Expense Account

Tom Colicchio, renowned restaurateur and longtime Top Chef judge, shares colorful career memories and industry tales. He talks about 1990s farmer’s markets, the changing cost of opening a NYC restaurant, training in kitchens versus culinary school, near‑misses like The Sopranos, and how restaurant design and service evolved over 25 years.

Keith McNally, legendary restaurateur behind Balthazar and Minetta Tavern, and author of I Regret Almost Everything. He talks about what makes a restaurant have soul, balancing high and low energy in a room, music curation and the perfect two-person meal at Balthazar. He also discusses social media, handling failures, and why some places are better left as memories.

Cami Téllez, founder of the viral underwear brand Parade, and Sasha Mutchnik, Senior Social Director at GQ, dive into everything from LA's unique food trends to the quirks of their Columbia friendship. They discuss the rise of Chinese chicken salad in NYC, quirky restaurant experiences like baked crab hand rolls, and the cultural impact of dining dynamics. Cami shares her memorable engagement story, while Sasha reflects on people-watching at Cipriani. They also touch on beauty trends, supplement routines, and their favorite restaurants, offering an entertaining mix of food and personal anecdotes.

Pete Wells, former restaurant critic for The New York Times, shares his insights on food and dining culture. He discusses the impact of social media on restaurant design and how everyone is now a food journalist. Wells reflects on the importance of sandwich structure and his fondness for overlooked restaurants. He also considers the challenges of maintaining anonymity as a critic and the consequences of big reviews. Plus, he reminisces about holiday cooking traditions and his current culinary projects.

Eddie Huang, a dynamic chef, author, and filmmaker known for his work on Fresh Off the Boat, dives into some captivating topics. He shares hilarious tales of being jailed in Sicily and his intense writing routine fueled by Sky Ferreira. Eddie opens up about his upcoming autofictional novel addressing loneliness and family, and critiques the state of menswear in New York. He humorously navigates culinary perspectives on burgers while discussing cultural identity in the context of ChinaMaxxing. Expect laughter, insight, and a touch of chaos!

This week on Expense Account, J Lee and Emily Sundberg spoke to Sammy Nussdorf, the founder and CEO of Meadow Lane. Topics discussed include:* Mouse-gate.* Chicken Nugget-gate.* Building a viral business in public, and why haters fuel growth.* And what sets his Tribeca gourmet grocer, Meadow Lane, apart from New York’s existing establishments.Expense Account is a food podcast for everyone. Insiders, outsiders, your mom, your dad, New Yorkers, Angelenos and also people from Florida (we love you). Anyone who enjoys eating food. It’s even for people who hate food. Feed Me’s resident food critic, J Lee will be joined each week by interesting and noteworthy guests from various fields who will make you laugh, they might even make you cry, who knows. You’ll find us here each week. Subscribe to stay relevant. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.readfeedme.com/subscribe

In this festive special, the hosts dive into the joys and chaos of holiday parties. They compare party styles and share their panic-shopping fashion finds. A taste test of Tom Cruise's coconut cake leads to lively discussions about favorite pastries, including a rich Layers of passion fruit and chocolate cake. They reflect on nostalgic foods and the rising trend of cinnamon rolls. Listeners are treated to insights on NYC's pizza spots and the allure of quiet luxury dining, all while unboxing delightful holiday gifts.

Paul Carmichael, the culinary brain behind Momofuku's Kabawa, shares his journey from leading restaurants in Australia to infusing Caribbean flavors in NYC. Marguerite Zabar Mariscal, the Momofuku Group's CEO, discusses the unique challenges of opening in difficult neighborhoods and the essence of their restaurant's identity. They delve into the charm of phone-only reservations and the importance of local patrons, while highlighting memorable dishes and the creative process behind Kabawa's vibrant design.

Asa Akira, an adult film star turned writer and podcaster, shares fascinating insights into her life. She talks about her love for collecting miniatures and why tiny food excites her. Asa dives into the challenges of school lunches and overcoming childhood food shyness. She recounts pregnancy cravings and how motherhood influenced her cooking, as well as her mission to expose her kids to diverse foods. With a mix of humor and nostalgia, Asa reflects on the complexities of body image and food culture, making the conversation both relatable and entertaining.

Hannah Crosbie, a witty drinks columnist for The Observer Magazine and author of the humorous Corker, dives into the joy of wine. She argues that wine writing should be as enjoyable as sipping a glass with friends. The duo explores Riesling's charm, the cultural quirks of British pubs, and her vibrant New York experiences. Hannah also shares hilarious stories of festival drinking and the importance of making wine accessible. Get ready for a delightful mix of laughs, insights, and practical wine advice!