Chewing

Michael Pollan talks to old pal Monica about and his new audiobook "Caffeine: How Caffeine Created the Modern World." Then David Lebovitz talks to old pal Louisa about his new book "Drinking French: The Iconic Cocktails, Apéritifs, and Café Traditions of France, with 160 Recipes."

Here's an bonus track while we are on break. Enjoy!

Louisa Chu talks to 93 year old Uncle Remus Saucy Fried Chicken founder Gus Rickette and daughter / CEO Charmaine Rickette. Monica Eng talks to 85 year old namesake of Chinese-American Museum of Chicago Raymond Lee, and great aunts about jook / congee recipes. Plus Monica dares Louisa to eat German currywurst chips, but Will She Eat It?

Monica Eng talks about surprising American story behind Italian Christmas Feast of the Seven Fishes with filmmaker Robert Tinnell. Louisa Chu talks about best new book "Last Call: Bartenders on Their Final Drink and the Wisdom and Rituals of Closing Time" with author Brad Thomas Parsons. Louisa and Monica visit world's largest Starbucks with Chicago Malort cocktail, but Will They Drink It?

Monica Eng visits Mitsuwa Marketplace to learn how to shop for Japanese groceries. Yoshi's Cafe owner Nobuko Katsumura teaches her how to eat ramen. Louisa Chu talks to Gaijin owners about okonomiyaki. Monica dares Louisa to taste cheese flavored fish sausage, but Will She Eat It?

Louisa Chu visits newest Patel Brothers, the largest Indian grocery chain in North America. Monica Eng talks to a Johns Hopkins researcher about the best diet to save the planet. Louisa learns sweet loves stories behind biscuit desserts at Superkhana International and Thattu. Monica dares her to eat spicy fish roe potato chips, but Will She Eat It?

Memories and the Way We Ate: Mexican-American Top Chef Carlos Gaytan reveals story behind new French-Mexican restaurant Tzuco in Chicago. NPR / NYT alum journalist Micki Maynard shares over dim sum how to interview family. Chicago magazine former dining editor Penny Pollack talks about her life in food. Louisa Chu dares Monica Eng to try Parle-G biscuits, but Will She Eat It?

Chicago woodsman Brendan Fox talks organic gardening and mushrooms. The Violet Hour owner and mixologist Toby Maloney and cocktails author Kara Newman to talk nightcaps. Peninsula chef Elmo Han talks mooncakes. Louisa dares Monica to eat vegetarian mooncakes from Shanghai but Will She Eat It?

James Beard award winning baker Greg Wade at Publican Quality Bread. "Let's Make Ramen" authors Hugh Amano and Sarah Becan. Monica offers Louisa cucumber flavor potato chips, but Will She Eat It?