also critiques bad guest behavior, emphasizing the importance of bringing meaningful contributions. With a focus on presentation and setting up drink stations, Chelsea's tips will make any gathering memorable!

Cassie Yeung is a food content creator and former NBA dancer known for her New York Times Bestseller, 'Bad B*tch in the Kitch'. In this lively discussion, Cassie shares how family recipes transcend language barriers and reveals her passion for approachable Asian cuisine. She talks about her viral TikTok cooking videos, the fun of being a Brooklynette, and her experience singing the national anthem on short notice. Plus, get the inside scoop on her favorite dining spots and the art of creating simple yet addictive recipes like soy-marinated eggs.

Hetty Lui McKinnon, a celebrated recipe developer and author of 'Linger,' shares her insights into plant-based cooking and the art of salad-making. She reveals the magic behind her viral tomato and dumpling salad and discusses her unique approach to writing recipes. Joining her is Toni Chapman, a home cook known for her comforting Afro-Latina dishes. Toni talks about her childhood food memories and how she blends cultural flavors in her cooking, including an adaptation of New York-style Chinese takeout.

Will Thompson, co-owner of Sunny's in Miami, shares the inspiring journeys of his culinary career, highlighting influential meals from his early days in Boston. Meanwhile, Nick Tamburo and Nikita Malhotra, the creative duo behind Smithereens, delve into their New England-inspired seafood offerings and innovative beverage program featuring Riesling and rice-fermented drinks. They reflect on the importance of intentionality in food, service, and even music, crafting a unique dining experience that's deeply connected to the East Village community.