Restaurant Reviews that Bite Back: Pete Wells Speaks Up and Out

This week, we uncover everything you never knew about the stomach, including its ability to think. Author Elsa Richardson also reveals ancient medical practices for quieting a gurgling gut, and we find out just how similar human and dog stomachs are. Plus, Florence Fabricant of The New York Times discusses the best and worst in food writing; and Kim Severson untangles the recent rise in egg prices.Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Welcome to Las Vegas! Chris reunites with our friend and Vegas food scene expert Al Mancini for the ultimate night out. They start downtown at Atomic Liquors, where Barbra Streisand, Hunter S. Thompson and the Rat Pack were regulars. They then head to Chyna Club at the Fontainebleau for “the best cocktail I’ve ever had” (says Chris), plus the Vegas food you need to try right now, prepared by Chef Richard Chen. And for their last stop, Chris and Al visit Stray Pirate for a bar unlike anything we've ever seen.This special episode of Milk Street Radio is made in collaboration with our sponsor Las Vegas. To discover the dining experiences that Las Vegas has to offer, go to https://www.visitlasvegas.com/culinary/

Angela Hui tells the story of her childhood growing up in her family’s Chinese restaurant—there are flaming woks, short tempers and zero privacy. Plus, we’re joined by journalist Jenn Harris to learn how influencers are making their mark on the restaurant industry; Alex Aïnouz speeds up beef bourguignon; and we make Italian Wedding Soup. (Originally aired February 23rd, 2023.) Get this week’s recipe for Italian Wedding Soup here.Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

We explore the whimsical world of Irish baking with Cherie Denham. Plus Madison Avenue veteran Jeff Swystun shares the little-known history of food advertising; we cook up Spinach and Ricotta Dumplings in Tomato Sauce; and Alex Aïnouz is on a journey to make the world’s best roasted chicken.Get this week’s recipe for Spinach and Ricotta Dumplings in Tomato Sauce here.Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Pete Wells, former New York Times restaurant critic, joins us to look back on his most infamous reviews, plus why he blasted Guy Fieri’s Times Square restaurant but loved Señor Frog’s. Photojournalist Kate Medley reveals why some of the best food in the South is served at the gas station; we make Cantonese Stir-Fried Black Pepper Beef and Potatoes; and Chris and Sara Moulton answer listener calls. Get this week’s recipe for Cantonese Stir-Fried Black Pepper Beef and Potatoes here.Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | SpotifyChristopher Kimball’s Milk Street Radio is produced by Milk Street, in association with GBHCo-Founder: Melissa BaldinoExecutive Producer: Annie Sinsabaugh Senior Editor: Melissa AllisonSenior Producer: Sarah Clapp Producer: Caroline Davis Production Intern: Marisa OrozcoProduction Help: Debby PaddockAdditional Editing: Sydney LewisAudio Mixing by Jay Allison at Atlantic Public Media in Woods Hole MassachusettsTheme Music: "Hang Tan" by Toubab KreweAdditional Music: George Brandl Egloff

Bees solve puzzles, have distinct personalities and play with balls like a puppy. Zoologist Lars Chittka reveals amazing new discoveries about the mind of a honeybee and what a bee’s consciousness means for us humans. Plus, we investigate the mysterious phenomenon of bee heists; Sylvan Mishima Brackett, chef-owner of Rintaro, shares the secrets to perfect hot spring eggs and ruby grapefruit jelly; Alex Aïnouz searches for the perfect paella; and we bake Basque Country’s burnished cheesecake. (Originally aired February 15th, 2024.)Get this week’s recipe for Basque Style Cheesecake here.Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Irina Georgescu joins us to relive her and Chris’s journey to the heart of Transylvania. We discover the world of Romanian breads, snack pies, sour soups and folklore. Plus, archaeologist Brendan Foley explores a 15th-century shipwreck and uncovers a king's medieval spice cabinet; Alex Aïnouz reimagines deviled eggs; Cheryl Day returns to answer baking questions; and we make Irina’s recipe for Meringue-Topped Cake with Cherries. Get the recipe for Meringue-Topped Cake with Cherries here.Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Alice Waters thinks David Mas Masumoto’s peaches could change the world. Today, Masumoto shares his search for the perfect peach and the shocking family secret that changed the history of his farm. Plus, we chat with Nichole Accettola about Scandinavian baking, from cinnamon knots to rye bread, and we learn the language of strawberries. (Originally aired February 1, 2024.)Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

This week, we’re looking at the pioneers of food television. Emeril Lagasse reflects on his unlikely start at the Food Network, how he’s different from his on-screen persona and why he just opened his first Portuguese restaurant. Plus, Michelle T. King tells the story of Fu Pei-mei, Taiwan’s first cooking TV star, our very own co-host and food TV star Sara Moulton answers caller cooking questions, and Adam Gopnik weighs in on the spectacle of Iron Chef.Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Tamar Haspel of the Washington Post is here to share 10 truths about food that nobody wants to believe. From diet soda to organic vegetables to one overlooked fish, nothing is sacred. Plus, Amanda Herbert brings us inside history’s wildest dinner parties; Adam Gopnik reveals what your drink of choice says about you; we make Thai Coconut and Chicken Soup; and Cheryl Day returns to take your baking calls. (Originally aired February 29, 2024.)Get the recipe for Thai Coconut and Chicken Soup here.Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify