Meet Your Maker

Meet Your Maker - Episode 1 - Teaching Old Ovens New Tricks

Sun, 24 Jun 2012 18:16:46 -0000

Welcome to the first episode of Meet Your Maker, hosted by Rachel Wharton. Rachel is deputy editor at Edible Manhattan and Edible Brooklyn, and she's out meeting the people behind all of the food that we eat. On this episode, Rachel sits down with Keith Cohen, owner of Orwasher's Bakery in the Upper East Side. Tune in to hear about Keith's start in baking, and why he decided to purchase Orwasher's. Hear about the breadmaking processes used at Orwasher's, the importance of creating unique artisan breads, and why consistency is important for a wholesale baking business. Rachel and Keith eat some of the breads from the bakery, including the Ultimate Whole Wheat and the Ale Bread (featuring yeast from Sixpoint). Keith also talks about the resurgence of local wheat in the New York market. This episode has been brought to you by Hearst Ranch.

"These bigger loaves, which last longer, were more viable for the nuclear family." -- Keith Cohen on old-style European baking, Meet Your Maker
"While everyone loves an artisan product, they still want a very consistent product." -- Keith Cohen on Meet Your Maker

Meet Your Maker - Episode 2 - The Ketchup Conundrum

Sun, 17 Jun 2012 19:59:08 -0000

On this installment of Meet Your Maker, Rachel Wharton sits down with Mark Ramadan and Scott Norton of Sir Kensington's Gourmet Scooping Ketchup. Tune in to hear Mark and Scott talk about their idea for an alternative, gourmet ketchup while studying at Brown University. A lot of research went into making this gourmet ketchup; hear about the impetus for this undertaking, and why it proved to be difficult to create a place for gourmet ketchup in a Heinz-dominated market. Why is ketchup loved by so many? Mark and Scott talk about how ketchup covers all ranges of tastes- from sweet to tart. Hear about ketchup's history in the 1500s and why Mark and Scott created the Sir Kensington character. This episode has been brought to you by Edwards.

"Part of what ketchup means to people is the experience of the bottle. It is seeing the certain flow of the actual ketchup itself and the viscosity. I think one of the things we really hit on is how we can be different just different enough from the ketchup that people are used to, but people will still call it ketchup. Putting it in the bottle at a restaurant immediately communicates, 'OK, this can be called ketchup,' because it comes from outside the kitchen." -- Scott Norton on Meet Your Maker

Meet Your Maker - Episode 3 - The Fire Inside

Sun, 24 Jun 2012 18:17:42 -0000

It's summertime, and that means it's time to fire up your grill! On this week's episode of Meet Your Maker, Rachel Wharton sits down with Ben Eisendrath of Grillworks in Michigan. Grillworks makes custom Argentine-style grills, and supplies many grill masters around the world, including Dan Barber, Adam Perry Lang, and Steven Raichlen. Hear about the different features of Grillworks' grills that make them in-line with traditional Argentine grilling. Hear about the grills that Grillworks made for Dan Barber at Blue Hill at Stone Barns, and why they had to make a second. Hear why grilling with a wood fire is preferable to using charcoal with starter, as well as the importance of controlling the heat of your fire. Tune into Ben and Rachel's discussion to learn more about the art of grilling. Learn more at Grillery.com! This episode has been brought to you by White Oak Pastures.

"The most important thing is the ability to grill over whole wood, and the ability to control the heat with height. So you have a lot of things that exist in other grills, but they're all in this one. And it's a nice package." --Ben Eisendrath on Meet Your Maker

Meet Your Maker - Episode 4 - How the Sausage Gets Made

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 19:49:18 -0000

How are sausages made and who makes them? Well, this week on Meet Your Maker hosted by Rachel Wharton, we meet a sausage maker and charcutier in Scott Bridi of Brooklyn Cured. Scott breaks down how to break down meat products into fresh sausages and cured deliciousness. The craft of curing and sausage making is time tested but ever-evolving, and Scott explains what brought him to this side of the culinary world and what makes his products unique in their own right. This program was sponsored by The Heritage Meat Shop.

"Analyzing variables is the heart of what would make somebody really good at making sausages and charcuteire."
"Demand for prime cuts leave lots of small farmers with an excess of chuck meat. Sometimes they can't sell those things to restaurants or at farmers markets as-is. That's a problem for them, and something we enjoy helping them with."
--Scott Bridi of Brooklyn Cured on Meet Your Maker

Meet Your Maker - Episode 5 - Hey, Baby!

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 23:24:42 -0000

On this week's episode of Meet Your Maker, Rachel Wharton is joined in the studio by Lauren Utvich and Marshall Louis Reaves of Farm to Baby baby food in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Farm to Baby makes subscription-based, fresh, and seasonal baby food purees with fruits, vegetables, and tubers from local farms that are delivered throughout the city by bicycle couriers. Hear about how Marshall and Lauren's respective backgrounds in molecular biology and culinary studies influenced them to start making nutritious baby food. How do Lauren and Marshall know if they're baby food is delicious? Well, they eat it themselves, and they also have a test baby that helps with recipe development! Hear about their cooking methods, and how they package their baby food. Farm to Baby aims to develop your baby's palette, so they will enjoy a lifetime of delicious fruits and vegetables! This episode has been brought to you by Fairway Market.

"Vitamin C, foliate, vitamin B1- these things that are really important for an infant- they're just cooking them out of the food." -- Marshall Louis Reaves on Meet Your Maker
"If we are what we eat, then a lot of babies in America today are apples, mangoes, and bananas. The parents are under the impression that they're giving their babies a well-balanced diet of green vegetables, and it's not always the case." -- Lauren Utvich on Meet Your Maker

Meet Your Maker - Episode 6 - U-Bet

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 20:00:58 -0000

This week on Meet Your Maker, Rachel Wharton is talking with 4th generation owner of H. Fox & Co., Inc., Kelly Fox. H. Fox & Co., Inc. is responsible for a chocolatey Brooklyn institution since 1900- H. Fox's U-Bet Chocolate Syrup. From egg creams to iced slushies, H. Fox % Co., Inc. has been providing syrups locally in Brooklyn for over one hundred years! Tune in to this episode to hear about the company's original delivery methods. Hear about their relationship with Gomberg Seltzer Works- because you can't have an egg cream without seltzer. Kelly recalls his first time making an egg cream at a telethon in his early twenties, and how much pressure he felt due to the company's notoriety. How has H. Fox & Co., Inc. been able to stay in business for so long in Brooklyn? And what is the future of the family business? Tune in to find out on this week's Meet Your Maker! This program has been sponsored by Hearst Ranch.

"It has a lot to do with the richness of the history, and also there's huge credit to be given to my father. Growing up, he made sure that my brothers and I had a firm understanding that this was our livelihood." --Kelly Fox on Meet Your Maker

Meet Your Maker - Episode 7 - How Locavore Became a Word

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 19:40:33 -0000

Ever wonder where the word "locavore" comes from? On this week's episode of Meet Your Maker hosted by Rachel Wharton, hear from the women who coined the term, Jessica Prentice, professional chef, author, and founding member of Three Stone Hearth, a Community Supported Kitchen in Berkeley, California. Jessica recounts her early experiences in San Francisco at Ferry Plaza Farmers Market around the time people were just starting to re-imagine a local food system and explains how far we've come as a nation when it comes to the sourcing of our food and the understanding of seasonality. This program was sponsored by Fairway Market.

"One of my big frustrations when I was at the farmers markets were people coming up to us in December and saying 'where are the blueberries?' "
"I've always had a slight obsession with words and etymology so I wrote every possible Greek and Latin root for 'eat' and 'local'. That's when I put together locavore."
--chef and author Jessica Prentice on Meet Your Maker

Meet Your Maker - Episode 8 - How to Become a Brooklyn Homesteader

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 19:43:37 -0000

On today's episode of Meet Your Maker, our host Rachel Wharton is joined by Heritage Radio Network veteran Meg Paska. Meg is responsible for many New York City urban farming initiatives such as Brooklyn Homesteader and Hayseed's Big City Farmy Supply. Meg has been homesteading in Brooklyn for years now- raising chickens and rabbits, gardening, and preserving foods. What led Meg to pack her bags and leave Baltimore for Brooklyn? Tune in to learn about how Meg's past jobs made her realize her need to learn the homesteading skills of her grandparents. Do you remember the first time you ate a "real" tomato? Hear about how the truth in the fruit inspired Meg, and how she's starting a farm in New Jersey while still teaching farming and beekeeping workshops in Brooklyn! This episode has been brought to you by White Oak Pastures.

"Part of the workshop goes into managing waste and turning it into something that's valueable, starting with composting. Also, it involves finding useful materials in the waste stream and bringing them in and using them in practical way." -- Meg Paska on Meet Your Maker

Meet Your Maker - Episode 9 - Legalese

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 21:29:46 -0000

Behind all of your favorite chefs, restauranteurs, and hotels is a good lawyer. On this episode of Meet Your Maker, Rachel Wharton sits down with Phil Colicchio of Taylor, Colicchio & Silverman, LLP to talk about the role of finance and law in the restaurant, hospitality, and entertainment worlds. Phil is no stranger to the restaurant business- his cousin, Tom Colicchio, co-founded Gramercy Tavern and is the founder of Craft and Colicchio & Sons restaurants. Tune in to learn the art of restaurant advisement, the importance of insurance in protecting product, and the pervasiveness of food service in our culture and economy. Hear Phil's opinion on the celebrity chef phenomenon, and why you should call his office if your restaurant has a lower health inspection rating. Phil recently gave an educational lecture at Prospect Park's The Great GoogaMooga; tune in to hear about the content of Phil's speech, and why he hopes that hospitality education becomes more popular in curriculum. This episode has been brought to you by Hearst Ranch.

"Food service and hospitality are required everywhere from our correctional facilities, to elder care. It's an incredibly huge part of the economy."
-- Phil Colicchio on Meet Your Maker

Meet Your Maker - Episode 10 - Pie Face

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 23:55:05 -0000

On this week's episode of Meet Your Maker, host Rachel Wharton sits down with Wayne Homschek and Betty Fong, founders of Pie Face meat pies. Pie Face has a long history in Australia, and just opened its first location on 53rd Street in Midtown. Hear about the role of meat pies in Australian sports culture, and how Wayne and Betty hope to establish the food item as a part of the culinary canon. Also, learn about Australian-style coffee, and how it differs from many other espresso drinks. This episode has been brought to you by Heritage Foods USA.

"Our pastry is very much of French method...it's like a croissant with meat inside."
"I think Australia is the most advanced coffee market in the world in terms of milk-based espresso."
-- Wayne Homschek on Meet Your Maker

Meet Your Maker - Episode 11 - Something Seedy

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 20:03:46 -0000

This week's guest on Meet Your Maker is Zach Pickens, farmer at Riverpark and founder of Rooftop Ready Seeds. Tune in to hear host Rachel Wharton ask about the origins of Zach's interest in farming and gardening, and how he came up with the idea for Rooftop Ready Seeds. Zach selects seed stock that he finds to thrive inside of containers or window boxes. Zach explains how to harvest and dry seeds from different varieties of fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, collard greens, and spinach. Did you know that tomato seeds need to ferment before you can try to germinate them? Hear more about what Zach's growing at Riverpark, as well as the plants that are sprouting up in his own rooftop garden! Todays program was sponsored by TriState Merchant Services, Inc.

"If you're starting with better seed for this environment, then more people are going to be gardening."
"Growing containers are a really unique medium for growing plants... The whole container is going to be full of roots, so you need plants that can take swells of watering."
-- Zach Pickens on Meet Your Maker

Meet Your Maker - Episode 12 - No Guests?!

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 21:08:39 -0000

Welcome to a very special episode of Meet Your Maker! On this episode, Rachel Wharton and occasional co-host John Taggart discuss what food businesses they would start if given the opportunity. First up, John talks about his love for salsa verde. Tune in to learn how John makes his version of salsa verde, and how he took the inspiration for his recipe from the enchiladas suizas at La Superior. Later, Rachel talks about her only published recipe - pimento cheese. Rachel also shares her recipe, and talks about the history of pimento cheese in the South. Hear about the different tools needed to make these respective products. This episode has been brought to you by Heritage Foods USA.

"I can respect jelly." --John Taggart on Meet Your Maker

Meet Your Maker - Episode 13 - Paper or Plastic?

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 21:20:28 -0000

On this week's installment of Meet Your Maker, Rachel Wharton and occasional co-host John Taggart are joined in the studio by Emily Doubilet and Jessica Holsey. Emily and Jessica are, respectively, the CEO and President of Susty Party, a Certified B Corporation focusing on sustainable party supplies. Tune in to hear how Emily's background in performance and environmental studies informed and influenced her idea for Susty Party, and how Jessica's past work Wall Street prepared her for the world of triple bottom-line business. Learn about the various materials that are used in Susty Party's products! From sugarcane to tapioca, all of Susty Party's disposable tableware is completely free of plastic! To learn more about the company, make sure you check out this episode of Meet Your Maker! This program has been brought to you by Whole Foods.

"I'm a natural performer; I love getting people together. That's why I'm really interested in parties and events. They have a really strong power in connecting us and invigorating us in our daily work." -- Emily Doubilet on Meet Your Maker

Meet Your Maker - Episode 14 - Serbian For 'Lots of Fat'

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 20:02:30 -0000

Rachel Wharton and John Taggart are talking Mangalitsa pigs on this week's Meet Your Maker! Joining them in the studio is Michael Clampffer, Executive Chef and Vice President at Mosefund Farm in New Jersey. Michael uses Mangalitsa pork to create delicious foods such as charcuterie, sausage, and offal at Mosefund Farm. Mangalitsa pigs originally come from Austria, and are known for their creamy fat and red meat. Hear Michael describe his first experiences eating Mangalitsa pork, as well as some helpful cooking tips for different cuts from the pig. Rachel, John, and Michael taste some Mangalitsa collar on air, courtesy of Roberta's! Whether you're looking to grill or make some homemade sausage, Mangalitsa pork is a wonderful choice; pick some up at the New Amsterdam Market! This program has been brought to you by Hearst Ranch.

"In the 1850s, they took a wild boar and a lard pig, and created a pig with lots of fat and rich red meat. So you full-flavored meat. It's not 'the other white meat' - it's 'the other red meat.'" -- Michael Clampffer on Meet Your Maker

Meet Your Maker - Episode 15 - Cocina Latina

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 20:42:49 -0000

This week on Meet Your Maker, Rachel Wharton and John Taggart sit down with Ana Sofia Peleaz, author of the upcoming book The Cuban Table and the website HungrySofia.com. Where is Ana's favorite Cuban restaurant in NYC? Learn what differentiates Cuban cuisine from other Latin food, and what other ethnic influences are present in Cuban cooking. Find out why Mexican and Peruvian food are generally considered the most complex of all Latin cuisines. Hear what Cuban dish Ana would eat everyday for the rest of her life! This episode has been sponsored by Hearst Ranch.

"There was a time in Cuba before the 60s when chicken was more expensive than fish, so arroz con pollo was a special family meal." -- Ana Sofia Pelaez on Meet Your Maker

Meet Your Maker - Episode 16 - Sweet Deliverance!

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 19:39:50 -0000

Kelly Geary has her hands in all sorts of "making" endeavors. She is perhaps best known for Sweet Deliverance, a company that prepares CSA shares to eat! Kelly is also the author of the amazing cookbook Tart and Sweet, and makes delicious jellies and jams. Recently, Kelly has been working with the Underground Food Collective in the Midwest, and has relocated to Madison, Wisconsin to help open a butcher shop. Tune into this episode of Meet Your Maker to hear Rachel Wharton, John Taggart, and Kelly discuss the benefits of starting your own food business, and the importance of evolving in the food world. Learn more about Kelly's jams- the processes she uses, and why she makes such small batches. Tune in to hear about the future of artisanal foodie mania - limited-run vinegars! Today's episode has been brought to you by Susty Party.

"My goals were different, I think [than most New York culinary enthusiasts]. I left my job and started Sweet Deliverance. It was just a way to incorporate my values, and do what I wanted to do and be in my own space."
-- Kelly Geary on Meet Your Maker

Meet Your Maker - Episode 17 - The Food Film Festival

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 19:46:31 -0000

On this week's episode of Meet Your Maker, hosted by Rachel Wharton, meet George Motz and Seth Unger, the guys behind the Food Film Festival - now in it's 6th year! Through documentaries, features and short films, the Festival showcases the best, and the most memorable, of the world’s favorite foods. Along with a heaping helping of mouth-watering films, they actually serve up the food that guests are watching on the screen for a multi-sensory, full-bodied experience. Tune in to learn more about the festival and what plans they have in store this year! This program was sponsored by Hearst Ranch.

"People are making more films about everything now - because they have the means. Cameras don't cost a lot of money. Somebody just shot an entire documentary on his iPhone 4! It's really about the subject and making sure the passion comes across in the film." [3:25]
"Our goal is to try and make the most authentic moment possible and bring these films to life!" [10:24]
--George Motz of the Food Film Festival on Meet Your Maker

Meet Your Maker - Episode 18 - Dieselboy

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 19:59:12 -0000

Rachel Wharton is suspiciously absent today on Meet Your Maker, but co-host John Taggart takes the reigns and sits down with Damian Higgins AKA DJ Dieselboy. Dieselboy is a Drum and Bass DJ with an intense passion for food. Tune into this episode to hear Damian and John discuss the food that they grew up on, and how their palates have refined since those days. Hear Damian talk about his favorite food cities, and how his schedule as a DJ allows him to eat out in most towns where he plays. Damian also talks about his new-found love for drinking vinegars, and how he hopes to make his own delicious vinegars. What's Damian's signature cocktail? Find out on this week's episode of Meet Your Maker! This program has been brought to you by White Oak Pastures.

"It all comes down to what inspires you, and what makes you passionate, and I'm really passionate about good food." [22:10] -- Damian Higgins on Meet Your Maker

Meet Your Maker - Episode 19 - Tchoup Shop

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 20:18:49 -0000

On this week's episode of Meet Your Maker, co-host John Taggart once again takes over for Rachel Wharton, and he's sitting down in the studio with Simon Glenn. Simon is known for his New Orleans-style food at Tchoup Shop, and is currently the Executive Chef at Dean Street in Prospect Heights. Tune in to learn how Simon went from using Dean Street as a prep kitchen for Tchoup Shop, to becoming the chef at the restaurant. Hear about Simon's inspiration for his biscuits. (Hint: they're influenced by a New Orleans fast food chain!) Hear why the oyster industry suffered in Long Island after the BP Oil Spill, despite the spill being hundreds of miles away. Simon talks about some of his newer sandwich recipes, and Tchoup Shop's expansion to Bushwick! This episode has been sponsored by Hearst Ranch.

"That's always been the best part about Tchoup Shop- it's that interaction with the guest and taking away the kitchen walls and seeing the people eat and enjoying the food and being able to serve food that's extremely flavorful at a little bit of a lower price point than you'd expect. We over-deliver." [14:30]
-- Simon Glenn on Meet Your Maker

Meet Your Maker - Episode 20 - Fdbk and SandyBaggers

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 21:41:00 -0000

Rachel Wharton returns to Meet Your Maker this week! Joined by co-host John Taggart, Rachel sits down with entrepreneur Jonathan Swerdlin. Jonathan has been innovating since the age of eight, but his two most recent endeavors are Fdbk and SandyBaggers. Fdbk is a mobile web app that allows real-time conversation and discussion between businesses and customers. Hear how it was used during the Vendy Awards, and how you can implement it in your business! Jonathan also is a co-founder of SandyBaggers, an online social media hub for people to meet and organized around Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. Learn more about SandyBaggers, and how you can volunteer and donate goods and services this Saturday with the organization! This program has been sponsored by Hearst Ranch.

"It's a way of thinking. If you're constantly looking at problems and issues around the world and saying, 'Maybe that could be done a little differently...' That's what makes you and entrepreneur." -- Jonathan Swerdlin on Meet Your Maker

Meet Your Maker - Episode 21 - Ambur Alert

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 21:00:53 -0000

Have you ever wondered how restaurants keep track of all of their orders? How do cooks know when to fire up a meal or what table to send it to? Many restaurant's are using Ansar Khan's Ambur App as their point of sales system. Now, servers are sending orders to the kitchen using their smartphones and tablets! Ansar Khan is the guest on this week's episode of Meet Your Maker, hosted by Rachel Wharton and John Taggart. Tune in to hear how Ansar and his partner, James, developed the app out of necessity after working with an annoying point of sales system at his parents' restaurant in Buffalo, NY. How does the Ambur App stack up against traditional POS systems? Hear how Ambur can help restaurants save money, and why Ansar is limiting the app's use for restaurants for the time being. Hear about what features are being added to the next update of Ambur! This program has been brought to you by Heritage Foods USA.

"You've got iPads, iPods, and iPhones all connected on the same network, all interacting with each other. And they can be stationary, or you can carry them around!" [3:00]
-- Ansar Khan on Meet Your Maker

Meet Your Maker - Episode 22 - XXX Rated

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 21:02:07 -0000

This week on Meet Your Maker, Larry Wellington Cauldwell III, also known as the food porn star, storms into the studio in his SnugWow to talk about Zima-based drinks, food movies, and poetry. Rachel Wharton and John Taggart sit down with Larry and listen to one of his Zima cocktail recipes how-to guides! Larry speaks to his love of Snuggies, malt liquor, and chocolate. Later, Larry's alter-ego, Charles Grantham - actor and food blogger. Tune in to hear Charles, Rachel, and John to talk about reviewing restaurant bathrooms and mixology. Hear more about the idea of "food porn", and hear the crew discuss whether or not Larry Wellington Cauldwell III is eligible for a James Beard Award. This episode has been sponsored by S. Wallace Edwards & Sons.

"Larry and I would love to go the James Beard Awards... mostly so we could go to the awards in a SnugWow." [26:10] -- Charles Grantham on Meet Your Maker

Meet Your Maker - Episode 23 - The Flack

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 20:47:53 -0000

This week on Meet Your Maker, Rachel Wharton and John Taggart are talking with Ana Jovancicevic, the owner of Handcrafted PR, Inc. Ana has a storied history in the food world; tune into this episode to hear about Ana's experiences at Windows on the World, Wired Kitchen, and Slow Food USA. Hear how Ana's international upbringing introduced her to so many different cuisines, and fostered her love of food. Hear how Handcrafted PR, Inc. got started, and why the company is a labor of love for Ana. Learn the strategy involved with promotions and public relations! This program has been brought to you by Tekserve.

"I find so many people launch things and do things without a PR budget, or without ever thinking about marketing. It's more about the product itself, and if you're a small company, it's hard to think in bigger terms." [21:40]
-- Ana Jovancicevic on Meet Your Maker

Meet Your Maker - Episode 24 - Mister Mustard

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 20:33:26 -0000

Today On Meet Your Maker, host Rachel Wharton is joined by chef Tin Dizdarevic, the founder of Tin Mustard in Brooklyn, NY. Dizdarevic talks about the creation of his whole grain mustard recipe that has been praised as the best mustard on the market. He discusses the use of simple ingredients that he sources from local vendors here in Brooklyn to create a truly unique product. Dizdarevic tells the story of his culinary journey that led him to beginning Tin Mustard and the process of making mustard in a commercial environment. Tune in and learn about how no two mustards are the same and where you can pick up some Tin Mustard today! This program has been brought to you by White Oak Pastures.

"It's hard to do the 'local' thing with mustard seed because it's a hard spice to produce... it requires a certain climate to dry the seeds." [6:15]
-- Tin Dizdarevic on Meet Your Maker

Meet Your Maker - Episode 25 - Plated Stainless Aluminum Stainless

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 20:55:50 -0000

This week on Meet Your Maker, Rachel Wharton and John Taggart are talking with Craig Weinand, the VP of Operations for Americraft and 360 Cookware. Tune in to learn how German metal-working immigrants made Wisconsin the capital of cookware production. Craig talks about all of the different metals and techniques that go into Americraft's pots and pans. Find out why Americraft's developments allow for greener production! Hear why the company feels that it's important that Americraft products are made in the U.S.A., and why they work with local suppliers. How do Americraft pots and pans hold up against traditional cast iron? Tune in to Meet Your Maker to find out! This episode has been brought to you by White Oak Pastures.

"All of our cookware uses the moisture that's in the food naturally... and the metal in the cookware allows for cooking with medium heat." [11:45]
"Most of our vendors are within an hour of our factory. That's part of the reason we're in Wisconsin; the remnants of the industry are still here." [22:00]
-- Craig Weinand on Meet Your Maker

Meet Your Maker - Episode 26 - The Takedowns

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 21:50:03 -0000

Rachel Wharton's former HRN co-host is her guest on today's Meet Your Maker! Matt Timms has been responsible for the food competitions The Takedowns for the past ten years. Matt's next event is the Meatball Takedown, taking place on January 27th, 2013 at Brooklyn's The Bell House. Hear why Matt decided to start hosting food competitions, and some of the roadblocks he hit during his earliest Takedowns. Find out why roller girls are the ideal contestants in Matt's competitions. Listen in to hear Matt and Rachel talk about the world of food professionals and enthusiasts, and why Matt wants to make his events accessible to everyone. What ideas for Takedowns have been failures, and what cities are great for food competitions? Find out on this installment of Meet Your Maker! This program has been brought to you by 360 Cookware.

"I like the term 'fooder' (as an alternative to 'foodie') because it implies something active. Pushing food through your face - anyone can do that!" [3:50]
"At the end of the day, all I've ever wanted to do is throw parties. And it's worked out very well!" [8:30]
-- Matt Timms on Meet Your Maker

Meet Your Maker - Episode 27 - Street Meat (Defend the Vend)

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 20:55:09 -0000

Sean Basinski is standing up for the street vendor on today's Meet Your Maker. Rachel Wharton and John Taggart sit down with Sean to talk about The Street Vendor Project, an organization designed to protect the rights of street vendors in New York City. Hear about Sean's law background, and how he uses his skills to "defend the vend". How did September 11th affect the moneymaking abilities of many food vendors? Tune in to hear Sean talk about his history as a burrito vendor; how did Sean's time as a street vendor foster his passion for street vendor culture? Learn about the average lifespan of a street vending business, and hear why it's so hard to be a street vendor in the city. This program has been sponsored by 360 Cookware.

"As a day-to-day business, it's really hard to 'make it' as a food truck." [16:50]
"Vendors are always good for business. They give people the chance to stick around the neighborhood, and maybe go back into the bar afterwards." [32:20]
-- Sean Basinkski on Meet Your Maker

Meet Your Maker - Episode 28 - Hot Dog

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 21:37:37 -0000

Ever wonder what goes into making the perfect hot dog? This week on Meet Your Maker, Rachel Wharton and John Taggart are joined in the studio by Tony Fragogiannis and Bull Mulholland, the owners of The Brooklyn Hot Dog Company. Learn how to get that nice 'snap' in your dog, and find out what blends of meat make for juicier bites. Listen in to hear Tony and Bill talk about their idea for The Brooklyn Hot Dog Company, and how the crowd at Mulholland's bar likes their dogs to be fixed. Hear about the duo's background in charcuterie, and how making hot dogs is different than most other types of salumi. Learn about the company's inspiration, and what's in store for the team in the months and years to come! This program has been sponsored by 360 Cookware.

"The Buffalo Chicken Dog was our first adventure. We were just messing around with hot wings at Mulhollands, and it just happened." [12:00] -- Bill Mulholland on Meet Your Maker
"Right now, they're packaged by hand. You just put them in the bag and vacuum seal it." [26:15] -- Tony Fragogiannis on Meet Your Maker

Meet Your Maker - Episode 29 - Cochon 555

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 18:05:49 -0000

Brady Lowe has a passion for pork! On this week's episode of Meet Your Maker, Rachel Wharton is interviewing Brady Lowe, the mind behind the national food events known as Cochon 555. Cochon 555 is a whole hog cooking event that uses heritage breed pigs exclusively. Learn about Brady's idea for a sustainable barbecue joint. How can fine dining chefs compete with traditional barbecue prices? Tune in to hear Brady talk about the menu as a storytelling medium, and find out how he selects chefs to cook in the Cochon 555 events. How did Sean go from being a wine and cheese lover to a barbecue junkie? Find out on this week's episode of Meet Your Maker! This program has been sponsored by Hearst Ranch.

"I think that everyone who does barbecue should be using heritage pigs, but you can't change the world in one day." [6:05]
-- Brady Lowe on Meet Your Maker

Meet Your Maker - Episode 30 - Whole Grain

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 23:52:30 -0000

Why is flavor neglected when considering flour? This week on Meet Your Maker, Rachel Wharton and John Taggart are joined in the studio by Bob Klein of Community Grains and Olivetto in California. Community Grains offers whole grain flours, pastas, and polenta. Tune in to hear Bob talk about the development of corn varieties across continents, and how whole grain wheat provides not only nutrition, but full flavor. Why are wheat varieties often not considered in the professional kitchen for their flavor and specific purposes? Tune into this episode to hear Rachel, John, and Bob talk about how grain processing has potentially affected gluten intolerance. This program has been sponsored by Cain Vineyard & Winery.

"Farmers are victims of commodity markets. Every farmer wants to get out of the commodity business." [8:45]
"If you're a cook, and you're looking at wheat as a component of a dish- how do you create a vocabulary for those flavors?" [15:00]
-- Bob Klein on Meet Your Maker

Meet Your Maker - Episode 31 - The Sisters

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 21:05:45 -0000

Megan O'Connor and Tricia Keels cook across the Midwest on their blog and podcast entitled No Chefs Allowed! This week on Meet Your Maker, Rachel Wharton and John Taggart sit down with Megan and Tricia to talk about how they came up with the idea for No Chefs Allowed after discovering horseradish root in the grocery store. Why did they choose podcasts as the medium for their message? What are some of the more interesting ingredients that Megan and Tricia featured? How has the radio show inspired Megan and Tricia to cook dishes that would not ordinarily attempt to make? Tune in to hear how the Chicago and Colombus food scenes differ! This program has been sponsored by Whole Foods.

"It (the blog) catapults us into cooking things that we think we don't have time for." [23:15] -- Tricia Keels on Meet Your Maker
"Most of what we do on the show is try to make food that our family will eat for dinner." [28:30] -- Megan O'Connor on Meet Your Maker

Meet Your Maker - Episode 32 - Food Is Love

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 21:13:04 -0000

Antonella Rana brings authentic Italian pasta to the Chelsea Market via Giovanni Rana Pastifico and Cucina! This week on Meet Your Maker, Rachel Wharton sits down with Antonella to talk pasta-making, opening a restaurant, and Italian tradition. Learn about the Rana family history and regional fresh pasta in Italy. Hear about Giovanni Rana Pastifico and Cucina's late opening due to Superstorm Sandy, and how they dealt with the potential loss of fresh food during the storm. How does fresh pasta differ from dried pasta in Italian culture? Listen in for more on seasonality, regional cuisine, and classic Italian cookware! This episode has been sponsored by Whole Foods.

"I tell my colleagues in Italy that the restaurant is my university because every single guest is a lesson about food, approach... about everything!" [7:50]
"Dried pasta is an ingredient, fresh pasta is a meal." [16:20]
-- Antonella Rana on Meet Your Maker

Meet Your Maker - Episode 33 - Out East Foodie

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 22:08:31 -0000

Tune in as Out East Foodie blogger Laura Luciano joins Rachel Wharton on this week's episode of Meet Your Maker! Laura discusses sustainable living out in Eastern Long Island and the process of building a sustainable home while keeping up with her popular food blog. Listen in as she talks about the local foods, farms, and fisheries that have inspired articles and dishes in her blog as well as her geothermal and solar home that will be self sustaining and the perfect place for the Out East Feast. Follow the excitement as she cooks, keeps bees, gardens, and is soon to tend a chicken coop! This program was sponsored by Heritage Foods USA.

"The out east and the east end speaks to the way we want to live our life." [8:40]
"Out East Foodie and this house that we're building is synonymous." [10:29]
"The farmers are salt of the earth people and to be in the middle of that is so exciting to me." [23:14]

--Laura Luciano on Meet Your Maker

Meet Your Maker - Episode 34 - Heavy Metal

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 19:52:14 -0000

Meet your metal-maker! On this week's episode, Rachel Wharton in joined in the studio by Erin Daily and Brian Weissman of Brooklyn Metal Works. Tune into this episode to hear Rachel, Erin, Brian talk about getting started in working metal. Find out how Erin and Brian toy with the delicate balance of form and function to create truly unique pieces of tableware. How do Erin and Brian use metal to make statements about disposable culture and functionality? Hear how Brooklyn Metal Works collaborated with Brooklyn Glass for an event called Brooklyn Creates! Find out what materials Erin and Brian use, and how using certain metals in food applications affect the look of the object. This episode has been sponsored by Fairway Market.

"I like to riff on the concepts and ideas behind disposable culture and methods of eating. I've done a series on disposable utensils used Japanese lacquer to build up the layers." [12:40] -- Erin Daily on Meet Your Maker

Meet Your Maker - Episode 35 - Cool Commodities

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 22:06:41 -0000

Coffee, bananas, chocolate, and tea- and it's all fair trade! This week on Meet Your Maker, Rachel Wharton and John Taggart are speaking with Rodney North, "the Answer Man" for Equal Exchange. Tune into this episode to learn about the roots of Equal Exchange twenty-seven years ago in Latin America! Learn how Equal Exchange and other fair trade organizations provide alternative market avenues for for small producers all over the world. How has the idea of fair trade spurred change in the conventional market? Fair trade ideas have proven to be risky in Laten America; how does subverting the commercial status quo endanger farmers? Find out on this week's episode of Meet Your Maker! Thanks to our sponsor, Whole Foods Market.

"If you don't know the issues, or the stories behind the products, then you can't act- so we were trying to change that." [13:25] -- Rodney North on Meet Your Maker

Meet Your Maker - Episode 36 - Three Letters

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 21:15:14 -0000

Three Letters is bringing back French cuisine in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn! This week on Meet Your Maker, Rachel Wharton is joined in the studio by co-owners Pip Freeman and Cam Honsa- Chef and Beverage Director at Three Letters, respectively. Listen in to hear how and why Pip and Cam decided to open their own restaurant, and the processes involved with procuring a space. Why did Pip become fascinated with old French cooking, and what were some of the inspirations for Three Letters' menu? Hear about Cam's personal spirits palate, and why he has the consider the tastes of the neighborhood when stocking the bar. This episode has been sponsored by Fairway Market.

"It's an interesting line to tow between really trying to control the spirits conversation and letting the palate of the neighborhood speak to you." [23:30] -- Cam Honsa on Meet Your Maker