Food People are the Best People

New York Times food columnist and essayist Eric Kim joins us to discuss his bestselling debut cookbook, Korean American: Food That Tastes Like Home, and his upcoming collection of personal essays, Spaghetti Junction. A former Digital Manager for The Food Network and Contributing Editor for Saveur, Eric shares the inspirations behind his writing, exploring how heartbreak, self-reflection, and memory shape the stories he tells. He dives into his process for crafting work that weaves together food, identity, and personal experience. Through it all, Eric Kim shows how writing can transform heartbreak into clarity, foster connection, and illuminate the beautiful, messy process of healing. Find out more at https://food-people-are-the-best-people.pinecast.co

Nico Niebes, executive director of Urban Gleaners, joins us to talk about the organization’s mission to reduce food waste and fight hunger here in Portland. This dynamic nonprofit rescues fresh, unsold food from farms, grocery stores, bakeries, restaurants, and caterers, and redistributes it to more than 8,500 families every week. Nico shares insights into how Urban Gleaners is building community through food and the challenges and opportunities in hunger relief. This conversation was recorded shortly after their Summer Suppers fundraiser last year. This year’s event takes place on September 14th, with tickets on sale now at UrbanGleaners.org This episode is brought to you by Portland Staycation — your chance to fall in love with downtown all over again, September 12-14, 2025. Discover special events, dining, and hotel offers at PortlandStaycation.com.

Chef Cathy Whims of Nostrana joins us to discuss her debut cookbook, The Italian Summer Kitchen: Timeless Recipes for La Dolce Vita. A six-time James Beard Awards Best Chef Northwest nominee, Cathy shares her journey from Portland’s Genoa to Nostrana, and how her culinary experiences in Italy inspired her to create a cookbook that celebrates the simplicity and joy of Italian summer cooking. She discusses the influence of her mentors, including Marcella Hazan, and how her childhood in the South shaped her approach to seasonal, vegetable-forward dishes. Cathy also reflects on the process of translating her love for Italian cuisine into a cookbook that invites readers to embrace the pleasures of cooking and eating. This episode is brought to you by Portland Staycation — your chance to fall in love with downtown all over again, September 12-14, 2025. Discover special events, dining, and hotel offers at PortlandStaycation.com.

Chef/Owner Garrett Benedict has created two of Portland's most aesthetically pleasing dining experiences with his produce-focused restaurant, G-Love, and cocktail bar, Love Shack. Looks aside, the food and drinks are as delicious and thoughtfully prepared as they are photo-worthy.

Alanna Keifer knows a lot about about seaweed and kelp. When she's not leading intertidal tours and workshops on the Oregon coast with Shifting Tides, or celebrating local seafood and sea veggies with Winter Waters, she's growing and touting the benefits of dulse seaweed -- one of the most sustainable foods in the world. Follow Judiaann on Instagram for the latest news and updates: @Judiaann - instagram.com/judiaann judiaannwoo.com/podcast Listen to the Podcast - new episodes every other week! Creative Director: Stephanie Duong Videographer, Photographer: Carter Hiyama Graphic Designer: Aeri Kim

After years of bootlegging for friends, Cy Cain and Casey Richwine knew there must be a better way to enjoy cocktails at home without all the fuss and heavy lifting. In 2018, they co-founded Straightaway, makers of premium ready-to-sip cocktails, and the rest is history. Their bottled and canned cocktails have gone on to win the most prestigious spirit awards, and their new line of house-made amaros, liqueurs, and vermouths has become a favorite with professionals and serious cocktail enthusiasts alike. Host Judiaann Woo talks with Cy about his long-way-round approach to ingredients and and how that standard has contributed to the success of the brand.

Host Judiaann Woo speaks with Chef Rebekah "Becky" McGrath, Executive Chef of Burgerville – the Pacific Northwest's favorite quick-serve burger spot famous for its use of local, high-quality, seasonal ingredients. Loved by generations in the PNW, their famous Walla Walla onion rings, strawberry shortcake, and other seasonal menu items have such a loyal following that people will plan vacations to be in the region just to enjoy them while they're on the menu.

From a young age, Brooke Jackson-Glidden always knew she wanted to be a food writer. She achieved that goal as a James Beard Award-winning journalist and the editor of Eater PDX, Portland's online guide to the city's dining scene. She recently landed a plum position as the editor-in-chief of Portland Monthly, the city's premier monthly magazine. Host Judiaann Woo talks with Brooke about food as a lens through which we can experience a greater commentary on the world around us.