About

Through the use of immersive audio techniques, creative field research and offbeat humor, we explore the history and chemistry behind the foods we take for granted, the cultivation and love that goes into producing them, and the various culinary techniques that allow them to sing on your plate. So much more than your average cooking show, we concentrate less on recipes and more on, well, ingredients!

Much like the farm to table movement, each episode will take you on the journey of one notable edible, from inception to ingestion! Here’s how it all breaks down….

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Segment 1:

The Root root 1 |roōt; roŏt|

noun

1 the part of a plant that attaches it to the ground or to a support, or to a greater or more fundamental whole; the end or base 2 the basic cause, source, or origin of something; the essential substance or nature

This is where we dig down into the dirt to bring you everything you never dared to know about your food. How many different species of mushrooms are out there? How does the USDA determine their grading system for beef? Can you stop up an acid leak with a chocolate bar?

But we promise you…no boring history lessons! This is RadioLab for the gastronomically inclined; a Square One about meat instead of math!

Children of the 80’s, we know you know what we’re talking about.

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Segment 2:

The Field field |fēld|

noun

1 an area of open land, esp. one planted with crops or pasture; or a place where a subject of scientific study or artistic representation can be observed in its natural location or context. 2 a particular branch of study or sphere of activity or interest : we talked to professionals in various fields.

Basically, we’re heading right to the source…to the big dogs of their industry, the experts of their field. We’re talking to farmers, restaraunters and shop owners about the ingredients they know best. The authorities on apples! The wizards of wheat! The connoisseurs of cheese!

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Segment 3:

The Kitchen kitchen |ˈki ch ən|

noun

1 a room or area where food is prepared and cooked.

phrases

2 everything but the kitchen sink- informal humorous everything imaginable.

We’re not forgetting that this is a radio show. We love The Food Network as much as the next guy, but no one wants to listen to us cook on air. That’s why we’re saving the recipes for the website, and dedicating this segment to the method behind the meal. Just like an Olympic swimmer learns to doggy paddle before they do the 4×100m freestyle, a chef has to rock a perfect roux before leaping to crayfish gumbo. We’re talking fundamental building blocks…not only how things work, but why.

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Segment 4:

The Table table |ˈtābəl|

phrases

1 at table seated at a table eating a meal. 2 lay something on the table make something known so that it can be freely and sensibly discussed.

Here’s where we want to connect with you, our beloved listeners, to really talk turkey (or chocolate, or Wisconsin sharp cheddar). We want to answer your burning culinary questions, hear your suggestions for upcoming episodes, and swap recipe ideas and cooking tips. And don’t forget, every donation of $10 or more gets your name dropped on-air, and enters you to win fabulous prizes from our online store!