Showing results by author "Jim Coleman" in All Categories

It's hard to believe that it has been nearly a year since Hurricane Katrina made landfall on the coasts of Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. On today's show, we'll see how the region is faring. The reviews have been mixed: some will say they are well on the road to normalcy; others indicate help has been sorely lacking.

Summer pastimes.... why is it that simple pleasures are the best this time of year? Maybe it's the childhood memories of camp, or a country visit to Grandma and Grandpa. We talk to a champion Cherry Pit Spitter and have a little competition of our own. Then, make a perfect pie crust and a frosty glass of tea. Our guests include John T. Edge waxing poetic about donuts and Priscilla Martel getting nutty over nuts. Later, we discover what food choices can reveal about our dates.

Oscar Night! All the fun, glamour, and glitz of the silver screen. Plus, movie menus and entertaining without the fuss. Join Chef Jim Coleman with our tribute to the Academy Awards. A film historian gives us some insights on food in the silent film era, and we take a listen to our favorite food flicks. And, if you are preparing an Oscar Night party, get some tips from Chef Interrupted, Melissa Clark's new book that helps home cooks create the star-chef recipes.

Do you get stressed out when you're hosting a holiday party and forget to enjoy your company? On this week's show get some tips and tricks for successful entertaining. Chef and restaurateur, Terrance Brennan, responsible for the resurgence of quality cheeses, tells us how to make a holiday cheeseplate for luxurious but simple entertaining. Michael Rechuitti reveals what chocolate women love most. And a comic strip writer brings his family Seven Fish celebration to life in print. Plus -a robotic pot!

TV cooking shows. What's your favorite? On today's show we'll take a look at the evolution of celebrity chefs and food on the tube. We'll talk to historian Kathleen Collins about early shows and what's happening on the screen today. Top Chef judge Tom Colicchio gives us a behind-the-scenes look at this successful reality cooking show. Marcus Samuelsson stops by to talk about a special Swedish custom this time of year - and you'll hear his reluctant singing debut!

The leaves are turning and there's a nip in the air. So, it's time to revamp those menus and bring some heartier fare and ingredients into the kitchen. We'll visit with the authors of the Canal House Cooking series. Later, some tips from our Registered Dietician for staying healthy during this flu season. And, something to bring the kid out in you - we'll hear from the author of the book that inspired the 3-D animated film, Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs.

It's the beginning of the summer season and we're all thinking of places to visit. Here at Chef's Table our informal survey shows most people would choose a trip to Disney World over a trip to the moon. But, we thought we'd take a look at a few more destinations. First up, Southern Italy with Nancy Harmon Jenkins. Then onto the Arabian Peninsula, and later... Mauritius. Closer to home we talk about the Hamptons with the founder of it's unique paper, "Dan's Papers."

Today we're all about the upcoming celebration on the Fourth. It's all about patriotic ceremonies, fireworks, history, and of course the food. And, as a nation of many immigrants, we're lucky to have many food influences. Lidia Bastianich discusses her ten favorite places in Italy, plus her life as a native of Italy and her adopted America. Grilling expert David Joachim reveals how to master your grill.

The best time machine is food. On today's show we'll travel in time to the dining hot spot of 1773 - Philadelphia's City Tavern. We'll also discover a unique writing project that looks at regional foods of the 1930's. Later, meet a fictional turn-of-the-century Harvey Girl and an historian looks at the origins of soul food. Also, if you've got a mid-life crisis the answer might be to travel the globe. And, one man finds the answer to his love life in Ramen Noodles.

Got a lot of frequent flyer miles? Guess what, probably not as much as your food does! Today, the average meal travels thousands of miles to our table. On today's show we're talking transportation... from our food to our personal travels. We begin with shipping containers and our moveable feast. A couple talks about their year eating locally. Later we take a train ride in India. We'll also talk to a neuroscientist about the tricks of memory and Proust's famous madeleines.

No question beef is an iconic American food - from big burgers to thick, luscious steaks. How did we go from the cattle drive of the West to corn fed agribusiness, and now back again to the resurgence of grass fed? In her book, Raising Steaks, food writer Betty Fussel takes us through the history of American beef. Later, Jennifer McLagan helps us "chew the fat" about beef fat - and what she has to say will surprise you.

Today we're mixing it up with ingredients! Russ Parsons gives us the low down on picking and storing some great summer produce. We'll also discover the lesser known Asian cuisine: food from the Philippines. Find out why wasabi isn't really wasabi; plus what goes on in a Martha Stewart test kitchen. Later we'll meet a couple who spent a year eating only what was available within a 100 miles....and they stayed married to each other after all that.

On today's show we're solving some mysteries. From the authenticity of the world's most expensive bottle of wine to answering those pesky questions on how to cook fish. Actress Lorraine Bracco stops by to talk about her line of Italian wines. Jonathan Waxman describes the most unusual way he found his way into a professional kitchen. Plus, finding happiness through learning how to cook and much more.

With Passover approaching, many Jewish homes are beginning to prepare for this meaningful holiday. Radio personality Arthur Schwartz gives us some tips for buying the brisket and offers some food history. Learn how to make your own matzoh and weigh in on the matzoh-ball debate: floaters or sinkers? Later, we talk about some food swaps with an editor from Men's Health magazine. Joe Sixpack talks - what else - beer! And, we'll answer the question of the ages: "Why do cucumbers make you burp?"

Today's show takes us to cooking schools - from the famed Cordon Bleu to a British adventure in steak and kidney pie. Bobby Flay stops by to talk about his Southwestern philosophy. A sensory psychologist tells us what happens to our sense of smell and taste as we age, and how we can make eating more pleasurable for the elderly. Then, from the garden to the plate with cardoons and seakale. Plus Gourmet editor Bruce Haney with his memories of childhood meals in London, and much more.

Spring. It's all about new beginnings, and new growth and, oh yeah, there's spring cleaning and organizing. On today's show we'll talk to an expert and find out why the pantry can be a literary place. We'll chat with a master chocolatier about some unusual flavors, and discover why butter is back - and oh, baby, better than ever! Later, we'll visit Southern Italy. Plus, we crave healthy foods and learn how to make those whimsical cupcakes.

It's almost Halloween, so let's go into the dark side of food. We'll discover common frauds from the past, plus some concerns for today. The creator of The Spiderwick Chronicles talks about her latest venture into the world of fairies. Sharon Bowers gives us ghoulish goodies. And what's Halloween without a murder mystery? We've got one plotted in a vineyard! Plus, managing diabetes, the history of Betty Crocker and Halloween treats for kids with braces. And some not so scary advice for parents.

Ahhh... the smell of freshly cut grass; steak off the grill; and sea breezes. On today's show we find out what the nose knows with Dr. Avery Gilbert. Dr. Nancy Snyderman debunks some medical myths, such as how much water we really need to drink. And, the milennials are here... and buying wine right and left. Find out what makes this marketing group so important.

Let's enjoy the last few weeks of summer before September puts us back in high gear. No vacation is complete without a good novel... and we have one that is really percolating. Michael Idov's "Ground Up." We'll learn how to save some of summer's delicious tomatoes for our winter table. Plus ride a bike and learn about the iconic Philly sandwich - all at the same time. Also, an American in Paris, the history of air conditioning, lots of travel tips near or far and much more.

The movie Julia and Julie is coming out, so get ready to get your beef bourguignon on! We'll talk to Julie Powell whose blog about cooking all of Julia Child's seminal work, Mastering the Art of French Cooking in a year was inspiration for part of the movie. The other story line is about Julia Child's life in France, before she knew how to cook. Her nephew, Alex Prudhomme, talks about writing Julia's memoir with her.