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Monocle

The Menu

A Food , Arts and Books podcast

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About the show

Our guide to the world of food, drink and entertaining, The Menu serves up interviews with the world’s most creative chefs, introduces the makers behind the scenes and the ingredients that will soon be landing on your restaurant table.

Newest episodes

Food Neighbourhoods #447: New England’s ice cream traditions

6 min

We’re journeying to New England to taste one of the region’s most delicious delicacies, high milk-fat ice cream. Here, Jessica Bridger tells us about why the treat is so important. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The summer pantry

30 min

From Italian lemons to American zucchini, we stock our cupboards with the sunny ingredients that speak of the season – and cook a fresh recipe with beetroot greens. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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All episodes

The newest 50 of 102 episodes

Food Neighbourhoods #447: New England’s ice cream traditions

6 min

We’re journeying to New England to taste one of the region’s most delicious delicacies, high milk-fat ice cream. Here, Jessica Bridger tells us about why the treat is so important. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The summer pantry

30 min

From Italian lemons to American zucchini, we stock our cupboards with the sunny ingredients that speak of the season – and cook a fresh recipe with beetroot greens. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food Neighbourhoods #446, De Pijp, Amsterdam

8 min

We're heading to Amsterdam's southern neighbourhood of De Pijp. This bohemian area is filled with an abundance of charming old-school pubs, vibrant eateries and lively bars. Here Jad Salfiti takes us on a tour. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sandwiches: the best thing since sliced bread

33 min

Fernando Augusto Pacheco joins us for a global discussion on sandwiches. Then: we head to Denmark for smørrebrød. Plus: A taste of Emilia Romagna with the piadina. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food Neighbourhoods #444: Muskoka, Canada

10 min

We’re heading to Canada’s cottage country, Muskoka. Dining options are diverse, from private chefs to local bakeries, and the culinary scene is rooted in local produce. Here, Mandy Sinclair takes us on a tour. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food Neighbourhoods #443: Lille, France

8 min

We’re heading to Lille in northern France, where the cobbled streets, vibrant markets and historic architecture showcase a unique blend of French and Flemish culture. Here, Monocle’s Flynn Symonds takes us on a tour. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food Neighbourhoods #442: Sa Pa, Vietnam

7 min

We’re heading to Sa Pa in the northwest of Vietnam. Its cooler climate, verdant mountain vistas and delicious local delicacies make it a popular holiday spot. Here, Lily Austin explores. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food Neighbourhoods #441: Strasbourg, France

5 min

Renowned for its medieval architecture and its status as one of the European Union’s de-facto capitals, Strasbourg is also a culinary destination in its own right. Jad Salfiti takes us to the best spots. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food Neighbourhoods #440: Piata Obor, Bucharest

7 min

We’re heading to the northeastern edges of Bucharest and to Piata Obor – a sprawling market that has been a cornerstone of life in the city for centuries. Monocle’s Laura Kramer takes us on a tour.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food on the move

28 min

Chiara Rimella’s ode to an Italian roadside classic, Autogrill. Then we find out what’s taking off on Portland’s airport menus. Plus: a taste of golden-era-of-travel glamour at New York’s Grand Central Oyster Bar. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food Neighbourhoods #439: Quadrilatero, Bologna

14 min

Bologna is renowned for its culinary offerings, including regional specialities such lasagne, tagliatelle and tortellini. Here, contributor Dany Mitzman takes a tour of the city’s historic market neighbourhood, Quadrilatero, with Cesarine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food Neighbourhoods #438: Kalk Bay

11 min

Angelica Jopson heads to Cape Town’s coastline to sample the culinary delights on offer in Kalk Bay, a fishing village nestled between mountain and sea. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

‘Pakistan’, spot prawn season in Canada and Jigger & Pony

30 min

We speak to Maryam Jillani about her extensive cookbook on Pakistani cuisine. Then: we get a taste of juicy spot prawns in Vancouver and sip on cocktails at Singapore’s acclaimed Jigger & Pony. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food Neighbourhoods #437: MAD Symposium, Copenhagen

12 min

Copenhagen hosted the seventh MAD Symposium last week, uniting chefs, farmers and restaurateurs to explore ways of improving the food sector. This year’s theme is “Build to Last”. Michael Booth tells us more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

‘Umai’, London Coffee Festival and our wine of the month

28 min

Millie Tsukagoshi Lagares on opening the door to the Japanese home kitchen in her new book, ‘Umai’. Then: this year’s London Coffee Festival and we pop the cork on our wine of the month. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food Neighbourhoods #436: Belmont, The Bronx, New York

13 min

New York is known for its Italian food but changing demographics have introduced other thriving cuisines. Charlie Bell heads to the Belmont area of the Bronx where authentic Italian-American food continues to shine. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The food of Ukraine and its diaspora

35 min

An episode dedicated to Ukrainian food. We speak to Sydney-based Anastasia Zolotarev about her new book, bread as a symbol of resistance and Manhattan restaurant Veselka. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food Neighbourhoods #435: Ialysos, Rhodes

11 min

Lars Bevanger heads to the town of Ialysos on Rhodes to delight in the island’s rich food and drink culture, which is coloured by its Italian history and proximity to the Levant.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Supper clubs, wild garlic and Wein Goutte

30 min

Xanthe Ross tells us about her new book, Stay for Supper. Then: we explore the world of wild garlic and meet the founder of German wine collective, Wein Goutte. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food Neighbourhoods #434: Bethnal Green, London

6 min

Recently, London's Bethnal Green has blossomed , with chic wine bars and coffee roasters cropping up to sit alongside the typical East-end pubs and pie shops. Here, Valentina Venelli takes us on a tour. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three-course feast

26 min

We’re serving up a three-course feast as we delve into the nostalgic pull of the prawn cocktail. Then, we tuck into a steaming bowl of pasta and lay on something sweet from Indonesia to finish. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food Neighbourhoods #433: Somerset, England

7 min

Somerset is known for its idyllic countryside and rolling hills. In recent years, however, the English county has become a culinary hotspot. Here, Monica Lillis takes us to the best outposts, old and new.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food Neighbourhoods #432: Surry Hills, Sydney

8 min

City-nudging Surry Hills was once the industrial hub of Sydney’s rag trade but now it’s home to flotillas of cafés, restaurants, wine bars and hotels. Tamara Thiessen takes us on a tour. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food Neighbourhoods #431: Colonia Roma, Mexico City

10 min

Originally a European-inspired enclave for the upper and middle classes, Mexico City’s tree-lined Colonia Roma district has survived earthquakes and been reinvented through artistic movements. Today it offers a diverse range of culinary experiences showcasing the best that the nation has to offer, from blue-corn quesadillas to specialist Mexican coffee. Verity de Cala meets the people behind the area’s street-food shops and cafés. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chocolate special

30 min

It’s the beginning of the Easter weekend for those who celebrate, so what better time to indulge in an episode dedicated to chocolate. We speak to the founder of Knoops, the brand championing hot chocolate as an everyday drink. Then: Monocle’s Michael Booth meets award-winning Danish chocolatier Mikkel Friis-Holm. Plus: we unwrap the latest Easter-egg trends with Monocle’s Fernando Augusto Pacheco. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food Neighbourhoods #430: Val d’Orcia, Italy

11 min

We’re heading to the rolling hills of southern Tuscany, where regenerative food and wine practices are flourishing among ancient landscapes. Monocle contributor Issabella Orlando takes us on a tour of Val d’Orcia, where heritage crops are cultivated with a deep respect for tradition, biodiversity and the land itself. Here, she meets the stewards of a region whose roots run deep and whose yields speak for themselves. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coffee

31 min

We meet Noma’s Carolyne Lane to hear about the Copenhagen institution’s new bean-roasting venture, Noma Kaffe. Then: we sit down with acclaimed barista Celeste Wong to find out why there are dozens of recipes to try when you’re after the perfect cup.  Plus: we check in at Man Met Bril Koffie Hotel in Rotterdam. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food Neighbourhoods #429: Harlem, New York

10 min

We’re looking at a slice of history this week in the shape of Lee Lee’s Baked Goods, which has been serving New Yorkers for nearly 40 years. It’s the story of Alvin Lee Smalls, known as Lee Lee, and the changing face of the iconic Harlem neighbourhood. Lee Lee joins Charlie Bell to speak about his life’s work. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bahraini cuisine, Finland’s heritage ale and are New York’s diners the community hub that they once were?

32 min

We sample a morsel of Bahrain’s mouthwatering cuisine with Noor Murad as we flick through her new book, ‘Lugma’. Also in the programme: Poppy Damon heads to the Little Purity diner in Brooklyn to unpack whether the spaces still hold the same community spirit. Plus: Monocle’s Petri Burtsoff sips on some sahti, Finland’s oldest ale.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food Neighbourhoods #428: Winemaking in Yunnan Province, China

6 min

China’s far southwestern province of Yunnan is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the country’s finest wine producers, though its winemaking history goes back more than a hundred years. Monocle’s Tom Webb visited the recently opened Songtsam Cizhong Lodge, where the region’s viticulture began, to find out how its history is being preserved and shared with the world.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All things green 

30 min

We’re very much in spring mode this week for an episode dedicated to a specific slice of the colour wheel: green. We meet author and food writer Samuel Goldsmith to discuss his new title, ‘The Frozen Peas Cookbook’. Then: we trace the growing popularity of matcha around the world with Twiggy Yeung. Plus: we crown our ‘verde’ Wine of the Month. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food Neighbourhoods #427: Aix-en-Provence

12 min

The southern French city of Aix-en-Provence is swamped by tourists in the summer, and is visited by art enthusiasts year-round thanks to its connection to Cezanne. But what about food lovers? With the help of local food guide Thomas Garcin, our correspondent Michael Booth takes us to the spots that you won’t want to miss. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is Caribbean cuisine? Plus: Syria’s best shawarma and ‘An A-Z of Chinese Food’

32 min

We island-hop in the Caribbean with author Keshia Sakarah to learn all about her new book, ‘Caribe: A Caribbean Cookbook with History’, and the specificity of the region’s cuisine. Also in the programme: Hannah Lucinda Smith is in Damascus to taste some of the city’s renowned shawarma. Plus: Monocle’s Mae-Li Evans meets Jenny Lau to get ‘An A-Z of Chinese Food: (Recipes Not Included)’. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food Neighbourhoods #426: Binondo, Manila 

5 min

We’re heading to Manila’s Chinatown, Binondo, a chaotic enclave of the city that’s as renowned for its vibrant cultural heritage as its delicious food. Hanna Pham takes us on a tour to try out the best Chinese-Filipino fare.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dairy

32 min

We delve into the world of dairy – the creamiest, most delicious of food groups. First, we look into the revived popularity of cow’s milk, then Emma Nelson visits France’s first museum dedicated to cheese. Plus: Aarti Betigeri samples Australian butter brand Pepe Saya. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food Neighbourhoods #425: Töölö, Helsinki

5 min

Monocle’s Petri Burtsoff takes us on a tour of Helsinki’s Töölö neighbourhood, home to traditional neighbourhood bistros frequented by local families, as well as new eateries, where ambitious young chefs seek to leave their mark on the city’s vibrant dining scene. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listening to your food, Filipino barbecue and our wine of the month 

32 min

We’re starting off in South London with Rex De Guzman, the founder of Filipino barbecue spot Turo Turo. Also in the programme: Monocle contributor Lucy Hyslop heads to Burdock & Co in Vancouver to find out how the team are transforming their produce’s bioelectric charge into a dinner soundtrack. Plus: Monocle sub-editor and in-house wine expert, Chloé Lake, picks her wine of the month. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food Neighbourhoods #424: Tromsø, Norway

11 min

We’re northbound to the arctic city of Tromsø in Norway. Here, Monocle’s Oslo correspondent, Lars Bevanger, takes us on a culinary journey which, despite its snow and far-flung location, offers up a selection of international eateries as well as traditional fare. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Richard Hart and Peter Pihel on pioneering New Nordic cuisine

27 min

We sit down with Richard Hart, one of the world’s most celebrated bakers, to find out about the true joy of making the perfect loaf. Also on the programme: Monocle’s Petri Burtsoff sits down with pioneer of New Nordic cuisine, Peeter Pihel, in Tallinn. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food Neighbourhoods #423: Chifa Town, Madrid

15 min

We’re heading to Madrid to wander through one of the Spanish capital’s most delectable open secrets. Hidden in the plain sight of the city centre, the Mostenses Municipal Market has been overlooked by local authorities for years. But this has created a ripe opportunity for diaspora communities from Asia and Latin America to eagerly snap up once-ailing stalls. Mixing entrepreneurial flair with a melting pot of exotic ingredients, the market is now a sizzling array of mini-eateries featuring flavours from Peru, Ecuador and China. Our man in Madrid, Liam Aldous, introduces us to the gastronomic fusion known as “Chifa”, a heady mix that has turned the surrounding area into Europe’s first, albeit unofficial, “Chifa Town”.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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