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

This week, we’re wetting our whistles with an array of historic, rare and homemade drinks. Journalist Jonny Garrett tells the true story of beer, including its use as a dietary supplement for children, a religious rite in prehistoric caves, and as a form of Ancient Egyptian currency. Plus, Aaron Goldfarb tells us about the collectors who hunt for very old bottles of booze; Alex Aïnouz cries over a sip of his homemade red wine; and JM Hirsch shares a delightfully salty cocktail tip. Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

We chat with Great British Bake Off judge and author of “BAKE” Paul Hollywood about the best and worst parts of his job, his secret to perfect scones and what a bin lid is—and why it's so delicious. Plus, journalist Alex Beggs tells us about cookbooks for pets; J. Kenji López-Alt takes wok cooking outdoors; and we make Spicy Chinese Beef Skewers. (Originally aired July 22nd, 2022.)Get the recipe for Spicy Chinese Beef Skewers here.Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Lidia Bastianich joins Christopher Kimball to answer our listeners' Italian cooking questions—from the best recipe for ravioli to tips for avoiding soggy lasagne. Plus, The Great British Bake Off's Giuseppe Dell'Anno shares the joys of Italian baking, from cannoli cake to sfogliatelle; culinary guide Arianna Pasquini takes us on a tour of Rome's hidden food gems; and J.M. Hirsch reveals secrets from a Neapolitan trattoria.Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

YouTube coffee expert James Hoffmann shares the best, worst and weirdest coffee in the world—from his tried-and-true recipe for the ultimate cup at home to the time he tasted 70-year-old beans in Japan. Plus, Don and Petie Kladstrup tell us the story of the man who taught America to love Champagne; we make Beef Chili Colorado Tacos; and Adam Gopnik discusses the greatest food debates of our time. (Originally aired May 20, 2022.)Get the recipe for Beef Chili Colorado Tacos here.Listen to Milk Street Radio on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

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