Off The Menu

Due to board operator error, Dara was not able to connected with her guest this week.  So, she leaves it to the listening audience to guide the show.  The topics vary, but there is a bit of focus on liverwurst.

It's Fishing Opener weekend across Minnesota.  Dara gets in the spirit by heading out East.  She talks with commercial New England fisherman Al Cottone about his industry in the Atlantic and his role in the new film Dead in the Water.  Also, in spirit of the weekend, our host shares her favorite grilled fish/seafood recipes.

The annual Festival of Nations is taking place in St. Paul this weekend.  We hear about the event from International Institute of MN executive director Jane Graupman and Safari chef/owner Jamal Hashi.  After that, Dara reveals her top cole slaw recipes from around the world.

Looking to use more natural sugars in your diet?  Author Beth Dooley and photographer Mette Nielsen are on to discuss what honey and maple syrup bring to the table in their new book, "Sweet Nature."  Plus, Twin Cities restaurateur extraordinaire Christina Nguyen previews a fun Saturday night as part of this weekend's WCR (Women Chefs & Restaurateurs) National Conference.

Are you a person that takes a day to cook for the whole week? Do you have special dietary needs?  Author Cassy Joy Garcia tackles that combination in her new cookbook.  She explains her journey to become a nutritionist.  Plus, Dara shares her top coconut macaroon recipes and wants to know what you're cooking for Easter dinner.

Alongside what it does to our physique, how much does food effect our emotional health?  Author Maggie Battista joins the show to discuss that topic and her new cookbook, "New Way Food."  Plus, Dara shares her top lentil recipes.

In the world of alcoholic products, hard seltzers are all the rage.  Fair State Brewing has come up with their own contribution to the market.  Founder Niko Tonks comes on the program to talk about the product line.  Plus, Dara presents her top beer cocktail recipes.

Noted cookbook author Janet Fletcher stops by the program to discuss her latest offering, "Wine Country Table."

Dara sits down with Bachelor Farmer wine director Erin Rolek.  We also hear from some guests (folks from the Seward Co-op and Claire Curran of In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre) looking to raise funding for the 2019 May Day Parade.  And our host provides her top frozen artichoke recipes.

How can we live a healthier lifestyle.  Multimedia health expert Pilar Gerasimo returns to the show to discuss the latest updates on bettering our physical and mental conditioning.  And Dara talks about what you're doing for St. Patrick's Day.

There's some crossover today.  Chris Rooney & Andy Praskey from the Real Estate Radio Hour join Dara to talk about the impact of a home's kitchen.  Chris Gamer tells us about the Million Hazelnut Campaign.  And what recipes crockpot pasta recipes would your children love?  Our host provides a list.

According to scientists, insect populations are dying off.  What does that mean for our food supply?  Ames Farm founder & owner Brian Fredericksen talks about the potential effect on honey production.  In honor of the topic, Dara unveils her top honey recipes.

We know how food affects our bodies.  What about our brains?  Dietitian and author Michelle Babb joins the program to explain her latest book on the topic.  Plus, Dara tells us her top recipes for chard.

The conversation turns to making sure that your kitchen is organized.  Neat Little Nest founder Michelle Vig explains the Marie Kondo effect on how to keep our kitchens and food storage places efficient.  Plus, Dara reveals her top Winter soup recipes.

Dara gets into all things in Southeast Asian cooking when she chats with chef and owner of Lat14, Ann Ahmed.

How can you go about building a food business?  Mary Kosir of Whole Me tells us the inner workings of that process.  Chef Geoffrey Hausmann talks about his new role at the Sample Room.  Plus, Dara shares her best guacamole recipes for your big game party.

Molly and Charlie Broder discuss their multitude of Italian restaurants.  What's it like to run and maintain a family-based restaurant empire?  Plus, what are Dara's top make-and-freeze chili recipes?

Local legendary locavore chef Lenny Russo joins Dara to chat about several topics in the food world.  Plus, our hosts reveals her top bean soup and stew recipes.

How's it going with that New Years' diet?  Is it the right one for you?  Dr. Michael Rozien of the Cleveland Clinic joins the program to discuss his new book on how food and diet can help our health.  Plus, Dara reveals her top five bean salad recipes.

Brian DeVore from the Land Stewardship Project discusses his new book about having success in the modern age of farming.  Hazelwood Food and Drink chef/partner Scott Foster explains what he's doing to help out the Taste of the NFL.