Amused Bouche

What should you do when time ceases to matter? What’s the most underrated kitchen tool? How big (or not) is Abby’s mouth? Get answers to these classic questions and more stuffed into this sweet mini-batch.

What happens when you say yes? Welcome Heidi Billotto to the podcast, culinary expert and food blogger who has built a vast and impressive career out of this principle. With a passion for spreading happiness through food and shining a light on local produce and talent, Heidi is truly a legend in the regional culinary scene.

In this final batch of 2022, Abby and Jen hear an update on the cardamom challenge, take on a cheesy challenge of their own, set up the next epic Battle, and recap the amazing highs of an incredible year. We'll see you in 2023 (with some very special guests), friends! 

Abby and Jen take Savannah! Or was it the cave of wonders? Were there ghosts? Probably. All this, AND a recap of the hard-fought Battle Movie Magic. Grab a cocktail and settle in, friends. This ones a goodun.

The second half of our Chef Will menu kicks off with a birthday surprise and an enthusiastic (but non-sponsored) plug for a must-have kitchen device. Stay ‘til the end to learn how to book your own private chef experience!

Multiple courses, locally sourced ingredients, and an in-home chef - all on a Wednesday AND while wearing sweatpants from the comfort of home?! Yeah. We'll take that. Meet Chef Will Philips – mushroom fanatic, fermentation boss, and private chef – in another super fun two-parter.

If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s how much we have left to learn. Tune in for a lesson in authentic sushi and unlocking the third flavor with Chef Robin of Prime Fish and Omakase by Prime Fish. Plus, Chef Robin brings along a crowd-favorite: Sake Sara!

Part II of our chat with the delightful Shawn Paul begins with hidden talents and ends with some thirst trap spoilers about Foxcroft’s upcoming events and eventual world domination. Cheers, dear listeners!

Wine Lovers, pour yourself a glass and tuck in for Part I of our lively chat with Shawn Paul of Foxcroft Wine Co. From birthdays to random Tuesdays, Foxcroft is a go-to for any occasion: incredible food, vino, service, and an ever-present ambient level of charm.

From the redwood forests to the gulf state diners, this land was made for our Kolleen. Part II: Pacific Coast Highway and back to Charlotte. 

In another two-batcher, the ladies are stoked to welcome local Charlotte foodie and longtime friend of the podcast, Kolleen Organek, to talk about her recent food-driven cross-country travels with Mom (that’s her official name). Part I: NC to the Pacific Northwest.

Ace No. 3. Waterman Fishbar. Sea Level NC. Heard of 'em? From ski bum to oyster connoisseur, Paul Manley, owner/partner of High Tide Hospitality, joins us in the studio to share his industry journey and challenge what we thought we knew about those salty little sea snacks.

Don't let those dulcet tones fool you... Chef Michael Noll thrives in chaos, from flying down the freeway on a skateboard to conducting 12-course tasting menus. Chef Michael visits the studio to highlight two of Charlotte's premier dining destinations: Bardo and VANA. 

Badass female business owners? NBD. At least in Greece, it's not. In the studio, we're fangirling over these two powerhouse members of the Pahountis family, owners of Greco Fresh Grille, who school us in proper pronunciation and non-embarrassing business names.

Abby and Jen go back to their roots with a reprisal of classic segments like Yelp Reviews and Charlotte Shoutouts, in addition to a special plea to a Charlotte region staple - Harris Teeter. (beware: earworm included).

From his humble beginnings creating backyard dirt potions to his current science-forward culinary style, Chef Ken Aponte of Alchemy shares his path and his passions (spoiler alert: rules) in an absolute blast of a chat with Jen and Abby. 

"Now, it's time to run." In Part II of our chat with Chef Sam Hart of Counter-, we get some drool-inducing spoiler alerts about what's coming up, including a peek at his new wine-driven concept, Biblio. 

In Part I of 2, Jen and Abby welcome the inimitable Chef Sam Hart, who has been making serious waves in Charlotte with his musically paired, story-driven tasting menus at Counter-, an experience that is absolutely not to be missed – if you can get seats, that is.

Hold on to your appetites! Abby and Jen sit down with Greg Williams and Jamie Barnes, delightfully talented chef-owners of What The Fries, and chew the fat about everything from their food truck origins to their brick-and-mortar location and insanely creative menu stylings.

Great beer isn’t hard to come by in the QC. But great beer AND amazing food in one spot? That’s rare. Enter Legion Brewing! In this batch, we chat with two of their talented chefs in advance of the grand opening of their newest location. And yes, dear listeners, they brought snacks!

Chef Christa Csoka of The Artisan’s Palate visits the studio to share one of the most universal truths: no matter how long it takes, never give up on your dreams.

Set your alarm and come along on an adventure through the woods as Jen and Abby discuss hunting with Jared Shank, local entertainer and hobby hunter.

Kanpai! Sake Sara is back for Part II. In this batch: Abby gets tipsy, Jen gets a long-awaited answer to one of the big sake misunderstandings, and Sara explains all the science. 

We had too much fun for one batch. In part I of II, Abby and Jen get their brains exploded in a delicious introduction to the complex world of sake with Sara "Sake Sara" Guterbock, who has been moonlighting as an Amused Bouche super fan. 

Love is in the air! In this special Valentines Day episode, Abby and Jen recap their holiday food adventures, play a thrilling round of Foodie Fight, and romance the (stretchy) pants off their partners...and each other...in Battle: Chocolate.