Stephen Nasiatka of StephenUncorked shares about how wine brings people together, from creative pairings to curated events. This Cooking Chat episode also previews an upcoming nonprofit fundraiser featuring excellent wine paired with Cuban food. Cooking Chat host David Crowley talks with Stephen about how wine can spark meaningful connections, the origins of Stephen's wine journey, and the creative ways he curates tasting experiences for nonprofits, businesses, and community gatherings. Topics include: A unique Pinot Noir pairing with lobster mac & cheese. How Stephen turned a passion for wine into a community-building business. Tips for designing wine events that foster authentic networking. Preview of pairings to try with Cuban cuisine at an upcoming Social Capital Inc. fundraiser at Gustazo Waltham. Insights into Stephen's wine portfolio and philosophy of "drink less, drink better".
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42:31
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42:31
A Taste of France in Winchester, MA
This Cooking Chat podcast episode features Celine Kimberly of Nouvelle Maison, a French fine-provisions café in Winchester, MA, to talk cheese, Old World–style wines, and effortless pairings. In this interview with host David Crowley from Cooking Chat, the episode covers: Childhood food memories from France that inspired her love of markets and seasonal ingredients Transitioning from a corporate career into running a specialty French food store What visitors will find inside Nouvelle Maison: cheeses, charcuterie, baked goods, wine, spirits, and more Focus on small-scale French and local producers, with direct ties to family businesses Community events like wine and cheese tastings and hands-on classes Insights into French food culture, quality sourcing, and resources for learning more Off-the-beaten-path travel ideas in France, from Brittany to the Basque region
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24:45
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24:45
Getting More Veggies on Your Plate
Heidi Herman, author of The Hidden Vegetables Cookbook, joins David Crowley on the Cooking Chat podcast to share her journey from lifelong veggie-averse eater to creative veggie enthusiast. Discover the inspiration behind her cookbook, packed with 90 recipes for adults who want to eat healthier without sacrificing taste. Heidi reveals practical tips for prepping, storing, and freezing veggies, plus creative hacks to incorporate them into every meal—even desserts! Learn how to enjoy more vegetables, reduce kitchen waste, and make plant-based eating approachable for everyone. Whether you love or loathe veggies, this episode offers expert advice, surprising stats, and easy ideas to boost your nutrition and flavor.
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27:20
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27:20
Historic Livermore Valley Wines with Ally Wente
Check out the Cooking Chat Food & Wine podcast for an engaging conversation with Aly Wente, a member of the fifth generation of the family stewarding Wente Family Vineyards—America's longest continuously family-owned and operated winery. With over 140 years of history rooted in California's Livermore Valley, Wente Vineyards has made major contributions to the story of American wine from its German immigrant beginnings to its current focus on sustainability and innovation. Aly shares how her family pioneered California Chardonnay, including the origin of the famed Wente Clone, which now influences 75% of all Chardonnay grown in the state. She also reflects on her personal journey that brought her to be part of the next generation of the Wente family guiding the winery into the future. Discover what makes Livermore Valley an excellent spot for making wine, and why the region's winemakers have decided to lift up Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc as the region's signature. During this episode, host David Crowley tastes two examples of Wente's wines that highlight the promise of these grapes. If you're passionate about wine, inspired by family business legacies, or curious about under-the-radar wine regions, this episode blends tradition, innovation, and the future of American wine in one compelling story.
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28:46
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28:46
Spring Pairings and More with Martin Redmond
The recently rebranded Cooking Chat Food and Wine podcast features Martin Redmond, wine blogger and Treasurer of the Glancy Wine Education Foundation. Martin shares his journey from discovering wine and starting his ENOFYLZ blog, and discusses his passion for wine and food pairings. The conversation explores pairing tips for spring produce, including how cooking methods such as roasting or grilling asparagus impact wine matches. Martin also reflects on Lodi, California's wine scene and the evolving character of Zinfandel, offering listeners inspiration for enjoying local food and wine together.
Welcome to the Cooking Chat Food & Wine podcast — where great recipes meet delicious wine pairings! Each episode, we dive into seasonal cooking ideas and the wines that bring them to life. You'll hear from local food producers, winemakers, chefs, home cooks, and occasionally a brewer, all sharing insights to elevate your meals and support the local food system.
Building on the themes of our Cook Local, Eat Local podcast, this show expands into broader Cooking Chat topics, blending a love for seasonal ingredients, flavorful recipes, and creative wine pairings.
If you're passionate about cooking with fresh, local ingredients and discovering new wine pairings, this podcast is for you. Tune in to get inspired in the kitchen and explore new flavors with us on our tasty Cooking Chat Food & Wine journey!
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