Shows
Albany News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!New Food Critics' Top Picks: Albany & Hudson ValleyNew restaurant reviewers join The Times Union, Stephanie Gravalese and Shannon Lee, bringing fresh perspectives to dining coverage. Stephanie highlights Civitellos eggplant sandwich, I Love Rosas rotisserie chicken, and Prince Tea Houses mille crepe cake. Shannon praises Alons Halal Grills lamb kebab platter, The Feathers salad, and Tiny Pizza Kitchens pizza marinara. Full reviews resume next week.
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2026-02-1801 min
THE EAGLE: A Times Union PodcastMeet the Times Union's new food criticsFor the first time in a decade, we’ve brought on new writers to critique the dining scene in the Capital Region and Hudson Valley. On this episode, Steve Barnes sits down with Stephanie Gravalese and Shannon Lee to talk memorable meals, restaurants, and the role of the food critic in an age of Yelp reviews. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2025-09-1219 min
Food Stories ToldComebacks and Nostalgia: Why We Can’t Quit Our Favorite FoodsWhy do we crave the return of our favorite discontinued foods? From the cult following of McDonald’s Snack Wraps to Taco Bell’s Decades Menu and the seasonal magic of the McRib, this episode dives into the delicious power of food nostalgia.
We explore how flavors tie us to simpler times, why fandoms rally for food comebacks, and how brands are turning throwbacks into cultural phenomena.
Whether it’s Chi-Chi’s rumored revival or the caramel apple empanadas of your youth, one thing is clear—these foods aren’t just meals, they’re memories. Join us as we sa...
2024-12-2211 minFood Stories ToldComfort Food—Nostalgia, Memory, and the Other Side of LossComfort food isn’t just about what’s on the plate—it’s about the memories, people, and moments tied to each bite. In this episode, host Stephanie Gravalese explores the deep connection between food and nostalgia, sharing personal stories of grilled cheese on rainy afternoons, casserole dishes filled with love, and the simple act of seeking comfort after emotional moments like election day.
Stephanie invites you to reflect on your own comfort foods with thoughtful prompts woven throughout the episode.
What dishes make you feel at home? Which meals remind you of someone special? Whether...
2024-12-0312 minFood Stories ToldNostalgia, The King, and the Power of Food MemoryIn this season of Food Stories Told, we’re diving into how food stirs up memories, linking us to the people, places, and moments that feel like home. Studies even show that food can spark some of our strongest connections to the past.
Today, I’m sharing a story that started as a simple article but became an exploration into food memory, an iconic sandwich, and the emotional layers that taste can reveal.
We'll explore an iconic sandwich tied to the King himself, Elvis Presley, blending family memory, myth, and the power of taste to bring...
2024-11-0706 minFood Stories ToldLate August Harvest and the Flavor of NostalgiaDo you have a favorite food memory that lingers with you? A taste, a smell, or a meal that brings back another time, another place?
In this season of Food Stories Told, we’re exploring the deep connections between food and nostalgia—how certain foods tie us to our past, bring comfort, and create lasting memories.
In this episode, host Stephanie Gravalese takes with us to a memory of late August abundance—and the warmth of New England summers. She reflects on what nostalgia can look like, why it matters to us, and how it shapes...
2024-11-0406 minFood Stories ToldDecolonizing the Plate: Voices and Visions in Indigenous DiningLast winter had the privilege to write an article for the Winter 2024 issue of VOICES, a wonderful publication by the wine brand Maze Rowe. In this issue, I explore the vibrant world of Indigenous dining in the US.
I had the incredible opportunity to connect with Sherry Pocknett from Sly Fox Den Too, Sean Sherman from Owamni, and Loretta Barrett Oden. Each of them shared their heartfelt stories and observations about their projects, the joys, and the challenges they face as they work to uplift and preserve Indigenous foodways for the future.
...
2024-06-1308 minFood Stories ToldWild by Nature: Nate Scull on Bridging Wild Flora and BrewingHey there, I'm Stephanie Gravalese, and in this episode, I'm taking you back to a chat I had with Nate Scull in 2022. Nate used to work with Hermit Thrush Brewery, a place that was all about using what nature gives us to make some really unique beers. Even though the brewery closed its doors in 2024, there's a lot we can learn from how they did things.
Back in 2021, I dove into how breweries are getting creative with wild ingredients, and that's when I first stumbled upon the cool stuff Nate and his team were...
2024-06-0813 minFood Stories ToldHow Seven Women Entrepreneurs Thrive in the Food World in 2024From the challenges of supply chain snags to the triumphs of a perfectly balanced dish, I spoke with seven women in the food industry who shared their real-world experiences of running a food business. Here's how they stay dedicated, inspired, and manage to lead by example.
2024-05-1714 minFood Stories ToldPaola Velez on Bodega Math and the Power of Third SpacesI speak with chef and author Paola Velez, who, in her debut cookbook, "Bodega Bakes: Recipes for Sweets and Treats Inspired by My Corner Store," revisits the bodegas of her Bronx upbringing—places that were much more than mere shopping destinations; they were the heart of her community.
Bodegas serve purposes beyond quick stops for snacks or soda; they're where life's little moments unfold, where you catch up with neighbors, find that elusive recipe ingredient, or spot Paola herself, gathering inspiration from the aisles. I'm excited to share this love letter with these important third spaces in th...
2024-05-0239 minFood Stories ToldRed Carpet Recap | Top Chef Wisconsin Stars Talk Food Culture pt. 1Join us on the red carpet for the exciting "Top Chef" premiere in Wisconsin with the first part of our special two-episode series, "Food Stories Told." Host Stephanie Gravalese captures all the action and brings exclusive interviews from Milwaukee straight to you.
In this episode, Stephanie chats with judges Gail Simmons and Tom Colicchio, plus competitors Kenny Nguyen and Michelle Wallace. They share their experiences and insights from the show and discuss what they've discovered about Wisconsin's food—its unique tastes and the traditional cooking locals cherish.
Listen as th...
2024-04-2513 minFood Stories ToldChef Dan Fox: Deviled in the DetailsJoin us as we spend some time with Chef Daniel Fox, a pro at turning simple ingredients into something special. This episode isn’t just about learning to make deviled eggs (though we’ll get you well-covered on that front).
When chat about how cooking is more than following recipes—it’s about having fun, trying new things, and making memories. Daniel shares how his kitchen crew comes together to create amazing dishes, reminding us that cooking can be a team sport, too.
If you’re into food, laughing a bit, and picking up kitchen tips along...
2024-04-0817 minFood Stories ToldFrom Bagging to Bylines: How I Became a Food WriterOn this "Food Stories" episode, I'm taking you back to where it all started - managing a grocery store fresh out of college. It wasn’t the fashion and design career I’d imagined, but it turned into an unexpected food journey that led to this podcast.
Back then, stacking candy (who knew you could have too much candy corn?) and arranging produce became my everyday life. But working in that grocery store was more than just a job. It was my introduction to the food world - understanding what people like to eat and how different food...
2024-03-2305 minFood Stories ToldRedefining Success: Welton's Tiny BakeshopFrom the high-pressure, high-stakes atmosphere of restaurant kitchens to the delight of eager customers lining around the corner, we bring you the exceptional story of Zachary and Hannah Welton's Tiny Bakeshop in Charleston, South Carolina. This episode delves into the couple's journey as they leave behind conventional notions of culinary success and carve out space in food world on their terms
2024-01-2106 minFood Stories ToldPasta Pursuits: A Hundred Shapes, A Thousand TalesHop on this tasty adventure with our host, Stephanie Gravalese. Listen as she takes us back to 2018 when she traveled to Italy and dived into the world of pasta-making, capturing the essence of her Italian heritage. Fast-forward to 2020, a year that brought countless banana bread bisques and DIY projects right into our kitchens. For Stephanie, it was a time to reignite her pasta-making passion and develop a deeper appreciation for this beloved craft.
In this cozy and inspiring discussion, Stephanie not only shares her personal journey with reconnecting to pasta-making and why it matters...
2023-12-2012 minFood Stories ToldTastes of Time: Chronicling Our Food ExperiencesAround the table, when we gather with our beloved families - whether by birth or by bond - it's more than just eating together. It's a moment of community and connection, stories, dishes and traditions that link a group together long after the dishes are done.
Would you let these treasured food memories simply fade away? Discover with us, as we share some tips for documenting and savoring these delightful food encounters.
Together, let's redefine the act of dining. It's not just about achieving sustanance, but an intimate act of remembrance, fellowship, and rejoicing. Because...
2023-12-0908 minFood Stories ToldCustard Chronicles: A Wisconsin Chef's Ode to the Badger State TerroirIn this episode, we take you to the heart of America's Dairyland. Guiding us through the terroir of Wisconsin is Kurt Fogle, a passionate Milwaukee-based chef. His dedication to quality inspired him to turn custard into a canvas, painting it with local flavors that celebrate Wisconsin's rich dairy heritage.
This isn't just a frozen dessert; it represents the Badger State's love for the creamy treat. We'll explore the fascinating dance of soil, climate, and craft that leads to the perfection in every scoop.
Additionally, we bring you an enlightening discussion with Lauren Grant, food scientist...
2023-12-0909 minFood Stories ToldMeet Benni and Carolina from EatGoodNYCWelcome to the first episode of 'Food Stories Told'. Join your host, Stephanie Gravalese in this episode, she shares the unforgettable story of Benni Emory and Carolina Wang, the creative duo behind 'Eat Good NYC.'
Discover how Benni and Carolina have combined their unique skillsets, ingenuity, and resourcefulness to forge a thriving business, celebrated by icons in fashion and music like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Telfar. Not only have they reinvented the art of baking, but their unshakable enthusiasm for creating inclusive spaces within their community truly sets them apart.
2023-12-0610 min
Working LunchFood Writer & Marketing Strategist Stephanie Gravalese If you love food and photos of food, then you are in for a real TREAT. Stephanie Gravalese is a content creator, freelance writer & storyteller of all things food, beverage and culture. We recorded this interview before the Covid-19 pandemic, but Stephanie’s advice about diversifying your work could not have come at a timelier event in history. Today she shares how her passion for food, paired with hard work & multiple streams of income, is the secret to her success. She also shares her top favorite places to eat and drink in the Capital Region at...
2020-03-3030 min