How to sharpen your knives, what drinks to serve, where your seafood comes from – WDET’s Ann Delisi and James Beard-nominated Chef James Rigato are here to empower you in the kitchen and have some fun along the way. Through interviews with chefs and industry experts, the Essential Cooking Podcast is a key ingredient in your culinary journey.
Hosted By: Ann Delisi, James Rigato
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Recent
Ann Delisi: Alpino named Detroit Free Press’ 2024 Restaurant of the Year
Detroit Free Press restaurant and dining critic Lindsay Green joined WDET to talk about why the unique European-inspired Corktown eatery was selected.
Ann Delisi: Detroit Free Press reveals its top 10 new restaurants of 2024
From Ferndale’s Secret Bakery to a taco food truck in Detroit, this year’s list features a wide variety of culinary experiences across the region.
Ann Delisi: Free Press food critic Lyndsay Green unveils Restaurant of the Year Classic
The Free Press best new restaurants list and 2024 Restaurant of the Year will be unveiled later this week.
Essential Cooking: The science and misconceptions behind food allergies
Ann Delisi and Chef James Rigato talk with two medical doctors about food allergies.
Essential Cooking: Earning trust through excellence with Oak and Reel’s Jared Gadbaw
Ann Delisi and Chef James Rigato talk with Oak & Reel’s Michelin-starred chef and owner, Jared Gadbaw.
Essential Cooking: Chef Jon Kung’s Chinese American recipes
Ann Delisi and Chef James Rigato chat with Detroit chef, author, and social media start Jon Kung.
Essential Cooking: The family business and delicious tradition of Fairway Packing Co.
Ann Delisi and Chef James Rigato chat with the owners of Fairway Packing Co. about the company’s history and the meat supply industry.
Essential Cooking: Travel Italy like a chef
In this episode of the Essential Cooking podcast, Chef James Rigato discusses his recent adventures in Italy — a country that holds food in the highest regard.
Essential Cooking: A conversation with James Beard Award winner Warda Bouguettaya
The Warda Patisserie founder tells Ann Delisi and James Rigato about her path to Detroit, winning national recognition, and her goal of creating pastries without borders.
Essential Cooking: Detroit’s vegan options explained
Sadie Quagliotto of Hip in Detroit and vegan pro-artist Jessica Hayes talk veganism in Detroit and across the U.S.
Essential Cooking: What the halal to eat in Dearborn with Fred Sareini
Food enthusiast and expert Fred Sareini joins Ann Delisi and James Rigato to talk about some of his favorite spots in Dearborn’s rich food scene.
Essential Cooking: Grey Ghost co-founder John Vermiglio’s path from Chicago to Detroit
Chef John Vermiglio of Grey Ghost chronicles his career, including his time with influential Chicago chef Charlie Trotter.
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