This week on A Taste of the Past, Linda explores the history of the hot dog with Bruce Kraig, Ph.D, author of "Hot Dog, A Global History". Bruce has traveled the world tasting hot dogs and shares some very interesting variations including Korean batter-dipped dogs. Learn how the frankfurter found its way into American culture, where it got its silly name from and how it helped define our "on-the-go" meal philosophy in this country. This episode was sponsored by Cain Vineyard & Winery.

Gabriella Gershenson recaps the Saveur 100 with Mitchell Davis on this week's installment of Taste Matters. Gabriella is the Senior Editor at Saveur Magazine, and she's in the studio to talk about the difference between other best-of lists and the Saveur 100. Hear how the team at Saveur Magazine compiles their list, and listen in to learn why the Heritage Radio Network was included on this year's list! Tune in to find out what people and locations were profiled, and why the magazine seeks to highlight trailblazers and the authentic. What are some of Gabriella's favorite food trends that did not make 's list? Hear Gabriella and Mitchell discuss immigration, and how it affects authenticity in food. This program has been sponsored by 360 Cookware.

"There are some things that the young staff doesn't even think that we can make at home, and then the test kitchen goes and proves us wrong." [15:00]

"Nothing exists in a bubble, and our idea of the 'Italian grandma' is always going to have a twist and a turn." [20:30]

"We're trying to capture food as it's evolving." [22:15]

This week's episode of The Main Course finds Patrick Martins contemplating food trends. From importing cheeses to nose to tail butchery - Patrick talks about the relative age of the good food movement in the United States and its future. Patrick calls up Jason Neve, Executive Chef at B & B Ristorante, Enoteca Otto Pizzeria, and Carnevino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Tune in to hear about the typical guests at Jason's restaurants, and how the Las Vegas food scene differs from New York's. How are Mario Batali's dishes received out west? Later, Patrick talks with Liz Clarke of Bubby's in Tribeca. Liz recently traveled to Berlin, Heidelberg, Prague, and Strasbourg; tune in to hear which cities had the best regional cuisines. Patrick and Liz also discuss how World War II has scarred Germany, and the Germans affinity for curry. Learn more about European cooking, and how it influenced food in the New World. This episode has been brought to you by S. Wallace Edwards & Sons.

"Just like chefs are trying to make the best dishes possible, the farmers we buy from are trying to make the highest quality meat." [12:07] -- chef Jason Neve on The Main Course

"American food stems from German food. I'm just shocked... I'm definitely trained by a German chef where everything was just German sauces and fat. [32:38] -- Liz Clarke on The Main Course