Food Stories Told

Why do we crave the return of our favorite discontinued foods? From the cult following of McDonald’s Snack Wraps to Taco Bell’s  Decades Menu  and the seasonal magic of the McRib, this episode dives into the delicious power of food nostalgia. We explore how flavors tie us to simpler times, why fandoms rally for food comebacks, and how brands are turning throwbacks into cultural phenomena. Whether...

Comfort food isn’t just about what’s on the plate—it’s about the memories, people, and moments tied to each bite. In this episode, host Stephanie Gravalese explores the deep connection between food and nostalgia, sharing personal stories of grilled cheese on rainy afternoons, casserole dishes filled with love, and the simple act of seeking comfort after emotional moments like election day. Stephan...

In this season of  Food Stories Told , we’re diving into how food stirs up memories, linking us to the people, places, and moments that feel like home. Studies even show that food can spark some of our strongest connections to the past. Today, I’m sharing a story that started as a simple article but became an exploration into food memory, an iconic sandwich, and the emotional layers that taste can...

Do you have a favorite food memory that lingers with you? A taste, a smell, or a meal that brings back another time, another place? In this season of  Food Stories Told , we’re exploring the deep connections between food and nostalgia—how certain foods tie us to our past, bring comfort, and create lasting memories. In this episode, host Stephanie Gravalese takes with us to a memory of late August...

Last winter had the privilege to write an article for the Winter 2024 issue of VOICES, a wonderful publication by the wine brand Maze Rowe. In this issue, I explore the vibrant world of Indigenous dining in the US. I had the incredible opportunity to connect with Sherry Pocknett from Sly Fox Den Too, Sean Sherman from Owamni, and Loretta Barrett Oden. Each of them shared their heartfelt stories an...

Hey there, I'm Stephanie Gravalese, and in this episode, I'm taking you back to a chat I had with Nate Scull in 2022. Nate used to work with Hermit Thrush Brewery, a place that was all about using what nature gives us to make some really unique beers. Even though the brewery closed its doors in 2024, there's a lot we can learn from how they did things. Back in 2021, I dove into how bre...

From the challenges of supply chain snags to the triumphs of a perfectly balanced dish, I spoke with seven women in the food industry who shared their real-world experiences of running a food business. Here's how they stay dedicated, inspired, and manage to lead by example.

I speak with chef and author Paola Velez, who, in her debut cookbook, "Bodega Bakes: Recipes for Sweets and Treats Inspired by My Corner Store," revisits the bodegas of her Bronx upbringing—places that were much more than mere shopping destinations; they were the heart of her community. Bodegas serve purposes beyond quick stops for snacks or soda; they're where life's little mome...

Join us on the red carpet for the exciting "Top Chef" premiere in Wisconsin with the first part of our special two-episode series, "Food Stories Told." Host Stephanie Gravalese captures all the action and brings exclusive interviews from Milwaukee straight to you. In this episode, Stephanie chats with judges Gail Simmons and Tom Colicchio, plus competitors Kenny Nguyen and Mich...

Join us as we spend some time with Chef Daniel Fox, a pro at turning simple ingredients into something special. This episode isn’t just about learning to make deviled eggs (though we’ll get you well-covered on that front). When chat about how cooking is more than following recipes—it’s about having fun, trying new things, and making memories. Daniel shares how his kitchen crew comes together to cr...

On this "Food Stories" episode, I'm taking you back to where it all started - managing a grocery store fresh out of college. It wasn’t the fashion and design career I’d imagined, but it turned into an unexpected food journey that led to this podcast. Back then, stacking candy (who knew you could have too much candy corn?) and arranging produce became my everyday life. But working in...

From the high-pressure, high-stakes atmosphere of restaurant kitchens to the delight of eager customers lining around the corner, we bring you the exceptional story of Zachary and Hannah Welton's Tiny Bakeshop in Charleston, South Carolina. This episode delves into the couple's journey as they leave behind conventional notions of culinary success and carve out space in food world on their...

Hop on this tasty adventure with our host, Stephanie Gravalese. Listen as she takes us back to 2018 when she traveled to Italy and dived into the world of pasta-making, capturing the essence of her Italian heritage. Fast-forward to 2020, a year that brought countless banana bread bisques and DIY projects right into our kitchens. For Stephanie, it was a time to reignite her pasta-making passion and...

Around the table, when we gather with our beloved families - whether by birth or by bond - it's more than just eating together. It's a moment of community and connection, stories, dishes and traditions that link a group together long after the dishes are done. Would you let these treasured food memories simply fade away? Discover with us, as we share some tips for documenting and savoring...

In this episode, we take you to the heart of America's Dairyland. Guiding us through the terroir of Wisconsin is Kurt Fogle, a passionate Milwaukee-based chef. His dedication to quality inspired him to turn custard into a canvas, painting it with local flavors that celebrate Wisconsin's rich dairy heritage. This isn't just a frozen dessert; it represents the Badger State's love for...

Welcome to the first episode of 'Food Stories Told'. Join your host, Stephanie Gravalese in this episode, she shares the unforgettable story of Benni Emory and Carolina Wang, the creative duo behind 'Eat Good NYC.' Discover how Benni and Carolina have combined their unique skillsets, ingenuity, and resourcefulness to forge a thriving business, celebrated by icons in fashion and mus...