As always, I was honored to chat up Inez Ribustello about the new memoir/cookbook, "On the Square- A Restaurant That Made A Community".  In the book, she and her husband, Chef Stephen Ribustello, share their journey of the now 21 yr. old On The Square Restaurant in Tarboro and scrumptious fav recipes & crowd pleasers from Stephen.  Their wine knowledge is unmatched.  In fact, this culinary couple are both advanced Sommeliers (and the only married couple who share this certification).  Yet, you will not find more down-to-earth people than Inez and Stephen.  This boo ..read more

Shannon Healy is the owner/mixologist of Alley 26, the first bar in NC nominated for Best Bar Program by the James Beard Foundation.  Join us as we share libation love mixing cocktails (well, Shannon does the honors) and we chat about the extraordinary journey of Alley 26 ..read more

Award winning Chef Vivian Howard of Chef & The Famer, Lenoir, A Chef's Life, Hot & Handy and now VIV's FRIG updates us on all her latest ventures.  I have to say her laugh is infectious and had me giggling throughout.  She also has an anti pairing for the sound segment - funny stuff.   ..read more

Some of our fav local chefs shared a special family holiday recipe and paired it with a song (or 2).  Executive Chef Walter Royal of The Angus Barn Chef Cheetie Kumar (formerly of Garland, Matt Bumpas of Sweet Bumpas in Durham, Chef Jill St. Lucia of Catering Works, Chef Jeff Seizer of Counting House in 21C Museum Hotel, Durham, Chef Inez Rubistello of On the Square & Tarboro Brewing Company, Chef Jake Wood of Lawrence BBQ, Chef Alex Ricci of Cucciola Terraza in North Hills Raleigh and Chef Chris Lopez of Fine Folk ..read more

@Chef Saif Rahman of @Vidrioraleigh was such a fascinating and entertaining interview!   Born in Pakistan, Chef Saif has embraced his roots with a feverish passion for food, history, community and family.  The menu at Vidrio is globally inspired & influenced by his world travels offering small, shareable plates.  Scrumptious and artful, the bites are exquisite with much sourced locally.  Chef speaks of his childhood growing up in a tight knit family in Pakistan, what is was like arriving in NYC at age 10, finding balance between work & family, his strong sense ..read more

James Beard nominated Chef Dean Neff honed his skills at many celebrated restaurants before landing in Wilmington, NC. to open his own gem, Seabird Restaurant, in the heart of downtown.  His focus is on sustainability featuring the seafood and ingredients found in North Carolina and it's storied coast.  Dean talks oysters, home made sauces, community & finding love w/ a pastry chef.  He also pairs his restaurant with a special song.  This podcast is supported by The Angus Barn Foundation of Hope & Larry's Coffee featuring The Bad Kitty Blend.  ..read more

Chef Ricky Moore of Saltbox Seafood Joint in Durham, NC. was recently name Best Chef in the S.E. by The James Beard Foundation Awards.  Shortly before the announcement, Kitty had a chance to chat with Ricky about his journey from 5-star restaurants around the world to opening his own lil' seafood spot back home in NC.  He also shares his most cherished food memory & literally schools us on the proper way to cook fish.  Plus, he offers us 2 pairings of food & music.  Ironically, he chose We're A Winner before he learned he actually was - and a fish dish with Paid In ..read more

Van Eure's family opened a Raleigh steakhouse that has become a true institution for decades. The Angus Barn is more than a steak restaurant with a well-known chef: its grounds hold a storied wine cellar, pavilion event space, country store, and history that mirrors that of Raleigh itself. Kitty and Van, friends for decades, chat about her family's lore and the challenges and victories that happened on the way to the Angus Barn's iconic status in North Carolina.   Support by Foundation of Hope and Larry's Coffee.  ..read more

Van Eure's family opened a Raleigh steakhouse that has become a true institution for decades. The Angus Barn is more than a steak restaurant with a well-known chef: its grounds hold a storied wine cellar, pavilion event space, country store, and history that mirrors that of Raleigh itself. Kitty and Van, friends for decades, chat about her family's lore and the challenges and victories that happened on the way to the Angus Barn's iconic status in North Carolina.   Support by Foundation of Hope and Larry's Coffee.  ..read more