The half-smoke is the first food that comes to mind when we think about D.C.'s "iconic" foods. But when Ruth and Patrick take a trip to Ben's Chili Bowl, which made the half-smoke famous, Ruth orders a hot dog by mistake and realizes she doesn't really know what a half-smoke is. We take a trip to a sausage factory, hop back in time to 1958 when Ben's Chili Bowl opened and foray into the struggle playing out between old and new D.C. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Dish City depends on the generosity of listeners like you! Donate at wamu.org/supportdishcity. If you're based in the D.C. area ..read more

Crispy golden filets of whiting, croaker, or catfish on white bread are sold all over the D.C. region at small carryouts. For years, fried fish businesses like Horace and Dickie’s and Fish in the Neighborhood have been pillars in their community. But, as D.C. rapidly gentrifies, classic fried fish counters have had to adapt. Ruth and Patrick learn why fried fish counters are a crucial part of D.C.’s soul food culture and what their future in this city might look like. Fill out our survey: dishcity.org/survey Leave us a tip at wamu.org/supportdishcity. Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/dishcity ..read more

The center of Northern Virginia’s thriving Vietnamese community is Eden Center in Falls Church. It’s the biggest Vietnamese commercial center on the east coast and draws visitors from all over the DMV region and the country. But before Eden Center, the local Vietnamese community was based in Little Saigon in Clarendon. This week, Ruth and Patrick learn the origins of Little Saigon, how the community relocated there to Eden Center, and what the local Vietnamese community’s future might hold. Patrick and Ruth will be at the Giant Barbecue Battle in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, June 25. Stop by ..read more

Stuffed ham: IYKYK This hyper-local delicacy from southern Maryland has been a part of life in St. Mary’s County for generations. But, unless you grew up there or have a family connection, you probably have no idea what it is. Patrick and Ruth explore what goes into a stuffed ham, its generations-old history, and how people are eating it now. Patrick and Ruth will be at the Mosaic farmer's market in Fairfax, Va., on Sunday, June 19. Stop by and grab some stickers and magnets! Fill out our survey: dishcity.org/survey Leave us a tip at wamu.org/supportdishcity. Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com ..read more

D.C.’s Chinatown has all the hits. A giant archway. Dragons painted on the streets. Chinese characters in its storefronts. But…where are all the Chinese people? For all of its traditional iconography, D.C.’s Chinatown doesn’t feel very Chinese. For years, the remaining Chinese restaurants and shops have felt more like Easter eggs in the neighborhood rather than the main attraction. How did it get like this? Ruth explores the history of D.C.’s Chinese American community. Ruth and Patrick will be at the Mosaic farmer's market in Fairfax, Va., on Sunday, June 19. Stop by and grab a sticker! Fill ..read more

Blue crabs are messy, time-consuming, and expensive to harvest and eat. And yet, no summer on the Chesapeake Bay is complete without a crab feast. Many Washingtonians are happy to set aside a couple hours, and maybe a few hundred dollars, to enjoy this meal with loved ones. But how many of us know what it takes to get crabs and crab cakes to your table? Ruth and Patrick learn how these iconic crustaceans get from the boat to your throat. Patrick will be at the Dupont Circle farmer's market in Maryland on Sunday, June 5, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Stop by and grab a sticker! Fill out our survey: di ..read more

Old Bay is everywhere in the Chesapeake Bay region. It’s on chips, popcorn, ice cream, beer, and even chocolate. You can even find the brand tattooed on people’s bodies. But, most importantly, it’s associated with the state’s favorite food: blue crabs. Ruth and Patrick dive into Old Bay’s origin story, why people love it, and whether Old Bay is actually on your crabs. We’ll be at the Silver Spring farmer's market in Maryland on Saturday, May 28, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come hang out! Like this episode? Leave a review! Fill out our survey: dishcity.org/survey Leave us a tip at wamu.org/supportdi ..read more

Asian carryouts are longtime fixtures of D.C.’s Black neighborhoods. Where else can you get a quintessential order of chicken wings and mambo sauce? Despite how loved they are by District natives and transplants, they’ve also gotten a lot of bad press. For years, Black customers have experienced racism at the hands of Asian workers. Meanwhile, Asian workers have received xenophobic attacks. Hosts Ruth and Patrick puzzle through their mixed feelings about a D.C. institution. Like this episode? Leave a review! Fill out our survey: dishcity.org/survey Leave us a tip at wamu.org/supportdishcity. F ..read more

We’re back! After covering the pandemic’s effect on food delivery and our local restaurant scene, Dish City is dining out again. Behind every iconic food of the Washington region is a story of city change. On the latest season of Dish City, join hosts Ruth Tam and Patrick Fort as they sample iconic meals from D.C., Maryland and Virginia and search for answers to questions like: Why are there so many Chinese carryouts in D.C.’s Black neighborhoods? What’s the seasoning that’s actually on your blue crabs? And…what is stuffed ham ..read more

There are problems with food delivery. There's the reliance on gig laborers who say they are underpaid. Restaurants have to pay high commission fees on top of most orders. And delivery companies wind up operating on threadbare margins and still haven't turned an annual profit. Oh, and soggy fries. We haven't quite solved for that yet. There's plenty to vent about. But, food delivery's not going anywhere. So, on our season finale: Can food delivery be better? Read a transcript of this episode at dishcity.org. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @dishcity. Leave us a tip at wamu.org/supportdishc ..read more