CookPod

Episode 013: Rachel Roddy

This week I talk with British food writer Rachel Roddy, author of two excellent books on Roman and Sicilian cooking and one of the best food writers it has been my pleasure to know over the last decade. We spent a lot of time unpacking what it means to write about a cuisine that is not "yours", and especially the pitfalls about writing about Italian food as a non-Italian. She's great—smart, talented, and very perceptive—and I think we really got somewhere with this one. 

Episode 012: David Burtka

This week I talk to David Burtka about his new book Life's A Party, a practical and engaging guide to entertaining throughout the year. Besides the book, we discuss his upbringing and career in musical theater, his subsequent decision to give up acting (temporarily) to study cooking, and the challenges of parenting in the digital age. He's as warm in person as the book suggests, and we had a good conversation. 

Episode 011: Karima Moyer

This week, my talk with Karima Moyer, author of The Eternal Table, a culinary history of Rome from its founding to the present. We talk about how she ended up moving to Italy 30 years ago, how she ended up writing books about Italian culinary history after studying theatrical design and dramaturgy, and what it's like to still be treated like an immigrant after such a long time living there. If you're interested in Italian food beyond just recipes, pick up her books. They will not disappoint. 

Episode 010: Elizabeth Minchilli

I just got back from Italy, where I recorded a few interviews. First up, Elizabeth Minchilli, one of the best-known American food writers living there. We talk about the path that brought her to Italy thirty years ago, her new book The Italian Table, and the culinary tours she leads with her daughter Sophie. 

Episode 009: Kathleen Finlay

This week I talk to Kathleen Finlay, Director of Glynwood, a nonprofit agricultural think tank and advocacy organization in Cold Spring. I've been a fan of theirs for a long time, and since she came on as director they've accomplished a great deal. We discuss the importance of goats, and of training farmers, and how essential regional food systems are to the health of individuals, communities, and the environment. 

Episode 008: Roscoe Betsill

This week I talk with food stylist Roscoe Betsill. He's been making food beautiful for 40 years or so, and has been part time up here in the Hudson Valley for 25. We talked about creativity within the bounds of commercial work and how he's always preferred naturalism (which is why I like his work). 

Episode 007: Mary Giuliani

This week I talk with Mary Giuliani, whose memoir Tiny Hot Dogs drops in April. We discuss her impressive trajectory, going from aspiring comedian to caterer to the stars in a remarkably short time. We also touch on a bunch of other issues from opening businesses in Woodstock to some of the bold-face names she's worked with over the years. 

Episode 006: Travis Kauffman

This week I talk to Travis Kauffman, owner of Folksbier Brewery in Brooklyn. A founder of the Frankies restaurant empire, he's moved on to making some of the most interesting beers in the city. We talk about his story and the dramatic expansion of the business that's underway, and get into some geeky beer techniques as well. Cheers!

Episode 005: Dina Falconi

This week I talk with forager and wild plant expert Dina Falconi, author of Foraging And Feasting: A Field Guide and Wild Plant Cookbook. It's almost spring, so if you're interested in learning about the wild edibles growing outside your door, give a listen. She's wise, funny, and tells a good story. 

Episode 004: Maryline Damour

This week I talk to Maryline Damour of Kingston Design Connection. Like me, she's a home cook with no culinary training who nonetheless has a serious cooking practice refined over many years and trips abroad. We talk about being self-taught, and about improvising meals with a wealth of global influences.