The Food For ThoughtCast: Call Me Chef

A place for food fans, picky eaters, the flavor-curious and everyone in between! We'll discuss all things culinary and food-related; tune in for fun guests, amazing true stories, and lots of must-haves and places to try sprinkled in along the way! Good people+ good conversation makes good food even better! Join us for some serious Food for Thought. My name is Melissa, but you can call me Chef!

Never Found Kokomo

Welcome back , food fans! It's time for episode 130 of The Food For ThoughtCast! Today, Melissa is telling Steve all about her recent cruise that left from Miami and sailed to Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. It was a culinary journey of island foods, delicious seafood, Dutch lunch favorites, Carnival Horizon dining room favorites, and some birthday fun with an amazing chef's table menu. She gives a rundown of the greatest hits from her vacation, as well as some insight into the Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and Jiji's menus from the ship. While not sponsored by Carnival, they have really upped their culinary game and Melissa gives them their flowers. When you travel, don't forget to try new foods and seek out culinary adventure. You never know what you might find. Catch the podcast in all the usual places and don't forget to watch us on YouTube. Steve and Melissa love to talk with their hands, so it just makes more sense that way. Despite searching everywhere, Melissa failed to locate Kokomo just after Aruba and Jamaica. She'll have to keep looking. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe. 

11-20
49:51

129. Airplane Food!

Hey there food fans! Today we take to the skies--- well not really, but we are taking on the subject of airplane food. On Episode 129 of The Food For ThoughtCast we are looking at some of the best and worst airline menus from all around, and also speculating what we might serve if we had our own airline catering programs. Melissa dreams about having hot food on real plates someday,  while Stephen says enchilada casserole for everyone. What is the best or worst hot meal you've ever had in-flight? Tell us all about it over on the socials. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe and thanks so much for watching us on YouTube.

11-13
46:35

128. State Fairs and Philly

Steve and Melissa are back at it with the travel recaps. Steve tells us all about his most recent trip to Philly, with some new foods  and places to celebrate. Melissa has gone to the NC State Fair for the first time and has big props for the street corn nachos and crispy chicken pancake tacos. It's time for Episode 128 of The Food For ThoughtCast. We're glad you're here to share in all the amazing things we ate! Did you recently go somewhere with great food? Try something new? Tell us all about in it the comments on Facebook or over on Instagram. Find us in all the podcast places and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe. Remember, you are what makes the podcast great!

11-06
57:19

127. Dylan McDonnell- A Guest Ep

Welcome back food fans, today we are joined by Dylan McDonnell for Episode 127 of The Food For ThoughtCast. Dylan is the founder and CEO of Foodini- an app that helps people find safe food to eat whether they have food allergies, dietary restrictions, or religious preferences.  A former corporate lawyer, Dylan moved into the world of food and technology to solve a problem he suffered from himself - dining out as a celiac. The app is currently being beta tested in LA and Santa Monica, and someday coming to a market near you! This technology and platform will bring incredible awareness to food allergies and intolerances. We have a delightful discussion about the privilege of knowing what is in our food, the accessibility of safe food for people who need it, and the trials and tribulations of navigating the restaurant scene. Dylan was an amazing guest and we loved getting to know him, we know you will too. Find us in all the podcast places and don't forget to watch us on YouTube! Find Foodini in the App Store. 

10-30
01:00:29

126. Fan Feature- Melissa Thomas!

Hey there food fans, we're back and bringing you our second ever Fan Feature! Today we are joined by travel writer (and fan of the show) Melissa Thomas, for episode 126 of The Food For ThoughtCast. We talk about trying new things when you travel, Melissa's recent trip to Scotland and all the amazing things they ate there,  and how vacation calories don't count. Melissa can be found over at MelissasPage.com and also @melissaspage on Substack, where she encourages people to have the courage to solo travel and follow their dreams. Her writing style is inviting and informative and not to be missed. We had an awesome time chatting, and not to mention these two Melissas have been dear friends for a while- so we know that you will enjoy this. Thanks for listening. Find us in all the usual podcast places and don't forget to watch on YouTube! 

10-23
55:17

125. Lenzy Ruffin- A Guest Ep!

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.

10-16
01:08:25

124. Bennett Rea- A Guest Ep!

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!

10-09
01:02:26

123. Kitchen Myth-Busting

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. 

10-02
45:06

122. Chef Joe Sasto- A Guest Ep!

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.

09-25
01:04:51

121. Nicole Patel- A Guest Ep!

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

09-18
01:06:21

120. Chefs Check-In

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.              

09-11
45:53

119. Let's Talk About Casserole

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.

08-21
50:46

118. Breakfast in Bed

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!

08-01
49:40

117. About Appalachia

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.

07-24
51:41

116. Discontinued

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.

07-19
01:04:16

115. A Little Chat About Salads

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. 

07-10
41:17

114. John O'Larnic- A Guest Ep!

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!

07-03
01:00:32

113. Cookbook Time Capsule

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  

06-26
01:02:06

112. In Your Feelings

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.

06-19
44:16

111. No Contest

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!

06-12
57:09

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