Off The Menu: Recent Episodes
Audacy
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.
The annual Festival of Nations is taking place in St. Paul this weekend. We hear about the event from International Institute of MN executive director Jane Graupman and Safari chef/owner Jamal Hashi. After that, Dara reveals her top cole slaw recipes from around the world.
Looking to use more natural sugars in your diet? Author Beth Dooley and photographer Mette Nielsen are on to discuss what honey and maple syrup bring to the table in their new book, "Sweet Nature." Plus, Twin Cities restaurateur extraordinaire Christina Nguyen previews a fun Saturday night as part of this weekend's WCR (Women Chefs & Restaurateurs) National Conference.
Are you a person that takes a day to cook for the whole week? Do you have special dietary needs? Author Cassy Joy Garcia tackles that combination in her new cookbook. She explains her journey to become a nutritionist. Plus, Dara shares her top coconut macaroon recipes and wants to know what you're cooking for Easter dinner.
Alongside what it does to our physique, how much does food effect our emotional health? Author Maggie Battista joins the show to discuss that topic and her new cookbook, "New Way Food." Plus, Dara shares her top lentil recipes.
In the world of alcoholic products, hard seltzers are all the rage. Fair State Brewing has come up with their own contribution to the market. Founder Niko Tonks comes on the program to talk about the product line. Plus, Dara presents her top beer cocktail recipes.
Noted cookbook author Janet Fletcher stops by the program to discuss her latest offering, "Wine Country Table."
Dara sits down with Bachelor Farmer wine director Erin Rolek. We also hear from some guests (folks from the Seward Co-op and Claire Curran of In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre) looking to raise funding for the 2019 May Day Parade. And our host provides her top frozen artichoke recipes.
How can we live a healthier lifestyle. Multimedia health expert Pilar Gerasimo returns to the show to discuss the latest updates on bettering our physical and mental conditioning. And Dara talks about what you're doing for St. Patrick's Day.
There's some crossover today. Chris Rooney & Andy Praskey from the Real Estate Radio Hour join Dara to talk about the impact of a home's kitchen. Chris Gamer tells us about the Million Hazelnut Campaign. And what recipes crockpot pasta recipes would your children love? Our host provides a list.
According to scientists, insect populations are dying off. What does that mean for our food supply? Ames Farm founder & owner Brian Fredericksen talks about the potential effect on honey production. In honor of the topic, Dara unveils her top honey recipes.
We know how food affects our bodies. What about our brains? Dietitian and author Michelle Babb joins the program to explain her latest book on the topic. Plus, Dara tells us her top recipes for chard.
The conversation turns to making sure that your kitchen is organized. Neat Little Nest founder Michelle Vig explains the Marie Kondo effect on how to keep our kitchens and food storage places efficient. Plus, Dara reveals her top Winter soup recipes.
Dara gets into all things in Southeast Asian cooking when she chats with chef and owner of Lat14, Ann Ahmed.
How can you go about building a food business? Mary Kosir of Whole Me tells us the inner workings of that process. Chef Geoffrey Hausmann talks about his new role at the Sample Room. Plus, Dara shares her best guacamole recipes for your big game party.
Molly and Charlie Broder discuss their multitude of Italian restaurants. What's it like to run and maintain a family-based restaurant empire? Plus, what are Dara's top make-and-freeze chili recipes?
Local legendary locavore chef Lenny Russo joins Dara to chat about several topics in the food world. Plus, our hosts reveals her top bean soup and stew recipes.
How's it going with that New Years' diet? Is it the right one for you? Dr. Michael Rozien of the Cleveland Clinic joins the program to discuss his new book on how food and diet can help our health. Plus, Dara reveals her top five bean salad recipes.
Brian DeVore from the Land Stewardship Project discusses his new book about having success in the modern age of farming. Hazelwood Food and Drink chef/partner Scott Foster explains what he's doing to help out the Taste of the NFL.
In this "Best of" edition of the program, we revisit Dara's interviews with author Rae Katherine Eighmey and now-former DNR Nongame Wildlife Supervisor Carrol Henderson.
Dara hosts her annual Holiday Baking Spectacular episode by welcoming famed pastry chef Zoe Francois to the studio. They offer some advice to get you through those upcoming holiday parties and get-togethers.
There's a lot of buzz for a new Minneapolis gluten-free bakery. Sift owner Molly Miller tells us about her journey to opening this shop. We hear from longtime public realtions professional Fred Haberman about his new venture, Freak Flag Foods. And Dara unveils her top Holiday cake and bread recipes.
Famed cookbook author Robin Asbell explains the basis behind her new offering about plant-based meats. In honor of the chat, Dara tells us her top meatless recipes that meat lovers would approve of. Then, Taste of the NFL founder and CEO Wayne Kostroski updates the latest events from the initiative.
Lindsay Jean-Hard gives us a primer on how to cook using food scraps. Chef John Howie explains his role with the Taste of the NFL. Plus, Dara offers up her top five recipes for thrifty shoppers.
Dara sits down with a couple of local restaurant owners, chatting with BRIM owner Kate Sidoti and Pajarito co-owner Tyge Nelson. Plus, renowned chef and Lucky Cricket owner Andrew Zimmern explains how he's giving back this holiday season.
Dara gets you ready for the Thanksgiving holiday, plus she offers some of her favorite cookie recipes!
America's Test Kitchen chief creative officer Jack Bishop joins the program to talk about his new cookbook covering Italian cuisine. That inspires our host to present her top five Italian comfort food recipes. And Dara asks "What are you cooking?" as the holiday season approaches.
Restaurant owning mother & son team Molly and Charlie Broder discuss an important initiative on the 2018 election ballot. Hear about the referendum that may change where liquor can be served in Minneapolis. Chef Kevin Rathbun explains how he's helping out the Taste of the NFL. Plus, Dara reveals her top recipes to get some appetizer dips ready ahead of Thanksgiving.
Legendary author Dorie Greenspan joins the show to discuss her latest cookbook. Taste of the NFL chef director Mark Haugen previews a major event taking place on Saturday in the Twin Cities. Plus, Dara shares the best ways to spruce up those brussel sprouts.
Steve Cook of CookNSolo joins Dara to talk about the new book his company's new book highlighting Israeli soul food. Then, the show gets some Latin flair when we hear from New Orleans chef Adolfo Garcia.
Dara chats about Fall drinks with Peace Coffee founder Lee Wallace and Bushel to Bottle Festival coordinator Melissa Waskiewicz. Our host also provides her top Winter squash recipes.
Dara is out to save us this week. She speaks with Chef Tim McKee (The Fish Guys) about sustainable seafood, which also provides her top five recipe list. Then, the show dives into health care. Former General Mills CEO Mark Addicks previews the Manova Summit that will be held in Minneapolis next week.
Outgoing MN DNR Nongame Wildlife division supervisor Carrol Henderson talks about his time in that role, part of his 45-year career with the DNR. Chef Matt Leverty from Tullibee gives us more info on the Plates for Good program that runs through the rest of this weekend. Plus, Dara offers up her top "imperfect tomato" recipes.
Dara's back in the studio this week. She welcomes Union Kitchen owner Yia Vang to talk about his local spot. Then, she discusses the Plates for Good initiative with local restauranteur Eric Forsberg.
Dara broadcasts live from the annual Bacon Fest in River Falls. Our hosts chats with the city's Chamber of Commerce CEO Chris Blasius, John Lisowski of Security Financial Bank, River Falls FFA members Keith Gunderson (president of the Alumni group) & Lindsek Skogen (current member), and Croix Valley Foods owner Damon Holter.
Dara is back in the Minneapolis studio, and she's talking with area chefs about the latest happenings at their restaurants. In this episode, she interviews Mike Brown of Travail and Jamie Malone of Grand Cafe. Plus, hear our host's top recipes for lettuce wraps.
This week from the State Fair porch, Dara chats with Dean Phillips (candidate for U.S. Congress), Destiny Brooks (owner of Mama D's Authentic Southern Cooking & BBQ), and Hank Hanten (owner of Shanghaied Henri's).
Dara fills her plate during this first weekend of the Minnesota State Fair. We hear about Caribbean cooking with local restaurant owner Harry Singh and West Indies Soul Food's Alicia Noel. Then, Stephanie Shimp of Blue Plate and Dan Theisen of Ball Park Cafe discuss their particular stops at the Fair.
Dara with Dustin Thompson of St. Genevive and Kristen Poppenhagen and John Krattenmacher of Sheet Chow
Adam Sachs of Travel and Leisure joins the show and Dara shares her favorite kohlrabi dishes.
How has the Farm-to-Table movement evolved over time? McKinney Roe head chef Scott Pampuch was one of the first to introduce this trend. He stops by to discuss its current state. Plus, Dara shares her top blueberry recipes.
Chef Lachelle Cunningham explains what Minnesota Soul Food is. Plus, we hear more about her latest business endeavors. Dara tells us her top recipes for all of the fresh strawberries you can get at this time of year.
Tim McKee and Josh Nelson from The Fish Guys discuss the the now-established culture around sustainable seafood. Plus, Dara offers us her top recipes including Summer squash.
Visit St. Paul tour guide Joan Mathison tells us about some of the best places to picnic in the capital city during the Summer months. Then, Dara chimes in with her top recipes that could be part of your next picnic.
Author Kristin Lawless tells us how today's industrial food system may be changing how our bodies are effected by what by put into them. After that, Dara provides her top coleslaw recipes.
Nutritionist Sue Moores talks about her role in helping us eat a bit healthier. The Lynhall founder Anne Spaeth describes this all-purpose space in the Uptown Minneapolis neighborhood. Plus, Dara shares her top Banh Mi sandwich recipes.
This week's show takes us back in time. Author Dierdre Marie Capone discusses the home (and cooking) life of her infamous uncle, Al. Then, author Denitta Ward describes some of the cocktails that were development during the Prohibition Era of the 1920s.
It's all about wild microbiota this week. Niko Tonks (Fair State Brewing) discusses sour beer and the upcoming Mixed Culture Festival. Jodi Ohlsen (Shepherd's Way) tells us how bacteria is necessary is the world of cheesemaking. And Dara explains her top five ways to cook with beer.
Dara chats with Mike Kempenich, the Gentleman Forager, about mushrooms and his new venture, Forest To Fork. Then, Dara focuses on morel mushrooms for this week's top-five recipe list.
Co-authors Marnie Hanel and Jen Stevenson describe the inspiration behind their new offering, "The Campout Cookbook". Then, inspired by her guests, Dara compiles a list of the top-five campout/campfire/bonfire recipes.
Local chef/restaurant owner Alex Roberts (Alma, Brasa) talks about cooking and his venture into the hotel business. Michelle Bautista, manager of the Gordon Ramsey Pub & Grill shares more about Gamay wine.
Bushel Boy Tomatoes founder Jay Johnson comes in studio to talk about the Minnesota-owned company. Dara shares her top asparagus recipes.
Excited to finally enjoy some warmer outdoor conditions? Author Emma Frisch describes what we can find in her new book on cooking and camping. Then, Dara answers your questions.
Culinary expert Justin Chapple talks about his new cookbook that strives to make those times in the kitchen much simpler and more enjoyable. Author Jenn Segal discusses her first cookbook detailing cooking for the family. Plus, the use of chicken from this week's guests is the inspiration for Dara top-five recipes.
Authors Michael Karns and Lisa Golden Schroeder come to the studio to talk about the world of wild mushrooms and how they factor in cuisine. Plus, Dara takes you Twitter questions in her "Ask Me Anything" segment.
Israeli-born chef Alon Shaya joins Dara to talk about his cooking style, his upcoming restaurants, and his career filled with highs and lows. Plus, Dara shares the list of her favorite hummus recipes.