Grub Street Podcast

A visit to Shuko, where chef Nick Kim explains the brilliance of the legendary Masa Takayama, under whom he apprenticed for over 10 years. Now he's one of the creative forces behind Shuko, along with GM Sarah Krathen and fellow Masa acolyte Jimmy Lau. Nick tells Platty and the Admiral wild tales of Masa's mysterious ways, as well as the ancient sushi traditions, and how they're evolving as restaurants like Shuko push the form in new directions.

Platty (aka "Dr. Z"), the Admiral, and the legendary Mimi Sheraton share a downtown lunch and talk about the wonderful, often maddening life of the restaurant critic. Mimi, who began reviewing restaurants in the late 60's, has no shortage of stories from old New York, not to mention valuable insights about the risks and rewards of wearing disguises, why she never uses the word "tasty," and which foods she shouldn't be left alone in a room with.

Platty and the Admiral enjoy mind-bending meats and more at High Street on Hudson as they explore the latest innovations in sandwich creation. High Street's culinary director Jon Nodler walks them through every step in the process of creating his signature flavors in delectable detail, and Platty nearly passes out with delight.

The Admiral lures Platty out to the wilds of Bushwick to taste the latest innovations in artisanal coffee at Supercrown, where they marvel at the intellectual and technological java advancements driving the market these days.

Platty and the Admiral investigate new frontiers of Chinese cooking at Fung Tu. Joined by owner Wilson Tang and chef Jonathan Wu, they taste eggrolls, noodles, and chicken that push the boundaries of what American Chinese food can be.

Platty and the Admiral brave the interminable line for Black Tap milkshakes, discussing the phenomenon of viral food sensations while they wait. Eventually, Alan is able to swindle his way into the Black Tap dining room, where Black Tap founder Joe Isidori describes the philosophy behind his $15 shakes, which New Yorkers routinely wait up to three hours to try.

Platty and the Admiral are shocked to discover that New York City ranks 8th on a recent list of the top ten food cities in America. They attempt to get to the bottom of our fair city's precipitous decline, joined by Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema (who happens to be the author of the aforementioned list).

What does "vegetable forward" really mean? And why are so many New York restaurants scrambling to be described that way? Platty and the Admiral discuss, and then proceed to local vegan sensation By Chloe to investigate.

How in the world has this fast-food staple become a nationwide culinary phenomenon? Alan and Adam investigate, complete with a trip to one of the prime culprits: Chick-Fil-A.

Adam Platt has had enough of several tiresome trends in the restaurant business, from the great California food bowl craze to over-use of the phrase "house-made." On the bright side, a handful of new restaurant openings in 2015 offer an exciting vision for New York's culinary future.