For gastronauts, watching the Food Network isn’t enough to stay updated on all of the recipes, trends and politics swirling around the restaurant world. Netflix has definitely upped its culinary documentary game, and other streaming services like Amazon Prime have their own series dedicated to food. But unless you have an unlimited amount of time to watch, podcasts are clutch for feeding your ear holes with serious deliciousness.
Here’s a round-up of six great nuggets from my podcast library, in no particular order, that cover various aspects of the food and drink scene.
Bon Appétit Foodcast A fine place to start, whether you want to get the scoop on industry news, discover the world’s top restaurants or have your cooking questions answered by the pros. This pod has it all. Begin with Episode 159, “Alison Roman and ‘The Cookies,’” for a cast of host and Bon Appétit editor-in-chief Adam Rapoport interviewing contributor and cookbook author Alison Roman about her viral cookie recipe.
The Bearded Vegans Hosts Paul and Andy explore everything vegan: interviews, news and in-depth discussions of issues within the community. If you’re coming around to plant-based eating, or already practicing veganism, the “beardos” also offer kitchen tips and restaurant reviews. Episode 131, “Is it Okay to Buy Non-Vegan Ice Cream for a Crying Child?,” provides a feel for the vegan food politics that’re covered. I’m not vegan, but who isn’t a little curious?
Beards, Booze and Bacon Guests and editors of the Manual website — which is “dedicated to helping men live a more engaged life” — talk men’s lifestyle news in a roundtable format, from navigating a wine list to barbecue. Since, well, ‘tis the season and all, the pod’s May 23 episode, “BBQ Tips and Tricks with Pitmaster Chard Ward,” just might improve your grilling game.
Radio Cherry Bombe Female chefs, writers, cookbook authors and other boss women in the food business are interviewed by Kerry Diamond, host and co-founder of indie magazine Cherry Bombe. It’s only right to start with Episode 161, “Wonder Woman,” in which Diamond interviews Top Chef Season 4 winner Stephanie Izard — who’s dominating the Chicago food scene — and Brooklyn baker Gabi Vigoreaux, who dishes about, among other things, Miami’s Cuban bakeshops.
The Dave Chang Show Seriously, if you haven’t watched Ugly Delicious on Netflix yet, you need to binge it. Immediately. In his pod, chef, restaurateur, TV personality and author David Chang recruits writers, chefs and friends to discuss food and pop culture in a very witty, dynamic way. Kick off your listening pleasure with the May 31 episode, “Helen Rosner on #MeToo in the Culinary World and Her long Career on the Food Beat.”
The Wine Down by Wine Dialogues Comedian, actor and host Ben Schwartz invites fellow comedians and wine experts to taste some vino and learn about pairings in a fun and comfortable manner. Started in early April, this new pod boasts a solid rating (between four-and-a-half and five stars), and I’ve blown through nearly all of the episodes. Get ready to elevate your wine stash and kiss that boxed wine goodbye.
There — it’s official. You have a healthy dose of podcasts to enjoy at the gym, during that commute to work or while cooking. Take your adulting to the next level with a subscription, all right?
This article appears in Jul 5-12, 2018.