Evolutionaries

Jamie Oliver is a chef, restaurateur, cookbook author, and TV host. In the late 90s, he was a young restaurant cook who happened into his own show "The Naked Chef" where he cooked to his credo: "It's got to be simple. It's got to be tasty. It's got to be fun". As his career evolved, Jamie worked tirelessly to improve the nutritional quality of school foods in the UK and beyond, a mission that initially met mixed responses from the press and the public, but delivered extremely impactful success stories and lasting results. He has won several awards including a Primetime Emmy Award for his show Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution as well as a Ted Prize for his efforts to fight diet-related diseases. He also started the Jamie Oliver Foundation to improve the lives of people all over the world through food education. Jamie currently writes for publications in the UK and around the world, including his own Jamie Magazine. He also has the YouTube channels Jamie Oliver’s Food Tube and Drinks Tube, plus five award-winning apps, and has published eighteen bestselling cookbooks. Tune in to hear Jamie's story in his own words. Photo courtesy of David Loftus. Evolutionaries is powered by Simplecast.

Frances Moore Lappé is an iconic activist thinker on society and democracy: which she explores through the universal lens of food. Her first book Diet for a Small Planet, published in 1971, has since sold over 3 million copies and helped shift the narrative of hunger. In 2008, it was heralded as one of “75 Books by Women Whose Words Have Changed the World” by the Women’s National Book Association.That same year the James Beard Foundation honored Frances as “Humanitarian of the Year,” and Gourmet Magazine listed her among 25 people whose work has changed the way America eats. Frances is author and co-author to 17 other books, and has co-founded three organizations: Food First, the Center for Living Democracy, and the Small Planet Fund. The latter was launched with her daughter, Anne Lappé, who also co-wrote the book Hope’s Edge: The Next Diet for a Small Planet. Hear Frances tell her story on this special edition of Evolutionaries.

David Kinch is a chef ahead of our time. Long before the farm-to-table trend, David found inspiration in the seasons, the land, and the ingredients at hand. Coming into his own under the tutelage of great chefs–from New Orleans to New York, France to Japan– and finally settling in California, David’s culinary prowess and vision has earned him multiple James Beard awards. In 2016, Manresa, his first restaurant, received three stars from the Michelin guide. His second restaurant Bywater, also located in the Silicon Valley, opened its doors this year.

Peter Kaminksy wears many hats – writer, outdoorsman, journalist, cookbook author, television producer, the list goes on and on. He’s worked with the likes of Francis Mallmann and Daniel Boulud on cookbooks. He was a managing editor at National Lampoon. He created both the Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize and the Library of Congress Greshwin Prize for popular song. Hear his story on this special edition of Evolutionaries.

Brooklyn-born writer Mimi Sheridan is one of the most acclaimed critics food has ever seen. Before becoming the first female restaurant critic at the New York Times in 1976, she wrote for New York Magazine. Four decades later, she has written for almost every food publication that matters and authored 17 books, the most recent being 1,000 Foods To Eat Before You Die: A Food Lover’s Life List. Mimi’s influence on critical food writing has been unparalleled.

Michael Pollan has been celebrated, critiqued and worshiped. He’s a spirit guide for many in the world of food, he’s won numerous awards, and sparked lively debates with his writing. In 2010 he was named one of the worlds 100 most influential people by TIME magazine. He’s the author of six books: Second Nature, A Place of My Own, The Botany of Desire (which also aired as a two hour documentary on PBS), The Omnivore’s Dilemma, In Defense of Food and Cooked. His books are national best sellers that helped guide the national discourse on food and agriculture. The Long Island native is a professor of journalism at the UC Berkley Graduate School of Journalism. Pollan was the Executive Editor of Harpers magazine and is currently a contributing writer to New York magazine and The New York Times magazine. Tune in as he shares his story in his words on Evolutionaries!

In a world filled with food writers who take themselves far too seriously, Ruth Reichl continues to be a breath of fresh air. Her creative take on storytelling and restaurant reviews turned food writing upside down. She’s authored a trilogy of best-selling memoirs, a novel and a cookbook. She was the last editor in chief of the now defunct Gourmet magazine. Before that she was the restaurant critic of both The New York Times and the Los Angeles Times, where she was also named food editor. As co-owner of The Swallow Restaurant from 1974 to 1977, she played a part in the culinary revolution that took place in Berkeley, California. In the years that followed, she served as restaurant critic for New West and California magazines. Hear Ruth tell her story in this special “Evolutionaries” radio documentary.

Mary Sue Milliken is often credited with helping define Los Angeles’s culinary landscape. Along with her partner Susan Feniger, she opened City Restaurant, Border Grill and Ciudad – all critically acclaimed restaurants in the Los Angeles area. She’s published five cookbooks is seasoned TV personality. Mary Sue was a food star before there were many. She’s never been afraid to take risks and her journey began in St. Claire, Michigan. Join us on Evolutionaries and hear Mary Sue’s story. This program was brought to you by Edwards VA Ham

Published July 31st, 2014 Running time: 25 Minutes Jason Hinds of Neal’s Yard Dairy, Borough Cheese Company and Essex St. Cheese Co. is a pioneer in the artisanal cheese movement. He helped develop Neal’s Yard Dairy into one of the most significant food retailers of our time. He started the Borough Cheese Company, which specifically focuses on selling Comté. He’s also co-founder of Essex St. Cheese Co., a cheese importer and wholesaler that focuses on a limited number of perfectly ripened classic cheeses, specially selected at the source. This is Jason Hinds’ story. This program was sponsored by Edwards VA Ham. For more on Neal’s Yard Dairy visit http://nealsyarddairy.co.uk

Darina Allen is Ireland’s best-known chef and culinary ambassador. She’s the founder of Ballymaloe Cookery School, now the countries longest running cooking school and a globally- renowned institution that has hosted and taught some of the world’s greatest chefs (including Marcella Hazan, Alice Waters, and Madhur Jaffrey.) In addition, she hosted a cooking Television program Simply Delicious for nine seasons, which is credited with teaching generations of Irish how to cook and earned her comparisons to Julia Child; she has also written a column for the Irish Examiner since 1998. Allen is a champion of locally grown, organic produce, and is responsible for starting Ireland’s first farmer’s market. Against all odds – Darina was able to follow her food dreams. This was brought to you by Heritage Foods USA.

Lidia Bastianich has two passions – family and food – and she’s managed to create an culinary empire using both. Lidia is the chef/owner of four acclaimed New York City restaurants — Felidia, Becco, Esca and Del Posto, as well as Lidia’s in Pittsburgh and Kansas City. Her cookbooks include Lidia Cooks From the Heart of Italy and Lidia’s Italy – both companion books to her Emmy-nominated television series, Lidia’s Italy, Lidia’s Family Table, Lidia’s Italian- American Kitchen, Lidia’s Italian Table and La Cucina di Lidia. Lidia came to the United States from Istria — when she was 12 years old with her parents and her brother Franco. She had wanted to become a doctor – but fate had other plans for her. This program has been sponsored by Bonnie Plants.

Ariane Daguin is the owner and co-founder of D’Artagnan – one of America’s largest specialty-meat-and-game distributors. D’Artagnan is one of the worlds most trusted manufacturer of pates, foie gras, all natural organic poultry and game. Ariane’s journey is a true American success story. The gascony born Daguin was born into a culinary family of great fame – but she longed for something different. She moved to New York with dreams of becoming a journalist. Her dreams were re-routed and in what seems like the blink of an eye, Ariane Daguin became one of the most important women that the American food world has ever known. This program was sponsored by Bonnie Plants.

Betty Fussell is an American success story – and one of the most celebrated and beloved writers in food. Over the last 50 years her writing has appeared in the New York Times, The New Yorker, Savuer, Vogue, Food & Wine and many more varied publications. Her memoir, Kitchen Wars was performed in Hollywood and New York as a one woman show by actress Dorothy Lyman. She’s written more than 11 books and has taught courses in English Literature, food writing and food history. Betty has seen it all and remains as sharp as the young writers making waves in today’s food world. She grew up in the depression and did everything she could to break free of the traditions ad restrictions in her day that held women back.   “When the food world was French, I was American.” [19:00] –Betty Fussell on Evolutionaries

Chef Tom Colicchio might be most recognized by the public as the head judge on Bravo’s hit reality cooking series “Top Chef.”, but his culinary accomplishments go far beyond food television. Hear his life story on Evolutionaries.

Nathan Myhrvold is the former Chief Technology Officer at Microsoft, and co-founder of Intellectual Ventures. He tells us about his profound interest in cooking, and his difficult introduction into the world of becoming a chef. Nathan discusses the modernization of French cuisine, as well as the differences between modern cuisine and traditional fine dining. Then, he describes the development of his endeavors in writing Modernist Cuisine, and how digital photography proved to be an essential part of creating the ideal reading and learning environment for the reader. Finally, Nathan tells us about a few ‘radical’ ideas for improving wine that would absolutely shock most wine connoisseurs. This program has been sponsored by Hearst Ranch.   “Technologoy has consequences, some of them bad consequences, but so far we’ve been able to figure them out.” [20:00] –Nathan Myhrvold on Evolutionaries

There’s perhaps no greater expert on the food and foodways of the African Diaspora than Doctor Jessica B. Harris. Jessica is the author of 12 cookbooks, and in her more than 3 decades as a journalist, she’s written book reviews, theater reviews, travel, feature, and beauty articles too numerous to note. She’s a founding member of the Southern Foodways Alliance, she’s decorated with awards and honors, and holds multiple degrees, including a doctorate in Performance Studies from NYU. Doctor Jessica B. Harris damn near knows it all when it comes to African and Caribbean cuisines and culinary history. She’s a living legend. This program has been sponsored by Tekserve.   “Food has always been important.” [13:30] “Instead of writing just straight travel, I would write about travel with a food bent.” [14:30] Jessica B. Harris on Evolutionaries

John Besh is a chef with a passion for preserving the rich cuisine of New Orleans. He was profoundly active in providing meals for thousands of people devastated by Hurricane Katrina, and in 2011 he established the John Besh Foundation, which provides scholarships, grants, and loans to those in the New Orleans area with the drive to ignite change in their communities. Today, John owns nine restaurants which celebrate the cuisine of southern Louisiana. This program has been sponsored by The International Culinary Center. “Now you start to see chefs carry the banner of culture…I now have a responsibility to preserve the good stuff.” [19:30] John Besh on Evolutionaries

Lydia Shire is the enduring culinary talent behind some of Boston’s most celebrated restaurants. She’s universally acclaimed, having won a James Beard award for Best Chef Northeast, and the Women Chefs and Restauranteurs 2011 Golden Whisk Award. She’s known for her use of fat and offal, and her exuberant personality in the kitchen. Lydia grew up in Brookline, Massachusetts, and fell in love with food at a young age. This program has been sponsored by Hearst Ranch.   “If you want something in life badly, you’ll have to set yourself apart.” [3:30] “At the end of the day, cooking is the fun part of our job, but managing people is difficult at times.” [8:45] “I don’t suggest that you eat fat at every meal, but there are times when you just need fat.” [18:45] Lydia Shire on Evolutionaries.

Forty years ago Kermit Lynch seemed like an unlikely wine hero. A struggling musician with a fledgling handbag business no one, least of all himself, would have predicted his groundbreaking future as a wine importer and retailer in Berkley California. The American wine-drinking landscape has been forever changed by his work. Kermit is the recipient of two James Beard Awards and was knighted by the French government with their prestigious “Legion d’Honneur”. In 1988, Kermit wrote “Adventures on the Wine Route”, which many consider to be the best wine book on the business. Tune in to Evolutionaries to hear his story, in his words. This program has been sponsored by S. Wallace Edwards and Sons “Of all the unsulfured wines I’ve imported, only one of them was 100% consistent.” Kermit Lynch on Evolutionaries

Colman Andrews is a preeminent American food writer that changed the way gastronomy is covered in media today. Along with Dorothy Kalins he founded Savuer Magazine. Working for Ruth Riechel, he was a contributing editor for Gourmet Magazine. In 2010, he launched his own food and drink website, The Daily Meal. He is considered one of the world’s foremost experts on Spanish cuisine, particularly that of the Catalonia region. Colman Andrews has seen trends come and go, collaborated with the biggest names in the industry and remains one of the most important figures in food writing today.