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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Detroit Kitchen Terminal Supports Food Workers in Detroit
Desiré Vincent Levy talks about supporting food workers in Detroit during the pandemic and facilitating training and job placements with Detroit Kitchen Terminal.
Deeply Rooted Produce Works to Transform Detroit’s Food System with Hyperlocal Produce Delivery
In this episode of the Essential Cooking podcast, Dazmonique Carr of Deeply Rooted Produce joins Ann Delisi and Chef James Rigato to talk about delivering locally grown produce to Detroiters.
Michigan Wines Gaining in Popularity, But Climate Change Could Threaten That Growth
In this episode of the Essential Cooking podcast, Sean O’Keefe of Mari Vineyards talks about what makes Michigan-made wine so unique, and how climate change is affecting the delicate environmental balance necessary for growing grapes in Michigan.
The Never-ending Pursuit of Flavor, with Ryan Burk of Angry Orchard
In this episode of the Essential Cooking Podcast, Ryan Burk of Angry Orchard talks about the apple’s journey from Kazakhstan to North America, and the myriad varieties that make well-balanced hard cider.
Family-Run Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill Thriving After 75 Years, Despite Challenges
In this episode of the Essential Cooking podcast, Andrew Blake from Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill joins Ann Delisi and Chef James Rigato to talk about adapting to changing times and weather for the family business.
Starting a Successful Food Business Isn’t Easy, But Detroit Kitchen Connect Is Here To Help
In this episode of the Essential Cooking podcast, Chef Laura Romito of Detroit Kitchen Connect joins Ann Delisi and Chef James Rigato to talk food entrepreneurship in Detroit’s Eastern Market.
Extend Your Growing Season With a Hoop House
In this episode of the Essential Cooking podcast, Tomm Becker of Nifty Hoops and Sunseed Farm joins Ann Delisi and Chef James Rigato to talk about the benefits of hoop houses for home food growers.
Mark Kurlyandchik Honors Detroit Food Fighters in His Last Piece for the Detroit Free Press
In this episode of the Essential Cooking podcast, food writer Mark Kurlyandchik joins Ann Delisi and Chef James Rigato to talk about the Detroit Free Press 2020 Food Fighters honorees.
Online Ordering is Key Ingredient in Good Cakes and Bakes’ Resilience During Pandemic
In the latest episode of Essential Cooking, April Anderson of Good Cakes and Bakes joins Ann Delisi and Chef James Rigato to talk about her big break on “The Today Show” in 2019, and how that experience set them up for success when the pandemic hit.
There’s a Wine for Everyone in Chris Hunter’s World
Sommelier Chris Hunter of Vino Volo joins Ann Delisi and Chef James Rigato to talk about trying out new varieties of wine, getting into the business at an early age and comparing wine to musicians.
Online Grocery Store Delivers Michigan-Grown Foods
In this episode of Essential Cooking, Drew Patrick of Michigan Fields joins Ann Delisi and Chef James Rigato to talk about launching an online grocery store during the pandemic. Plus, learn how to cook beef liver like a pro.
Dearborn’s Arab American Food Scene Adjusts to a COVID World
In this episode of the Essential Cooking podcast, Zahir Janmohamed joins Ann Delisi and Chef James Rigato to talk about how Dearborn restaurants are coping with the COVID-19 pandemic.
RECIPE: Warm Up With This Aromatic Sipping Broth
Chef James Rigato shares his recipe for an aromatic sipping broth that will provide comfort and health in Michigan’s cold weather months.
From Prisoner to Restaurateur: How Learning to Cook Changed Dink Dawson’s Life
In this episode of the Essential Cooking Podcast, Dink Dawson joins Ann Delisi and Chef James Rigato to talk about how he learned to cook and run a restaurant while he was incarcerated.
Food Influencers The Kitchenista and Mighty in the Mitten Find Recipe for Success on Instagram
In this episode of the Essential Cooking podcast, Ann Delisi and Chef James Rigato talk with Detroit-based food influencers Angela Davis and MyThy Huynh about what led them to cooking for Instagram.
Five Essential Cooking Episodes from 2020 to Inspire Your Home Cooking
From sourcing high quality seafood to preparing the perfect turkey, Ann Delisi and Chef James Rigato brought you culinary inspiration in 2020.
Urbanrest Brewing Company’s “Slow and Low” Brewing Philosophy
In this episode of the Essential Cooking Podcast, Urbanrest Brewing Company’s owner Zach Typinksi joins Ann Delisi and Chef James Rigato to talk about his brewing philosophy and what sets his neighborhood brewery apart from macro breweries.
Always Tip Your Server, and Other Restaurant Etiquette
In the latest episode of the Essential Cooking podcast, Ann Delisi and co-host Chef James Rigato talk about the do’s and don’ts of dining out.
How to Roast Your Turkey, and Other Thanksgiving Tips for the Home Cook
In Episode 9 of Essential Cooking, Chef James Rigato, Ann Delisi, and Chef Molly Mitchell from Rose’s Fine Food share tips on cooking Thanksgiving dinner.
Essential Cooking: How These Popular Detroit Restaurants Got Their Names
In Episode 8 of Essential Cooking, Shewolf’s Chef Anthony Lombardo and Grey Ghost’s Chef John Virmiglio join Ann Delisi and Mabel Gray’s Chef James Rigato to share hilarious stories from their culinary careers.
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