This week on After the Jump, Grace Bonney is joined in the studio by interior designer, Thom Filicia. Thom is perhaps best known for his roles in hit television programs like Queer Eye for the Straight Guy and Tacky House, but more recently, he authored the book American Beauty published by Clarkson Potter. Tune into this episode to hear why Thom decided to restore and fix up a home from the early 1900s in the Finger Lakes, and why he fell in love with the structure. Listen in to learn about Thom's original interest in design as a child, and why he almost decided to design automobiles. Want to know more about Thom's favorite interiors in New York City? Then listen to this episode of After the Jump! This program has been brought to you by Clarkson Potter Publishers.

"One of the things we talk about a lot is the 'democracy of design.' I love the fact that design is becoming universal at a certain level, from the Targets to the world to the high end.. There's this mix of high and low that I think is very appealing to the next buying power. That generation is all about mixing old and new, and high and low." [6:35]

-- Thom Filicia on After the Jump

This week, author Kara Newman, author of "Spice and Ice", stops by to announce the second golden age of the cocktail. She and Linda wade through mixed drink mythology to discuss the first cocktail, the origin of household drink names,dilution, infusion, and the tiki aesthetic. The show heats up as they break out the sangritas and talk about adding spice to your drink and your evening. This show is brought to you by Hearst Ranch.

Photo: Spice & Ice by Kara Newman

Matthew Bagdanoff updates traditional cocktails with herbs and ingenuity at Van Horn in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn. On today's episode of Let's Eat In, Matthew joins Cathy Erway in the studio to talk about some of his favorite cocktail recipes at Van Horn, and why a good bartender doesn't muddle the orange peel and cherry in an old fashioned. What are some of Matthew's favorite spirits? Hear Matthew share some stories from the bar; listen in to learn how Matthew has soothed heartbroken individuals, and dealt with rowdy customers! Check out Matthew's cocktail class at Van Horn, and tune in to hear about Matthew's aphrodisiac dinner! This episode has been sponsored by 360 Cookware.

"The whole beauty of an old-fashioned is that it takes a good spirit and accentuates it." [11:10]

"The idea of spirits is to have an essence- a spirit. Vodka is made to get rid of all these flavors." [14:00]

"It's really tacky to send someone a drink." [21:00]

-- Matthew Bagdanoff on Let's Eat In