Off The Menu

Today's show is a bit shorter due to updates on the COVID-19 outbreak.  And Dara is trying to bring information on this pandemic from a more local perspective.  Author and nutrition expert Pilar Gerasimo talks about the physical and mental effects that we can improve during the stress of a crisis.  Blue Plate Restaurant Group CEO/founder Stephanie Shimp explains how this outbreak has effected attendance at her establishments.

Willard's chef Eric Harcey tells us why he left the Twin Cities to open his own place in the much more intimate community of Cambridge.  Parkway Theater bartender Mike Byrne explains his process of making cocktails based on some of our favorite Cult Classic movies.  Plus, is there a style of cornbread that's more unique to the Upper Midwest?

Have you ever heard of rage baking?  Dara gets a primer on this style from Katherine Alford and Kathy Gunst, co-authors of the new book Rage Baking: The Transformative Power of Flour, Fury, and Women's Voices.  Then, chef Yia Vang discusses the traditions of Hmong cooking.  He also tells us about his interpretation of it that's being shown through his food truck (Union Kitchen) and his upcoming restaurant (Bahn Vee-nai).

This is an episode that goes beyond the process of cooking and enjoying food.  Dara looks at stories of food with political circumstances.  She chats with journalist/author Mara Hvistendahl (The Scientist and the Spy: A True Story of China, the FBI, and Industrial Espionage) about how corn played a large role in an international scandal.  Klecko, the Poet Baker of St. Paul (Hitman-Baker-Casketmaker) explains his latest offerings after his former bakery's encounter with ICE.  Author Ronnie Cummins (Grassroots Rising) tells us his thoughts on climate change and the effects on America's farming industry.

El Burrito Murcado CEO Milissa Silva Diaz takes us behind the scenes of this Twin Cities institution.  Plus, how is the restaurant evolving alongisde the city of St. Paul?  Artisan Plaza and Fall's Landing chef JD Fratzke explains the art of cooking in the southern part of the state, as well as some of the trends coming back into the industry.

This week, Bachelor Farmer chef Jonathan Gans comes in to discuss the cross-section of natural foraging and pickling those items.  Then, Meal Magazine founder/Editor-in-Chief Peter Sieve describes how he started in the business of food journalism.

It's a show to highlight the "spirit" in you.  Tattersall Distilling founder/owner Dan Oskey tells us how this specific industry has taken off across the state on Minnesota.  Bourget Imports partner and portfolio director Annette Peters explains the multiple affects that new wine tariffs are having on her business and others.

It's a Surf & Turf edition of the show.  6Smith and Baldamar owner Randy Stanley comes in studio to take care of the Turf.  Josh Nelson of Almanac Fish and Fish Guys stops by to handle the Surf.

Dara looks at how we can go green when she speaks with Eureka! Recycling co-president Lynn Hoffman.  Then, our host invites chef Jamie Malone and bartender Nicholas Kosevich on the show to discuss the latest in food and drink.

Are you looking for a new, healthier start to 2020?  Let Pilar Gerasimo by your guide.  Her first book, "The Healthy Deviant", will come out January 7th.  She joins Dara to offer some life and health guidance.  And our host lets us know her top recipes for making your New Years' Eve party a success.

It's a carb-loaded edition of the program.  Steve Horton of Baker's Field Bread & Flour stops by to discuss his process to making and baking bread in the Twin Cities.  The Lexington chef Jack Riebel provides an update on battling a health scare.  Plus, Dara reveals her top icebox cookie recipes.

It's a well-known fact that Wisconsin is one of the beer capitals of the world.  But how did the state get to that perch?  Doug Hoverson, author of the new book "The Drink that Made Wisconsin Famous: Beer and Brewing in the Badger State", joins Dara to describe that history.  Plus, chef Tim McKee tells us about St. Paul's first indoor weekend market of the Winter season.

Still stuffed from the Thanksgiving leftovers?  How about some liquid refreshment to quench that thirst?  It's a "Coffee & Tea" show during this holiday weekend.  Jeff Hilligoss and Josh Klauck from Northern Coffeeworks discuss the unique way that they got into the coffee business.  Sam Eilers of Jinx Tea explains how his company is looking to advance and expand people's thoughts on this beverage.

When you think of authentic pastas, most thoughts turn to grandmothers making fresh noodles in Italy.  Author Vicky Bennison has been travelling around talking with these women for her latest book.  She explains her journey (and theirs).  Plus, Dara gets you ready for Turkey Day with her top "Do-Ahead Thanksgiving" recipes.

Have you ever heard of lateral cooking?  Author Niki Segnit joins the program to discuss this style of cooking that effects some of  our favoite comforts.  How difficult is it to be a turkey farmer during the month of November?  Ferndale Market farmer/owner John Peterson explains.

Dara takes a break from her standard discussions on food.  She broadcasts from the Cambria Studio in Minneapolis and talks with some local entrepreneurs providing items you might want on your holiday wish lists.  Her guests are Jennifer Kinkead of Jella World Artist Collections, Jen Scheffler of Realia by Jen, and Amy Jants of Smittens & Stockings.

The culinary history of African-Americans is rich and deep.  Author Toni Tipton-Martin explores the historic nature of this cooking culture in her new book "Jubilee: Recipes from Two Centuries of American Cooking."  She tells us about the work she put in to create this work.  Plus, Dara reveals her top modern recipes for okra.

Black Sheep Pizza founder Jordan Smith explains his journey in the industry and his approach to this celebrated entree.  Mike Phillips of Red Table Meats chats about salami and what this business is doing in conjunction with Kieran's Kitchen.  Dara tells us her top recipes for those pizza pies your grandmothers used to (or still) make.

So, what do you think is quintessential "American cuisine"?  Author Gabrielle Langholtz explains how immigrants have added to this part of American culture in her new book “A Place at the Table: New American Recipes from the Nation’s Top Foreign-Born Chefs.”  And Dara gives us her top Crock-Pot recipes from around the globe.

An important Hindu holiday is around the corner, and you can celebrate it with a celebration in Minneapolis.  Hot Indian Foods owner Amal Dixit is in to describe the festival of Diwali, as well as discuss how Indian food may become the newest trend. What separates Chicago pizza from other styles?  Author Steve Dolinski explains this city's special relationship with this entree.  Plus, Dara tells us her best soup recipes that will keep you healthy.

The Taste section of the Minneapolis Star Tribune is turning 50!  What are some of the highlights through the years?  Food editor Lee Svitak Dean lets us in on some.  Lucy Robb and Nathan Rostance stop in to discuss their new venture, Thr3 Jack.  Plus, Dara explains her top Winter squash recipes and sounds off on artificial turf.

Bread is much more than dough and yeast.  Author Daniel Leader describes his latest book ("Living Bread"), looking at this product from around the world.  Twin Cities restaurant owner Mike DeCamp tells us about his latest ventures, including the reopening of Borough.  Dara reveals her top applesauce recipes.

It's a show designed to have you thinking of Fall.  Sweetland Orchard co-owner Gretchen Perbix tells us about the versatility of this year's crop of apples.  Ferndale Farms owner John Peterson explains the latest in turkey news and previews the Flavors of the Falls event in Cannon Falls.  Plus, Dara tells us her favorite apple pie (and adjacent) recipes.

Dara broadcasts live from the annual Bacon Bash in River Falls.  Joining her on the program are: Sarah Karras, president of the River Falls FFA chapter Wisconsin state legislator and Belle Vinez Winery owner Shannon Zimmerman Past Wisconsin Pork Association president Bill Gnatzig John Lisowski of Security Financial Bank Upcoming River Falls Chamber of Commerce executive director Russ Korpela

She's an Internet sensation when it comes to baking.  Now, Gemma Stafford has her philosophy in print.  The author of "Bigger Bolder Baking" tells us about her journey from Ireland to Australia to the U.S., and all the yummy treats she's made along the way.  Plus, Dara gives you some recipes to spice up those tomatoes.

They're staples at the Minnesota State Fair, but their friendship goes back even further.  Pat Mancini and Tim "Giggles" Weiss join Dara at our Fair booth to talk about the rigors of running a business at this event, when they first met, and some of the items on their Fair menus.

Dara hosts a State Fair Beer show from the WCCO Fair booth.  MNBeer.com journalist Ryan Tuenge helps co-host.  Lauren Bennett McGinty (exec. dir., MN Craft Brewers Guild), Kevin P. Smith (U of M agronomy professor), and Mark Schiller (pres., MN Distillers Guild) join the show from the porch.

Twin Cities restaurant owner Mike Brown has been making waves for a while now.  Currently, Travail is getting a redesign.  What should we expect when that's done?  Brown updates that, as well as what's happening at some of his other ventures.  Then, Dara provides some top recipes regarding tomato sandwiches.

A name well-known to Twin Cities restaurant customers, Larry D'Amico comes by to talk about his career as an industry owner.  Plus, what's he up to at the Brooklyn Park-based golf club Edinburgh USA?  Dara lets us in on her favorite recipes for Door County cherries.

He's well known for his area businesses (Minneapolis' The Local) and business venture (Two Gingers Whiskey).  Now, Kieran Foillard is expanding the Food Building in NE Minneapolis.  He's in to discuss the new tenants.  Plus, Dara gives us her top soft cheese recipes.

The hops industry in Minnesota is definitely becoming a thing.  But where does it stand in respect to other growing regions around the world?  Mighty Axe Hops CEO Eric Sannerud explains the state's status with this burgeoning crop.  Dara explains some different ways to enjoy muskmelon/canteloupe.

He's basically the most influential restaurant owner in the Twin Cities today.  He's brought us Spoon & Stable and Bellecour, among others.  Gavin Kaysen comes in to discuss his latest offering, Demi, as well as his journey back to the Twin Cities.  And Dara provides her top raspberry recipes.

One food style that we don't see a lot of in the restaurant industry is that of Native/Indigenous peoples from North America.  The Sioux Chef, Sean Sherman, talks about his effort to open one such restaurant in Northeast Minneapolis.  Then, Dara offers an extended "Ask Me Anything" segment.

Is the "American Revolution" of cuisine dying out?  That's exactly what author Kevin Alexander looks at in his new book, "Burn the Ice".  He joins the show to talk about this trend.  Plus, Dara gives us her top fish taco recipes.

Twin Cities restauranteurs/owners Tim Niver and Greg Hoyt come in studio to discuss their respective ongoing and upcoming endeavors.  Plus, Dara shares her top recipes that you can bring to your Fourth of July potluck.

How does a supper club stay with the times, but keep that old-school feel?  Dara welcomes Jack Riebel (executive chef at The Lexington) to the State Fairgrounds to talk about that question during the Back to the 50s broadcast.

Rogue Chocolate owner Colin Gasko explains his reasoning for closing his business, as well as the state of chocolate making across the globe.  Taste of the NFL founder Wayne Kostroski discusses his latest philanthropic effort, which coincides with next month's 3M Open.  Plus, Dara shares her top rhubarb recipes.

With the recent warm-up, grilling season is really starting to kick into gear.  Looking for tips to help your char game?  Jamie Purviance, author and director of the culinary kitchen for Weber Grills, comes on the show to provide all kinds of tips for us amateur grill masters.  And Dara couldn't pass up this chance to share her top grilling recipes.

Today's shortened edition focuses on a tasty fungus.  Forest to Fork owner Mike Kempenich, Hyacinth chef Paul Baker, and ninetwentyfive chef Daniel Cataldo discuss mushrooms and how these earthy edibles are getting new life in the food world.

Let's be real.  Viking lore and culture are hot right now.  So, what better time for the American Swedish Institute to host a new exhibit on the culture?  Author Patrice Johnson joins the program to talk about the food that made the Vikings so unique.  Plus, Dara shares her top Ancient Viking recipes.

Due to board operator error, Dara was not able to connected with her guest this week.  So, she leaves it to the listening audience to guide the show.  The topics vary, but there is a bit of focus on liverwurst.

It's Fishing Opener weekend across Minnesota.  Dara gets in the spirit by heading out East.  She talks with commercial New England fisherman Al Cottone about his industry in the Atlantic and his role in the new film Dead in the Water.  Also, in spirit of the weekend, our host shares her favorite grilled fish/seafood recipes.