The Aimless Cook Podcast

In this episode:Eats of Asia is back for more pop-ups.A look at future interviews.ELYMI opening and the buffet people we hate.I read one of the most horrific AHS inspection reports from a recently closed Calgary restaurant and talked about basic expectations of Alberta’s Food Regulation.Thanks for listening. Rate, review, and share with your friends if you love this show. Be kind to one another.DM me at @theaimlesscook on Instagram or email jay@theaimlesscookpodcast.comPeace,J Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Aimless Cook Podcast, special guest, Chef Erin Boukall talks about her career as a high school foods teacher. Chef Boukall shares her experiences as she moved through the stages of her time as a goldsmith, culinary student, and educator and how these facets have helped her in her work today. Chef Boukall is also a food stylist, writer, and creator of the popular blog, Culinary Calgary.Chef Erin Boukall on Instagram: @culinarycalgarywww.culinarycalgary.comThanks for listening! Be sure to rate, review, and share with your friends. Music: Music from #Uppbeathttps://uppbeat.io/t/oakvale-of-albion/block-partyLicense code: UFIHSI1TIFZLJUFX Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Aimless Cook Podcast:The Eats Of Asia countdown is onGoing back to schoolBest toppings for a bowl of riceThe Chili Crunch Backlash and Momofuku's official responseYYC Asian lunch specialsTrue World Foods @trueworldfoodscalgary6a Snack Bar @6a.snackbar.yycFat Kee Noodle House 3132 26 St NELink to the podcast with David Chang and Momofuku CEO Marguerite Mariscal: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-dave-chang-show/id1375877915?i=1000652284807https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/momofuku-chili-crunch-controversy-original-spicy-oil-rcna147284Thank you for listening. If you like the show, please rate, review, and subscribe! Buy our merch! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's Freestyle Friday:The return of Eats of AsiaOur favourite Calgary Mom-and-Pop restaurantsA visit to Mogouyan Hand-Pulled NoodleThanks for listening! If you love this show, please rate, review, and share with your friends!Peace! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Chef Jay talks about the history of instant ramen from its development and introduction to the world by its inventor, Momofuku Ando. Jay also talks about how his legacy changed the culinary landscape forever and launched a multi-billion-dollar industry. Listen to how countries worldwide enjoy instant noodles and a few recipes while you’re here. Enjoy the show!If you love the show, please rate, review, and share with your friends! Thanks for listening.https://www.vox.com/2015/3/5/8150929/momofuku-ando-ramen-instant-noodleshttps://lemelson.mit.edu/resources/momofuku-andohttps://www.biography.com/inventor/momofuku-andohttps://www.cupnoodles-museum.jp/en/osaka_ikeda/attractions/chronicle/https://www.britannica.com/story/how-was-instant-ramen-inventedhttps://myfoodjobrocks.com/innovation-in-hindsight/https://www.reddit.com/r/InstantRamen/comments/13j86o2/recreating_momofuku_andos_original_nissin_instant/?rdt=64533https://www.cupnoodles-museum.jp/en/yokohama/attractions/history/https://www.vox.com/2015/3/5/8150929/momofuku-ando-ramen-instant-noodleshttps://www.reddit.com/r/todayilearned/comments/15371q7/til_momofuku_ando_the_inventor_of_insta_ramen/“L.A. Son: My Life, My City, My Food” by Roy ChoiInstant Version Dandan NoodlesSapporo Ichiban Commercial: TabiEats visit 24-hour instant ramen self-serve restaurantMusic:Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/birdsLicense code: NYG8VGWYAHUXCQNIMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/pecan-pie/vlog-kingLicense code: SYJQZDQD8AAM6FGF Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week’s edition of Freestyle Friday, Jay talks about:work/life balanceMama’s Rice Roll ReviewHyper-regional Western-style Chinese dishesApril Events“Struggle Food”Listener MailMitzi’s Closing: https://winnipeg.ctvnews.ca/video/c2889559-end-of-an-era-for-winnipeg-restaurantTokyo Chopsticks Private Chef Series. DM Chef Keisuke if you would like to book a special dinner in April. Instagram: @tokyochopsticksyycBrown Bagging For Calgary Kids: http://www.bb4ck.orgFilipino Restaurant Month: Avenue Magazine CalgaryThanks again for listening. If you love the show, please rate, review, and share with your friends!This show was created, written, and hosted by Jay del Corro and hosted on Acast.Support us by donating, or buying merch from the shop. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we continue with part 2 of our Chinatown special. Gabe and I finally try Mama Rice Roll, walk through some empty spaces reminiscing about better times, and share some final thoughts about our hopes for this amazing place. History notes:Chinatown Historical Context PaperWe Are Here: http://www.wahvoice.caSpecial thanks to Gabriel Yee: @gabe.directorViews From Chinatown PodcastMama Rice Roll: @mamaricerollMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/jeff-kaale/candlelitLicense code: ODZXDGUVRPDDE4UQThanks for listening. Share with your friends!Support this podcast. Visit the shop. Buy some merch and wear it with pride. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Aimless Cook Podcast, it's our Chinatown Special Part 1 with my special guest, founder of Lotus Media, host and producer of Views Of Chinatown Podcast, Gabriel Yee.This week, Gabriel and I talk about this amazing place, full of history and community spirit on location from Calgary Court Restaurant. We talk about the complex challenges that Chinatown faces today as it evolves with the times, and how advocacy is helping to preserve it's legacy. Of course, we also eat some delicious food, talk nostalgia, and share our own Chinatown stories.History notes:Chinatown Historical Context PaperWe Are Here: http://www.wahvoice.caSpecial thanks to Gabriel Yee: @gabe.directorViews From Chinatown PodcastCalgary Court Restaurant: @tasteofasia_yycThank you for listening. If you love this show, please rate, review, and share it with your friends. You can support us with a donation, or by buying some merch from the shop: The Aimless Cook Shop Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Jay talks about a few of your favourite Canadian culinary creations. Of course, Poutine is the topic of this episode and Jay goes over a little history of this famous dish, the makings of the ideal poutine, and the neverending debate on the perfect plate. It’s all here on The Aimless Cook Podcast.Special thanks to:Chef Steve Glavicich of the Youth Culinary Arts Program at Woods Homes@braizenchef@ycapmarketIf you like this show, be sure to rate, review, and SHARE with your friends. Support this show by buying merch from our shop:http://www.linktr.ee/theaimlesscookSources:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CheeziesMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/oakvale-of-albion/block-partyLicense code: HTYVOVEYJE809O7FMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/sunny-side-neighborhoodLicense code: KHZNOINJUUP5YRPHMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/qube/foamLicense code: PHKLS3SUBRNOJ6CDMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/aaron-paul-low/thought-patternsLicense code: II5QRDCOBMQW4TRB Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we’re gonna talk about what’s been happening, what I’ve been eating, our YYC Restaurant Review Of The Week, the latest from Instagram and Tiktok, AI imagery in social media, and 5 of my favourite food scenes in movies.Thanks for listening. If you like the show, please rate, review, and SHARE with your friends!If you have any questions or comments for me, please DM me or email me at:jay@theaimlesscookpodcast.comWho we talked about today:The J-Spot: @thejspotyycRain Dog Bar: @raindogbarNight Owl Vietnamese Cuisine: @nightowlyycChè Bóng: @chebongyyc If you’d like to support the show, you can donate or buy some merch from the shop:http://www.linktr.ee/theaimlesscookBe kind to one another, stay hungry, and I’ll see you on the next one.Peace.Music Credits:Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/oakvale-of-albion/block-partyLicense code: HTYVOVEYJE809O7FMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/christian-larssen/suburban-honeymoonLicense code: 6SAWMLQIGS7HDTLHMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/qube/foamLicense code: NEPVISKYE1ITPW5WMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/monument-music/adventure-timeLicense code: N2NXGD5GA59U8RUTMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/giulio-fazio/funambuleLicense code: D78VPQS7AS8AYW1DMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/monument-music/majestic-whispersLicense code: LP2PEHWKQA0QFA2WMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/the-imperial-gardenLicense code: ILSJPCVK2YUV3HHL Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode, we begin a series on iconic dishes in Canada starting with Butter Chicken!Jay talks to Chef Deepak Singh Kalsi from Deepak’s Dhaba to learn a little history of this Canadian favourite and talk about Deepak’s own journey of being a cook, coming to Canada, and starting his restaurant business. Deepak's Dhaba: @deepaksdhabaThank you for listening. If you like, please rate and review. You can support this show by donating or buying merch from our shop.http://www.linktr.ee/theaimlesscookMusic Credits:Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/oakvale-of-albion/block-partyLicense code: HTYVOVEYJE809O7FMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/oliver-massa/morning-bustleLicense code: IJBGCCTFI3QYOVGX Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, we wrap up our Lunar New Year special with a look at some old and new Lunar New Year traditions. Jay also talks with our special guest, Ji Won (Jessi) Yu from Stay Social YYC for a special look at 4 local Asian-owned restaurants with unique offerings that keep us coming back for more. Have a happy and prosperous Year Of The Dragon!As always, please rate, review, and share with your friends if you like this show. Support us by grabbing some merch or making a donation:http://www.linktr.ee/theaimlesscookThe places we talked about:Bun Bo Hue Deli, 4909 17 Ave SE Korean Deli (Deli Oriental Meat Style & Food), 117 15 Ave SEQuan Cuty: @cutyrestaurantYim Siam: @yimsiamyycSpecial thanks to:Tina Lee of T&T Supermarket: @tt_supermarket @tinalee_tntJessie Yu of Stay Social YYC: @staysocialYYCChef John Leung: @chefjohnleungFriends Of Chinatown YYC: @friendsofchinatownyycIf you’d like to send your comments and messages, please DM me @theaimlesscook on Instagram or email: jay@theaimlesscookpodcast.comMusic Credits:Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/oakvale-of-albion/block-partyLicense code: HTYVOVEYJE809O7FMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/zimpzon/xinjiangLicense code: KQFYVPOHP6ACAB0VMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/oakvale-of-albion/chinatownLicense code: EG0L3GKRWNSVMP6XCitations and sources:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitchen_Godhttps://www.misspandachinese.com/kitchen-god-and-the-preparation-for-the-lunar-new-year/http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/cosmos/prb/earthly.htmhttps://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/Chinese_Customs/Kitchen_God.htmhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_New_Yearhttps://oldworldgods.com/chinese/zao-jun-kitchen-god/https://mythopedia.com/topics/zao-junhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitchen_Godhttps://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/Chinese_Customs/Kitchen_God.htmhttps://study.com/academy/lesson/zao-jun-chinese-kitchen-god-myths-facts.htmlhttps://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/chinese-canadianshttps://www.cbc.ca/life/culture/beyond-the-hongbao-how-these-chinese-canadians-embrace-lunar-new-year-customs-today-1.5006221https://www.cicnews.com/2023/01/the-lunar-new-year-a-time-to-remember-and-celebrate-canadas-diverse-heritage-0132561.htmlhttps://canadianimmigrant.ca/living/culture/8-things-to-know-about-chinese-new-yearhttps://www.jstor.org/stable/26864127 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In Part One of the Lunar New Year Special, Chef Jay talks to Ricky Chung and his daughter, Joanne from Hung’s Noodles. Ricky tells his immigrant story from his humble beginnings, developing his noodle recipes in his uncle’s workshop, to Hung’s transformation over 3 generations to the business it is today. It’s an inspirational story of strength, resilience, and the importance of family.Special thanks to Ricky and Joanne Chung for your time and for sharing your story.We talked about:Bar Chouette: @thebarchouetteHung’s Noodles: @hungs.noodlesFriends Of Chinatown YYC: @friendsofchinatownyycIf you like this episode, please rate, review, and share it with your friends. It means the world to me. If you’d like to comment on this or any past episodes, please feel free to DM or email me at jay@theaimlesscookpodcast.comYou support this show by buying merch from the shop or making a donation.http://linktr.ee/theaimlesscook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this Freestyle Friday, Chef Jay reads your comments and DMs from the past week, then talks about some of his pet peeves in the food space from the industry perspective and the dining and creator perspective. He then talks about his most recent food epiphanies, going over some of his newer flavour experiences, including Nigerian food and Korean raw marinated crab. Finally, and as always, the YYC review of the week.Special thanks to Chef Andrea Harling of Lil’ Black Rooster at CFM West@lilblackroostereatsHappy Blogiversary to Bernice Hill and her blog, Dish n' The Kitchen!http://www.dishnthekitchen.comPlaces we talked about:Cooking Mama: @cookingmamayycFlavours Restaurant: @flavoursrestaurantPathway Burgers And Momos: @pathwaymomosTiger K: @tigerkyycCalgary Farmers Market: @calgaryfarmersmarketThank you again for all your love and support. Please rate, review, and share with your friends if you like this show. It means the world to me. If you’d like to support, consider donating or buying merch from the shop:http://www.linktr.ee/theaimlesscook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alberta is the place for beef, and what better way to showcase this wonderful product than with burgers? Calgary has seen a lot of great burger spots open up and I have tried quite a few of them over the years, including one of the newest burger bars, Class Clown Hamburgers.In this episode, we talk about cooking burgers, favourite styles, thin patty vs. thick patty, cheeses, the origins of the smash technique, and the review of the week. My wife, Jo, also makes an appearance to talk a little about food nostalgia and shares her memories of a distinctly Canadian connection to the burger universe.Thank you, as always, for listening. Please rate, review, and share with your friends if you like. If you want to support the show, click the link to find my Substack newsletter, the merch, or donate. It would mean the world to me. If you’d like to sponsor the show, you can DM me on Instagram: @theaimlesscook or email me at: jay@theaimlesscookpodcast.comPlaces we talked about:The J-Spot: @thejspotyycClass Clown Hamburgers: @classclownhamburgersSmashburger: @smashburgerWhite Castle: @whitecastleGeorge Motz’s YouTube Show: The Legend Of Oklahoma’s Fried Onion Burger Sources:Depression-Era Origins Of The Famous Oklahoma Onion BurgerMeet the American Who Made Us Flip For Fast Food: White Castle Founder Billy IngramA Century Of Sliders: The White Castle Story Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we talk about foodies. Whether you like the term or not, foodies are an integral part of the complex culinary landscape we wander through every day. It seems we are continuously inundated with a deluge of food-related content, be it by choice or involuntarily. I asked you, the listeners, what you think being a foodie entails and on this episode, I talk about your comments.I also talk about the many factors that make up the opinions we form in our heads about certain experiences and how subjective they can be. Do some have more credibility than others when it comes to giving their opinion on food? Let’s talk and explore.Special thanks to all the listeners who submitted your comments on this episode. Marie Jane LevesqueMerry Spooner Kuchle @merryabouttownSimone Andersen @simonecherie_Wendi LeitzellAllan Pineda @baonmanilanightsGregor McWeeThe Movies:Foodies: The Culinary Jetset (2014) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3400460/City Of Gold (2015) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2614776/?ref_=fn_al_tt_4Restaurants from this episode:Ryuko @ryuko.yycSmokehouse N Broasters Calgary (Smokehouse Diner) www.smokehousediner.com Tiger K @tigerkyycWhere to find me:You can DM me on my Instagram Chef Jay del Corro @theaimlesscookor email at jay@theaimlesscookpodcast.comFor more content, including written reviews, essays, etc, subscribe to my Substack:http://www.theaimlesscookpodcast.comSupport the show through donation or buying merch from the shop: http://linktr.ee/theaimlesscookPlease rate, review, and share with your friends.Be kind to each other, stay hungry, and I'll talk to you on the next one.Peace. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dim sum is a cultural culinary phenomenon that I connect to a lot of fond memories. It’s a great way to come together and share in a meal with no special occasion required. It can be a casual catch-up session with a friend or a huge family gathering. Whatever the case may be, the sheer joy of seeing these wonderful delectable dishes hitting the table as they embrace us with their steamy tendrils of nostalgia makes me hungry and excited just thinking about them.Special thanks to everyone who submitted their dim sum memories and top fives. I appreciate you all:Andrea Oh @sixfootcanasianAmy BDerek Kwan @dgk1969Joanne Shi-Min @hungs.noodleLiz Tang @dimsumgirl_I also want to add that I started a newsletter on Substack that you can subscribe to with more of my written work, in addition to reviews from this show. You can find it at: http://www.theaimlesscookpodcast.com My name is Jay del Corro. You can reach me via Instagram at @theaimlesscook or email me at jay@theaimlesscookpodcast.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Freestyle Friday, we catch up after the holidays and after being super sick for the past few weeks. It was a hell of a time, but I'm glad to be healthy again. Also, I talk about the Calgary restaurants that are long gone, but not forgotten. I will also talk about my recent visit to Rain Dog Bar in Inglewood, and how their menu captured my attention and made me forget I was there to talk about burgers.So glad to be back! Thanks for listening. Of course, as always, please share with your friends if you like this podcast. Rate and subscribe, and buy some merch from the store!Jay del Corro @theaimlesscookjay@theaimlesscookpodcast.comwww.linktr.ee/theaimlesscookPlaces and people I talked about:Salt & Brick: @saltandbrickyycChef Dave Bohati: @chefbohatiRain Dog Bar: @raindogbar Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we talk about solo dining! I start with an ode to pho at one of my favourite spots, Pho Rang Dong in Forest Lawn.After that, I talk about some of the benefits of eating alone, I share your thoughts on solo dining, and of course, some great spots in YYC for your next solo dining experience!You can find me at:@theaimlesscook IG@ricedaddyeats Tiktokwww.theaimlesscookpodcast.comThe places we talked about today:Calan Beef Noodle: @calanbeefnoodleRamen Ichinen: @ramenichinenyycPho Rang Dong: 4527 8 Ave SE, Calgary ABGuilin Noodle: 303 Centre St. S, Calgary ABSun’s BBQ, Calgary Court, Cafe 100%: @tasteofasia_yycPeppino: @peppinoyycCalgary Italian Bakery: @calgaryitalianbakerySpolumbo’s: @spolumbosdeliSaigon Deli: 4527 8 Ave SE, Calgary ABBanh Mi Nhu Y: 3229 17 Ave SE, Calgary ABLil’ Empire: @lilempireburgerClive Burger: @cliveburgerVBurger: @heyvburgerThe J-Spot: @thejspotyycIf you love the show, please rate, review, and share with your friends. Also check out the substack at www.theaimlesscookpodcast.com for more content!BUY MERCH: The Musubi Tees are available in the shop www.linktr.ee/theaimlesscookThanks for listening. Be kind to each other.Peace,J Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Special thanks to today’s guest:Chef Zac Ardena @zacariel_ @flip.the.dishesAlso, props to one of YYC’s pop-up masters:Chef Keisuke @tokyochopsticksThe places we talked about today:Billie’s Smash Burgers at Roy’s Kitchen @billies.yycSaffron Street at First Street Market @saffronstreetyyc @firststreetmarketyycPho Hoai Vietnamese Noodle House 132 3 Ave SE, Calgary ABU & Me 233 Centre St S, Calgary ABGolden Sands Chinese Restaurant @goldensandsyycFortuna’s Row @fortunas.rowMagpie @magpie_yycShelter Cocktail Bar @shelter.yycIf you like the show, please rate and review, share with your friends, and let me know what you’d like to hear in future episodes. You can find me at @theaimlesscook in IG, Facebook, and at @ricedaddyeats on Tiktok.If you’d like to support this show, you can make a donation or buy merch at our shop located at: www.linktr.ee/theaimlesscookThanks so much for listening, be kind to each other, and I’ll see you on the next one!Peace. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.