Tasty Trails Travel Pod

This week, I’m chatting with Kathy McCabe, travel expert and host of PBS’s Dream of Italy . Kathy shares her deep connection to Italy—rooted in family history—and her experiences exploring the country’s rich culture, regional differences, and zest for life. From her grandfather's quest to find his ancestral town to her favorite tortellini moments in Emilia-Romagna, Kathy reveals what makes Italy s...

This week is Thanksgiving in the US! So we're celebrating by talking a little more about where this holiday comes from and what it's REALLY about. But the most special part is getting to hear from all of you about what you're thankful for! Listeners messaged in and we're sharing some of the messages on this episode. What are you thankful for this year? Special thanks to everyone who messaged in! -...

We’re back this week with the second half of our chat with Chef Amethyst Ganaway! If you haven’t heard the first part yet, hit pause and go listen—it’s full of great context for this episode. Chef Amethyst is an award-winning chef featured in The New York Times and Food & Wine magazine. She specializes in Gullah Geechee cuisine and the food of the African diaspora in the South. This week, we d...

I'm excited to welcome award-winning chef and food writer Amethyst Ganaway onto the pod as we delve into the history and culture of the Gullah Geechee people, descendants of West African slaves in the American South. Chef Amethyst shares the Gullah Geechee’s enduring West African heritage, spanning language, food, art, and music, while tracing the vital role they played in the economic boom of the...

In this episode, Snezhana gives us an inside scoop on Russian holiday traditions, kicking things off with the iconic Olivier salad—a must-have for New Year’s and known abroad as “Russian Salad.” She chats about other holiday favorites like "Herring Under a Fur Coat," a colorful layered salad, and even "meat in jello," a cold dish you’ll find at family gatherings. And of course, we can’t forget vod...

In this episode, we journey into the heart of Día de los Muertos, Mexico's cherished "Day of the Dead" celebration. This rich cultural tradition honors the spirits of loved ones with beautifully arranged "ofrendas" (altars), colorful marigolds, intricate sugar skulls, and traditional food offerings. Together, we explore how families reunite with ancestors each year, from cemetery gatherings to fes...

I'm here this week with Snezhana exploring the biggest country in the world! From iconic dishes like borscht and pelmeni to unique regional flavors we're diving deep into the heart of Russian cuisine. Along the way, they share stories about communal dining, the evolution of the food scene in modern cities, and how traditional recipes continue to shape Russian identity. Whether you're a total newbi...

In this episode, Antonella takes us on a captivating journey through Sicilian food and culture, sharing insights that dive deep into the island's unique culinary traditions. She touches on the rivalries between cities like Palermo and Catania and the historical influences that shaped Sicilian cuisine. We dive into some of her favorite dishes and how the island celebrates its ingredients.  We also...

I’m back again with Naomi! We’re continuing our conversation from last week so if you haven’t listened to the first one go back and do so now, it’s a ton of fun and sets up this episode.  This week we’re diving deeper into the story behind her cafe and bakery and the fascinating world of bread-making, baking science, and the realities of running a bakery. Naomi shares how creating sourdough is a l...

This week I sat down with Naomi to explore the timeless traditions of English food, diving deep into the stories behind iconic dishes like fish and chips and afternoon tea . Naomi shares the history and evolution of fish and chips , the importance of crispy batter, and why certain regions in England have their own unique take on this beloved meal. Plus, we talk about the differences between cream...

In this episode, I’m joined by Sahana, a passionate travel blogger and food enthusiast from India. Sahana shares her deep connection to Indian cuisine, discussing how her family's love for food has shaped her appreciation for both home-cooked meals and the rich, diverse flavors of Indian street food. We dive into why some travelers find Indian cuisine overwhelming—covering spice levels, unique...

In this episode, I sit down with Nora Marie to explore the rich world of Lithuanian food and culture. We dive into classic dishes like kugelis (a traditional Lithuanian potato pudding) and šaltibarščiai (the famous cold pink beet soup), both staples in Lithuanian cuisine. Nora Maria shares how food traditions, such as Sunday family gatherings, shape the her culinary identity. If you’ve ever wonder...

In this episode, I sit down with Tess Cheng, a health and wellness expert foodie, to dive deep into the world of Hong Kong’s vibrant food culture. She walks us through dim sum and the secret to finding authentic Chinese food wherever you go. We explore the importance of home-cooked meals and how Tess incorporates mindful eating habits into her lifestyle, especially when indulging in Cantonese cuis...

In this episode of Tasty Trails Travel Pod, we're back with Chef Kester Robinson from Guyana for part two of our deep dive into Guyanese cuisine and culture! If you missed part one, definitely go back and give it a listen, where we covered an introduction to Guyana, its rich culinary landscape, and Kester's own journey as a chef. In this continuation, Kester shares more about his passion f...

I sat down with Chef Kester Robinson, who's from the beautiful country of Guyana. He's been a chef for over 16 years and works a lot with kids and communities. Chef Kester talks about how Guyanese cuisine is a melting pot, thanks to the six different ethnic groups that have influenced the food here. We dive into how each culture brought something unique to the table, like Indian curries, A...

🇦🇷 Hoy hablamos por primera vez en castellano!! Hablamos con Pato y Romi de Las Chicas de la 3 en el Mercado Central de Buenos Aires. Charlamos sobre comida, obvio, pero tambien como equilibrar la vida con el laburo. Vayan directamente a probar la comida ahi y avisenme cuando vayan porque quiero volver mil veces mas!! 🇺🇸 We'll be back next week with English episodes but this one was a bit spec...

In this special solo episode of Tasty Trails Travel Pod , I’m sharing some personal stories about my life, my deep connection to food, and the experiences that have shaped my travels. From my earliest food memories to why I don’t share food, join me as I take you behind the scenes of the podcast and dive into the delicious and unforgettable moments that have made me who I am and the roots of this...

This week, we're chatting with Audrey, the conscious digital nomad from France. Audrey shares her fascinating journey across different cultures, her experiences growing up in a small French town in the Alps, and her love for hearty French mountain dishes like Raclette, Tartiflette, and Fondue Savoyarde. They dive into the regional specialties, the unique traditions of French cuisine, and the a...

In this exciting episode, we dive deep into the heart of Sardinia, an island with a rich and unique culture distinct from mainland Italy. Our guest, Massimiliano, shares his personal experiences growing up in this Mediterranean paradise, offering insights into Sardinian traditions, cuisine, and lifestyle. From the homemade ravioli his grandmother used to make, to the traditional dances and festiva...

In this episode, we dive into the intricate world of pairing wines with cheeses. Homero is back and he explains fundamental pairing principles: red wine with hard cheeses, white wine with soft cheeses, and rosé with blue cheeses, while also exploring exceptions and complexities. We also touch on the role of accompaniments like jams, honey, and almonds in complementing cheese flavors. Listeners are...

Join us as we delve into Argentina's burgeoning artisan cheese scene with our guest, an expert from Buenos Aires. Discover the rich history, unique processes, and cultural significance behind the country's exceptional cheeses, and learn why this young yet thriving industry is gaining global recognition. Listeners will learn about the variety of cheeses produced in Argentina, including soft...

Join us as we welcome Lillian Sabuni to the podcast. Lillian, a mother of three from Arusha, Tanzania, founded the Lift Them Up Foundation, an NGO dedicated to helping children from poor families and providing skills training for girls. Lillian talks about the foundation’s various programs, including a daycare center, sewing classes, and environmental education. We also dive into Tanzanian cuisine...

This week we're chatting with Viktoria, originally from Germany but now living in the US. We'll explore the stereotypes and realities of German food, which extend beyond the familiar sausages, potatoes, and bread to include diverse regional dishes like northern fish specialties and southern white sausages. Viktoria highlights the importance of bread in German culture, especially the numero...

Discover the bustling night markets in Taipei, where you can savor iconic dishes like stinky tofu and Taiwanese fried chicken, reflecting a unique blend of Chinese, Japanese, and local influences. Annie, a Taiwanese food and beverage expert, shares her insights on Taiwanese food and culture. She tells us all about the Dragon Boat Festival, the unique Taiwanese street food culture, and so much more...

This week we're diving into the vibrant world of Filipino cuisine. Our guest, Geleen, shares her rich Filipino roots and her unique journey of reconnecting with her heritage. We discuss iconic dishes like the tangy Sinigang soup and the popular Adobo, as well as some exciting and adventurous eats like the famous fertilized duck egg, Balut. We also explore how Filipino cuisine is gaining global...