Donna Hay, The Australian Food Media Icon, Shares Her Origin Story

We have a special mini series debuting today in partnership with Fisher & Paykel called “The New Home.” Over the next few weeks, host Kerry Diamond will be in conversation with some amazing women about their lives, their kitchens, and their inspiring careers. We’re starting with an icon who has influenced Cherry Bombe with her food styling, photography, and wholehearted approach to home cooking. It’s Donna Hay, the culinary legend from Australia.  Donna shares how eating crepes in Paris was an aha moment early in her career, how a fashion editor helped develop her sense of whimsy, and more from her wonderful origin story. She also talks about her new book, “Sunshine, Lemons, and Sea Salt: A Celebration of Modern Coastal Home Cooking,” which is the first of her 30+ cookbooks that she shot at home.  Click here for Donna’s Harissa Chicken & Feta Baked Garlic Bread recipe.  Thank you to Fisher & Paykel for supporting our show. Sign up for our free Radio Cherry Bombe newsletters at cherrybombe.substack.com More on Donna: Instagram, website, "Sunshine, Lemons and Sea Salt" cookbook More on Kerry: Instagram, “So You Want To Open A Restaurant” Substack series

Today’s guest is Sabrina Rudin, founder of Spring Cafe Aspen, the organic, plant-powered restaurant with locations in Aspen and New York City. She’s also the author of the new cookbook “Healthy with a Side of Happy: 100 Plant-Based Recipes to Feed Your Family.” Sabrina joins host Kerry Diamond on her 40th birthday to talk about launching Spring Cafe with no restaurant experience, bootstrapping the business, and bringing her healthy, feel-good food to a wider audience. They also discuss her debut cookbook, her approach to joyful (not restrictive) plant-based cooking, and the stories behind some of her favorite recipes. Plus, Sabrina shares her thoughts on manifestation, motherhood, and stepping into her “f*ck it forties.” Click here for Sabrina’s Noodle Kugel recipe from her Grandma Hazel. Thank you on/Sight and Coyuchi for supporting our show. Questions? Email [email protected]. Enjoy 15% off your first Coyuchi purchase with code CHERRY (first-time customers only, exclusions may apply). Jubilee tickets More on Sabrina: Instagram, Spring Cafe, “Healthy With A Side Of Happy” cookbook More on Kerry: Instagram, “So You Want To Open A Restaurant” Substack series

Today’s guest is Aisha Tyler—actor, director, comedian, podcast host, and now beverage entrepreneur. You might know Aisha from “Criminal Minds: Evolution” or “Friends,” but these days she’s also the founder of losophē, a line of organic, ready-to-drink cocktails designed to bring the bar experience home. Aisha joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about her wildly multi-hyphenate career and why she’s always chasing the next challenge. She shares how her love of hospitality—and frustration with lackluster drinks at home—led her to launch losophē with business partner James King, why she bootstrapped the business herself, and what it’s really like to be a hands-on founder in a crowded cocktail category. They also dive into Aisha’s creative life beyond food and drink, what she’s learned as an entrepreneur, why kindness and resilience are essential in business, and how she balances it all while staying deeply curious.  Thank you on/Sight and Coyuchi for supporting our show. Questions? Email [email protected].  Enjoy 15% off your first Coyuchi purchase with code CHERRY (first-time customers only, exclusions may apply). This interview was recorded at Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center. Jubilee ticketsCherry Bombe on SubstackOur new Mom’s the Bombe issue Visit cherrybombe.com for subscriptions, tickets to upcoming events, and more. More on Aisha: Instagram, losophē (Use code BOMBESQUAD20 for 20% off your purchase) More on Kerry: Instagram, “So You Want To Open A Restaurant” Substack series

Today’s episode is a special live recording from Jubilee 2025 in New York City, featuring Asma Khan, chef, restaurateur, author, and one of the most powerful voices in food today. Asma is the chef-owner of London’s Darjeeling Express, the author of “Monsoon: Delicious Indian Recipes for Every Day and Season,” “Chef’s Table” star, and a fierce advocate for women everywhere. Asma joins host Kerry Diamond on stage for a deeply moving conversation about resilience, purpose, and the power of community. Asma is introduced by author Yasmin Khan.  Thank you to on/Sight and “In The Kusina” by Woldy Reyes for supporting our show. Questions? Email [email protected]. Cherry Bombe on SubstackOur new Mom’s the Bombe issue Visit cherrybombe.com for subscriptions, tickets to upcoming events, and more. More on Asma: Instagram, Darjeeling Express, "Monsoon" cookbook More on Kerry: Instagram, “So You Want To Open A Restaurant” Substack series

Today’s guest is Lucie Franc de Ferriere, the self-taught baker and founder of From Lucie, the popular East Village bakery known for its mini cakes, chocolate chip cookies, and French-inflected charm. Lucie is also the author of the new cookbook “Cake From Lucie: Recipes and Techniques From the French Countryside to New York City.” Lucie and host Kerry Diamond discuss how the book blends her upbringing in southwest France with her life in New York, the importance of working with a creative team that understands her vision, and why she wanted the book to feel personal and approachable. Lucie reflects on the influence of her mother’s tea room, her grandmother’s Madeleine recipe, and the rituals that shaped her love of baking.  Click here for Lucie’s Matcha White Chocolate Mini Cake recipe. Thank you to on/Sight and “In The Kusina” by Woldy Reyes for supporting our show. Questions? Email [email protected]. This interview was recorded at Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center.  Jubilee ticketsThe Cherry Bombe print issue with Lucie on the cover More on Lucie: From Lucie, “Cake From Lucie” cookbook More on Kerry: Instagram, “So You Want To Open A Restaurant” Substack series

Today’s guest is Donna Lennard, the founder of il Buco and one of the defining figures of downtown New York dining. Since opening il Buco in 1994, Donna has slowly and thoughtfully built a hospitality group founded on passion, great ingredients, and welcoming vibes. The business includes il Buco Alimentari in NYC, il Buco outposts in Amagansett and Ibiza, il Buco Vita shops, and a line of il Buco pantry staples.  She joins host Kerry Diamond to share the story of how il Buco came to be, and the personal journey that led her from a career in film to hospitality. She reflects on hiring and leadership, why doing what you love is her guiding principle, the dish that’s never leaving the menu (hello, kale salad), and the food world legend she’d want with her on a desert island. This interview was recorded at Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center.  Cherry Bombe on SubstackOur new Mom’s the Bombe issue Visit cherrybombe.com for subscriptions, tickets to upcoming events, and more. More on Donna: Instagram, il Buco, il Buco Vita More on Kerry: Instagram, “So You Want To Open A Restaurant” Substack series

Today’s guest is Molly Irani, co-founder and chief culture officer of the award-winning Chai Pani Restaurant Group in Asheville, North Carolina, and author of the new book, “Service Ready: A Story of Love, Restaurants, and the Power of Hospitality.” Back in 2009, Molly and her husband, Meherwan, were facing an uncertain future during the financial crisis when he proposed something unexpected: opening an Indian street food restaurant. Molly was shocked, but, ever the optimist, she ultimately said yes. Her leap of faith changed everything. Molly joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about what it really took to get Chai Pani off the ground, including writing a business plan detailed enough to win over landlords, navigating financial risk, and learning the realities of restaurant life on the fly. They also dive into Molly’s new book and the lessons she’s learned about leadership, resilience, and building a people-first business.  This interview was recorded at Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center. Cherry Bombe on SubstackOur new Mom’s the Bombe issueSign up to hear Molly at Wednesday’s member meeting on Zoom Visit cherrybombe.com for subscriptions, tickets to upcoming events, and more. More on Molly: Instagram, Chai Pani, "Service Ready" book More on Kerry: Instagram, “So You Want To Open A Restaurant” Substack series

Today’s guest is Amber Guinness—cookbook author and co-founder of The Arniano Painting School. Amber grew up in the Tuscan countryside, where food was a way of life and meals were all about gathering, generosity, and instinct.  Amber joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about her latest book, “Winter in Tuscany: Cozy Recipes and the Quanto Basta Way,” and the philosophy that guides her cooking: quanto basta, or “as much as you need.” It’s a beautifully simple idea that encourages cooks to trust themselves, embrace imperfection, and focus on flavor over formulas. Amber shares stories from her childhood in rural Italy, her time working at London’s iconic River Cafe, and how she came to host intimate painting retreats at her family home, where she cooks for guests using recipes passed down through generations.  The two also dive into Amber’s favorite dishes, from lemony meatballs and “drunk” spaghetti to cozy lentil stews and emergency pantry pasta. Plus, Amber talks about writing three books in three years, the magic of Tuscan olive oil, and why sometimes the simplest meals are the most memorable. Click here for Amber’s Sausage, Lentil, & Chickpea Stew recipe. This interview was recorded at Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center.  Cherry Bombe on SubstackThe Jubilee Business Owners Pass applicationOur new Mom’s the Bombe issue Visit cherrybombe.com for subscriptions, tickets to upcoming events, and more. More on Amber: Instagram, The Arniano Painting School, "Winter in Tuscany" cookbook More on Kerry: Instagram, “So You Want To Open A Restaurant” Substack series

Today’s guest is Ham El-Waylly—chef, recipe developer, restaurateur, and author of the new cookbook “Hello, Home Cooking: Doable Dishes for Every Day.” Ham is also the co-founder of the Brooklyn restaurant Strange Delight and part of an NYC culinary power couple with his wife, Sohla El-Waylly. Ham joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about growing up in Doha, watching “Yan Can Cook” on repeat, meeting Sohla at the Culinary Institute of America, being a girl dad, and his restaurant life. He also shares the story behind some of his favorite “Hello, Home Cooking” recipes, including a nostalgic Brazilian-inspired dessert, a viral-ready date fudge, and a silky tahini-tofu dip. (Click here for the tahini-tofu dip recipe.)  This interview was recorded at Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center.  Cherry Bombe on SubstackThe Jubilee Business Owners Pass applicationOur new Mom’s the Bombe issue Visit cherrybombe.com for subscriptions, tickets to upcoming events, and more. More on Ham: Instagram, Strange Delight, "Hello, Home Cooking" cookbook More on Kerry: Instagram, “So You Want To Open A Restaurant” Substack series

Today’s guest is Ruthie Rogers, the legendary chef and restaurateur behind The River Cafe in London, and she joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about her latest book, “Table 4 at The River Cafe.” Inspired by her popular podcast, “Ruthie’s Table 4,” the book features conversations with the likes of Nigella Lawson, Tina Fey, Greta Gerwig, Alice Waters, Tracey Emin, and dozens of other forces from the worlds of art, music, film, and food.  Ruthie shares the story of how The River Cafe began as a humble sandwich shop and evolved into a global culinary institution, the lessons she’s learned from nearly 40 years of running a restaurant, and why curiosity and kindness matter when hiring and mentoring the next generation of cooks. She also reflects on the power of food memories, what she’s discovered after more than 200 podcast interviews, and why so many people talk about their grandmothers when discussing the meals that shaped them. Plus, Ruthie reveals her comfort food (spoiler: it involves tomatoes, pasta, and butter), the River Cafe dishes that will never leave the menu, and the food world hero she’d want with her on a desert island. Click here for the Rigatoni With Cavolo Nero & Olive Oil recipe from The River Cafe London. Thank you to Peter Som’s “Family Style” cookbook for supporting our show.  This interview was recorded at Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center.  Cherry Bombe on SubstackThe Jubilee Business Owners Pass applicationOur new Mom’s the Bombe issue Visit cherrybombe.com for subscriptions, tickets to upcoming events, and more. More on Ruthie: Instagram, The River Cafe, “Table 4 at The River Cafe” book More on Kerry: Instagram, “So You Want To Open A Restaurant” Substack series