Off The Menu

Today's show is a bit shorter due to updates on the COVID-19 outbreak.  And Dara is trying to bring information on this pandemic from a more local perspective.  Author and nutrition expert Pilar Gerasimo talks about the physical and mental effects that we can improve during the stress of a crisis.  Blue Plate Restaurant Group CEO/founder Stephanie Shimp explains how this outbreak has effected attendance at her establishments.

Willard's chef Eric Harcey tells us why he left the Twin Cities to open his own place in the much more intimate community of Cambridge.  Parkway Theater bartender Mike Byrne explains his process of making cocktails based on some of our favorite Cult Classic movies.  Plus, is there a style of cornbread that's more unique to the Upper Midwest?

Have you ever heard of rage baking?  Dara gets a primer on this style from Katherine Alford and Kathy Gunst, co-authors of the new book Rage Baking: The Transformative Power of Flour, Fury, and Women's Voices.  Then, chef Yia Vang discusses the traditions of Hmong cooking.  He also tells us about his interpretation of it that's being shown through his food truck (Union Kitchen) and his upcoming restaurant (Bahn Vee-nai).

This is an episode that goes beyond the process of cooking and enjoying food.  Dara looks at stories of food with political circumstances.  She chats with journalist/author Mara Hvistendahl (The Scientist and the Spy: A True Story of China, the FBI, and Industrial Espionage) about how corn played a large role in an international scandal.  Klecko, the Poet Baker of St. Paul (Hitman-Baker-Casketmaker) explains his latest offerings after his former bakery's encounter with ICE.  Author Ronnie Cummins (Grassroots Rising) tells us his thoughts on climate change and the effects on America's farming industry.

El Burrito Murcado CEO Milissa Silva Diaz takes us behind the scenes of this Twin Cities institution.  Plus, how is the restaurant evolving alongisde the city of St. Paul?  Artisan Plaza and Fall's Landing chef JD Fratzke explains the art of cooking in the southern part of the state, as well as some of the trends coming back into the industry.

This week, Bachelor Farmer chef Jonathan Gans comes in to discuss the cross-section of natural foraging and pickling those items.  Then, Meal Magazine founder/Editor-in-Chief Peter Sieve describes how he started in the business of food journalism.

It's a show to highlight the "spirit" in you.  Tattersall Distilling founder/owner Dan Oskey tells us how this specific industry has taken off across the state on Minnesota.  Bourget Imports partner and portfolio director Annette Peters explains the multiple affects that new wine tariffs are having on her business and others.

It's a Surf & Turf edition of the show.  6Smith and Baldamar owner Randy Stanley comes in studio to take care of the Turf.  Josh Nelson of Almanac Fish and Fish Guys stops by to handle the Surf.

Dara looks at how we can go green when she speaks with Eureka! Recycling co-president Lynn Hoffman.  Then, our host invites chef Jamie Malone and bartender Nicholas Kosevich on the show to discuss the latest in food and drink.

Are you looking for a new, healthier start to 2020?  Let Pilar Gerasimo by your guide.  Her first book, "The Healthy Deviant", will come out January 7th.  She joins Dara to offer some life and health guidance.  And our host lets us know her top recipes for making your New Years' Eve party a success.

It's a carb-loaded edition of the program.  Steve Horton of Baker's Field Bread & Flour stops by to discuss his process to making and baking bread in the Twin Cities.  The Lexington chef Jack Riebel provides an update on battling a health scare.  Plus, Dara reveals her top icebox cookie recipes.

It's a well-known fact that Wisconsin is one of the beer capitals of the world.  But how did the state get to that perch?  Doug Hoverson, author of the new book "The Drink that Made Wisconsin Famous: Beer and Brewing in the Badger State", joins Dara to describe that history.  Plus, chef Tim McKee tells us about St. Paul's first indoor weekend market of the Winter season.

Still stuffed from the Thanksgiving leftovers?  How about some liquid refreshment to quench that thirst?  It's a "Coffee & Tea" show during this holiday weekend.  Jeff Hilligoss and Josh Klauck from Northern Coffeeworks discuss the unique way that they got into the coffee business.  Sam Eilers of Jinx Tea explains how his company is looking to advance and expand people's thoughts on this beverage.

When you think of authentic pastas, most thoughts turn to grandmothers making fresh noodles in Italy.  Author Vicky Bennison has been travelling around talking with these women for her latest book.  She explains her journey (and theirs).  Plus, Dara gets you ready for Turkey Day with her top "Do-Ahead Thanksgiving" recipes.

Have you ever heard of lateral cooking?  Author Niki Segnit joins the program to discuss this style of cooking that effects some of  our favoite comforts.  How difficult is it to be a turkey farmer during the month of November?  Ferndale Market farmer/owner John Peterson explains.

Dara takes a break from her standard discussions on food.  She broadcasts from the Cambria Studio in Minneapolis and talks with some local entrepreneurs providing items you might want on your holiday wish lists.  Her guests are Jennifer Kinkead of Jella World Artist Collections, Jen Scheffler of Realia by Jen, and Amy Jants of Smittens & Stockings.

The culinary history of African-Americans is rich and deep.  Author Toni Tipton-Martin explores the historic nature of this cooking culture in her new book "Jubilee: Recipes from Two Centuries of American Cooking."  She tells us about the work she put in to create this work.  Plus, Dara reveals her top modern recipes for okra.

Black Sheep Pizza founder Jordan Smith explains his journey in the industry and his approach to this celebrated entree.  Mike Phillips of Red Table Meats chats about salami and what this business is doing in conjunction with Kieran's Kitchen.  Dara tells us her top recipes for those pizza pies your grandmothers used to (or still) make.

So, what do you think is quintessential "American cuisine"?  Author Gabrielle Langholtz explains how immigrants have added to this part of American culture in her new book “A Place at the Table: New American Recipes from the Nation’s Top Foreign-Born Chefs.”  And Dara gives us her top Crock-Pot recipes from around the globe.

An important Hindu holiday is around the corner, and you can celebrate it with a celebration in Minneapolis.  Hot Indian Foods owner Amal Dixit is in to describe the festival of Diwali, as well as discuss how Indian food may become the newest trend. What separates Chicago pizza from other styles?  Author Steve Dolinski explains this city's special relationship with this entree.  Plus, Dara tells us her best soup recipes that will keep you healthy.