Shows
The LA Food PodcastJames Beard Awards Controversy Explained, Wagyu Wars, and LA Dominates Esquire’s Best New Restaurants. Plus, 2025 Gift Guide Feat. My Wife.Welcome back to The LA Food Podcast. This week, Luca and Karen Palmer dive into one of the most fascinating food stories of the year: the global fight over wagyu. Karen breaks down what Japanese producers are trying to protect, whether A5 wagyu is actually worth the hype, and why the debate mirrors DOP fights in Italy over ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes and Neapolitan pizza standards.We also unpack Esquire’s Best New Restaurants in America 2025, where California dominated the list and Los Angeles landed an incredible six spots, including Travis Lett’s RVR crowned Restaurant of t...
2025-12-051h 21
The HungerJeff Mauro, The King of Culinary ComedyJeff Mauro is as colorful as the rainbow colored jars of giardiniera he sells through his food distributor Mauro Provisions. The Food Network star has a built a life spinning plates in many disciplines including theatre, comedy, television, restaurants, and even rock and roll as the frontman of the local Chicago band The Jewel Bags.I like Jeff because he’s built a life that blends both work and pleasure. If he’s got an idea or a desire, he works to make that happen. Whether it’s slinging content in his sandwich kingdom rating the best stuff...
2024-11-2556 min
Old Man & the GPanic TimeMike and Grayson talk about whether the Bears and Bucks can recover. We also give flowers the the Detroit Lions. Mike worries as a long time Lion fan whether it will all end in disaster. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit oldmanandtheg.substack.com
2024-11-1520 min
The HungerBilly Zureikat, aka TheRealBillyZ, the Chicago Pizza, Cookie, Sandwich & Salsa PrinceBilly Zureikat started out as a producer for ESPN 1000 radio during its heyday. A lifelong Chicago sports fan and athlete, he unwound by hitting the courts whenever he could until a diagnosis of lamb-girdle muscular dystrophy impacted the strength in his legs and changed his life. Like anyone faced with an huge unknown, he went through a period of denial and frustration. During this dark period he turned to the kitchen and fell in love with cooking. He used his new culinary skills to raise awareness and money to fight muscular dystrophy through a series...
2024-11-062h 17
The HungerWon Kim of KimskiWon Kim, Artist, DJ, and Chef. You might call him a Renaissance man, but that sounds like he’s some kind of medieval jester, which in a way he is. But also, he’s just pure modern cool, running his life like a constant art project, tagging freight cars, curing bulgogi, and dropping house beats at the Museum of Science and Industry.Kim’s Korean-Polish fusion (think bulgogi cheesesteak) food at Kimski is wildly original. Kim has also collaborated with Zubair Mohajir at Lilac Tiger in Bucktown. Most recently, as in the reel below, Kim joined Norm Fenton...
2024-10-251h 30
Old Man & the GNFL Week 7: Russ vs Fields, Is Aaron Rodgers Cooked and Lions vs. VikingsMike, the old man, is sad because Russ played well for the Steelers which means Justin Fields is gonna probably sit again. G asks if Aaron Rodgers can recover. We also review Lions vs. Vikings. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit oldmanandtheg.substack.com
2024-10-2223 min
The HungerTatum Sinclair of Valhalla, Apolonia, and S.K.Y.A few times a year I enjoy a dish so much that it sort of eclipses everything else at the meal. I was recently at Valhalla when chef Tatum Sinclair rolled up with a bowl of liquid nitrogen and started throwing bombs.What landed was sweet lemon on lemon on lemon violence in the form of a meringue stuffed with lemon Dippin’ Dots, lemon Slurpee, and lemon marmalade. What followed was the essence of breakfast including a hot fresh-from-the-oven center of a righteous Cinnabon. This was capped of by mignardises made with Sinclair’s own proprietary blend of c...
2024-10-161h 06
The HungerChef Zubair Mohajir of Wazwan, Lilac Tiger, Coach House & MirraYou miss one hundred percent of the shots you don’t take. Five years ago during the pandemic. chef Zubair Mohajir sent me a DM on Instagram asking if I wanted to check out his THC (Tandoori Honey Fried Chicken) sandwich. I exchanged a few messages with him and then filed it away for a few weeks.Eventually I ordered the sandwich, fell in love with it and have been a fan of Mohajir’s work ever since, enjoying his food at Wazwan and also his newest spot Mirra, a Indian and South Asian collaboration with former Rick...
2024-10-0959 min
Old Man & the GBears of the Last Two Weeks and More NFLMike and Grayson went to the Bears game last week against the Rams, so we break down that experience plus this week’s Panthers game and then talk about some of the interesting things that happened this week in the NFL. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit oldmanandtheg.substack.com
2024-10-0718 min
The HungerDave Andrews of Good Life PROnce again, I’m doing something a little different on the podcast this week. Instead of a chef, I sit down with my very good friend Dave Andrews of Good Life PR. As many of you know, I try to preserve as much objectivity as I can around what I write about, so I generally don’t have a lot of relationships with people in food and drink PR.Dave, however is an exception because he’s very good at what he does and respectful in the way he does it, and also because we’ve known each oth...
2024-10-021h 19
The HungerThe Food List Master, A Conversation with Mitch Gropman, Moderator of Reddit ChicagofoodHave you ever wondered where Chicago’s greatest French fries or chicken sandwiches are, or what’s the most gourmand of all the Michelin Bib Gourmands? Well, you no longer have to thanks to the work of Mitch Gropman.Inspired by the comprehensive burrito, burger, and taco lists of former Chicago Tribune food reviewer Nick Kindelsperger, it’s not uncommon for Gropman to eat and drop a ranking of 200 Chicago-area French fries in rank order.Gropman will be the first to tell you that because he hasn’t tried every single local version of the food he’...
2024-09-251h 23
The HungerA Conversation with the Duckmeister General, aka chef Donald Young of Duck SelTurns out you don’t have to grow up with a golden palate, a gourmet family, or even the desire to be a great cook as a teenager if you want become a future Michelin-starred chef.Or at least that’s how it worked for Donald Young, owner of Duck Sel, one of Chicago’s best restaurants which just happens to be run out of a private apartment in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood.I like Young’s story because we now see 10-year-olds being forced to specialize by training year round in a single sport in the hop...
2024-09-171h 16
The HungerThe Times, They Are A Changin'The HVAC system at 816 W. Armitage fired up like a jet injecting a loud whoosh into the air. You might recognize that address as the townhouse that held the original Charlie Trotter’s restaurant.I was recording this podcast with Trotter’s son Dylan Trotter on the second floor. I was willing to accept the background noise because I didn’t want to disturb what was a mesmerizing conversation for any Chicago restaurant history lover.Dylan, noticed immediately, stood up, walked over to the thermostat, shut off the AC and then returned to his seat and ke...
2024-09-111h 07
Old Man & the GNFL Week 1 Recap of Bears and Lions + the Tyreek ArrestThis week we recap the Bears and Lions first games, worry about Caleb’s debut, and get a little fiesty over Tyreek Hill’s arrest. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit oldmanandtheg.substack.com
2024-09-1022 min
The HungerA Master Takes On A MasterOver the years, chef Grant Achatz of The Alinea Group and the Next Restaurant team have created a series of tasting menus inspired by Escoffier at the Ritz, Thomas Keller’s French Laundry, Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill, and the legacy of Julia Child.Starting next week, September 7th, 2024, the Next team unveils their newest culinary homage: the work of Charlie Trotter.Trotter was both an inspiring and polarizing figure. Trotter’s example changed America from a meat and potatoes-loving concern to a fixed-menu-hungry dining public. Without Charlie Trotter’s, Alinea, Smyth, Oriole, and Ever, the rich...
2024-09-041h 23
Old Man & the GHard Knocks Chicago Bears Episode 1 BreakdownSince the White Sox are about to cash in on being the worst baseball team in history, we haven’t had much to talk about until this week when the gift of Chicago Bears Hard Knocks landed. Grayson and I get spicy. He calls me old. I call him a Republican. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit oldmanandtheg.substack.com
2024-08-0828 min
Old Man & the GNBA and NHL Finals PreviewWill Luka fulfill his destiny? Will Tatum finally break through? Is McJesus finally in the promised land? Or will Bobrovsky take everyone down? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit oldmanandtheg.substack.com
2024-06-0628 min
Old Man & the GNBA Conference Semis and Finals Look plus NHL Playoffs So FarMike and Grayson discuss the current NBA and NHL playoff matchups. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit oldmanandtheg.substack.com
2024-05-2520 min
Old Man & the GNBA and NHL Playoffs Round 2 Discussions + Will the White Sox Be Historically Bad, plus a Quick Word on the Blackhawks NHL Draft LotteryThe old man (Mike) and the “G” (Grayson) lament the first round exit of our beloved Bucks before talking about the rest of the NBA and NHL playoffs. We go on to glaze the T-Wolves while wondering what’s broken with the Toronto Maple Leafs. We also wonder will the White Sox break the all time MLB loss record? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit oldmanandtheg.substack.com
2024-05-1022 min
Old Man & the GNBA and NHL Playoff Previews, Laments for the Bucks and Red WingsThe Old Man is sad his Detroit Red Wings didn’t make the playoffs. The “G” who loves the Blackhawks does not care. The Old Man and the G are worried the Pacers will destroy the Bucks without Giannis, plus all the NBA and NHL playoff predictions. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit oldmanandtheg.substack.com
2024-04-2218 min
Old Man & the GWhen Mike Met GrittyThe old man, Mike, met his hockey hero, the Philadelphia Flyers mascot Gritty. The “G” is embarrassed by his old man. Plus we saw Blackhawks rookie sensation Connor Bedard in person and NBA sensation Tyrese Maxey last week and we discuss our reactions. Finally we wrap up with a conversation on who the Bears should draft with pick 9 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit oldmanandtheg.substack.com
2024-04-0622 min
Old Man & the GGoodbye Justin Fields, All the NFL Free Agency Info, Plus Connor Bedard LoveGrayson (The G) and Mike (The Old Man) come to terms with the loss of our favorite QB1, Justin Fields. We also examine the NFL free agency comings and goings, and share a few thoughts on Connor Bedard. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit oldmanandtheg.substack.com
2024-03-1722 min
Old Man & the GPatrick Kane's Big Night & The Bears' Draft PossibilitiesMike (the old Man) and Grayson (The G) talk about the greatest sports night of Mike’s life, aka Patrick Kane scoring an OT winner for the Detroit Red Wings against the Chicago Blackhawks. Grayson does not like this. We also break down what the Bears are likely to do in the 2024 NFL draft. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit oldmanandtheg.substack.com
2024-02-2730 min
Old Man & the GWill Travis Kelce Retire or Will He Propose to T-Swift? A Super Bowl Preview, plus NHL All Star Skills discussed, NBA All Star Snubs, and We Pour One Out for the Detroit LionsIn this episode, the old man (Mike Nagrant) and the "G" (Grayson Nagrant) pour one out for the Lions, talk about the NHL All Star Skills Competition, the NBA All Star Snubs, and we preview the Chiefs/49ers Super Bowl. We also make our predictions on prop bets like what color the coach's Gatorade bath will be. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit oldmanandtheg.substack.com
2024-02-0425 min
Old Man & the GDetroit Lions are Two Away!!! Plus NFL Conference Finals Preview and Thoughts on the Bears New OC and Harbaugh to the ChargersMike and Grayson discuss the Detroit Lions playoff push, plus we review the NFL Conference Finals and share some thoughts on the Bears new OC and Harbaugh's move to the Chargers. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit oldmanandtheg.substack.com
2024-01-2719 min
Old Man & the GReflections on the Michigan National Championship, Steph Curry vs the Milwaukee Bucks, plus all the Week 2 NFL Playoff Matchups PreviewedThis week Mike Nagrant (the old man) and Grayson Nagrant (the "G") reflect on Michigan's National Championship, our trip to see Steph Curry play the Milwaukee Bucks, plus we preview all the Week 2 NFL playoff matchups. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit oldmanandtheg.substack.com
2024-01-1918 min
Old Man & the GIs Justin Fields Done? Will Michigan Win the National Championship? Can Anyone Stop the Ravens?Are Justin Fields days with the Bears over? Will Michigan beat Washington for the National Title? Mike and Grayson also review the NFL playoff picture and wonder whether anyone can stop the Ravens. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit oldmanandtheg.substack.com
2024-01-0821 min
Old Man & the GMichigan vs Alabama, Detroit Lions' Success, The NFL Super Bowl and MVP Races and Miami Dolphins Hard KnocksMike Nagrant (the old man) and Grayson Nagrant (the "G") preview the Michigan vs Alabama BCS playoff game, break down the Detroit Lions' Success, The NFL Super Bowl and MVP Races. We also discuss the Miami Dolphins Hard Knocks show and the great Mike McDaniel This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit oldmanandtheg.substack.com
2023-12-3016 min
Old Man & the GThe College Bowl Ranks & the Future of Jim HarbaughIn this episode Mike and Grayson talk about the BCS selections and the future of Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit oldmanandtheg.substack.com
2023-12-1211 min
The HungerUnsungIn this episode I explore what it means to be unsung with a review of the Puerto Rican restaurant Estacion from chef Mark Mendez and a recent concert at Chicago's Empty Bottle by the musician Ondara. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thehunger.substack.com/subscribe
2023-09-1509 min
The HungerLicense to DiveA look at what it means when taco gentrification comes to a city with a wealth of authentic tacos. This audio review of Tacombi and Carniceria Mirabel is free, however, like my written essays, many of these podcasts will only be fully available to paying subscribers of thehunger.substack.com. Paid subscribers will get a private RSS link that allows them to access the full feed. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thehunger.substack.com/subscribe
2023-09-0811 min
JoinersEpisode #55 - Michael Nagrant of The HungerFor our longest episode yet, we are talking with prolific food writer and critic Michael Nagrant. A long-time champion and observer of Chicago’s food scene, he takes us through his storied career, from his pioneering podcasting days to covering the scene in an independent fashion on his Substack, The Hunger. In a sprawling and delightful interview, we talk the ethics of food criticism, taking precautions to ensure an authentic dining experience, breaking the Publican story, and lots more.
2023-07-032h 10
Tama Ba Yern?! The Podcast with DM and RenzWe, The Messy Filipinos and The Things We're Proud as PinoysOkay, let's admit it. We, Filipinos can be really messy! And there's nothing we can do about that because we are what? Sickening! In this episode, pinagusapan namin kung ano ba yung mga bagay na kinakaproud namin as Pinoys, pero mostly nagrant lang kami kung gaano ba karampant ang trolls dito sa PH and what made them to be like that! Pero promise, comedy show pa din 'to! Ikaw, proud ka bang Noypi ka?
PS. hindi alam ni Renz ang kaliwa at kanan.
Follow us on Instagram!
Renz Michael
DM Pedracio...
2021-10-0148 min
Fooditor Radio30: Critic Michael NagrantFooditor Radio... Is All Dressed Up And No Place To Go: Critic Michael Nagrant
2020-04-0956 min
Fooditor Radio13: Smoked Salmon Tasting • Paul Fehribach • Michael Nagrant8/18/14: Smoked Salmon Tasting With Ethan Forman of H. Forman and Son, London • Paul Fehribach of Big Jones on His Southern Cookbook • Michael Nagrant on Life as a Restaurant Critic in 2014
2020-04-031h 14
Airwaves Full of BaconAirwaves Full of Bacon 13: Smoked Salmon Tasting With Ethan Forman of H. Forman and Son, London • Paul Fehribach of Big Jones on His Southern Cookbook • Michael Nagrant on Life as a Restaurant Critic in 2014Airwaves Full of Bacon 13: Smoked Salmon Tasting With Ethan Forman of H. Forman and Son, London • Paul Fehribach of Big Jones on His Southern Cookbook • Michael Nagrant on Life as a Restaurant Critic in 2014
Click on the above to go to iTunes, Stitcher, Twitter or Facebook.
______________________________________________________________________________
It’s the very far from fat free episode!
(1:40) First up, David Hammond and I taste smoked salmon with Ethan Forman of London’s H. Forman and Son, makers of superior smoked salmon which you can find at...
2014-08-1800 min
Podcasts – Michael NagrantJason HammelNightwood (2119 S. Halsted St.), the second restaurant from Lula Cafe co-owner’s Amalea Tshilds and Jason Hammel and partners Kevin Heisner and Matt Eisler, is set to debut in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood. I sat down with Hammel last December in anticipation of the opening to talk about Lula, his cooking philosophy, and the new restaurant. In the following podcast interview he talks about his old writing mentor, the late David Foster Wallace, the impromptu ping pong games in the basement during the early years at Lula, and the importance of the French Laundry cookbook. I apologize for the background...
2009-05-2635 minPodcasts – Michael NagrantCurtis DuffyIs getting four hours of sleep a night the secret to staying young? What does snail caviar taste like? Can you wear a punk rock t-shirt and jeans to dinner at the four star restaurant Avenues at the Peninsula hotel? All these answers and more can be found in our recent podcast interview with chef Curtis Duffy of Avenues. Duffy, formerly of Charlie Trotter’s, Trio, and Alinea, is putting out food on par with those giants and is one of Chicago’s most promising young chefs.
2009-05-2039 minPodcasts – Michael NagrantLaurent GrasL20 was recently named best restaurant in America by Esquire magazine. I sat down with L20’s chef Laurent Gras recently to see how things are going post-award. In this podcast, Gras talks about why French chefs come to America, his life-threatening bicycle accident, his gadget obsessions, and the technical and creative inspiration behind his cooking.
2008-11-2400 minPodcasts – Michael NagrantMarcus SamuelssonIf, as restaurant lore suggests, many chefs come from the ranks of artists, bandits and miscellaneous misfits, then Marcus Samuelsson, executive chef of C-House (166 E. Superiorr) and Marc Burger at Macy’s on State is, by comparison, a prince. The youngest chef to receive three stars from the New York Times, he’s also an entrepreneur, a TV personality, a cookbook author and a tireless ambassador for Swedish and African culinary and cultural heritage. He’s as much an intellectual as he is a master culinary craftsman. More importantly, those of you who read my burger round-up a few weeks ago kn...
2008-10-2300 minPodcasts – Michael NagrantRandy ZweibanEveryone knows drummers are different, and Randy Zweiban, former cymbal sockin’ chef of the upcoming Province, is no exception. He’s no Food Network driven flash-in-the-pan blowing through job after job. Zweiban’s a serial monogamist who spent 7 years working with Norman Van Aken in Miami and a decade at Nacional 27. Now he’s about to debut Province, a Spanish and Latin influenced American cuisine based restaurant. In this podcast interview, Zweiban talks about his days gigging at CBGB’s, noshing in New York City, and opening a restaurant at the “worst time in 150 years”. Enjoy.
2008-10-1000 minPodcasts – Michael NagrantBrian HustonAs they say in the stock market, past results are no guarantee of future success. That being said, the crew from Avec and Blackbird seems to do pretty well each time out. As a result, the expectations for their newest venture The Publican (845 W. Fulton Market) which opens on September 15, are pretty steep. The man who will be helming that ship is chef Brian Huston. I recently sat down with Huston for this podcast to talk about his early days working on the opening crew at Blackbird, how ruining a Thanksgiving turkey almost ruined him, his love of Chicago sports...
2008-09-0300 minPodcasts – Michael NagrantBridget AlbertYou wouldn’t throw a summer bbq and break out a can of Niblets for your guests during sweet corn season, would you? So why do you still drink that way? In this podcast I sit down with Bridget Albert, chief mixologist for Southern Wine and Spirits, and most recently author of the newly released cocktail book, Market Fresh Mixology, to answer that question. We also talk about the history of the Mojito, Albert’s bootlegging grandparents, and discuss the controversy over the terms mixologist and bar chef. Cheers!
2008-08-2900 minPodcasts – Michael NagrantTory McPhailFounded in 1880, Commander’s Palace in New Orleans is one of the most celebrated and revered restaurants in the United States. Paul Prudhomme, Emeril Legasse, and Jamie Shannon are just a few of the chefs to helm its storied kitchen. Chef Tory McPhail is the current captain of the ship. He was in Chicago last month for the National Restaurant Show and we caught up with him to talk about being a steward of such a culinary legacy, what it was like living on Bourbon Street as a 19 year old line cook with an endless supply of Abita beer, the...
2008-06-1600 minPodcasts – Michael NagrantJose GarcesChef Jose Garces trained under Nuevo Latino master Douglas Rodriguez (chef/owner of DeLaCosta in Chicago) and Buddakan and Morimoto owner Stephen Starr forging an incredible knowledge of both the business and culinary sides of the restaurant industry. Now he’s building a boutique empire of his own. After a few restaurant openings in Philly, he’s landed back in his hometown (born and raised on the Northwest side and a Kendall college grad) to open a mod tapas style joint Mercat a la Planxa (638 South Michigan Ave. , 312-765-0524) in the Blackstone Hotel. In this podcast, the Chicago born...
2008-03-2000 minPodcasts – Michael NagrantTim Graham & Chad EllegoodWith sommelier Scott Tyree’s departure for Hart Davis Hart last year and Rick Tramonto splitting time on his Cenitare restaurant projects (though he’s still very much involved at TRU), we wondered how TRU restaurant was faring. Turns out it’s in the able hands of chef de cuisine Tim Graham and wine director and sommelier Chad Ellegood. In this podcast I get to know Ellegood and Graham a bit and we discuss their new paradigm shifting wine service and the future of cooking at TRU.
2008-02-1800 min