The Menu

‘Hokkaido’, Ben Slater and our Wine of the Month Nov 01, 2024

We leaf through a new cookbook by Tim Anderson dedicated to the cuisine of the Japanese island of Hokkaido. Also in the programme, George Ruskin meets chef Ben Slater to learn about the art of food styling and our in-house wine expert, Chloé Lake, crowns her wine of the month.

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Food Neighbourhoods #408: Oslo, Norway Oct 29, 2024

Norway’s capital is not to be overlooked if you want a taste of the best that the Nordics have to offer. Much like its people, Oslo’s culinary scene is not brash or showy, so its most notable restaurants and bars can be easy to miss. Here, Monocle’s resident Norwegian, Gunnar Gronlid, helps us uncover some of the city’s best spots.

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Umami Oct 25, 2024

This week’s episode is dedicated entirely to umami. First up, we sit down with Christopher Beckman, whose new book dives into the history and potency of anchovies. Also on the programme: Monocle’s Canberra correspondent, Aarti Betigeri, tastes Australia’s divisive spread, Vegemite. Plus: we unearth the bountiful possibilities of cooking with fungi with Sam White, executive chef at Fortnum & Mason.

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Food Neighbourhoods #407: Taormina, Sicily Oct 22, 2024

We swap city life for the hilltop town of Taormina in Sicily to soak up the last of the season’s sun. George Ruskin takes us on a tour of this elegant destination’s best culinary spots.

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Happy Endings, Butcheria and Japanese food replicas Oct 18, 2024

This week, we delve into the pleasure of ice cream whatever the season with founder of Happy Endings, Terri Mercieca. Also in the programme, Monocle’s Copenhagen correspondent Michael Booth meets chef and butcher, Michael Museth, at his restaurant and shop, Butcheria, dedicated to delivering high-quality-meat products to the city. Plus: Mae-Li Evans visits a new exhibition at Japan House London, ‘Looks Delicious!’, all about the art of hyper-realistic food replicas in Japan.

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Food Neighbourhoods #406: Hudson, New York Oct 15, 2024

Today we’re heading upstream to Hudson, a leafy town north of New York, to sample its culinary delights. Monocle’s Anita Riotta takes us on a tour.

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Santiago Lastra, fresh-herb foraging in Finland and Lulu’s Oct 11, 2024

This week, we welcome chef Santiago Lastra back to the studio to discuss his new London opening, Fonda, inspired by Mexico’s laidback eateries. Also in the programme: Monocle’s Petri Burtsoff meets Finnish chef Sami Tallberg to learn about the transformative flavours of fresh-foraged herbs. Plus: Monica Lillis heads to Lulu's, a South London neighbourhood restaurant taking the area’s culinary reputation to the next level.

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Food Neighbourhoods #405: Marseille Oct 08, 2024

Today, we’re heading to France’s oldest city, Marseille. Known for its sunshine, sea and saffron, this melting pot of a port town seamlessly blends French, Italian, Mediterranean and North African cooking traditions and rituals. Here, Sarah Grice takes us on a tour of her favourite spots.

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Condiments Oct 04, 2024

This week we whip out jars and bottles for an episode entirely dedicated to condiments. First up, we sit down with the authority on the subject, author Claire Dinhut – also known as Condiment Claire – to talk about her new book. Also in the programme: Monocle’s Gregory Scruggs meets the founders of KariKari Chilli Crisp in Seattle to learn about the global craze for spicy sauces. Plus: Sebastian Stephenson heads to Highbank Orchards to taste its award-winning cider vinegar.

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Food Neighbourhoods #404: Herne Hill, London Oct 01, 2024

Today, Monocle’s Monica Lillis heads to the leafy suburb of Herne Hill in South London to sample its artisanal bakeries and cafés, sit down at some of the area’s best restaurants and tour its stalwart Sunday market. Take a listen.

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‘The Martini’, The Ferm and Wine of the Month Sep 27, 2024

This week, we sit down with Alice Lascelles to flick through her new book, ‘The Martini’, and learn why she’s so passionate about this classic cocktail. Also in the programme: Hannah Pham meets with Rebecca Ghim, founder of The Ferm, a London-based fermentary that turns waste products into kimchi. Plus, our wine expert, Chloé Lake, crowns her wine of the month.

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Food Neighbourhoods #403: Ibiza Town Sep 24, 2024

On the Balearic isle of Ibiza the summer season is beginning to wind down. The legions of leisure seekers won’t officially dwindle until mid-October, when many of the island’s restaurants head off on their half-year hiatus. Moored in Ibiza Town, Monocle correspondent Liam Aldous has been tucking into the changing face of the port city’s food scene, which is seeing a growing number of restaurants turn into perennial offerings – a development that’s pleasing residents just as much as the tourists.

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Tollington’s fish bar and Ziba Sep 20, 2024

We meet Ed McIlory to find out about his new Iberia-inspired opening, Tollington’s, in north London. Also on the programme: Marisa Mazria Katz meets the founders of Ziba, a US-based company that aims to bring the distinctive taste of Afghan fruit and nuts to the world.

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Food Neighbourhoods #402: Boston and Cambridge, Massachusetts Sep 17, 2024

With the leaves beginning to turn golden brown in the Northern Hemisphere, Monocle’s Sana Jumani takes us on a tour of Boston and Cambridge, Massachusetts, an area renowned for its autumnal fare as well as its varied culinary scene.

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Lahpet Larder, Do Good Brew Co and Archestratus Sep 13, 2024

We meet Dan Anton of London’s Lahpet to learn more about his most recent opening, Lahpet Larder, and talk about the appetite for Burmese cuisine. Also on the programme: we’re in Finland to meet the founder of Do Good Brew Co, who tells us about his mission to pair beer with fine dining. Plus: Monocle’s Tomos Lewis heads to Archestratus Books and Foods in Brooklyn, New York.

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Food Neighbourhoods #401: Mendoza, Argentina Sep 10, 2024

Monocle’s Liv Kessler heads to Mendoza, the wine capital of Argentina, to explore the heart of the city’s culinary scene through the lens of its historic food culture.

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Savoy Helsinki’s new book, Bleu Tshering Dorji and Catarina Bistrot Sep 06, 2024

This week we sit down with Helena Puolakka and Saku Tuominen of Savoy in Helsinki to learn about their new publishing project. Also: we hear from chef Bleu Tshering Dorji, who is looking to bring Bhutanese cuisine to the world stage. Plus: Chiara Rimella explores the intertwined history of religion and food at Catarina Bistrot in Turin.

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Food Neighbourhoods #400: Stoneybatter, Dublin Sep 03, 2024

This week we head to the Dublin neighbourhood of Stoneybatter, north of the River Liffey, to sample culinary delights ranging from freshly baked sourdough to authentic Italian fare.

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David Carter, Kanaan and our Wine of the Month Aug 30, 2024

We speak to restauranter David Carter about the inspiration behind his globally minded venues in London. Also on the programme: we learn more about the ethos of Berlin restaurant Kanaan, which was founded by an Israeli and a Palestinian. Plus: our in-house wine expert, Chloé Lake, crowns her wine of the month.

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Food Neighbourhoods #399: Grenada, West Indies Aug 27, 2024

Mandy Sinclair heads to the Dodgy Dock Restaurant & Bar food market on Grenada in the West Indies to meet some of the nation’s gastronomic pioneers and taste test the local cuisine.

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Rambutan, Helsinki culinary walking tour and Bonhams department of Wine and Spirits Aug 23, 2024

This week, we meet Cynthia Shanmugalingam, the founder of Sri Lankan Tamil restaurant Rambutan in London’s Borough Market to find out how she brings her memories and voice to the kitchen. Also in the programme, Monocle’s Petri Burtsoff takes to the streets of Helsinki to sample some of the city’s best culinary offerings and we sit down with Amayès Aouli, the head of Wine and Spirits at Bonhams auction house.

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Food Neighbourhoods #398: Vilnius, Lithuania Aug 20, 2024

Lithuania might not be the first place that you think of when it comes to gastronomic prowess but its ranking as number one on the World Happiness Index for under-thirties shows the country’s strength as a soft-power player. Here, Monocle’s Lily Austin heads to its capital, Vilnius, to get a taste of its burgeoning culinary scene.

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Exploring culinary heritage Aug 16, 2024

This week we look at how cooking can reconnect you with your culinary and family heritage. Author and cook Karla Zazueta tells us about the distinctiveness of northern Mexican cuisine and her memories of her childhood in Baja California. Plus, Monocle’s David Plaisant meets Marie Mitchell to gather ingredients for recipes from her highly personal cookbook, ‘Kin’.

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Food Neighbourhoods #397: Belleville, Paris Aug 13, 2024

If you’re sticking around in Paris after the Olympic Games, drop by the multicultural neighbourhood of Belleville. Monocle’s Claudia Jacob takes us on a tour of her favourite spots.

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‘Verdura’, Alouette and Chotto Matte Aug 09, 2024

We speak to chef Theo Randall to learn about his new cookbook, ‘Verdura, which is dedicated to his penchant for Italian cuisine and cooking with vegetables and Monocle’s Copenhagen correspondent, Michael Booth, meets Nick Curtin and Camilla Hansen of recently reopened fine dining spot, Alouette. Plus: hospitality patron Kurt Zdesar talks to us about the secrets behind his restaurant, Chotto Matte, and the success of any ambitious food venture.

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Food Neighbourhoods #396: Johor Bahru, Malaysia Aug 06, 2024

This week, we head to Malaysia’s second-largest city, Johor Bahru, with Monocle’s Gabriella Wong to explore its historically rich and vibrant food scene.

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A tour of the Mediterranean Aug 02, 2024

With summer in full swing, we head to the Mediterranean and the Greek island of Sifnos to discover its gastronomic credentials. Also on programme: Monocle’s Milan correspondent, Ivan Carvalho, is in Palermo to meet Fabrizia Lanza to learn about her cooking school Anna Tasca Lanza. Plus: Cookbook author Yasmin Fahr dials in from Menorca to tell us about her new title ‘Cook Simply, Live Fully: Flexible, Flavorful Recipes for Any Mood’.

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Food Neighbourhoods #395: Helsinki Jul 30, 2024

Robert Prendergast heads to Helsinki to learn about the city’s culinary traditions.

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Kolae, Mabruka and Wine of the Month Jul 26, 2024

We sit down with Andy Oliver and Mark Dobbie of Kolae in London to hear their take on southern Thai cooking. Elsewhere, our Copenhagen correspondent, Michael Booth, meets Safa Jemai, the woman dedicated to bringing authentic Tunisian spices to the Nordics. Plus: Monocle sub editor and in-house wine expert Chloé Lake picks her Wine of the Month.

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Food Neighbourhoods #394: Annecy, France Jul 23, 2024

Monocle’s Gunnar Gronlid takes us on a gastronomic tour of the charming savoyard city of Annecy.

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Wasted Wine Club, July and Sophie Wyburd Jul 19, 2024

We meet Angelo van Dyk, the man looking to give surplus wine a second life with Wasted Wine Club. Plus: Alistair MacQueen pays a visit to Holly Hayes, head chef at new London opening July and Paige Reynolds sits down with Sophie Wyburd to learn about her new comforting cookbook ‘Tucking In’.

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Food Neighbourhoods #393: Sangenjaya, Tokyo Jul 16, 2024

Tokyo’s Sangenjaya neighbourhood is often overlooked due to the bright lights of nearby Shibuya. But its diverse food scene, cosy coffee shops and tucked-away speakeasies make it well worth the visit. Hanna Pham takes us on a full-day culinary tour of this sleepy corner of the city.

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Food on screen: ‘The Bear’ and ‘Omnivore’ Jul 12, 2024

This week, we switch on for a show dedicated to food on screen. We sit down with Lionel Boyce from hit Hulu television drama ‘The Bear’ to discuss how he channels the pace and perfectionism required in the kitchen and where acting and cooking intertwine. Also on the programme: we speak to acclaimed chef René Redzepi of Noma in Copenhagen and producer and journalist Matt Goulding ahead of the release of their documentary series, ‘Omnivore’, on Apple TV+.

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Food Neighbourhoods #392: Wellington, New Zealand Jul 09, 2024

New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, might not be the first place that you think of when you’re looking for a culinary escape – but its award-winning restaurants, booming coffee culture and focus on seasonal ingredients make it well worth a visit. Here, Monocle’s Flynn Symonds takes us on a tour of his hometown.

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‘Steak’, Tabar and Cenk Debensason Jul 05, 2024

This week, we speak with Tim Hayward, author of a new book all about steak. Also on the programme: Monocle’s Guy de Launey heads to Tabar’s new location in a former bike factory in Ljubljana to sample Slovenian-inspired tapas and we meet Cenk Debensason of Arkestra in Istanbul.

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Food Neighbourhoods #391: Trastevere, Rome Jul 02, 2024

There’s no denying that Rome is a well-trodden and well-travelled culinary hotspot. From carbonara and cacio e pepe to gelato, you’ve probably tasted its famous delights. But even among the most touristy spots, family run eateries continue to supply authentic produce to its residents. Gabi di Vita, founder of Di Vita Experience, a tour company specialising in gastronomical walks, gave Monocle’s Lily Austin the truly Roman food experience in one of the city’s most popular neighbourhoods Trastevere.

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Jean-Georges Vongerichten, ‘Sift’ and wine of the month Jun 28, 2024

This week, celebrated chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten joins us in the studio to discuss his latest opening, ABC kitchens. Plus: we learn about the new book ‘Sift’ by Nicola Lamb and our in-house wine expert, Chloé Lake, picks her wine of the month.

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Food Neighbourhoods #390: Reggio Emilia Jun 25, 2024

Monocle’s Ivan Carvalho takes a culinary tour of Reggio Emilia in the northern Italian region of Emilia Romagna.

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Abby Lee, Champagne & Friends and L’abeille Jun 21, 2024

This week we sit down with Abby Lee, head chef and founder of Mambow in East London which champions the fiery food of Malaysia. Also on the programme, we raise a glass of bubbly with Dan Roznov at his Champagne & Friends event in Zürich and we grab a seat at New York restaurant, L’abeille, which brings together Japanese and French cuisine.

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Food Neighbourhoods #389: Bujairi Terrace, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Jun 18, 2024

This week, we’re heading to Saudi Arabia to get a taste of the country’s culinary offerings at Bujairi Terrace in Riyadh.

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A ‘Greekish’ cookbook and beverage innovations Jun 14, 2024

Food writer Georgina Hayden joins us in the studio to delve into the Mediterranean delights of her new cookbook ‘Greekish’. Plus: we check in with a Swiss company exploring the frontiers of brewing and take a closer look at a UK brand making spirits sustainable.

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Food Neighbourhoods #388: Praga North, Warsaw Jun 11, 2024

This week, Mateusz Mazzini takes us on a tour of Praga North in Warsaw. This once-neglected district is now bursting with life thanks to a wave of redevelopment and a unique mixture of local creativity and international experience.

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Margot Henderson, canned spritz and Greek olive oil Jun 07, 2024

We speak to Margot Henderson, one of London’s most storied chefs, about Soho Food Feast and the changing face of the city’s dining scene. Plus: the entrepreneurs elevating canned wine and setting new standards for Greek olive oil.

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Food Neighbourhoods #387: Monocle Badi Market, Zürich Jun 04, 2024

Join Monocle’s deputy head of radio, Tom Webb, as he takes us on a whistle-stop tour of this year’s Monocle Badi Market in Zürich.

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The drinks list May 31, 2024

This week we toast to the drinks industry with an episode all about beverages. We sit down with The Connaught Bar’s Agostino Perrone to find out why people still have a taste for classic cocktails – and what makes a memorable martini. Plus: we’re in the Basque Country to explore its historical cider production and our resident wine expert Chloé Lake introduces us to her pick for the month’s best bottle.

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Food Neighbourhoods #386: Jewel, Changi Airport, Singapore May 28, 2024

This week, Monocle’s Aarti Betigeri is at Jewel in Singapore’s Changi Airport, the leafy culinary and retail destination in the middle of one of the world’s biggest travel hubs. Here, she shares go-to spots for the hungry traveller.

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The K-cuisine wave May 24, 2024

This week, we’re delving into the world of Korean food as the country continues to win admirers around the world for its creative outputs. We sit down with TV chef and author Judy Joo to discover more about the nation’s regional cuisine. Plus: Sophie Monaghan-Coombs flicks through ‘Koreaworld: A Cookbook’ with co-author Matt Rodbard, while Petri Burtsoff gets a taste of the Korean wave in Helsinki.

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Food Neighbourhoods #385: Roman Road, London May 21, 2024

This week we’re joined by Dara Klein of Tiella at the Compton Arms in London. She gives us her drinking-and-dining recommendations for her corner of the city, Roman Road.

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Fadi Kattan, Hannah Crosbie and Frederik Bille Brahe May 17, 2024

This week we sit down with Franco-Palestinian chef, Fadi Kattan, to hear about his new book, ‘Bethlehem’, and learn about the bonds that food can build within a community. Plus: Paige Reynolds meets wine writer Hannah Crosbie, whose work is dedicated to dispelling myths about the drink, and we head to Copenhagen to talk with one of the most exciting names in Danish hospitality, Frederik Bille Brahe.

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Food Neighbourhoods #384: Ho Chi Minh City May 14, 2024

Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City is a culinary destination in its own right. The bustling metropolis is packed full of innovative restaurants and bars – and it’s difficult to buzz around the city without drinking in its hallowed coffee culture. Here, Monocle’s Hanna Pham takes us on a day of dining in the city.

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Fernando Trocca, the Pembrokeshire Beach Food Company and Taipei’s Tea Cocktail Bars May 10, 2024

This week we fire up the grill with Fernando Trocca, one of Argentina’s most accomplished chefs. Also in the programme, we speak to Jon Williams, founder of the Pembrokeshire Beach Food Company to find out more about Welsh delicacy Laverbread. Plus: Clarissa Wei is in Taipei to learn more about the city’s cocktail scene.

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Food Neighbourhoods #383: Summa wine fair, South Tyrol May 08, 2024

Springtime in Italy signals the moment when wineries prepare to present their latest bottlings to the public. One highly sought-after event that producers enjoy attending is Summa, a boutique wine fair held annually in South Tyrol that brings together like-minded producers from Italy and beyond for a taste of something new. Monocle’s Milan correspondent, Ivan Carvalho, went along to find out more.

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Benjamina Ebuehi, Azores wine and ‘London Feeds Itself’ May 03, 2024

This week, we get tips from Benjamina Ebuehi on the most delicious and satisfying puddings to make when it’s your turn to bring dessert. Also on the programme: we venture to the Azores to meet a new wave of winemakers. Plus: we explore the places where community is built through food with two writers featured in the new book ‘London Feeds Itself’.

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Food Neighbourhoods #382: Peckham, London Apr 30, 2024

Monocle’s George Ruskin heads to Peckham for a full day of eating in the vibrant south London community.

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Modern French dining Apr 26, 2024

This week, we’re delving into modern French dining – away from the nation’s confines. We sit down with the founder of Bistro Freddie in London to find out why a wave of new French-inspired spots has been popping up throughout the city and beyond. Also in the programme: Charlotte McDonald-Gibson tells us about the role that haute cuisine plays in Washington and Gregory Scruggs is in Seattle to meet the man putting his own spin on Gallic classics.

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Food Neighbourhoods #381: Rosebank, Johannesburg Apr 23, 2024

This week we head to Johannesburg in South Africa. Known for its work-hard-play-hard culture, it’s a city that brings together a vibrant mix of cultures. Elna Schütz heads to the leafy suburb of Rosebank to sample its innovative restaurants.

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Endo Kazutoshi, Camparino in Galleria and Georg Oelschlägel Apr 19, 2024

This week we sit down with Japanese chef Endo Kazutoshi to discover why good sushi is all about mentality. Plus: we head to Camparino in Galleria in Milan just in time for ‘aperitivi’ and we meet Georg Oelschlägel, owner of Viennese bakery Felzl, to find out about his nose for entrepreneurship.

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Food Neighbourhoods #380: Margate Apr 16, 2024

This week we head to the southeastern tip of England to wander around the seaside town of Margate. In recent years, the town has become a bit of a magnet for creatives, which has lead to some exciting culinary additions to the local food scene. Holly Fisher went along to meet Natalia Ribbe, the owner of French-inspired wine bar Sète, to visit some of her favourite seaside haunts.

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Milan’s ‘latterie’, Caviar House & Prunier and durian fruit Apr 12, 2024

As Salone del Mobile rolls into town, Chiara Rimella tells us which ‘latterie’ we should visit in Milan. Also in the programme: Monica Lillis sits down with Lucie Herring of Caviar House & Prunier to find out how the brand is adapting its image to appeal to a fresh crowd. Plus: Lilian Fawcett speaks to HSBC Asean economist Aris Dacanay to learn more about the booming market for the famously smelly durian fruit.

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Food Neighbourhoods #379: Elmira Maple Syrup Festival Apr 09, 2024

This week, Mandy Sinclair heads to the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival in Ontario to find out how the condiment is made and meet the faces behind the sweet stuff.

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‘Good Eggs’, Daphnis and Chloe herbs, and Kim Mikkola Apr 05, 2024

We’re joined by food writer and cookbook author, Ed Smith, to flick through his new cookbook “Good Eggs: Over 100 Cracking Ways to Cook and Elevate Eggs”. Monocle’s Hester Underhill meets Evangelia Koutsovoulou whose brand, Daphnis and Chloe, is dedicated to bottling up the best Greek herbs to be shipped to keen cooks around the world. Plus: Petri Burtsoff is in Tallinn to learn more about chef Kim Mikkola’s new venture – chicken burgers.

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Food Neighbourhoods #378: Crouch End Apr 02, 2024

We head to the leafy suburbs of north London to visit Crouch End. The area might feel like somewhat of an underdog to the nearby bustling Finsbury Park but its abundance of quaint coffee shops and vibrant bistros, as well as its community feel, make it well worth a stopover. Local resident Rob Prendergast takes us on a tour of the neighbourhood’s best culinary spots.

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A taste of Poland Mar 29, 2024

This week, we get a taste of Polish cuisine. We sit down with Ren Behan to discuss her new book, ‘The Sweet Polish Kitchen’. Also in the programme, Julia Lasica heads to the renowned Ognisko in London’s South Kensington to find out more about the historic restaurant. Plus: Mateusz Mazzini is in Warsaw to visit local wine bar Brać and learn about the emerging Polish wine industry.

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Food Neighbourhoods #377: Tallinn Old Town Mar 26, 2024

Estonia’s capital, Tallinn, boasts a vibrant and rapidly evolving food scene. For many years, however, culinary talent has avoided the city’s medieval old town, which has been deemed too expensive and touristy. But now the trend is reversing and young chefs looking to make their mark have rediscovered the historical city centre. Monocle’s Petri Burtsoff met with restaurateur and sommelier Kristjan Peäske for a tour of his favourite drinking and dining spots in Tallinn’s Old Town.

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Culinary literature Mar 22, 2024

This week we get bookish with an episode dedicated to food in literature – and literature about food. We sit down with food writer Felicity Cloake to hear her take on what makes great gastronomic prose. Also in the programme: Charlotte McDonald-Gibson delves into James Bond novels to find out how important food and drink is to their plot. Plus: We whip up a recipe from Nora Ephron’s acclaimed roman à clef, ‘Heartburn’.

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Food Neighbourhoods #376: Regent’s Park Road, London Mar 19, 2024

Join Theo Randall, chef patron of Theo Randall at the InterContinental, as he takes us on a tour of Regent’s Park Road in the Primrose Hill area of London.

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Toklas, Finnair’s in-flight menu and Provençal truffles Mar 15, 2024

We sit down with Amanda Sharp and Matthew Slotover, the founders of Frieze art fair, to find out about their culinary ventures – and the intersection between art and food. Also in the programme: Monocle’s Helsinki correspondent, Petri Burtsoff, meets with Finnair’s development chef, Sami Oksava, to learn about the role of Finnish cuisine on board the airline’s flights. Plus: Michael Booth heads to the fête du Diamant Noir in Provence to discover more about the art of truffle-hunting in the region.

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Food Neighbourhoods #375: Dublin Coffee Festival Mar 12, 2024

This week we’re in Ireland’s capital for the opening of the Dublin Coffee Festival. Sebastian Stephenson headed to the sold-out event, reusable cup in hand, to get a taste of how the Dublin scene is brewing and grab some recommendations from Ireland’s coffee masters.

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Ajabu Cocktail and Spirits Festival, One House Bakery and crêpes Suzette Mar 08, 2024

We sit down with Colin Asare-Appiah and Mark Talbot Holmes, the founders of Africa’s first spirits and cocktail festival, Ajabu. Also in the programme: Ivan Carvalho is in the San Francisco Bay Area to meet Hannalee Pervan of One House Bakery. Plus: Myriam Zumbühl takes us to L’Apogée Courchevel hotel in the French Alps to taste crêpes Suzette as the winter season comes to a close.

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Food Neighbourhoods #374: Florence Mar 05, 2024

Monocle’s Ivan Carvalho is in Florence to discover the culinary treasures of a city that’s best known for its cultural offerings. Amid its wealth of Renaissance art and architecture, the Tuscan capital has its fair share of gastronomic outposts rooted in local traditions. It’s also a place where both new and old concepts find space to entertain people’s palates.

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Ailime, Dorsia and chef Albert Ponzo Mar 01, 2024

This week, we meet Chicca Vancini in Turin at her restaurant, Ailime, to find out what she means when she says that her kitchen has an Italian ambience but a Japanese attitude. Also in the programme: we meet Marc Lotenberg of luxury restaurant-booking app Dorsia and Monocle’s Toronto correspondent, Tomos Lewis, is in Picton, Ontario, to meet chef Albert Ponzo of The Royal Hotel to learn about his farm-to-table approach to cooking.

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Food Neighbourhoods #373: George Town, Malaysia Feb 27, 2024

George Town is the vibrant capital of the Malaysian Island of Penang. The bustling city was once an important trading hub within the Straits of Malacca and over the years has been influenced by a variety of cultures, which have transformed George Town’s food scene into the eclectic culinary destination it is today. Here, Monocle’s Lilian Fawcett takes us on a gastronomic tour of the Unesco world heritage site. Take a listen.

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The sweet stuff Feb 23, 2024

This week’s episode is dedicated to all things sugary. Monocle’s Paige Reynolds meets with maverick baker Lily Vanilli, whose creations have appeared everywhere from fashion-week events to Elton John’s birthday party. Also in the programme: Michael Booth visits one of Provence’s best-known nougatiers and Fernando Augusto Pacheco joins us in the studio for a biscuit-themed edition of ‘The Global Countdown’.

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Food Neighbourhoods #372: Aksaray Feb 20, 2024

Monocle’s Hannah Lucinda Smith heads to Istanbul’s vibrant Aksaray district to discover the city’s lesser-known international food scene. Here, we wander Aksaray’s sprawling backstreets to taste everything from Uzbek to Senegalese cuisine.

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The Finnish love of rye, Valle Isarco wines and chef Jean-Philippe Blondet Feb 16, 2024

We sit down with Jean-Philippe Blondet, the executive chef at London’s Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester, to ask what it takes to cook at the highest possible level. Plus: Petri Burtsoff explains why rye holds such cultural significance in Finland and Ivan Carvalho heads to the Valle Isarco in the foothills of the Italian Alps to find out why the region is becoming increasingly popular for wine.

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Food Neighbourhoods #371: Avignon Feb 13, 2024

The southern French city of Avignon is internationally known for its annual summer cultural festival. For more than half of the 14th century, it was also home to the Roman Catholic papacy. Its culinary reputation, however, is often overshadowed by two neighbouring cities: Lyon and Marseille. In this episode, Monocle’s Michael Booth visits the Provençal city to unearth some of its specialties, which range from unique pastries and archeological cheeses to a delicious lamb recipe.

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‘A Book about Bread’, Clyde’s Fine Diner and Domaine de Mourchon Feb 09, 2024

We sit down with Dutch baker Issa Niemeijer-Brown, who tells us about his new book, ‘A Book about Bread’. Also in the programme: Monocle’s Tomos Lewis visits Clyde’s Fine Diner in Des Moines, Iowa, and finds out more about the city’s growing culinary scene. Plus: Michael Booth heads to the Rhône valley to meet UK winemaker Kate McKinlay.

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Food Neighbourhoods #370: Tainan Feb 06, 2024

Taiwan might be a small island but its culinary staples, such as beef noodle soup and bao buns, are soaring in popularity worldwide. And there’s a rich diversity of regional cuisines that have yet to travel beyond its shores. Monocle’s Naomi Xu Elegant takes a trip to the southern city of Tainan to explore its unique food and drink scene.

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Glenfiddich and Club des Chefs des Chefs Feb 02, 2024

We sit down with Struan Grant Ralph of Glenfiddich to savour the past and future of the heritage whiskey brand. Plus: Monocle’s Christopher Cermak joins us in the studio to discuss the world’s most exclusive gastronomic circle: the Club des Chefs des Chefs.

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Food Neighbourhoods #369: Weserstrasse, Berlin Jan 30, 2024

While the cool folk of Berlin can be found in all corners of the German capital, there’s one particular boulevard where they are known to congregate. Weserstrasse, in the heart of the Neukölln district, is a street where the food and drink offerings have stepped up to the city’s demands. Monocle’s Paige Reynolds takes us on a tour.

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Chef Daniel Humm, Lộ Quậy Singapore and St Moritz’s culinary scene Jan 26, 2024

We sit down with acclaimed chef Daniel Humm, of Eleven Madison Park in New York, to hear more about his new food-and-art book, ‘Eat More Plants’, released with publishing icon Gerhard Steidl. Plus: we sample new Vietnamese opening Lộ Quậy Singapore and hit the slopes of St Moritz to find out how the hallowed resort tempts discerning palates in winter.

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Food Neighbourhoods #368: Sankthanshaugen, Oslo Jan 23, 2024

From sweet and spongy cinnamon buns with strong cups of coffee to fresh local seafood, there is no shortage of culinary delights in Oslo. Here, Nora Hoel wanders the popular neighbourhood of Sankthanshaugen to show us the best her hometown has to offer. Take a listen.

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A postcard from Shoreditch Jan 19, 2024

We are staying close to our studios in London this week for a tour of a neighbourhood that keeps evolving in culinary matters. Shoreditch in east London has long been a great place to eat. Its refined restaurants often set the pace for the rest of the city – and beyond.

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Food Neighbourhoods #367: Burgundy Jan 16, 2024

We head to the Côte d’Or in Central France, which is known as the epicentre of the nation’s fine wine production. Its offerings, however, extend well beyond just wine. From triple-cream cheeses and truffles to honey and ham, there is no shortage of culinary delights to be enjoyed in the region. Monocle’s Liv Kessler takes us on a winding roadtrip from the Côte de Nuits to the Côte de Beaune.

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‘The Cheese Life’, Austria’s soybean revival and Sentia Jan 12, 2024

We sit down with Mathew Carver and Patrick McGuigan, authors of ‘The Cheese Life’, to discuss the obsession with the ingredient and try some delicious British cheeses. Plus: Monocle Radio’s Mariella Bevan speaks to scientist David Nutt, co-founder of Sentia spirits, an alcohol-free alternative designed to capture the relaxation that comes with drinking without the alcohol, and Alexei Korolyov looks back at the surprising history of soybeans in Austria.

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Food Neighbourhoods #366: Rebellious Wine Club, London Jan 09, 2024

This week we head to Rebellious Wine Club in London, an ongoing series of wine tastings hosted by some of the most exciting women working in the UK wine industry. Its aim? To debunk some of the more common wine myths and rules, while keeping things relaxed – and maybe even a little bit mischievous. Monocle’s Mae-Li Evans went along to Bourne and Hollingsworth Buildings in Clerkenwell to find out more.

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The best of 2023, part two Jan 05, 2024

For a second week, Monocle’s Chiara Rimella looks back on a delicious 2023.

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Food Neighbourhoods #365: Little Italy, San Diego Jan 02, 2024

Many Italian immigrants settled in North America in the 19th and early-20th centuries, establishing Little Italy enclaves wherever they went. Today the largest in the US can be found in San Diego, where nearly 50 blocks brim with food and drink from the ‘bel paese’. Monocle’s Gregory Scruggs tucks in for lunch and takes us on a tour.

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The best of 2023, part one Dec 29, 2023

Monocle’s Chiara Rimella looks back on a delicious 2023.

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Festive drinking and dining Dec 22, 2023

We sit down with Martin Dibben, head of champagne at Searcys, to learn the best way to enjoy our bubbles this festive season. Also in the programme: Myriam Zumbühl tells us where to find the best hot chocolate in Zürich and Hannah Lucinda Smith tastes traditional Boza in Istanbul.

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Food Neighbourhoods #364: Porta Venezia, Milan Dec 19, 2023

Join Monocle’s Ivan Carvalho as he explores Milan’s vibrant food scene in the Porta Venezia neighbourhood, which is home to a wide array of offerings, including pizzas, Japanese izakayas and contemporary bistros.

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Christmas Special Dec 15, 2023

We take a deep dive into some classic culinary Christmas traditions. Chiara Rimella and Fernando Augusto Pacheco sit down in the studio for a battle of the panettones. Plus: Monica Lillis sings the praises of Christmas pudding and Nina dos Santos tells us why cod will be on her table this year.

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Food Neighbourhoods #363: The Monocle Christmas Market, London Dec 12, 2023

Tom Webb, Monocle’s deputy head of radio, guides us through the delicious drinks offering at the London leg of The Monocle Christmas Market.

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‘Slow Food, Fast Cars’ and Eline restaurant Dec 08, 2023

Monocle’s Isabella Jewell sits down with renowned Italian chef Massimo Bottura and his wife, Lara Gilmore, to discuss their new food-and-lifestyle book, ‘Slow Food, Fast Cars’. Also in the programme: Lucrezia Motta heads to Eline restaurant in east London to discover its take on festive French dining.

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Food Neighbourhoods #362: The Monocle Christmas Market, Zürich Dec 05, 2023

Join Monocle’s deputy head of radio, Tom Webb, as he takes us on a whistle-stop tour of this year’s Monocle Christmas Market in Zürich.

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‘Vintage Crime: A Short History of Wine Fraud’, Copenhagen coffee culture and Jorg Zupan Dec 01, 2023

We sit down with “master of wine” and author Rebecca Gibb to explore the tantalising world of wine fraud. Also in the programme: Monocle’s Copenhagen correspondent, Michael Booth, finds out why Denmark is emerging as a gourmet coffee destination. Plus: our man in the Balkans, Guy de Launey, meets the award-winning Slovenian chef Jorg Zupan.

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Food Neighbourhoods #361: Kuching, Malaysia Nov 28, 2023

Borneo conjures images of wild jungle canopies and tropical fauna. But there is more to the world’s third-largest island than rainforests and orangutans. Monocle’s Lilian Fawcett visits Kuching in Malaysian Borneo, which was named a “creative city of gastronomy” by Unesco for its diverse culinary offering.

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Kudu Collective, chestnut season in Portugal and San Francisco’s Thanksgiving traditions Nov 24, 2023

We meet Amy Corbin and Patrick Williams, founders of Kudu Collective, a group of popular South African restaurants in London. Also in the programme: Monocle’s Lisbon correspondent, Gaia Lutz, discovers Portugal’s autumnal love affair with chestnuts, and Simon Marks finds out about San Francisco’s unusual Thanksgiving ingredient: Dungeness crab.

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Food Neighbourhoods #360: Rue des Martyrs, Paris Nov 21, 2023

We head to Paris’s Rue des Martyrs, a street in the vibrant 9th arrondissement, which is brimming with dedicated food retailers that have been honing their craft for decades. Monocle’s Claudia Jacob takes us through the addresses preserving France’s traditional cuisine, as well as those going against the grain.

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Hainan House, Ukrainian Borscht and La Marzocco Espresso Academy Nov 17, 2023

We sit down with Sunny Wu and Irene Hua, the brains behind new London opening Hainan House. Julia Lasica is in the kitchen with her mother and journalist Roksolyanan Lasica to find out how to make her version of the beloved Ukrainian dish borscht. Plus: Ivan Carvalho heads to the outskirts of Florence to visit the La Marzocco Espresso Academy.

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