Radio Cherry Bombe

Years ago, when Esther Choi was working behind the scenes of Iron Chef on the Food Network, helping procure specialty groceries for the competitors, she never imagined that one day she’d be battling the country’s best chefs for the show’s top prize. But there she was, part of the star-studded lineup of the new Netflix reboot, Iron Chef: Quest For An Iron Legend. We won’t say if Esther won, but just know there are a few spoiler alerts on this week’s episode. Esther and host Kerry Diamond talk about the series; what next for Mökbar, Esther’s growing chain of Korean ramen eateries; the good and bad of hustle culture; and Esther’s Sessy sesame oil product line. This episode is supported by Wild Planet, leaders in sustainable seafood. For more information, recipes, and a store locator, head to wildplanetfoods.com. This episode is also supported by Whole Foods Market and La Newyorkina. Learn more at wholefoodsmarket.com. Radio Cherry Bombe is recorded at Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Our

When the former community organizer Reem Assil opened Reem’s California in Oakland, she knew she wanted to do things differently. But she never could have imagined what was to come. There were protests and death threats, but also industry accolades; a heavy mix for anyone, but especially a new mom and new restaurateur. Reem joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about the early days of Reem’s, her time with La Cocina’s incubator program, and how social justice continues to permeate everything she does. They also discuss Reem’s debut cookbook, Arabiyya: Recipes from the Life of an Arab in Diaspora, a tribute to the food at Reem’s and the Arab hospitality she grew up with and champions today.This episode is supported by Talea Beer Co. For locations and more info, check out taleabeer.com. Radio Cherry Bombe is recorded at Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Our theme song is by the band Tra La La.Subscribe to our newsletter and check out past episodes and transcripts here!More on Reem: Instagram,

After an unconventional childhood, Zoë François thought the structure of corporate America seemed very appealing. But once she got there, she realized a desk job was not her future and she started baking to deal with the professional doldrums. That led to a stint at the Culinary Institute of America and the start of a fascinating career. Today, Zoë is the star of Zoë Bakes on the Magnolia Network and the author of Zoë Bakes Cakes, her first solo cookbook. Zoë has become known for her beautiful signature baked goods, including puffy pavlovas and layer cakes coated in torched meringue, that she features on her popular Instagram account. Zoë joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about the twists and turns her life has taken and the sweet life is so satisfying.  Thank you to Kerrygold for supporting today’s show. Visit kerrygoldusa.com for product info, recipes, and a store near you. Radio Cherry Bombe is recorded at Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Our theme song is by the band Tra La La.Subs

Sajani Amarasiri was born to launch her own business. She was entrepreneurial as a child growing up in Sri Lanka, studied supply chain management in college, and pursued numerous side hustles as a young adult. While working at Microsoft, she had the idea to launch the first networking and co-working space in Sri Lanka. Called Colombo Cooperative, the concept was embraced by the emerging entrepreneur community in her native country. Around the same time, back in the U.S., Sajani couldn’t help but notice how Southeast Asian traditions and ingredients were influencing the wellness world, so she decided to launch her second bootstrapped brand, one that would pay homage to the Sri Lankan practices she and her family hold dear. That brand, Kola Goodies, earned Sajani the Cherry Bombe Women in Food Award as part of the Foxtrot Market 2022 Up & Comers competition. Her prize includes a monetary award, marketing support, and a spot on Foxtrot’s shelves. Sajani joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about her journey, the

Grace Young knew she wanted to cook from a young age. She was making Julia Child recipes at the age of 10 and as a teen and washed dishes in exchange for cooking lessons from a local instructor. Grace went on to work in test kitchens and write her own cookbooks, including two classics, The Wisdom of The Chinese Kitchen and Breath of a Wok. Before the start of the pandemic in 2020, Grace found herself in a new role, that of activist, as she started fighting for the survival of Manhattan’s Chinatown. Her activism expanded to include Chinatowns around the country, as well as AAPI communities. Because of that work, Grace received this year’s Julia Child Award from the Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts, as well as Humanitarian of the Year from the James Beard Foundation. She joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about her work and culinary calling, and the unexpected turn her life has taken. Thank you to Brightland for supporting this episode. Shop and find recipes at brightland.co.Here is the

For the keynote conversation at this year’s Cherry Bombe Jubilee Conference, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Kim Severson of The New York Times sat down with food TV superstar and best-selling author Rachael Ray for an honest chat about her life, work, and philanthropy. Introducing Kim and Rachael is Brittany Bradford, the actor who plays Alice Neiman on the HBO Max original series Julia.Rachael and Kim’s conversation was recorded in April at Center415 in Manhattan. The Cherry Bombe Jubilee conference is the largest gathering of women in the food and drink space in the U.S. This was the 9th in-person Jubilee and the largest one yet. Thank you to Kerrygold for supporting today’s show. Visit kerrygoldusa.com for product info, recipes, and a store near you. Radio Cherry Bombe is recorded at Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Our theme song is by the band Tra La La.Subscribe to our newsletter and check out past episodes and transcripts here.More on Kim: Instagram, WebsiteMore on Rachael:

The Bear might be the best TV show about restaurant life ever, and its emotional center is Jeremy Allen White, formerly of Shameless, who plays Chef Carmen “Carmy” Berzotto. Carmy, a rising star in the culinary world, returns to Chicago after the death of his brother in an attempt to save his family’s failing eatery. He’s supported and sometimes thwarted in his mission by family, his brother’s longtime crew, and an upstart sous chef named Sydney. Jeremy joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about how he prepared for his role, the team behind the show, and his take on restaurants today. Don’t miss this episode! And be sure to catch The Bear on Hulu. Clips courtesy of FX Networks. Thank you to Kerrygold, makers of Irish grass-fed butter and cheese, for supporting this episode. To learn more and find a store near you, visit kerrygoldusa.com. This episode is also supported by Brightland, the modern pantry essentials company. Radio Cherry Bombe is recorded at Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Ou

Christy Goldsby was helping a friend through a health crisis when she came upon a sweet but healthy treat that made her stop in her tracks. That discovery led to the creation of Honey Mama’s, the line of cocoa truffle bars—think better-for-you chocolates with nourishing ingredients—that you keep in the fridge. Christy joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about taking Honey Mama’s from local Portland, Oregon, fave to a nationally distributed darling. Christy also shares what she’s learned along the way, the tools she relies on as an entrepreneur, and how the brand has raised money over the years.This episode is supported by Brightland, the modern pantry essentials company. Use code CHERRYBOMBE10 for 10% off The Mini Essentials through the end of June at brightland.co.Radio Cherry Bombe is recorded at Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Our theme song is by the band Tra La La.Subscribe to our newsletter and check out past episodes and transcripts here!More on Christy: Instagram, Honey Mama’s

Summer’s here and we hope that means good eats for you this season. On today’s show, two folks who want to help: writer/actor/producer Stanley Tucci and The New York Times Food & Cooking editor Nikita Richardson. Stanley joins us in the second part of the show to chat about his summer plans, his summer reading list, and the San Pellegrino "Summer like an Italian" sweepstakes. (Pro tip: enter!) At the start of the show, host Kerry Diamond catches up with Nikita to hear about her job at the Times and her restaurant newsletter, Where To Eat: New York City. Nikita shares a few faves, her advice for snagging restaurant reservations, and how she tries to have a work-life balance. This episode is supported by Costa Brazil, a line of skincare and aroma for the body, the spirit, and the earth founded by Francisco Costa. Visit livecostabrazil.com for more. Radio Cherry Bombe is recorded at Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Our theme song is by the band Tra La La.Subscribe to our newsletter a

The beverage category is a crowded place these days, especially with all the launches in the low-ABV and no-alcohol space. (Why are there so many spiked seltzers?) But that didn’t deter Dee Charlemagne, co-founder of Avec, the fizzy mixers you can drink straight up or in a cocktail or mocktail. The brand launched early in the pandemic and has found a devoted audience for its modern flavors, ingredients, and low-to-no-sugar stance. Dee joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about entrepreneurship, funding, Starbucks super fans, and the future of Avec. This episode is supported by Costa Brazil, a line of skincare and aroma for the body, the spirit, and the earth founded by Francisco Costa. Visit livecostabrazil.com for more. Radio Cherry Bombe is recorded at Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Our theme song is by the band Tra La La.Subscribe to our newsletter and check out past episodes and transcripts here!More on Dee: Instagram, AVEC Drinks

Actor and storyteller Yin Chang and restaurateur Moonlynn Tsai met over a meal, fell in love at Burning Man (yes, they share that story), and put their personal lives on hold to care for elders in New York’s Chinatown with nutritious, culturally appropriate meals. At the start of the pandemic, the two realized the elder community needed help, so they stepped forward, bringing their friends and colleagues along in support of the cause and creating Heart of Dinner in the process. The violence directed toward the AAPI community over the past few years has only intensified their desire to make a difference. Yin and Moonlyn stopped by Radio Cherry Bombe to share their story with host Kerry Diamond. Learn about the work Heart of Dinner is doing today and what you can do to help. If you’d like to donate or volunteer, visit here! Thank you to Kerrygold, makers of Irish grass-fed butter and cheese, for supporting this episode. To learn more and find a store near you, visit kerrygoldusa.com. And thank you to Kobrand Fi

Three food world dynamos got together for a fireside chat at this year’s sold-out Cherry Bombe Jubilee conference, held in New York City this past April. Hetty McKinnon of Peddler Journal and To Asia, With Love moderated a conversation with Sana Javeri Kadri of Diaspora Co. and Zoe Adjonyoh of Zoe’s Ghana Kitchen and the James Beard Foundation on a wide range of topics, from “diasporic angst” to growth and failure. “If you don’t push yourself out of your comfort zone, where’s the grace going to happen?” asked Zoe. Don’t miss their thoughtful conversation. Their talk was introduced by Jannell Lo, the chef and creator of the #DumptheHate AAPI anti-violence campaign and My BF is GF. Thank you to Kerrygold, makers of Irish grass-fed butter and cheese, for supporting this episode. To learn more and find a store near you, visit kerrygoldusa.com.If you enjoyed this conversation, catch past Radio Cherry Bombe appearances with Hetty, Zoe, and Sana. Radio Cherry Bombe is recorded at Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Cen

It’s the cake company that was truly born on the bayou—Bayou Saint Cake from Pastry Chef Bronwen Wyatt. Bronwen joins host Kerry Diamond to share her journey from making rolled cakes out of the Joy of Cooking cookbook at age 8 to launching a custom cake business out of necessity during the pandemic in New Orleans. Learn how this thoughtful cake artist channels her love of art and seasonality to create some of the most original and festive baked goods around. Thank you to Käserei Champignon, the maker of Cambozola cheese, and California Prunes for supporting this episode. Radio Cherry Bombe is recorded at Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Our theme song is by the band Tra La La.Subscribe to our newsletter and check out past episodes and transcripts here!More on Bronwen: Instagram, WebsiteCheck out Bayou Saint Cake’s recipe for Almond Cake with Prune-Raspberry Butter here!

“I want to feed people the way I feed my family,” says Marie-Aude Rose, the executive chef at La Mercerie, the feminine, design-forward restaurant from Roman and Williams, the New York-based design studio co-founded by Robin Standefer. Marie-Aude and Robin join host Kerry Diamond to talk about La Mercerie and its sister space, The Guild, which features home goods, furniture, and more sourced from some of Roman and Williams’ favorite artisans. They discuss their partnership, Robin’s thoughts on restaurant design, Marie-Aude’s bright approach to traditional French cuisine, and La Mercerie’s Sunday supper series dedicated to the women who helped inspire some of the greatest French chefs around. Thank you to Käserei Champignon, the maker of Cambozola cheese, and California Prunes for supporting this episode. Radio Cherry Bombe is recorded at Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Our theme song is by the band Tra La La.Subscribe to our newsletter and check out past episodes and transcripts here

Anne Saxelby was a champion of American farmstead and artisanal cheeses and was beloved by cheesemakers and chefs alike. The founder of Saxelby Cheesemongers (now at NYC’s Chelsea Market and online), Anne passed away unexpectedly last October, devastating her family and leaving a big hole in the hearts of many in the food world. In response, Anne’s husband, Patrick Martins, who helped found Heritage Foods, Heritage Radio, and Slow Food USA, started the Anne Saxelby Legacy Fund to keep her spirit alive through paid apprenticeships at farms across the country. Patrick joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about the legacy fund, and later in the show, Anna Harrington of the Rounds cookie company and the ASLF Fundraiser Benefit Committee joins to talk about the legacy fund’s first event, taking place Sept. 14th at Chelsea Market. Thank you to California Prunes and to Käserei Champignon, the maker of Cambozola and Grand Noir cheese, for supporting this episode. Radio Cherry Bombe is recorded at Newsstand Studios at Roc

When Samantha Sheehan was headed to college, her father thought accounting would be a smart, solid profession for his daughter. Samantha wound up working for Deloitte, but her heart was in science… and sparkling wine. A random conversation in a wine shop led to a career switch. Today, Samantha is a winemaker and entrepreneur based in Napa, California. She has three brands—Poe Wines, Ultraviolet Wines, and Mommenpop—and she collaborates with the likes of Une Femme Wines and Foxtrot Market.Samantha joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about her entrepreneurial journey and how she builds her wine brands from scratch. Whether you’re thinking of switching careers or are curious about a life in wine, this episode is for you.This episode is sponsored by Käserei Champignon, the maker of Cambozola cheese, and by the law firm Helbraun Levey.Monday, May 2nd, is the deadline to vote for Foxtrot’s Fan Favorite Up & Comer’s awards. Vote here!Radio Cherry Bombe is recorded at Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center in New Y

Today, we’re talking with Jaíne Mackievicz, the winner of the brand new Food Network program, The Julia Child Challenge. Jaíne grew up in the Amazon and learned about Julia Child as a child after seeing the culinary icon make spaghetti on Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. The chance viewing led to Jaíne eventually moving all the way to Boston and pursuing her passion for cooking and baking, with Julia as her North Star. It’s a remarkable story and Jaíne joins us to share more. Thank you to the law firm Helbraun Levey for supporting today’s show. For a free consultation or to sign up for their hospitality newsletter, visit helbraunlevey.com. Radio Cherry Bombe is recorded at Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Our theme song is by the band Tra La La.Subscribe to our newsletter and check out past episodes and transcripts here!More on Jaíne: Instagram, The Julia Child Challenge

Entrepreneur Chitra Agrawal has faced some challenging moments as the founder of Indian condiments line Brooklyn Delhi. But a great product, a lot of hard work, and some quick thinking got her through the rough patches. Chitra, who is also the author of the cookbook Vibrant India and a mom of two, joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about the ups and downs, why she’s remained an independent and fully-bootstrapped business all these years, and how Trader Joe’s came to launch a copycat product without her involvement. (We did reach out to Trader Joe’s for comment and will update if we hear from them).Thank you to Mommenpop for sponsoring this episode. Learn more at mommenpop.com.Radio Cherry Bombe is recorded at Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Our theme song is by the band Tra La La.Subscribe to our newsletter and check out past episodes and transcripts here!More on Chitra: Instagram, Brooklyn Delhi, Vibrant India

What’s it like to have a hit on your hands after decades of working in the restaurant industry? For Chef Ayesha Nurdjaja and Restaurateur Vicki Freeman of the Bowery Group, it’s been a thrill seeing their Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant Shukette make top 10 lists and garner great reviews since opening less than a year ago. But a big success doesn’t make them immune from other industry woes, including employee shortages and navigating a pandemic. The two join host Kerry Diamond to talk about the magic of Shukette, why they love restaurants so much, and how they’re dealing with all the changes in the industry. Thank you to Mommenpop for sponsoring this episode. Radio Cherry Bombe is recorded at Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Our theme song is by the band Tra La La.Subscribe to our newsletter and check out past episodes and transcripts here!More on Vicki: Instagram, Bowery Group RestaurantsMore on Ayesha: Instagram, Shuka NYC, Shukette NYC

Love Julia Child? We have a treat for you! Radio Cherry Bombe’s Kerry Diamond is hosting a brand new podcast called Dishing On Julia and it’s the official companion podcast to the HBO Max original series Julia, based on the life of Julia Child. For this week’s show, we’re airing Episode 1 of Dishing On Julia so you can get a taste of this delicious new program. Kerry recaps the latest episode of Julia and talks with Creator Daniel Goldfarb and Executive Producer Kimberly Carver about how the show came to be. For the finale, Ina Garten stops by! Ina shares her Julia Child connection and what she’d make for dinner with Julia. Listen to Dishing On Julia wherever you get your podcasts. We’d love for you to subscribe to and rate the show. Also, don’t miss Julia, streaming now on HBO Max. Our theme song is by the band Tra La La.Subscribe to our newsletter and check out past episodes and transcripts here!