What's Cooking

What's Cooking host Hadas Kuznits shares some news about the podcast and the exciting future of KYW Newsradio's food and restaurant coverage. 

The Borscht Belt is a Newtown deli named after a series of resorts in New York's Catskills, popular in the 1950's and 1960's. KYW's Hadas Kuznits spoke with the owners ahead of their Tuesday grand opening. That includes Chef Nick Liberato of Netflix fame for the shows Bar Rescue and Restaurants on the Edge, along with business partner Mike Dalewitz.

Port Richmond's Pierogi Festival is back on this weekend following a stalled start a few years back. What's in store for the reboot? KYW's Hadas Kuznits chats with Matthew Yeck, co-owner of Gaul and Co Malthouse, which is the host restaurant of the festival.

A new gastropub is opening in Bryn Mawr with an adjacent bottle shop. KYW Newsradio's Hadas Kuznits chats with Lucio DiFelice about how Exit 13 Garstrobar is like an Italian Wawa.

A long time fine dining restaurant on the Main Line will be getting a renovation. KYW's Hadas Kuznits spoke with La Collina general manager Bekim Daku about the nature of the renovations and when to expect them.

Philly Pheast takes place this coming Monday. It's the biggest fundraiser of the year for Careers Through Culinary Arts Program. KYW Newsradio's Hadas Kuznits speaks with Philly C-CAP Director Alyssa Termini about the event at which life-changing culinary scholarships for some graduating seniors will also be announced, and she says some outstanding students have no idea they'll be receiving full tuition to attend the culinary programs of their dreams. (Photo credit: Alyssa Termini)

A fourth Manatawny Still Works tasting room opens, this time in Fishtown. KYW Newsradio's Hadas Kuznits chats with Jay Kosek and Jennifer Sabatino about the craft cocktails and spirits, the design of the bar, and the boozy slushies they'll be serving up just in time for the warmer weather. (Photo courtesy of Manatawny Still Works)

Food network “Cooks vs Cons” contestant Beth Esposito has opened a stand at Reading Terminal Market. KYW's Hadas Kuznits chats with her about the concept of “Butcher's Pantry,” — a butcher shop with prepared foods — and what she's learned from culinary television.

Philadelphia's Southeast Asian market opens for the season this weekend in FDR Park. KYW Newsradio's Hadas Kuznits chats with Catzie Vilayphonh and Kayla Sok of the Cambodian Association of Greater Philadelphia about the food, the history and the future of the market.

Two new pizza restaurants bookend the city from Roxborough to Philadelphia International Airport. KYW Newsradio's Hadas Kuznits chats with TJ Doyle, one of five neighborhood friends who bought Alex's Pizza in Roxborough. She also chats with Marcie Turney, who collaborated with a partner to open Good Luck Pizza Co. at Philadelphia International Airport.

Philly's “Iron Chef,” James Beard Award-winning Jose Garces, opens his third Amada restaurant. KYW Newsradio's Hadas Kuznits met him at the Radnor restaurant where they spoke about the opening, the layout and the tableside service, geeked out over kitchen equipment, and dreamed about warmer spring weather as they looked out on Amada's two outdoor patio spaces from their vantage point in the dining room.

Chloe Grigri, a 2023 James Beard Award nominee, has opened a new wine bar, Superfolie, with her husband, Vincent Stipo. She chats with KYW Newsradio's Hadas Kuznits about the opening, the nomination, wines on tap, and another personal project she's expecting in about three or four months.

Brewerytown Food Hall opens at 1353 N. 31st Street in the city's Brewerytown neighborhood. KYW Newsradio's Hadas Kuznits visits the massive restaurant where she chats with Glu Hospitality owner Derek Gibbons about their tenth restaurant concept, neighborhood real estate… and how they hope to be a community gathering spot for those who live nearby.

A new steakhouse opens in Malvern. KYW Newsradio's Hadas Kuznits chats with Joe Monnich who, with Justin Weathers, is co-owner of Stove and Co. Restaurant Group. They discuss how the name ‘Joey Chops' came to be, what factors go into making a delicious steak, and, Monnich's long history with the building at 245 Lancaster Ave.

Brewerytown's Rybrew has reopened at a new location at 2600 West Girard Ave. KYW Newsradio's Hadas Kuznits speaks with Stephanie Pollock who owns this and another store with her husband, Ryan. She talks about how they're expanding their draft program. They also talk about expansion during the pandemic, plus, the growing pains of business ownership.

Philly chef Joncarl Lachman has opened a new Dutch restaurant in South Philly called Dankbaar, just in time for Valentine's Day. He spoke with KYW Newsradio's Hadas Kuznits about the history of Dutch cuisine in America, some of the standout dishes he'll be offering, and some of the Dutch dance music he'll be playing at his newest restaurant.

A former event space is reopening as a weekend-only prohibition-style bar, serving up potent cocktails that are barrel-aged in-house. KYW Newsradio's Hadas Kuznits chats with New Liberty Distillery manager Jacob Looney about The Tasting Room on their third floor, which he describes as the Old Kensington neighborhood's best-kept secret.

If you haven't been to Reading Terminal Market in a while, there are lots of new developments, including two new food stands and an expansion. KYW Newsradio's Hadas Kuznits chats with the market's newest tenants, Jacob and Alexandra Cohen of Kismet Bialys. They answer the question: What is a bialy and from where did it originate? Also, Andrew Rutter talks about the new General's Jerky, and Bill Beck describes the new buildout of Beck's Cajun Cafe that has increased the restaurant's footprint to 24 counter seats.

It's been a busy year for chef Dane DeMarco. They opened a second New Jersey restaurant in less than a year. KYW Newsradio's Hadas Kuznits chats with DeMarco about their new Haddonfield restaurant, Gass and Main, including the stories behind the name, the decor and the quirky yet elevated menu.

An iconic Philadelphia restaurant celebrates its 40th anniversary this month…. And as KYW Newsradio's Hadas Kuznits reports, the restaurant group that owns it will also be opening two new restaurants this year.

It's Dry January, a month when many people choose to stop or slow down their drinking habits for the month. But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy a non-alcoholic mixed drink. KYW Newsradio's Hadas Kuznits chats with Lee Noble, a cocktail class instructor at Art in the Age, about mocktail classes and recipes to get you through the month.

New Year's Eve tends to be a big holiday for champagne, but the ripple effect of 2020 pandemic-related shortages is prompting some liquor stores to impose limits on select Champagne purchases. So, what else is there to drink? KYW Newsradio's Hadas Kuznits chats with Gordana Kostovski, owner, operator and sommelier of Townsend Wentz Restaurant Group. She explains why there are still shortages and recommends comparable sparkling wines to drink this weekend if you can't get a hold of your favorite brand.

Grassia's Italian Market Spice Company, which closed last month, is now reopening under a new name, Gargano's. KYW Newsradio's Hadas Kuznits chats with building and business owner John Gargano about what to expect when he officially opens New Year's weekend. He also chats about the history of this historic Italian Market building.

Philly chef Townsend Wentz opened a new tavern at 1123 Walnut St. called The Hayes. He chats with KYW Newsradio's Hadas Kuznits about the food, the inspiration and why he feels like he's going back to his roots with this restaurant's menu.

A new restaurant recently opened on the Main Line that's sure to interest train enthusiasts. The Pullman Restaurant and Bar is located at the Bryn Mawr Station in an adjacent building that used to be the old freight station, where passengers' luggage was once housed. KYW Newsradio's Hadas Kuznits speaks with restaurant co-owner Roni Hammer about the decor, the food and the history.

East Passyunk Avenue celebrates their inaugural Hot Chocolate Crawl this month, with restaurants serving a variety of regular or spiked hot chocolate during their “Second Saturday” monthly shopping promotion. KYW's Hadas Kuznits chats more about the event with Adam Leiter of the East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District and Rachel Haxby, General Manager of Cantins Los Caballitos.

The winter holiday season officially begins the day after Thanksgiving. That's what Philadelphia's Christmas Village is all about! KYW's Hadas Kuznits chats with Lisa Lionhardi of the Philadelphia Christmas Village to help you strategize how to eat and drink your way through this seasonal pop-up market which sprawls across Love Park, the courtyard of City Hall and on North Broad Street, adjacent to City Hall.

A Portuguese inspired “Euro bar” opens in South Philadelphia at 941 S. 8th Street. KYW's Hadas Kuznits chats with Grace & Proper partner Susan Freeman, along with General Manager Ryan Rayer about the food, the history  and why they want you to consider them to be your friendly neighborhood establishment.

A new scoop shop opens at 618 S. 5th Street. KYW's Hadas Kuznits chats with Cuzzy Angiolillo of Cuzzy's Ice Cream Parlor about their fresh ingredients, working with an in-house baker, and how he wants the ice cream shop to have the neighborhood feel of a corner deli.

A popular Philly-born fast casual restaurant expands further into the suburbs and across the Northeast area of country. KYW's Hadas Kuznits talks business with Honeygrow founder and CEO Justin Rosenberg about opening 31 locations in 10 years, and how he plans to scale up to include about a dozen new openings in 2023.

The Phillies' World Series run has inspired a limited edition pretzel shape from Philly Pretzel Factory franchises in the area. KYW Newsradio's Hadas Kuznits chats with Romeo Carsello, owner of The Philly Pretzel Factory closest to the stadium at 23rd and Passyunk, about how Philly sports team wins are great for business… but terrible for staffing.

A new fall pig and cider festival in Old City kicks off Philly Cider Week. KYW Newsradio's Hadas Kuznits chats with organizer Brian Lofink about what to expect.

Bacon will be the star of the menu of a new restaurant expected to open in January 2023. So how many dishes can you create with bacon? KYW's Hadas Kuznits chats with Justin Coleman of the upcoming “Bake'n Bacon” at 1148 S. 11th Street, based on his two food trucks of the same name.

A new Georgian restaurant has opened at Reading Terminal Market, owned by brother-sister duo Michael and Donna Kolodesh of Tbilisi. KYW Newsradio's Hadas Kuznits chats with the pair about their food and culture, and how they were inspired by their grandmother's Georgian cooking in their youth while growing up in Northeast Philly.

A new sandwich shop opens at 5154 Ridge Avenue in Roxborough. KYW's Hadas Kuznits chats with Sunshine Sandwich Shop co-owner Chris Barnes, also of Lucky's Trading Company, who says the new concept was inspired by his customers' bad online reviews in which they demanded more take-out service.

The former Mad River restaurant in Manayunk is revamping under new management on Oct. 6 as Lincoln Mill Haunted House. KYW Newsradio's Hadas Kuznits chats with co-owner Brian Corcodilos about how Hurricane Ida plays into the haunted backstory of the building at 4100 Main St. And, Caitlin Marsilii with the Manayunk Development Corporation talks about what's being done to help incorporate the Main Street restaurants into your spooky night out on the town.

After two pandemic years, Chinatown's Mid-Autumn festival has finally returned an in in-person event. Now in its 27th year, this Philadelphia cultural celebration will be held Saturday (9/17) on 10th Street between Vine and Arch. KYW's Hadas Kuznits spoke with Wei Chen, Civic Engagement Director of Asian Americans United, the group that's hosting the festival. He explained the cultural significance of some of the traditional foods eaten; and touted the Moon Cake Eating contest…an event not to be missed, of course!

The second Manna fundraiser, “The Main Course” takes place Thursday, September 15 at The Waterworks after Covid threw a wrench in their plans to make this an annual event; but now they're back! KYW's Hadas Kuznits chats with Manna CEO Sue Daugherty about the mission, the party and how much they hope to raise.

A Philly James Beard award winning Iron Chef has Labor Day weekend grilling tips. KYW's Hadas Kuznits chats with Philly chef Jose Garces about his burger making techniques and ingredients. They also talk about his upcoming new culinary projects and openings.

The American Vegan Center is a place where vegans and those who are vegan curious can learn everything they need to know about a lifestyle that avoids consuming animals and animal products. KYW's Hadas Kuznits talks with director Vance Lehmkuhl about all the services they offer at their Old City location from vegan tours to vegan cooking classes and more.

Some big name restaurants are expected to open shortly in Atlantic City. KYW's Hadas Kuznits chats with Caesar's Senior Vice President and General Manager Joe Lodise about what's in store. 

The 10th anniversary of Philly's elegant “Diner en Blanc” pop-up white party picnic will happen at a secret location on Thursday, August 18th. KYW's Hadas Kuznits reminisces about the event's locations through the years and chats about the evolution of this concept with co-host Natanya DiBona.