Meat + Three

Debates around what’s traditional or authentic are constantly spinning in the culinary world— so much so that numerous organizations have been formed to protect the authenticity of various dishes and production methods. In Mezcal’s case, there is an organization whose name translates to The Mexican Regulatory Council for the Quality of Mezcal. The stated purpose of this group, and others like it,...

Following Black History Month, we consider what it means for Black food leaders to cultivate a better future for their communities, and thus, for all. From producing new techniques for use in rural agriculture to increasing representation as food entrepreneurs, members of Black communities across the country are looking inward to move forward. By responding dynamically to community needs, they dem...

It’s officially spring which means it’s time to swap out the winter blues for some color. This week on Meat and Three we are deep diving into our closet of archives and dusting off some stories to welcome in the season of new beginnings. From spring delicacies, to cooking with flowers, to Ramadan and more, we are bringing you a unique collection of topics that encapsulates the essence of spring re...

As the incomparable bell hooks wrote in 2016, ‘To truly be free, we must choose beyond simply surviving adversity, we must dare to create lives of sustained optimal wellbeing and joy.’  From creating equitable opportunities in the dairy industry, to telling the quiet parts loudly about kitchen life during American slavery, this week we round off Black History Month and head into Women’s History Mo...

This week on Meat and Three, we’re breaking out our magnifying glass to explore the smallest corners of the food world. We start with the microbial and scale our way up from there, but only by a bit. From the tiniest of farmers to deceptive industrial practices, we set out to prove that the most interesting of stories can come in the smallest packages.  If you’re fascinated by the prospect of cult...

Pressure is inescapable. Especially in the kitchen. It breaks down our beans, keeps our spritzes spritzy, and extracts our espresso. Pressure can also break down our spirits, and kitchens have a reputation for being exceptionally stressful scenes. This week we’re investigating pressure in a variety of contexts, from ubiquitous appliances to non-indigenous species.  Further Reading: Thanks to Armen...

As the seasons come and go, we bear witness to the growth and decay that happens in the environment around us. And currently in the Northern Hemisphere, the leaves have fallen, and the days are shorter and colder as Winter Solstice approaches. This week on Meat and Three , we’re examining the many processes of decay, from the natural decay within landfills and compost, to the manufactured decay of...

While the 2022 World Cup is in full swing, we at Meat and Three are taking on the challenge of investigating the relationship between food and sports. From the missing drink that’s dominating world cup discourse to the one available in plenty at Wimbledon, learn about the foods we associate with sports and how they affect our personal and national identities. Then, take a trip to the cooking compe...

In this bonus episode, Matt speaks with April Jones and Darin Bresnitz about the newest HRN series, The Culinary Call Sheet. They discuss how they both entered the world of food & television, shout-out mentors who inspired them, and talk about the current state of the culinary media industry. Then we present the first half of their episode with Clifford Endo of Vice Media.  Want to hear the re...

From the challenges of cooking with minimal dorm appliances to the nostalgia for a home-cooked meal, this week’s Meat and Three takes us to the college campus dining hall. We will learn how to make a delicious meal out of one’s favorite mug and microwave and the lengths one will go to for a beloved family meal. We will also explore the difficulty of finding culturally relevant food on campus, as w...

What’s an age-old tradition used to enhance and flavor food? The condiment. Across the world condiments are added into and on top of dishes as a purveyor of a specific flavor. In the United States, ketchup and mustard are refrigerator essentials, while many Koreans have an entire fridge to ferment kimchi. While condiments are characteristically a side dish to the main show, this week we’re putting...

From hush-hush recipes that are fiercely protected, to untold bits of family history, this week’s Meat and Three uncovers some of the closely guarded secrets that encompass the food we eat, drink, and cook. We will consider what makes a recipe confidential and the lengths that businesses go to legally protect their trade secrets. We will also explore how food can be a powerful vehicle for secrets...

In need of an end of summer refresh? Us too. Join us as we dive into the cool waters of history, which we’ve spiked with rum for the occasion. We’ll explore the surprising chronicle of the Mojito through the past lives of its ingredients and their vital mixture. Cheers! Further Reading: Discover Rob’s comprehensive guide to rum at Rob’s Rum Guide . Learn about Tristan Donovan’s work on Fizz and mo...

Explore sustainability below the surface! While seafood production and consumption continue to increase, the ocean’s finite supply is vulnerable to overfishing and environmental degradation. We look at what it means to sustainably farm, manage and capture seafood. We’ll examine the environmental benefits of the leafy greens living in the ocean and learn how Indigenous people have historically mana...

Coming clean. Opening up. Seeing right through. Today, we’re talking all things transparent in the food world. From restaurateurs shaking things up with radical financial disclosure, to an enchanting clear dessert, our stories today explore the many meanings of transparency. What can we learn when we’ve got nothing to hide? Further Reading and Listening: You can learn more about Irene Li’s latest...

Have you ever walked down a street in New York City and been in awe of the diversity of flavors, tastes, and smells you have encountered? Have you then been compelled to explore the roots of the feasts and the people that cook them? This week on Meat and Three, we celebrate the lives and feats of the immigrants who have and continue to enrich the culinary landscape of the concrete jungle. We look...

Delve into the wider worlds of seed preservation, Indigenous seed rights, and farmer-managed seed systems. Whether you’re a professional farmer, avid gardener or your relationship with seeds simply involves snacking on them - we’ll introduce you to chefs, activists, and plant scientists who are changing the ways seeds are saved and shared. We’ll pay a visit to urban farms, seed banks, and kitchens...

Frankfurter, wiener, glizzy, hot dog - whatever you call it - the food is a global staple and has become an American icon. It’s time to celebrate National Hot Dog Month on Meat and Three ! While the tubed food is pervasive throughout the rest of the world, it is a multi-billion dollar industry in America. Whether hot dogs are kosher or vegan, hailing from Coney Island or Chicago, we’ll take a look...

What can a nascent fruit tree tell us about camaraderie? How can increasing investments alert us to the challenges of capitalism? Meat and Three explores what HRN’s shows are saying about growth. We’ll nurture curiosity in the garden, weigh the pros and cons of the fake meat industry, and consider the role of restaurants in gentrifying neighborhoods.  Further Reading and Listening: Learn more abou...

Exclusivity and inclusion can greatly influence our relationships with food, and even create fanatic communities around certain food brands. But we’ve been wondering, what’s the line between what’s trendy and cult-y? We take a hard look at that question and how it plays out in our consumption today. Plus we discover some surprising connections between familiar food brands and fringe religious grou...

For the past two years, the news has been stark and at times, downright terrifying. War, disease, supply shortages – but these matters do not exist in a vacuum. These global concerns have trickle-down effects on industries across the board, including the food world. From food recalls to fast food worker strikes to global shortages, we look to shows across our network to uncover the history, legisl...

We’ll introduce you to incredible organizations combatting hunger and homelessness in the LGBTQ+ community and take stock of queer culinary spaces that are safe, joyful, and liberating. Join us for an episode all about Pride as we dig into the rich intersection between food, drink, and the LGBTQ community. Further Reading: Learn more about the work that the Brave Space Alliance does here .  To lea...

Laugh out loud as we explore the world of comedy through food. We discuss what makes food fights funny, jump on the imposter cakes bandwagon, and devour some truly absurd meals before sitting down at the dinner table for hilarious punchlines. Further Reading and Listening: Hear more jokes on Time For Lunch . Dr. Robert King is a film historian and professor of media at Columbia University. To lear...

Celebrate and honor Juneteenth on this episode of Meat and Three ! We’ll discuss the culture, food, and history of this important holiday that recognizes the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Learn about soul food with a creative twist, discover the food history behind the holiday, and be inspired by a chef giving back to his community.  Further Reading:  Pre-order Nicole’s new book, Wat...

There’s no question that the Southeast Asian diaspora has influenced American dining. Pad Thai has become as ubiquitous as the hamburger. But what food, flavors, and culinary traditions are yet to become mainstream? And what stories remain to be told? Influence is not exerted one way. Many Southeast Asian chefs who influence their communities are influenced by them in equal measure. Whether it’s i...