What’s your favorite thing to get from Trader Joe’s? I surveyed friends, and tried out all the winners of the 12th annual Trader Joe’s Customer Choice Awards, and I’m spilling all the Sparkling Peach Black tea for y'all. Yep, you guessed it - that’s one of the winners!  What’s in this episode: I tried the winners of the 12th Annual Customer Choice Awards What to grab, and what to skip from Trader Joe’s  Some of the products you will hear about: Orange chicken, dark chocolate peanut butter cups, cheddar cheese, everything but the bagel, and lots more Plus, my personal Tj’s recommendations. You have to try these!  Links from the show:  The Trader Joe’s Podcast  Trader Joe’s Website: https://www.traderjoes.com/ Dear Food on Instagram @DearFoodPodcast Dear Food on YouTube ‘Here For The Food’ on Facebook - Click this link      Be on the Show Tell us your food stories!  The first time you remember tasting food, your dream dinner, or just a food that you can’t stop thinking about. Call in to leave us a voicemail at 626-709-6551 or send your messages to [email protected]  Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE on Apple Podcasts (it's free!)  and share this episode with a friend! It makes a huge difference for independent podcasters like me.

We’re sharing our favorite gadgets, gizmos and products that we think you will love! None of them break the bank, by the way. Please enjoy this short and sweet episode, and let us know what you think of the NEW WEBSITE!  What’s in this episode: Announcement: brand new website is now live!  We now have a store that is a curation of our favorite products featured on the show  This mini episode covers Ashley’s favorite gifts that she got this year Find all the products we mentioned in the show notes, or in the store on our website.  CHECK OUT THE NEW WEBSITE www.dearfoodpodcast.com Dear Food on Instagram @DearFoodPodcast Dear Food on YouTube Here are the products we mentioned:  Tortilla Warmer  https://amzn.to/3beQfdF Tortilla press https://amzn.to/38t10Hr Lime squeezer  https://amzn.to/396D8Zb Maldon sea salt  https://amzn.to/2Xo99GO Be on the Show Tell us your food stories!  The first time you remember tasting food, your dream dinner, or just a food that you can’t stop thinking about. Send your messages to [email protected]  Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE on Apple Podcasts,  and share this episode with a friend! It makes a huge difference for independent podcasters like me.

Sugar cookies at Christmas, and black eyed peas for New Years Eve. What's the origin of all these food customs? I asked a roundtable of friends about their favorite food traditions for this special holiday episode. Some of the rituals you've likely heard of, but there's one that will surprise you!   In this episode:  The foods that symbolize Christmas  Christmas popcorn trio; love it or leave it?  Eggnog, which is simply not for me  Sugar cookies so good they elicit burglary The history of the Raclette - a "cheesy" holiday tale Why black eyed peas came to signify good luck  What's you're supposed to do with cabbage to ensure wealth in the new year  and so much more!  Links from the show:  Dear Food on Instagram @DearFoodPodcast Dear Food on YouTube Find our Guests online:  Anastasia Washington https://www.instagram.com/anastasiawash/ https://www.anastasiawashington.com/ Jasmine Ellis https://www.instagram.com/jasmineelliscomedy/?hl=en Jessica Munna https://www.instagram.com/jessicamunna/?hl=en https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-poetry-podcast/id1481892415 Caitlin Gilbert https://www.instagram.com/caitlingilbs/?hl=en Be on the Show Tell us your food stories!  The first time you remember tasting food, your dream dinner, or just a food that you can’t stop thinking about. Call in to leave us a voicemail at 626-709-6551 or send your messages to [email protected]  PLEASE SUBSCRIBE to Dear Food on Apple Podcasts. It's totally free to subscribe, and it makes a huge difference for independent podcasters like me. Thank you, you are beautiful.

But first, coffee. That’s not just a cute Pinterest quote, it’s the trademarked tagline of this week’s guest, Josh Zad, who is the CEO and Founder of LA’s iconic Alfred Coffee. Josh is an architecture and design nerd, and he intentionally infused his eclectic personality into the creation of his coffee shops and tea rooms. You have most definitely seen pictures of people gleefully posing with their fancy drinks at one of his fabulously outfitted cafes. Hear how social media helped turn this coffee shop into a global tourist attraction.  What’s in this episode: Is it Alfred, or Alfred’s? Josh spills the literal tea.  How social media made this cafe a tourist destination  How Instagram played into the design and creation of the cafe experience  Yes, they really do own that phrase “But first, coffee” The Pink Drink - who made it first? We say it was Alfred. Can you guess the secret ingredient in the Pink Drink? The most popular drinks at Alfred Coffee and Tea  What makes their Iced Vanilla Latte world-famous?  Do you know what boba is? I just learned: it’s tapioca.  Wait until you hear the celebrities that have visited Alfred coffee  HINT: Presidents drink Alfred coffee  The famous TV show that shot an episode at Alfred. It will make you want to Curb Your Enthusiasm … how’s that for a hint?  Larry David wears silk socks. Josh shares the whole story. It’s classic.  How does the owner of a famous coffee shop take his coffee?  Why coffee is pandemic-proof And much more! Links from the show:  Alfred on Instagram: @alfred. Alfred's Website: www.alfred.la Dear Food on Instagram @DearFoodPodcast Dear Food on YouTube Be on the Show Tell us your food stories!  The first time you remember tasting food, your dream dinner, or just a food that you can’t stop thinking about. Call in to leave us a voicemail at 626-709-6551 or send your messages to [email protected]  PLEASE SUBSCRIBE to Dear Food on Apple Podcasts. It's totally free to subscribe, and it makes a huge difference for independent podcasters like me. Thank you, I love you. 

Have you ever looked at a beautiful Model and thought, I wonder what she eats? Molly Ritter, is an *actual* Model and Actress, and she got so tired of being asked that very question, that she went ahead and created her own food blog. Lucky for us, because her recipes are fantastic and actually succeed at tasting delicious while still being healthy. She shares two of her favorite breakfast recipes with us, and gives us a little glimpse inside her daily life.  What’s in this episode: How Molly became a food blogger How being an Actor and Model affects what Molly eats  How Molly makes healthy food taste delicious  She shares her collagen pancake recipe  What goes into developing a healthy recipe  Why Molly is not afraid of carbs  What makes the *perfect* pancake This is controversial, but Molly swears by adding vegetables to her pancakes. It’s way better than you think, she explains.  The spice that makes everything taste like donuts Another make-ahead breakfast you have to try this week: overnight oats  Molly’s pumpkin overnight oats recipe is *Chef’s kiss* The signature cooking method she has dubbed “dump and pray”  Pro tip for overnight oats - you can reuse a nut butter jar, and you don’t even have to clean it first! Molly’s mindset in the kitchen is actually great advice for life at large  Molly’s famous uncle … kind of  Links from the show:  Molly on Instagram: @MollyRitter Thyme For Honey on Instagram  @Thymeforhoney Thyme For Honey blog: www.ThymeForHoney.com Dear Food on Instagram @DearFoodPodcast Dear Food on YouTube Recipes from the show: Pumpkin Maple Overnight Oatmeal recipe: https://thymeforhoney.com/pumpkin-maple-overnight-oatmeal/ Be on the Show Tell us your food stories!  The first time you remember tasting food, your dream dinner, or just a food that you can’t stop thinking about. Call in to leave us a voicemail at 626-709-6551 or send your messages to [email protected]  Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE on Apple Podcasts,  and share this episode with a friend! It makes a huge difference for independent podcasters like me.

Happy Diwali! Diwali is the five day Festival of Lights celebrated by Hindus. Like most holidays, there are some celebration rituals that center around food. So naturally, I grabbed one of my good friends, who is both Indian AND a major foodie, for this special episode. Raj Rawal, a Content Lead for a major food publisher, joins us this week to walk us through the dishes we should be ordering when we go to Indian restaurants.  What’s in this episode: The best place to get Indian food in the world (hint, it’s not India) What Diwali is, and how it is celebrated  What foods are central to Diwali  The street foods of Mumbai that you should order whenever you see them on the menu Raj’s advice on Indian Food buffets? Do it.  Little India in California is located in Cerritos/Artesia  If you’re in California, hit Pioneer Blvd for the best Indian food If you’re in New Jersey, visit the famous Oak Tree Road Most Americans are actually eating Punjabi food  Pro-tip: Trader Joe’s Tikka Masala is approved  by the Indian community  Thums Up is the Indian version of Coca Cola, note the spelling  When eating Indian food, your naan (bread) is basically your utensil Alert: do not eat with your left hand! Raj explains why. It’s gross, but an important rule to know about when traveling abroad.  Garam Masala is the spice you should have in your cabinet if you want to cook Indian food Why the cow is sacred in the Hindu religion  The famous Indian beers you to try, and no, it’s not an IPA  Links from the show:  Raj on Instagram: @Asaprajy Raj on Twitter  @Asaprajy Dear Food on Instagram @DearFoodPodcast Dear Food on YouTube Be on the Show Tell us your food stories!  The first time you remember tasting food, your dream dinner, or just a food that you can’t stop thinking about. Call in to leave us a voicemail at 626-709-6551 or send your messages to [email protected]  Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE on Apple Podcasts,  and share this episode with a friend! It makes a huge difference for independent podcasters like me. 

POV: you’re here because you just binge-watched Netflix’s ‘Emily in Paris’ and have become a francophile. You’re not alone. After watching the whole season of Darren Starr’s latest hit, I found myself reminiscing about the one time I visited France with my boyfriend, which happens to be exactly one year ago today. Drew joins me for this episode, and together we share our favorite moments from our trip to Marseilles and Paris. With only 24 hours to see the big city, and a strict diet looming overhead, could we actually enjoy ourselves? The answer is a resounding ‘oui.’ What’s in this episode: What makes the city of Marseilles so special  Marseilles is the gateway to the Mediterranean  The first food I ate in France, was on a train  Croque Monsieur translates to “Crunchy Sir”  You have to visit ‘Le Panier’ region of Marseilles  Bouillabaisse is the famous fish stew that originated in Marseilles  The ceremony that accompanies eating Bouillabaisse  The adorable part of Paris you must visit? Montparnasse Montparnasse is the Crepe capital of the world  The best meal we had in Paris was in fact a crepe  Crepes are traditionally served with cider Savory or sweet: which crepes are better  The gourmet foods of France that we didn’t get to try  Our travel hack for visiting new cities: bike sharing  The French stereotypes we found to be true, and which ones we debunked The French expression that will win your favor in Marseilles Links from the show:  Drew on Instagram: @Drewpbaldwin Dear Food on Instagram @DearFoodPodcast Dear Food on YouTube Be on the Show Tell us your food stories!  The first time you remember tasting food, your dream dinner, or just a food that you can’t stop thinking about. Call in to leave us a voicemail at 626-709-6551 or send your messages to [email protected]  Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE on Apple Podcasts,  and share this episode with a friend! It makes a huge difference for independent podcasters like me.

Stephen Cusato learns with eyes, and cooks with his heart. He created ‘Not Another Cooking Show’, the popular YouTube (and now TikTok) cooking show, to reach the Home Chefs out there. Some of his biggest hits are his smash burger, any my personal favorite, key lime pie. He’s as passionate about the cooking of his dishes, as he is the production of his show. We geek out a little bit on film stuff in this episode, as well as things like imposter syndrome, and the constant battle creators face with themselves. Stephen is a New Yorker with STRONG opinions about the U.S. food landscape, and lots of other things actually .. like which fast food chain makes the best burger. What’s in this episode: What makes Not Another Cooking Show … well, not another cooking show?  How he scripts his videos for different platforms  Growing up Italian American in New York  His first taste memory is not totally surprising, Chicken Parmesan Unique New York food memories (say that 3 times fast)  How Iron Chef Japan shaped his career  What it means to cook with the seasons  How farmers markets inspire his menus  What inspires Not Another Cooking Show recipes  The right way to cook a steak - hint, you’re not using enough salt.  The pressures of being a full time content creator  Some cool film tips and trick Stephen used for his show A lively debate about In-N-Out Links from the show:  Stephen on Instagram: @TheFoodFreakk Not Another Cooking Show on TikTok  Not Another Cooking Show on YouTube Be on the Show Tell us your food stories!  The first time you remember tasting food, your dream dinner, or just a food that you can’t stop thinking about. Call in to leave us a voicemail at 626-709-6551 or send your messages to [email protected]  Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE on Apple Podcasts,  and share this episode with a friend! It makes a huge difference for independent podcasters like me.

Buddy Stringer is looking for love, on TikTok of all places. He’s cooking for his future soulmate and making videos of each recipe. The internet has fallen in love with him, but he still hasn’t found "the one." We’re talking with Buddy to find out what exactly he’s looking for in a partner, and how food plays a critical role in his search.   What’s in this episode: Buddy explains his mission to find his soulmate through food  The recipe for his famous ‘Buddy Buns’, or so we call it. It’s the unnamed dish that shot him to TikTok fame An update on Buddy’s dating life right now  What the future looks like for Buddy - in love and work The qualities Buddy is looking for in his soulmate  His ideal first date  What your choice in a charcuterie board says about you  Does eating spicy food make you a better lover?  A new cocktail for you to try: Mezcal Old Fashioned What is the first dish Buddy wants to make for his soulmate How Buddy’s son influences his dating life and the one rule he enforces with his son The one food Buddy has never eaten! Recipe for Buddy Buns:  ½ pound ground Italian sausage  ½ white onion 2 to 3 cups of finely chopped spinach 8 oz cream cheese  (preferably flavored) ½ cup  sharp  cheddar cheese  Pre-made puff pastry Directions: Brown sausage and  set aside  Mix remaining ingredients on medium bowl  Cut 5x5 inch  squares of puff pastry  Drop  2 tbsp  of mixture  onto squares  Gather the corners up top, and twist to make a little bun shape Place in the oven at 350 for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown  Links from the show:  Buddy’s most viewed Tik Tok  The  "Shark Coochie Board" Meme  Buddy on Instagram: @BitesWithBuddy Be on the Show Tell us your food stories!  The first time you remember tasting food, your dream dinner, or just a food that you can’t stop thinking about. Call in to leave us a voicemail at 626-709-6551 or send your messages to [email protected]  Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE on Apple Podcasts,  and share this episode with a friend! It makes a huge difference for us independent podcasters like me. 

After 10 episodes, it’s time to check in! What do you think of the show so far? I need your help to make it the best show it can be, for you! Would  you do me a huge favor and take the survey linked below? It’s only 10 questions, and it’ll take you less than 10 minutes. Have we said  ‘10’  enough yet?!  Here’s the link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NNVXVG2 Don’t forget, we want to hear your stories too!  Tell us your food stories!  The first time you remember tasting food, your dream dinner, or just a food that you can’t stop thinking about. Call in and leave us a voicemail at 626-709-6551 or send your messages to [email protected]  Hit that subscribe button, and please share this show with a fellow food lover!