Food Neighbourhoods #407: Taormina, Sicily

We leaf through a new cookbook by Tim Anderson dedicated to the cuisine of the Japanese island of Hokkaido. Also in the programme, George Ruskin meets chef Ben Slater to learn about the art of food styling and our in-house wine expert, Chloé Lake, crowns her wine of the month.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Norway’s capital is not to be overlooked if you want a taste of the best that the Nordics have to offer. Much like its people, Oslo’s culinary scene is not brash or showy, so its most notable restaurants and bars can be easy to miss. Here, Monocle’s resident Norwegian, Gunnar Gronlid, helps us uncover some of the city’s best spots.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week’s episode is dedicated entirely to umami. First up, we sit down with Christopher Beckman, whose new book dives into the history and potency of anchovies. Also on the programme: Monocle’s Canberra correspondent, Aarti Betigeri, tastes Australia’s divisive spread, Vegemite. Plus: we unearth the bountiful possibilities of cooking with fungi with Sam White, executive chef at Fortnum & Mason. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We swap city life for the hilltop town of Taormina in Sicily to soak up the last of the season’s sun. George Ruskin takes us on a tour of this elegant destination’s best culinary spots. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we delve into the pleasure of ice cream whatever the season with founder of Happy Endings, Terri Mercieca. Also in the programme, Monocle’s Copenhagen correspondent Michael Booth meets chef and butcher, Michael Museth, at his restaurant and shop, Butcheria, dedicated to delivering high-quality-meat products to the city. Plus: Mae-Li Evans visits a new exhibition at Japan House London, ‘Looks Delicious!’, all about the art of hyper-realistic food replicas in Japan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we’re heading upstream to Hudson, a leafy town north of New York, to sample its culinary delights. Monocle’s Anita Riotta takes us on a tour.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we welcome chef Santiago Lastra back to the studio to discuss his new London opening, Fonda, inspired by Mexico’s laidback eateries. Also in the programme: Monocle’s Petri Burtsoff meets Finnish chef Sami Tallberg to learn about the transformative flavours of fresh-foraged herbs. Plus: Monica Lillis heads to Lulu's, a South London neighbourhood restaurant taking the area’s culinary reputation to the next level. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, we’re heading to France’s oldest city, Marseille. Known for its sunshine, sea and saffron, this melting pot of a port town seamlessly blends French, Italian, Mediterranean and North African cooking traditions and rituals. Here, Sarah Grice takes us on a tour of her favourite spots.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we whip out jars and bottles for an episode entirely dedicated to condiments. First up, we sit down with the authority on the subject, author Claire Dinhut – also known as Condiment Claire – to talk about her new book. Also in the programme: Monocle’s Gregory Scruggs meets the founders of KariKari Chilli Crisp in Seattle to learn about the global craze for spicy sauces. Plus: Sebastian Stephenson heads to Highbank Orchards to taste its award-winning cider vinegar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Monocle’s Monica Lillis heads to the leafy suburb of Herne Hill in South London to sample its artisanal bakeries and cafés, sit down at some of the area’s best restaurants and tour its stalwart Sunday market. Take a listen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.