Hey there food fans, welcome back to The Food For ThoughtCast-- today we are talking to Lenzy Ruffin in Episode 125! Lenzy Ruffin is the Cooking Show Advisor for Park Road Studios. He specializes in teaching chefs how to use YouTube to host a weekly cooking show on TV. Lenzy is on a mission to change our relationship with food. He believes we can make better food choices for both our personal health, as well as for the health of our planet. We had a blast talking to Lenzy about the SNAP challenge, the value of understanding what is in our food, and the opportunities that chefs have to create not only an online presence, but also revenue streams, using YouTube. Lenzy is a not only a well of knowledge , but also a really nice guy who made for a fascinating conversationalist. Consider us fans! We hope you enjoy meeting him as much as we did.
Would you ever try beef tongue jello or Newt's fruit? What about tuna loaf or a mayonnaise ice cube with pears and nuts? Bennett would, and he has! Buckle up food fans, today we're talking to Bennett Rea from Cookin' with Congress. It's time for Episode 124 of The Food For ThoughtCast. You may have seen his content through Facebook or Instagram, the Los Angeles Times, Eater, or NBC California. Bennett is an incredible guest with tales of woe from all over the culinary map- including his unique, and data-backed take on why most American presidents' diets qualify them for psychopath status. He has turned his blog into a viral sensation with people watching from all over every week to see him eat like famous politicians and also everyday Americans. Not only was this a fun and exciting conversation for us, Melissa was definitely fan-girling the entire time, but Bennett reports he had a great time too- thank God! We can't wait to see what he tries next. Find us in all the usual podcast places and maybe steer clear of any recipes that use both jello and lunchmeat together. Thanks for listening to (and watching) the Food For ThoughtCast!
Hey there food fans! It's time for Episode 123 of The Food For ThoughtCast. Maybe it's just in time for October, or Thursday for those who celebrate, but today we're talking about kitchen myths, wives' tales (please don't cancel us, could also be spouse tales), and downright half-truths. I talk smack about our two Amish listeners and their disdain for serving food after 8pm, and we are sure to lose all of our other listeners who wash their chicken with Dawn dish soap. Whatever the case, we're glad you stayed. We really love that we're your favorite food podcast, but don't forget to tell everyone else too! Rate, review, or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and don't forget to watch us on YouTube. Sorry moms, this episode is feisty.
Hey there food fans! Get ready to lose your minds and be inspired to grow creative facial hair- because Chef Joe Sasto is here! You may know him from Top Chef: Colorado, Chopped, or The Great Food Truck Race or you may also know him for having the sickest handlebar mustache this side of a crazed railroad villain. Whatever the case, we're glad you're here. It's time for Episode 122 of The Food For ThoughtCast. We are talking about pasta, white people taco night (that's what Chef Sasto has nicknamed his regular Taco Bell order), cookbook releases, and why traveling to eat is the only way to do it. We had a great time with Chef Joe and we know you will too. Be sure to check out Breaking the Rules: A Fresh Take on Italian Classics , now available on Amazon for pre-order. Thanks so much for listening and for watching us on Youtube. If you need me I'll be over in the corner absolutely housing an entire bag of Tantos! Cacio E Pepe puffed pasta chips. Tell a friend about us, or tell us about your friend. Have it your way.
Welcome back to The Food For ThoughtCast! It's time for a guest episode. Today on Episode 121 we are honored to be speaking to Nicole Patel from Delysia Chocolatier in Austin, Texas. She was generous enough to share two collections with us that we were able to try while we recorded. Her whimsical and creative truffle collections and flavors are awe-inspiring and really fun to experience. Steve and Melissa bond over their shared love of both lemon curd and chipotle, and unfortunately Melissa cannot hide her disdain for licorice but Nicole is a really good sport about it. Nicole is super polite while Melissa spouts off fifty new flavor ideas for Delysia to tackle. These are not your grandma's truffles, and the one secret (ok not a secret but a really fun fact!) Nicole is hiding about how she crafts the flavors will absolutely blow your mind. Listen to find out! We can't wait to try the rest of the flavors, like green chile queso- yes you read this correctly! Thanks for listening and for watching us on YouTube. Don't forget to rate, review, subscribe, but most importantly share us with a friend who loves food. Check out Delysia Chocolatier if you're in Northwest Austin, or order online at www.delysia.com
Hey there food fans! We've missed you. We're back and ready for the next episode of The Food For ThoughtCast! This is a check-in episode. Steve and Melissa missed each other so much that we couldn't go any further without talking about the most amazing things we ate in the time we were apart. Melissa has finally found a restaurant close by that doesn't suck (finally...FINALLY) and we talk with Steve about trying to hunt birds with rocks. Melissa has a go at cottage cheese alfredo and we talk troubleshooting the texture. Steve had a great time in Florida, went hard in the brussels sprouts, and we get into a lively discussion about the merits of black drum and the tragedy of people leaving the tails on the shrimp. We had a great time catching up and we hope you missed your favorite food podcast as much as we missed each other. Find us wherever you find the finest podcasts, and don't forget to leave us a review. Find us on YouTube (nearly) every Thursday.
Hey there food fans! We've missed you! After a brief hiatus, we're back with episode 119 of The Food For ThoughtCast. What is your favorite casserole? Do you live for tuna noodle or despise it like Melissa does? We talk about the regional differences between casserole and hotdish, and likewise what technically makes a food a casserole. Is it the ingredients, or the pan it is cooked in? After this episode, we are no closer to an actual answer but we sure did have a great time. Thanks for listening and find us in all the podcast places-- don't forget to watch on YouTube and subscribe so you won't miss any new episodes.
Welcome back to The Food For ThoughtCast, it's time for Episode 118! Steve has returned from his birthday weekend in Alpine, TX and Melissa is busy eating homemade pizza. Today we're talking a little bit about bed and breakfasts. What are some possible things we would serve if we ran one? Where would it be? Melissa has a quiche planned for every day of the week, and Steve dabbles in a la carte service. Full disclosure I looked up bed and breakfasts for sale near me and seriously considered trying to get a loan for like a full 27 seconds. This episode is for Sookie, wherever she is. Find it in all the podcast places and thanks for watching on YouTube!
Hey there food fans, Episode 117 is here and it's all about the culinary history of Appalachia! Welcome back to The Food For ThoughtCast. First, Melissa gives a recap of her weekend in Black Mountain, North Carolina and tells Steve about all of the most amazing things she ate and then Steve and Melissa journey together through the awesome culinary history of Appalachia, courtesy of the museum education Melissa received on her recent weekend getaway. Find us where you find your other favorite food podcasts. No opossums were harmed in the recording of this week's podcast. Stay hungry out there and don't forget to watch us on YouTube.
Hey there food fans! Welcome back to The Food For ThoughtCast episode 116, it's time to talk about the 90s-- but first Melissa and Steve catch up a bit, we've both eaten ribeyes lately- and we can both commiserate about the heat. Tonight we're discussing some failed, discontinued snacks from the 90s that nobody seems to remember. There are a few standouts on the list, but for the most part we can agree-- please stop trying to make a cookie a cracker. Just stay in your lane, Keebler Elves! Find us where you find your finest favorite food podcasts, and don't forget to watch us on YouTube! Bring back PB Crisps, k thanks bye.
Welcome back to The Food For ThoughtCast, food fans! It's time for Episode 115- It's a little chat about salad. Not particularly extensive, but certainly always tasty talk for the day. We found a list of some of the most popular ones in North America, and gave our takes. Steve gets assigned Texas Caviar, and Melissa gives her opnion on iceberg lettuce. Don't know your Cobb Salad from your Chef Salad? Boy are you in luck! Find us in all the podcast places, and don't forget to watch along on YouTube! Thanks so much for listening.
Welcome back to The Food For ThoughtCast- We've got a guest for Episode 114! Today we're talking to Chef John O'Larnic from Chef's Backyard. We tackle the perils of creating content, grilling preferences, and the fun of paying your industry dues. We had a great time hearing from John and we hope you will too. The first listener to share this content TWICE anywhere on social media and tag The Food For ThoughtCast wins a free copy of John's awesome cookbook, Flavor Formula: 25 Recipes to Turn You Into a Grill Master! Get to work, food fans! Be sure to check us out wherever you get your podcasts and thanks for watching on YouTube!
Welcome back to The Food For ThoughtCast - It's time for Episode 113! After catching up a little, Melissa and Steve are taking you through the pages of a few of their cookbooks at home. We're asking each other.... What was the one recipe you bought this book for? What is your favorite part? What all have you actually cooked out of this book? Why did you buy it? Sometimes, not unlike some of our listeners I'm sure- we've purchased them for the title or the pictures-- and other times, the book has been a gift or had a special significance. Shout out to Half Price Books, though. They're the real hero. Find us in all the podcast places and if you're not watching along with the pod on YouTube what are you doing with your life? Chinese, The Essence of Asian Cooking- Linda Doeser Les Diners De Gala- Salvador Dali The Fat Duck Cookbook- Heston Blumenthal Cookies, Irresistable Biscuits, Brownies, and Bars- Hilaire Walden Just A Matter of Thyme- Roxie Kelley, et al. Mastering The Art of French Cooking- Julia Child, Simone Beck The Just Kitchen, Invitations To Sustainability, Cooking, Connection and Celebration- Derrick Weston & Anna Woofenden The Galloping Gourmet, Volume 2 Television Cookbook- Graham Kerr
Hey there food fans! Welcome back to The Food For ThoughtCast. In Episode 112, Melissa and Steve are talking about breakup foods, first date foods, and a smattering of other off-topic rabbit trail tidbits- -you know, the usual! What do you eat when you are stressed, when you are sad? We've had an episode based on comfort food but today we want to look at this from a bit of a different angle. Do we think foods can really help change the way you feel? It's a strong resounding "maybe". We also go see what Reddit says, in a quiet bid for Steve to get a new bit on this show. Enjoy this quick episode where we get in our feelings. Thanks so much for listening and for watching us on YouTube.
Or yes Contest? You Decide! Welcome back to The Food For ThoughtCast, it's time for Episode 111. Today Melissa and Steve are chatting about the most outrageous restaurant eating contests. What would we do? Do we think we could win? What could possibly be worth all of the acid reflux? Hint: It's going to take more than a free T-shirt to get Steve to eat ghost peppers again. We recap Steve's recent trip to Amarillo and his steak adventure at The Big Texan. Melissa is dreaming about eating watermelons week by week, while Steve waxes poetic about ice cream backwash. Don't miss it! We may not be in the running for a medal for eating 15 lbs of nachos, but we know we've already won a spot in your hearts. Find us in all the places and don't forget to click on all the things. Thanks for listening and for watching us on YouTube!
Hey there food fans. Welcome back to The Food For ThoughtCast, today is episode 110 and we are extra feisty. Sorry moms! Melissa and Steve are talking about favorite recipes, what we do or don't use, how we come up with recipes, favorite cookbooks, and so much more. We go way off the rails in some spots, and hopefully it's entertaining because we sure had a great time. Sometimes a recipe is just a guideline, and sometimes you really have to follow it-- for the science! Find the pod anywhere fine pods are carried, and thanks for watching us on YouTube! For the love of Pete please don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe.
Hey there food fans! School may be letting out across the country, and certainly the graduations are going to be in full swing- but today on The Food For ThoughtCast, school is very much in. Steve and Melissa are taking a ( not comprehensive in any way) look at school lunches. What are your favorites? What would you burn in a raging pile of remorse and lighter fluid? What do school lunches look like around the world? Warm up your most special frozen fish stick and get ready for some square pizza, because it's time for Episode 109 and you don't wanna be tardy. Thanks so much for listening and for watching us on YouTube!
Hey there food fans, welcome back to The Food For ThoughtCast! Melissa and Steve are honored (and Steve is so excited!!!) to talk to Chef Phillip Foss today. Chef Phillip is not only one of Steve's culinary idols, he's also got one heck of a story pioneering his way through the food world. He is currently at El Ideas in Chicago- an incredible restaurant that hopes to flip the script on fine dining. From their home page: Paying homage to Chicago’s elevated train system, EL ideas is an abbreviation for ‘elevated ideas in dining’. With the mantra of ‘redefining fine dining’, EL is all about putting in fun and removing pretension from elite cooking. A full and immersive collaboration between Chef Foss and his culinary team, guests are invited to come back into the kitchen and mingle with the chefs as their meal is being prepared. Isn't this amazing?! We had an incredible time talking to Chef Phillip about Michelin stars, playing with flavors, burnout and mental health, and tasting your way through a city one dish at a time. Enjoy this fine chat anywhere you find your podcasts, and don't forget to watch us on YouTube!
Hey there food fans! Welcome back to The Food For Thoughtcast! It's time for Episode 107. We are honored to be joined today by Angelo Carotenuto from LivTours. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to learn how to cook authentic Italian food from somebody's Nonna right in her own kitchen? Today's guest tells us all about the real deal Italian food, how to find the best food travel opportunities for you, and why food is so important when learning about a new culture. We had an amazing time talking to Angelo. He has an incredible perspective and insight into food and customized tours and a keen understanding of how to curate an experience. Not only this, but he knows how to eat the good stuff and is a great conversationalist. LivTours is more than just another travel tour company. Take a listen and you'll soon see the heart, soul, and long -lasting personal touches they pour into every trip. Check out LivTours on Facebook or at LivTours.com. We had a great time chatting with Angelo and we hope you are inspired by his knowledge and experience. Thanks so much for listening and don't forget to watch us on YouTube.
Hey there food fans! Have you ever wondered about the snacks and meals available in Walt Disney World? Us too, apparently! It's time for a travel recap. Welcome back to The Food For ThoughtCast- you're just in time for episode 106. Thanks so much for listening! Stephen patiently tolerates this as Melissa drones on and on and on about her magical trip to Disney World. We're talking hot dogs, corn dogs, sammiches, waffles, shakshuka, hotel breakfasts, snacks on the go, All- You- Care -To- Enjoy BBQ with a Toy Story theme, the folly of caramel apples, what to do when you're just too full, sashimi, the delicious grey stuff from Beauty and The Beast, amazing lamb chicharrones not found in Disney, and of course to round things out- a little upscale Mediterranean. The puns are strong with this episode. Huge shoutout to friend of the show and fellow podcast host extraordinaire David Dollar. Contact him at Upon A Star Travel for all your Disney (and everywhere else) travel needs! If nothing else, head to Disney to try #allthethings. There is something to eat for everybody. Find us in all the usual podcast places; and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe. Watch us on YouTube, we are extremely good looking and Melissa talks with her hands. By the way, Stephen can never own a greyhound.