Midwest Meets Mediterranean

Episode Summary Pasta is much more than comfort food—it's a tradition rooted in history, family, and the Mediterranean way of life. In this solo episode of Midwest Meets Mediterranean , Chef Laura Bonicelli explores the origins of pasta, the differences between fresh and dried pasta, and the simple techniques that can dramatically improve the way you cook at home. Along the way, she shares family...

EverSharp is more than a kitchen store. It's a place where craftsmanship, expertise, and community come together around one of the most important tools in any kitchen—a good knife. In this episode of Midwest Meets Mediterranean , Chef Laura Bonicelli sits down with Maddie of EverSharp to explore the story behind one of the Midwest's most respected kitchen retailers. Together, they discuss how the...

It's a simple idea, but one that shapes everything Russ Willenbring does at Produce Acres. In this episode of Midwest Meets Mediterranean, Chef Laura Bonicelli visits the farm and walks the fields with Russ to explore the connection between soil health, plant nutrition, flavor, and human health. Known throughout the Twin Cities farmers market community for his exceptional asparagus, berries, and v...

📝 Episode Description Mushrooms are having a moment—but most people still don’t fully understand what they are, how they grow, or what they’re actually doing for our health. In this episode of Midwest Meets Mediterranean , Chef Laura Bonicelli sits down with Josiah Christensen, owner and producer of Pleasant Valley Mushrooms, to explore the fascinating world of fungi—from foraging and cultivation...

🎙️ Episode 5 Ashley Nathe: The Season Starts Here 📝 Episode Description For generations, the Minneapolis Farmers Market has been more than a place to buy produce—it has been a meeting place, a community hub, and a living connection to Minnesota’s agricultural roots. In this episode of Midwest Meets Mediterranean , Chef Laura Bonicelli sits down with Ashley Nathe, Executive Director of the Minneap...

Description Salt is one of the most fundamental ingredients in the kitchen—and one of the most misunderstood. In this episode of Midwest Meets Mediterranean , Chef Laura Bonicelli sits down with Mary Lower, creator of Hacking Salt , to explore how salt shapes the way we cook, taste, and think about food. Mary shares her journey from a career in public relations and storytelling into the world of s...

Olive oil is something many of us use every day—often without a second thought. But behind every bottle is a story shaped by land, timing, and generations of care. In this episode of Midwest Meets Mediterranean , Chef Laura Bonicelli sits down with Elaine Trigiani, a master olive oil producer in Tuscany, to explore what truly goes into making exceptional olive oil. Elaine took it to heart when her...

In this first episode of Midwest Meets Mediterranean , Chef Laura Bonicelli introduces the heart behind the show—blending seasonal Midwestern ingredients with Mediterranean inspiration in a way that feels simple, grounded, and doable in everyday life. If cooking has started to feel overwhelming, complicated, or disconnected from how you actually want to live, this episode offers a different perspe...

In this short trailer episode, Chef Laura Bonicelli introduces Midwest Meets Mediterranean — a fresh, flavorful podcast that blends seasonal Midwestern ingredients with Mediterranean inspiration. Learn what you can expect from upcoming episodes, meet some of the voices you'll hear from, and get excited to cook with heart, soul, and seasonal simplicity. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: What the po...