Get ready for what we're calling the most exciting and anticipated Kitchen Chat episode of the year! Host Margaret McSweeney traveled straight to the heart of the culinary world in New York City to sit down with a true legend: celebrated restaurateur Drew Nieporent, the founder and inspiration behind the Myriad Restaurant Group. The reason for this dynamic, can't-miss conversation is the release of his insightful and candid new memoir, "I'm Not Trying to Be Difficult: Stories from the Restaurant Trenches" written with Jamie Feldmar.

This episode, like the book, is an intimate, compelling look at one of the world's most impactful hosts and multi-talented men in the hospitality industry. From establishing iconic eateries to shaping the entire modern dining landscape through the preservation of the legacy hospitality style, Nieporent's influence is unparalleled. Join Margaret as she invites Drew to share the stories behind the man—a titan of service, a visionary entrepreneur, and, as you'll quickly discover, a genuine genius who is one of the kindest people in the industry. (Photo below is when Margaret met Drew in 2015 at the International Association of Culinary Professionals celebration of Chef Jacques Pepin's 80th birthday).

As Ruth Reichl says, "If you go out to eat, you need this book." Here is a link to the must read "I'm Not Trying to Be Difficult: Stories from the Restaurant Trenches" by Drew Nieporent.

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It's time for a holiday kitchen confession… I grew up in the South, yet somehow never learned how to make biscuits! Thankfully, my dear friend Chef Carla Hall—along with the wonderful Chadwick Boyd—brought Biscuit Time to this special encore edition of Kitchen Chat.

We rolled up our sleeves at Chicago's Merchandise Mart, where Chef Jaime Laurita joined us for a fun, flour-dusted biscuit lesson. One bite of a warm, fresh biscuit instantly transported me back to my childhood and the flavors my father used to make with such love. This is an episode you'll want to cherish.

With Carla and Chadwick as your biscuit buddies, you'll learn exactly how to create tender, perfect biscuits every single time.

✅ Be sure and visit KitchenChat.info for more interviews and recipes.

Subscribe to the KitchenChat audio podcast:

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kitchen-chat-margaret-mcsweeney/id447185040
• Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3PpcTPpvHEh8eOMfDUm8I9
• Webtalkradio: Webtalkradio.com

This podcast is also available on Apple TV, Roku and Amazon Fire Stick streaming devices. Download the Experts and Authors App and go to the Kitchen Chat series page or visit: www.Expertsandauthors.tv

Congratulations to Kevin Boehm on the launch of his compelling book The Bottomless Cup: A Memoir of Secrets, Restaurants and Forgiveness. In this Kitchen Chat, Kevin shares the highs and lows of his personal life along with key components of success in his professional life. He also discusses the importance of mental health. You will be inspired by his story and strength.

Link to the book (Launching November 4, 2025) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1419775243

Margaret McSweeney and Kevin Boehm first met in 2016 at The James Beard Awards in Chicago after their first Kitchen Chat. Kevin is the co-owner and co-founder of the highly acclaimed and award winning Boka Restaurant Group which he started with Rob Katz. In 2019, Kevin and Rob were the recipients of Outstanding Restaurateur at the James Beard Awards.

✅ Be sure and visit Kitchencaht.info for photos of this amazing property.

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Subscribe to the KitchenChat audio podcast:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kitchen-chat-margaret-mcsweeney/id447185040

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3PpcTPpvHEh8eOMfDUm8I9

Webtalkradio: Webtalkradio.com

This podcast is also available on Apple TV, Roku and Amazon Fire Stick streaming devices. Download the Experts and Authors App and go to the Kitchen Chat series page or visit: www.Expertsandauthors.tv

Host Margaret McSweeney takes us to the Oxfordshire countryside to Estelle Manor, one of the "hottest" destinations in England. Originally built in 1780 in Georgian style and rebuilt in 1908 in Jacobean style, Estelle Manor sits on 85 acres and is surrounded by 3,000 acres of parklands and gardens. In 2023, Ennismore opened this beautiful property as a private club and hotel.

The kitchen gardens provide a bountiful and beautiful harvest of greens for the salads at the Glass House, one of the hotel's restaurants. Margaret enjoyed chatting with one of the chefs who was collecting the day's harvest from the gardener.

The Potting Shed is the perfect place for a morning latte and pastries amongst the lush plants throughout the interior.

Margaret's friend May and her dogs, Lulu and George joined her for this stay. They enjoyed a delicious lunch in the private library and dinner at Brasserie.

Margaret especially enjoyed booking the Thermal Journey at the Eynsham Baths, an oasis of relaxation at Estelle Manor. This experience included exclusive access to the Tea Lounge where a tea master prepared a special blend for her. She purchased some tea to continue her wellness journey in Chicago.

Please click here for additional information about Estelle Manor. https://estellemanor.com/.

✅ Be sure and visit Kitchencaht.info for photos of this amazing property.

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Subscribe to the KitchenChat audio podcast:

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kitchen-chat-margaret-mcsweeney/id447185040
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3PpcTPpvHEh8eOMfDUm8I9
• Webtalkradio: Webtalkradio.com

This podcast is also available on Apple TV, Roku and Amazon Fire Stick streaming devices. Download the Experts and Authors App and go to the Kitchen Chat series page or visit: www.Expertsandauthors.tv

"Scotland is a land of mountains, glens, and islands, a land of myth and legend" - Walter Scott. Join Kitchen Chat host Margaret McSweeney as she celebrates the 100th anniversary of Gleneagles, located at the base of the Scottish Southern Highlands. After its grand opening in 1924, media proclaimed that Gleneagles was the "8th Wonder of the World" and called it "The Glorious Playground." Learn more at https://gleneagles.com/

Tee and Tea are hallmark experiences at this timeless resort. With three championship courses and a nine-hole course, golfers can test their skills amidst the lush landscape. In 1921 (before the hotel opened), Gleneagles hosted their first golf tournament between American and British players, which is considered to be the precursor to the Ryder Cup. Photos at Kitchenchat.info

Enjoy Afternoon Tea in Glendevon at Glenagles for a taste of Scottish heritage with a legacy of impeccable service and refined elegance. Margaret especially enjoyed the Centenary Afternoon Tea offered during her stay with savories and pastries representing the culinary highlights during the 100 years, including the Truffled Egg Mayonnaise sandwich made famous in the 1930s in The Ritz.

Explore the verdant grounds and crunch along the paths of the Kitchen Garden, an oasis of produce and botanicals. Photos at Kitchenchat.info

Expand your knowledge about Scottish Whisky through a tasting offered at Gleneagles. Visit: https://gleneagles.com/the-gleneagle-blog/spirited-away/

Remember, every episode of Kitchen Chat can be heard on all podcast platforms and NOW heard on The Great British Tea Party on Facebook., https://www.facebook.com/GreatBritishTeaParty/

What are your favorite memories and experiences in Scotland? ✅ Be sure and visit KitchenChat.info for more interviews and recipes.

Subscribe to the KitchenChat audio podcast:

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kitchen-chat-margaret-mcsweeney/id447185040
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3PpcTPpvHEh8eOMfDUm8I9
• Webtalkradio: Webtalkradio.com

This podcast is also available on Apple TV, Roku and Amazon Fire Stick streaming devices. Download the Experts and Authors App and go to the Kitchen Chat series page or visit: www.Expertsandauthors.tv

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Welcome to a very special episode of Kitchen Chat: A Taste of Luxury, History & Hospitality. Today, we're traveling to a storybook setting in Scotland. Let's visit Cromlix (https://www.cromlix.com/), the breathtaking Victorian mansion and five-star luxury country house hotel near Dunblane, owned by tennis legend, Sir Andy Murray and his wife, Kim (https://www.cromlix.com/about-us/our-history/) #AndyMurray #ScottishLuxury #LuxuryTravel

Cromlix welcomes guests with both timeless Scottish heritage and contemporary luxury with resplendent interiors designed by renowned designer Suzanne Garuda. This is a place where every detail tells a story, from the grandeur of its architecture to the warmth of its welcome.

Host Margaret McSweeney sits down with the gracious General Manager, Barry Makin, to discuss the spirit of this magnificent property and the perfected hospitality. "The style of luxury we want to deliver at Cromlix is a relaxed and understated luxury that makes people feel welcome. We want to welcome you into our home and not a hotel," Makin says. From the tranquil beauty of its grounds to the exquisite dishes crafted with local ingredients, this episode is a masterclass in modern Scottish luxury.

A poignant moment for Margaret was serendipitously meeting a Scottish bagpiper who was walking into Cromlix Chapel to practice before a wedding. As many of you know, Margaret launched Kitchen Chat as a way to honor her late father who was a gourmet home chef, world traveler and accomplished musician. Her dad even loved to play the bagpipes, and his favorite song to play was Amazing Grace. This kind bagpiper in Cromlix Chapel played Amazing Grace for Margaret.

"Haste ye back," a Scottish phrase meaning "You are always welcome to return" reflects the depth of hospitality at Cromlix. I look forward to one day returning to this cherished place.

Remember, every episode of Kitchen Chat can be heard on all podcast platforms and NOW heard on The Great British Tea Party on Facebook., https://www.facebook.com/GreatBritishTeaParty/

✅ Be sure and visit KitchenChat.info for more interviews and recipes.

Subscribe to the KitchenChat audio podcast:

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kitchen-chat-margaret-mcsweeney/id447185040
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3PpcTPpvHEh8eOMfDUm8I9
• Webtalkradio: Webtalkradio.com

This podcast is also available on Apple TV, Roku and Amazon Fire Stick streaming devices. Download the Experts and Authors App and go to the Kitchen Chat series page or visit: www.Expertsandauthors.tv

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Welcome to a special edition of Kitchen Chat: A Taste of Luxury, History, and Hospitality. Host Margaret McSweeney takes you to the heart of London's Mayfair, a place synonymous with timeless elegance, to visit the incomparable Brown's Hotel, a Rocco Forte Property, https://www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/brown-s-hotel/

Brown's is more than just a hotel; it's a living piece of history, where the past whispers from every corner. Founded in 1837, this is London's very first hotel, and its legacy is rich with stories. It's where Rudyard Kipling wrote The Jungle Book, and where Alexander Graham Bell made Britain's first-ever telephone call. Today, this historic landmark has been impeccably reimagined, blending its iconic heritage with a modern culinary spirit.

This episode will feature highlights from Margaret's Kitchen Chat last summer with her friend, Chef Ross Sneddon, Regional Executive Pastry Chef for Rocco Forte (including The Balmoral and Brown's Hotel). During her visit to London this summer, Margaret and May Wong visited with Chef Ross to sample the popular Mayfair Bun which is now available at Brown's.

Inspired by centuries of British baking tradition yet entirely its own, the Mayfair Bun is a delicate balance of indulgence and restraint. Baked in beeswax, draped in honey, and dusted with floral bee pollen, it offers a subtle sweetness that lingers without overpowering. The honey used in the Mayfair Bun is sourced from the award-winning Rhug Estate in North Wales, where bees forage freely among wildflowers in the Dee Valley. The result is a naturally floral honey with subtle notes of citrus and heather.

This pastry is a tribute to the hotel's address at 33 Albemarle Street in Mayfair. Each Mayfair bun features 33 delicate layers of pastry and only 33 of these buns are baked and sold each day, with £1 from each sale benefiting Bees for Development, https://www.beesfordevelopment.org/about-us/ a charity dedicated to beekeeping and biodiversity. Get ready to experience the perfect blend of luxury, history, and hospitality as we celebrate a true London icon.

Remember, every episode of Kitchen Chat can be heard on all podcast platforms and NOW heard on The Great British Tea Party on Facebook., https://www.facebook.com/GreatBritishTeaParty/

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✅ Be sure and visit KitchenChat.info for more interviews and recipes.

Subscribe to the KitchenChat audio podcast:

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kitchen-chat-margaret-mcsweeney/id447185040
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3PpcTPpvHEh8eOMfDUm8I9
• Webtalkradio: Webtalkradio.com

This podcast is also available on Apple TV, Roku and Amazon Fire Stick streaming devices. Download the Experts and Authors App and go to the Kitchen Chat series page or visit: www.Expertsandauthors.tv

"I like to think that whatever you cook indoors. you can cook it even better outdoors" Meathead Goldwyn. On this special episode of Kitchen Chat, host Margaret McSweeney visits the living legend of grilling in his kitchen for an insightful conversation and a Masterclass on one of America's most revered traditions. She is joined by the celebrated pitmaster, culinary scientist, and seminal voice in outdoor cooking, Meathead Goldwyn, author of the landmark book, "The Meathead Method: A BBQ Hall of Famer's Secrets and Science on BBQ, Grilling, and Outdoor Cooking with 114 Recipes."

This episode presents an inspiring approach to the craft, intricate science and storied history of American barbecue. In a conversation that brings the experience of cooking outdoors to life, Margaret and Meathead delve into the rich History and cultural significance of this culinary art form, examine its central role in American Hospitality, and dissect the scientific principles that create an irresistible, craveworthy Taste experience. It's a discussion that defines the true Luxury of culinary mastery—where technique, precision, and passion converge to inspire and elevate a beloved tradition.

Join us for a compelling exploration of the art, soul, and science of outdoor Summer cooking.

Remember, every episode of Kitchen Chat can now be heard on all podcast platforms and NOW heard on The Great British Tea Party on Facebook. And of course, Meathead talks about flavoring smoke on the grill with tea.

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✅ Be sure and visit KitchenChat.info for more interviews and recipes.

Subscribe to the KitchenChat audio podcast:

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kitchen-chat-margaret-mcsweeney/id447185040
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3PpcTPpvHEh8eOMfDUm8I9
• Webtalkradio: Webtalkradio.com

This podcast is also available on Apple TV, Roku and Amazon Fire Stick streaming devices. Download the Experts and Authors App and go to the Kitchen Chat series page or visit: www.Expertsandauthors.tv

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