Chew Diligence

Chef Shanita McAfee-Bryant is expanding horizons with her new project, The Prospect, and shining a spotlight on Black chefs with her new video podcast series The Conversation. She talks with Lindsay and Jill about how she’s managing it all in the midst of a pandemic. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This time on Chew Diligence, Lindsay and Jill welcome a Leavenworth legend — Earthell Bynum, and her daughter-in-law, Rachel Minnis. Together, the reopened Excellent Choice, a place known around the world for its fried catfish and other fixings. 

Brandon Simpson, chef and owner of Jazzy B's Diner in Lee's Summit, joins co-hosts Lindsay Shively and Jill Silva via Zoom this week. He talks with them about operations since the COVID-19 pandemic started, as well as conversations he’s had with new customers looking to support Black businesses.

Chef Zaid Consuegra isn’t just worried about reopening and running a restaurant after shutting his doors because of COVID-19. As a DACA recipient, he is waiting to hear what the Supreme Court will decide about the program that allows him and thousands of others in the Kansas City area to work and avoid deportation. 

While restaurants are forced to adapt to new business models, and grocery stores struggle to keep basics on the shelves, there’s one sector of the food industry that’s been flooded with new customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This time on Chew Diligence, Lindsay and Jill talk with local farmers and ranchers about the impacts, both good and bad, the health crisis has presented for them. On this episode, our co-hosts are joined by Patrick Montgomery of KC Cattle Company, Matt Shatto of Shatto Milk Company and Alicia Ellingsworth of the Kansas City Food Hub.

Learning to cook is no doubt a hands-on experience. With in-person classes canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, culinary arts teachers and students have had to get creative. Chef Bob Brassard and student Norah Pieken of Broadmoor Bistro join Lindsay and Jill via Zoom for this episode of Chew Diligence.

On this episode of Chew Diligence, two restaurateurs who've spent nearly two decades each in the Kansas City hospitality industry tell us how they continue to serve their community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Jake Imperiale of Bella Napoli and Beth Barden of Succotash join Lindsay and Jill (virtually).

For our fourth special episode on the impacts of COVID-19 on the Kansas City food industry, Lindsay and Jill explore how partnerships are bringing strength. Todd Johns of Plowboys BBQ and Stan Hays of Operation BBQ Relief talk about their Restaurant Relief Program, piloting now in Kansas City. Pam Liberda returns to the podcast to talk about Little Asia KC, a collaborative pop-up that sold out of food in 20 minutes during its last event.

The restaurant industry faces increasingly uncertain times as the COVID-19 pandemic grows in the United States and Kansas City. Meeting the needs of the community and of the industry’s workers is proving challenging. Father Justin Matthews of Thelma’s Kitchen and Reconciliation Services and Carlos Mortera of The Bite and Poi-o join co-hosts Lindsay and Jill via Zoom for our show’s third COVID-19 special.

With normal operations suspended, many people connected to the Kansas City food industry are finding new ways to serve their community. From creating a resource mutually beneficial for customers and restaurateurs, to a distillery-turned-hand-sanitizer-factory, co-hosts Lindsay and Jill discuss the good coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In just a few short days, COVID-19 massively changed the way Kansas City’s food and beverage industry operates. With mandates in place closing restaurants’ dining rooms, business owners have had to get creative. Lindsay and Jill talk with Nick and Leslie Goellner of The Antler Room, Howard Hanna of The Rieger and now Crossroads Community Kitchen, and Michael Crane and Chris Myers of Crane Brewing about the changes they’re implementing. The interviews on this episode were conducted by phone in accordance with public health officials’ social distancing recommendations.

This time on Chew Diligence, Chef Shaun Brady of Brady's Public House and Conroy's Public House joins Lindsay and Jill in the 41 Action News podcast studio. He told us about his journey to the kitchen and how one of his grandmother's recipes travels the world in the hands of a loyal customer.

This time on Chew Diligence, a former high school science teacher turned distiller joins Lindsay and Jill to talk all things Irish whiskey — and gin. We hope you enjoy our conversation with Benay Shannon of Restless Spirits Distilling Company.

While Lindsay got some sun in Miami covering the Chiefs' Super Bowl win, Jill Silva was joined by Executive Chef Rick Mullins of Café Sebastienne in the 41 Action News podcast studio.

This time on Chew Diligence, Chef Michael Corvino joins Lindsay and Jill in the podcast studio. The James Beard Award finalist owns and operates Corvino Supper Club & Tasting Room, and now Ravenous, a fast-casual concept open for weekday lunch.

Chef Joe West of The Savoy at 21c says “it’s definitely an honor” to be the executive chef at such a historic KC icon. He talks to Lindsay and Jill about his journey to get there and his unique twist on the menu.

Sean Ludwig and Ryan Cooper began co-producing The Smoke Sheet, a weekly barbecue newsletter, in 2018. Both men are from Kansas City, but live elsewhere, and travel to some of the hottest barbecue pits in the country. Sean joins Lindsay and Jill for this episode of Chew Diligence.

Chef Anourom Thomson, who is soon to open Anousone inside Strang Hall, shared with our cohosts Lindsay and Jill how his past has become his inspiration.

This episode is sure to make your mouth water! Co-hosts Lindsay Shively and Jill Silva were certainly hungry when they left the studio after their conversation with Waldo Thai Chef Pam Liberda and Bar Manager Darrell Loo.

This time on Chew Diligence, James Beard Award-winning Chef Celina Tio joins Lindsay and Jill in the podcast studio. They chat everything from the shine of the national spotlight to the reality of running a restaurant.

Barbecue is undeniably part of “how Kansas Citians think about themselves.” It’s a point of pride and shapes our city’s story. This time on Chew Diligence, Lindsay and Jill sit down with three men extremely knowledgable in the birth of Kansas City barbecue to learn about its roots.

Five generations ago, who could have predicted that “1,500 pounds of mean Missouri fury,” would become the namesake of the United States’ largest producer of American agave spirits? Jeff Evans of Mean Mule Distilling Co joins Lindsay and Jill in the pod studio on this episode of Chew Diligence.

3HALVES Brewing Co. and Jousting Pigs BBQ have made a home under one roof in Liberty, Missouri, bringing craft brew and craft ‘que to the Northland.

Ahead of the Oct. 11 event, Lindsay and Jill chat with three women involved in the Les Dames d’Escoffier Kansas City SupperClub. Stick around until the end of the episode for a bonus recording from Chew Diligence’s first anniversary party at Betty Rae's!

This time on Chew Diligence, Beth Barden of Succotash joins Lindsay and Jill in the podcast studio. From unique decor to a signature eight-layer cake, her brunch destination has plenty to offer. And, with help from Queer Eye, she’s taking her career in exciting new directions.

Tyler Harp is just starting to make a name for himself in the world of barbecue, and already he’s catching the eye of nationally-known critics. While some say Harp Barbecue offers a taste of Texas in KC, Tyler tells Lindsay and Jill he’s developing a style all his own.

We’re celebrating one whole year of Chew Diligence! David Friesen (appropriately pronounced “freezin’”) of Betty Rae’s Ice Cream joined Lindsay and Jill in the pod studio to talk about the shop’s skyrocket in business, plus a special event we’re planning!

Though they won’t admit it, Mary “Shorty” and Deborah “Little” Jones have become stars since their episode of Netflix’s hit show Queer Eye premiered. As they tell Lindsay and Jill, the skyrocket in business has been an incredible blessing.

Just ahead of the grand opening of J. Rieger & Co.’s new home in the East Bottoms of Kansas City, co-founders Andy Rieger and Ryan Maybee sat down with Lindsay and Jill in the podcast studio to talk about what’s in store for the distillery.

This time on Chew Diligence, Lindsay and Jill are joined by Howard Hanna, chef and owner of both The Rieger and Ça Va. They talk everything from celebrating local ingredients (What is Midwest cuisine, anyway?) to participating in politics as a restaurateur. Note: This episode contains adult language.

Ibis Bakery is part of a family of businesses that have exploded onto the Kansas City food scene in the last few years. Housed inside Messenger Coffee Co., Owner Chris Matsch told Lindsay and Jill all about their operation — from the freshly-milled flour to the toast that changes minds about, well, toast!

This week, it’s all about the brews! Michael Crane and Chris Meyers of Crane Brewing join Lindsay and Jill in the pod studio to talk about their ultra-local beers and the “craft barbecue” hotshot serving up Texas-style brisket at their brewery.

Soon, Fox and Pearl will close its doors — but only so it can open bigger ones! Owners Vaughn Good (chef) and Kristine Hull (designer) join Jill and Lindsay to talk about their new location in Kansas City’s Westside neighborhood that’s the perfect home for their rustic, “rootsy” cuisine.

Recovering from a disaster is no easy task, as Christian Joseph of Plate and Calvin Davis of Freshwater well know. This time on Chew Diligence, co-hosts Lindsay Shively and Jill Silva talk to the restaurant owners about the journey to reopening their doors after tragedy and destruction.

Chew Diligence co-hosts Lindsay Shively and Jill Silva are joined by Jasper Mirabile (a man with so many titles, it’s hard to name just one!) to celebrate 65 years of family and food at Jasper’s Restaurant.

This time on Chew Diligence, co-hosts Lindsay Shively and Jill Silva talked to two of the people behind one of the swankiest spots in town to grab a cocktail — The Monarch. Parlour Manager Kenny Cohrs and Bar Director Brock Schulte share with us the attention to detail present in every single drink, even down to the ice!

Talk about a power couple! Colby and Megan Garrelts started Bluestem 15 years ago, and in the time since have been nominated for (and won!) James Beard Awards, started a family and another restaurant, not to mention cookbooks, barbecue competitions and more. Cohosts Lindsay Shively and Jill Silva chatted with them about how they keep the balance.

Two restaurants (one charitable, and one entrepreneurial), are striving to give Troost a healthful economic boost by feeding the community in more ways than one. Both restaurants, Ruby Jean's Juicery and Thelma's Kitchen, are inspired by influential Kansas City women.

Lindsay’s back from maternity leave! This week she and Jill sit down with three of the people behind The American Restaurant, a place credited with putting Kansas City “on the nation’s culinary map.” Executive Chef Andrew Longres, Catering Manager Mary Meade Eastman, and Managing Partner Tom Johnson speak about what makes The American such an icon.

Christopher Elbow is truly becoming a jack of all trades. He began with chocolate at his namesake shop in the Crossroads before delving into ice cream at Glacé Artisan Ice Cream. Soon, he’ll open a new concept on the Kansas side, Fairway Creamery, where he'll add donuts to his repertoire.

This time on Chew Diligence, Chef Michael Smith of Farina, joins co-host Jill Silva in the podcast studio to talk about his newest venture.

Would you consider Kansas City a Southern city? John Cedric Smith, executive chef and co-owner of EJ's Urban Eatery, does. Chew Diligence co-hosts Lindsay Shively and Jill Silva sat down with him in the 41 Action News podcast studio to chat about his West Bottoms meat-and-three restaurant.

This week co-hosts Lindsay Shively and Jill Silva are joined by Chef Michael Foust, founder of The Farmhouse in the now-teeming City Market area, and Black Sheep + Market on 39th Street.

2018 marks 20 years in Kansas City for Lidia Bastianich’s restaurant in the Crossroads, Lidia’s Kansas City. This time on Chew Diligence, she tells co-hosts Lindsay Shively and Jill Silva about how she decided on the location, her Italian roots and passion for genuinely good food.

Lindsay and Jill prepare for the holiday party season with help from two masterful friends. You can hardly go wrong with the classic party pairing of wine and cheese, so Lindsay and Jill invited Certified Cheese Sensory Evaluator and Certified Cheese Professional Lincoln Broadbooks and Master Sommelier and Master of Wine Doug Frost into the studio.

Surprise! We're so excited to share our conversation with Antoni Porowski of Netflix's wildly popular, Emmy award-winning show Queer Eye. He told us as much about season three as he could, and gave us the dish on his experience in KC thus far.

Chef Carlos Falcon of Jarocho has certainly made a name for himself in Kansas City (on both sides of the state line). He opened his first restaurant in KCK four years ago, and since then has opened a second and is planning to open a third in Brookside.

Three Kansas City women who work in the restaurant industry recently returned from two national events aimed at finding solutions for common problems women face in restaurants, from sexual harassment to maternity leave.

On this episode of Chew Diligence, co-hosts Lindsay Shively and Jill Silva are talking fermentation of a different kind with CEO and Meadmaker of Kaw Point Meadery Daniel Bauer and Sean Galloway from the Brewkery.

As a Kansas Citian, have you ever wondered what kind of methods our world-famous barbecue champions use to cook your favorite burnt ends, brisket, or perhaps ribs? Maybe not, but it’s at the center of a *heated* debate — low and slow, or hot and fast?

We couldn’t let the World Series of Barbecue pass by without chatting about it! American Royal, well, royalty join cohosts Lindsay Shively and Jill Silva in this special bonus episode of Chew Diligence. Guests include Kansas City Barbecue Society founder and Barbecue Hall of Famer Carolyn Wells, KCBS charter member, Barbecue Hall of Famer and founder of the American Royal Barbecue Sauce Contest Ardie Davis (a.k.a. Remus Powers, Ph. B.) and Burnt Finger BBQ cofounder (and fierce competitor) Megan Day.