Sam Gugino has had a varied career as a chef, a writer, and an actor. He has truly invented himself. He talks about all of it, including his new book, Eat, You’ll Get Hungry.

We have a conversation about his various careers and we speak a lot about his Sicilian family. The table was the center of his home and the cookbook tells the story. His recipes are delicious and reflect the old-fashioned nature of that table.

Read the book, learn about Sam, and take a few pointers from him. Listen. It’s on Tip of the Tongue.

Chef Ashwin Vilkhu opens his dream restaurant - The Kingsway - in New Orleans. It is a modern prix fixe restaurant that features the chef’s interpretation of the foods of Asia. We discuss opening a restaurant in these times. When and how you know it’s right for the restaurant, the staff, and the diners.

Born in India, Chef Vilkhu grew up in New Orleans, absorbing not only the vibe and flavors of the city, but the eclectic culinary attitudes of his family. His father, Chef Arvinder Vilkhu and his mother, Pardeep Vilkhu, have been exciting the taste buds of New Orleans for years. They opened Saffron NOLA, with Chef Ashwin. It is twice nominated for James Beard Foundation awards. Listen, it’s on Tip of the Tongue.

Arvinder and Ashwin Vilkhu

Listen to the podcast with both Chefs at Saffron NOLA.

Are you a food writer? a food person? a writer? Adam Roberts is all of these things. After having written cookbooks, food blogs, television shows, and articles, Adam has written his first novel, Food Person.

You read about Adam, his podcast, his other books, and more here.

Other books by Adam Roberts. . .

Adam’s newsletter is The Amateur Gourmet.

There was a time when there were many gentlemen’s dining clubs. There is something very 19th century about them. And there are probably not that many that are descended from a club that has been around for a good while. Although it is a 20th century club, the New Orleans club - the Escargot Society - is a spiritual descendant of those clubs where gentlemen met to appreciate good wine and food. Dominic Massa, a member of the Escargot Society, joins us to talk about the club’s history. Listen, it’s on Tip of the Tongue.

The snail on the wall at Antoine’s designed by John Chase

Dominic Massa

Imagine being part of the United Cajun Navy and helping people during a disaster! They help people during floods, fires, and freezing storms to recover from natural destruction and devastation. In addition the organization, made up of volunteers, has embraced solving the problem of food insecurity.

We talk with Brian Trasher, spokesperson and vice-president of the United Cajun Navy. Listen. It’s on TIp of the Tongue.

Go on the website if you are interested in volunteering or donating.

Do you like tequila? Ted Genoways has written an exciting, cinematic account of the Cuervo family and the development of the tequila industry. With research deep into records in longhand in Spanish, French, and English, Genoways pieced together the fascinating and exciting story that parallels the development of modern Mexico as well as the modern tequila industry.

He tells us all about it. Listen. It’s on Tip of the Tongue.

I recommend that you drink your favorite tequila cocktail while you listen to the podcast.

We would all benefit from living well and eating well, with a goal of holistic living. But how does anyone accomplish such a goal? We talk to Erin Clifford about her new book that not only explains the goals, but that functions as a workbook for getting there.

Read more about Erin. and her new book.

Who knew that there was more for Meathead to teach us about grilling and barbecue? His new book, The Meathead Method, is full of new information, great recipes, and terrific photos. It gives us great tips, clear instructions, warnings of pitfalls, and lots of ideas and explanations. It teaches in a way that makes you want more. Listen. It’s on Tip of the Tongue.

You can learn more about Meathead and his website, full of recipes and other information for perfecting your own techniques.

And read about Meathead on Wikipedia.