John Torode, chef/owner of Smiths of Smithfield in London's meat-packing district, discusses his favorite subject: beef. During the chat, he dissects the mysteries of meat. To wit: the different types of animals; wet versus dry aging; prime, choice, and select grades; and the two biggest problems cooks face — understanding beef cuts and how to buy beef.

Grant Achatz, chef/owner of the acclaimed restaurant Alinea, in Chicago, talks about his new cookbook, the creative process--both on the page and in the kitchen--and how the home cook can get the most from the book.

Steven Shaw, founder of eGullet.org chats about his book, "Asian Dining Rules," which covers the cultural, social, gastronomic, and interpersonal aspects of supping in Japanese, Chinese, Southeast Asian, Korean, and Indian restaurants in North America.

Southern food writer and author Virginia Willis takes us along on the journey she embarked upon years ago, from the rural South to France and back again. Willis discusses how she blended classic French, traditional southern, and contemporary American cuisines to create her lavishly illustrated cookbook, "Bon Appétit, Y'All."

Radio host and author Lynne Rossetto Kasper and her long-time producer, Sally Swift, chat about their new book, "The Splendid Table's How to Eat Supper." They also reveal what went into its creation, the contributions of a host of stellar food personalities, and their one and only fight.