Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Radio
Milk Street Radio
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 27, 2026 • 50min
So, You Want to Open A Restaurant? Drew Nieporent Tells All
Drew Nieporent, legendary restaurateur behind Nobu and Tribeca Grill, shares stories about building lasting restaurants and memorable partnerships. Kevin West, food writer and gardener, talks simple starter gardens and a skillet-roast chicken trick. Cheryl Day, baker and author, offers quick baking troubleshooting and tips for softer sourdough and custardy cornbread.
Mar 24, 2026 • 51min
The Greek Makeover: Diane Kochilas Freshens Up Greek Cooking
Diane Kochilas, Greek-born cookbook author and authority on Greek and Mediterranean cooking, shares lively stories from Ikaria and her family traditions. She explains clever uses for stale bread, demystifies homemade phyllo, and contrasts authentic strained Greek yogurts. Plus there’s a fresh take on Spaghetti Puttanesca and regional clay-pot cooking insights.
Mar 20, 2026 • 50min
The Fish Butcher: Fish Eye Ice Cream, Anyone?
Matt Goulding, co-founder of Roads & Kingdoms, shares a short list of standout, under-the-radar restaurants. Josh Nyland, Sydney chef and author of The Whole Fish Cookbook, talks whole-fish butchery, from fish-eye chips to dry-aging tuna like beef. They explore using every part of the fish, preservation techniques, and surprising plating tricks that catch diners off guard.
Mar 13, 2026 • 41min
Butterfly Buns, Barmbrack and Soda Bread: The Secrets of Irish Baking
Cherie Denham, baker, preserver, and author of The Irish Bakery, shares lively tales of traditional Irish breads and sweets. Hear about soda bread rituals and farls. Learn the charms of barmbrack and its wrapped tokens. Discover griddle treats like drop scones and Sunday puddings with tea and hospitality at their heart.
Mar 10, 2026 • 23min
Padma Lakshmi Does Standup: Extended Cut
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.
Mar 6, 2026 • 50min
Padma Lakshmi Does Standup
Padma Lakshmi, author and longtime television culinary personality, talks about a new book, a fresh cooking competition and her surprising turn into standup comedy. Elise Inamine, food writer and Kewpie enthusiast, dives into the cult history and uses of Kewpie mayonnaise. Short, lively conversations about reinvention, live performance and a beloved pantry staple.
15 snips
Feb 27, 2026 • 51min
Green Hamburgers and Pastrami Waffles: American Food in Paris
J. Kenji López-Alt, chef and culinary scientist who decodes pizza techniques. Rebecca Rossman, American reporter in France who explores French takes on US food. Adam Savage, special-effects builder known for large-scale experiments. They discuss Picard’s quirky “America Week,” wild food experiments from syrup vats to shrimp myths, and the methods behind Chicago thin-crust pizza and cloud bread in Rome.
10 snips
Feb 25, 2026 • 36min
Obsessed with the Best: Extended Cut
Ella Quittner, food writer and cookbook author known for obsessive recipe testing. She talks about testing the best chocolate chip cookies, flaky biscuits, and crispiest bacon. They debate poaching vs. shortcuts, why white wine tenderizes yellow cake, the limits of food science, brining choices, and a trick to make fresh pasta chewier.
Feb 20, 2026 • 50min
The Cook Who Tested Everything: Ella Quittner is Obsessed with the Best
Stella Parks, pastry chef and author, answers tricky baking questions with technical clarity. Mari Orozco, producer and reporter, brings a lively Cake Picnic field report. Ella Quittner, food writer and obsessive recipe tester, shares her methodical trials on biscuits, bacon, poached eggs, cakes, brines, and surprising freezes. Short, lively segments explore baking chemistry, tempering, and competitive recipe testing.
Feb 17, 2026 • 56min
Catching the Codfather Part 1: Red Lobster
Carlos Rafael, Atlantic-born fishing entrepreneur who built Carlos Seafood into a New Bedford processing empire. He recounts his rise from immigrant to powerful operator. The story covers undercover buyers, secret cash ledgers, and an alleged multimillion-dollar black-market fish trade. It also explores community pressure, regulatory fights, and the looming federal probe.
