Kitchen Chat® – Margaret McSweeney

Welcome to a very special episode of Kitchen Chat: A Taste of Luxury, History & Hospitality. Today, we're traveling to a storybook setting in Scotland. Let's visit Cromlix (https://www.cromlix.com/), the breathtaking Victorian mansion and five-star luxury country house hotel near Dunblane, owned by tennis legend, Sir Andy Murray and his wife, Kim (https://www.cromlix.com/about-us/our-history/) #AndyMurray #ScottishLuxury #LuxuryTravel

Cromlix welcomes guests with both timeless Scottish heritage and contemporary luxury with resplendent interiors designed by renowned designer Suzanne Garuda. This is a place where every detail tells a story, from the grandeur of its architecture to the warmth of its welcome.

Host Margaret McSweeney sits down with the gracious General Manager, Barry Makin, to discuss the spirit of this magnificent property and the perfected hospitality. "The style of luxury we want to deliver at Cromlix is a relaxed and understated luxury that makes people feel welcome. We want to welcome you into our home and not a hotel," Makin says. From the tranquil beauty of its grounds to the exquisite dishes crafted with local ingredients, this episode is a masterclass in modern Scottish luxury.

A poignant moment for Margaret was serendipitously meeting a Scottish bagpiper who was walking into Cromlix Chapel to practice before a wedding. As many of you know, Margaret launched Kitchen Chat as a way to honor her late father who was a gourmet home chef, world traveler and accomplished musician. Her dad even loved to play the bagpipes, and his favorite song to play was Amazing Grace. This kind bagpiper in Cromlix Chapel played Amazing Grace for Margaret.

"Haste ye back," a Scottish phrase meaning "You are always welcome to return" reflects the depth of hospitality at Cromlix. I look forward to one day returning to this cherished place.

Remember, every episode of Kitchen Chat can be heard on all podcast platforms and NOW heard on The Great British Tea Party on Facebook., https://www.facebook.com/GreatBritishTeaParty/

✅ Be sure and visit KitchenChat.info for more interviews and recipes.

Subscribe to the KitchenChat audio podcast:

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kitchen-chat-margaret-mcsweeney/id447185040
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3PpcTPpvHEh8eOMfDUm8I9
• Webtalkradio: Webtalkradio.com

This podcast is also available on Apple TV, Roku and Amazon Fire Stick streaming devices. Download the Experts and Authors App and go to the Kitchen Chat series page or visit: www.Expertsandauthors.tv

Savor the day!

Welcome to a special edition of Kitchen Chat: A Taste of Luxury, History, and Hospitality. Host Margaret McSweeney takes you to the heart of London's Mayfair, a place synonymous with timeless elegance, to visit the incomparable Brown's Hotel, a Rocco Forte Property, https://www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/brown-s-hotel/

Brown's is more than just a hotel; it's a living piece of history, where the past whispers from every corner. Founded in 1837, this is London's very first hotel, and its legacy is rich with stories. It's where Rudyard Kipling wrote The Jungle Book, and where Alexander Graham Bell made Britain's first-ever telephone call. Today, this historic landmark has been impeccably reimagined, blending its iconic heritage with a modern culinary spirit.

This episode will feature highlights from Margaret's Kitchen Chat last summer with her friend, Chef Ross Sneddon, Regional Executive Pastry Chef for Rocco Forte (including The Balmoral and Brown's Hotel). During her visit to London this summer, Margaret and May Wong visited with Chef Ross to sample the popular Mayfair Bun which is now available at Brown's.

Inspired by centuries of British baking tradition yet entirely its own, the Mayfair Bun is a delicate balance of indulgence and restraint. Baked in beeswax, draped in honey, and dusted with floral bee pollen, it offers a subtle sweetness that lingers without overpowering. The honey used in the Mayfair Bun is sourced from the award-winning Rhug Estate in North Wales, where bees forage freely among wildflowers in the Dee Valley. The result is a naturally floral honey with subtle notes of citrus and heather.

This pastry is a tribute to the hotel's address at 33 Albemarle Street in Mayfair. Each Mayfair bun features 33 delicate layers of pastry and only 33 of these buns are baked and sold each day, with £1 from each sale benefiting Bees for Development, https://www.beesfordevelopment.org/about-us/ a charity dedicated to beekeeping and biodiversity. Get ready to experience the perfect blend of luxury, history, and hospitality as we celebrate a true London icon.

Remember, every episode of Kitchen Chat can be heard on all podcast platforms and NOW heard on The Great British Tea Party on Facebook., https://www.facebook.com/GreatBritishTeaParty/

Savor the day!

✅ Be sure and visit KitchenChat.info for more interviews and recipes.

Subscribe to the KitchenChat audio podcast:

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kitchen-chat-margaret-mcsweeney/id447185040
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3PpcTPpvHEh8eOMfDUm8I9
• Webtalkradio: Webtalkradio.com

This podcast is also available on Apple TV, Roku and Amazon Fire Stick streaming devices. Download the Experts and Authors App and go to the Kitchen Chat series page or visit: www.Expertsandauthors.tv

"I like to think that whatever you cook indoors. you can cook it even better outdoors" Meathead Goldwyn. On this special episode of Kitchen Chat, host Margaret McSweeney visits the living legend of grilling in his kitchen for an insightful conversation and a Masterclass on one of America's most revered traditions. She is joined by the celebrated pitmaster, culinary scientist, and seminal voice in outdoor cooking, Meathead Goldwyn, author of the landmark book, "The Meathead Method: A BBQ Hall of Famer's Secrets and Science on BBQ, Grilling, and Outdoor Cooking with 114 Recipes."

This episode presents an inspiring approach to the craft, intricate science and storied history of American barbecue. In a conversation that brings the experience of cooking outdoors to life, Margaret and Meathead delve into the rich History and cultural significance of this culinary art form, examine its central role in American Hospitality, and dissect the scientific principles that create an irresistible, craveworthy Taste experience. It's a discussion that defines the true Luxury of culinary mastery—where technique, precision, and passion converge to inspire and elevate a beloved tradition.

Join us for a compelling exploration of the art, soul, and science of outdoor Summer cooking.

Remember, every episode of Kitchen Chat can now be heard on all podcast platforms and NOW heard on The Great British Tea Party on Facebook. And of course, Meathead talks about flavoring smoke on the grill with tea.

Savor the day!

✅ Be sure and visit KitchenChat.info for more interviews and recipes.

Subscribe to the KitchenChat audio podcast:

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kitchen-chat-margaret-mcsweeney/id447185040
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3PpcTPpvHEh8eOMfDUm8I9
• Webtalkradio: Webtalkradio.com

This podcast is also available on Apple TV, Roku and Amazon Fire Stick streaming devices. Download the Experts and Authors App and go to the Kitchen Chat series page or visit: www.Expertsandauthors.tv

Savor the day!

Step onto the runway of flavor and fashion in this special episode of Kitchen Chat: A Taste of Luxury, History and Hospitality. Host Margaret McSweeney joins world-renowned fashion photographer and TV personality Nigel Barker at a Chicago philanthropic fashion show benefiting WINGS Program Inc. Discover how Nigel turned his creative eye from couture to cocktails, crafting what's been called "the most fashionable cocktail in the world." It's a conversation where glamour meets giving—and style is served in a glass. https://www.instagram.com/nigelbarker/?hl=en

Margaret was especially delighted to meet Nigel as both she and his wife grew up in Alabama. Almost two years in the making, this meticulously crafted beverage is designed to be an unprecedented and elevated experience. Nigel reveals the passion and precision required to develop what is being called the "Most Fashionable cocktail" in the world—and the #2 most popular cocktail ordered today.

This conversation is a perfect blend of worlds: the Luxury of high fashion and premium spirits, the History behind a carefully built brand, and the profound Hospitality of giving back to the community. Tune in to hear how a master of the visual arts applied his discerning eye to create a taste sensation. Join us for a conversation where glamour meets giving, and style is served in a glass.

Remember, every episode of Kitchen Chat can now be heard on all podcast platforms and NOW heard on The Great British Tea Party on Facebook. Speaking of tea, I think the next product that Nigel and The Barker Company should launch is a Matcha Martini!

Savor the Day and Savor the Sip!

(Please remember to drink responsibly and only if age 21 or over).

On this very special episode of Kitchen Chat: A Taste of Luxury, History and Hospitality, host Margaret McSweeney takes us on a sweet, very personal journey home. Broadcasting from the vibrant culinary heart of her beloved hometown, Birmingham, Alabama, Margaret has a Kitchen Chat with Leigh Sloss-Corra, the dynamic Executive Director of The Market at Pepper Place. Margaret and Leigh are both members of Les Dames d'Escoffier and first met during the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) conference in Birmingham. Margaret serves on the board for IACP.

The Market at Pepper Place is celebrating its 25th anniversary and is a thriving farmer's market place which serves as the city's epicurean epicenter. The Market at Pepper Place is a brilliant example of striking the perfect balance between urban renewal and a testament to the power of local Southern food roots and artisans Birmingham is world renowned for. Leigh's sister, Cathy Sloss Jones was an integral part of launching this farmers' market along with Chef Frank Stitt and Chef Franklin Biggs who realized that something needed to be done to ensure the ongoing viability of Alabama farmers and locally sourced food. Each weekend, guests can enjoy a cooking demo. Margaret was quite impressed with the international flavors at this market. A native of Nepal, Prarthana Pandey, owner of Dalle Momo cooked dumplings and flavorful dipping sauces to sample.

Margaret and her childhood friend, Melanie sipped refreshing Thai Tea and Butterfly Pea Tea from Tay's Tea.

In a conversation that beautifully encapsulates the show's pillars, Margaret and Leigh explore the rich History of the Pepper Place district, its transformation from an industrial hub to a culinary focused cultural landmark.

What is your favorite feature at your favorite farmers' market?

✅ Be sure and visit KitchenChat.info for more interviews and recipes. Subscribe to the KitchenChat audio podcast:

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kitchen-chat-margaret-mcsweeney/id447185040
• Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3PpcTPpvHEh8eOMfDUm8I9
• Webtalkradio: Webtalkradio.com

This podcast is also available on Apple TV, Roku and Amazon Fire Stick streaming devices. Download the Experts and Authors App and go to the Kitchen Chat series page or visit: www.Expertsandauthors.tv

Savor the day!

Through their shared passion for the rich traditions of afternoon tea, Margaret and Claire celebrate the global success of the GBTP, a global community Myers-Lamptey built which now connects nearly 300,000 enthusiasts worldwide, and to make a very important announcement.

Kitchen Chat will now also air on Great British Tea Party's Facebook page. The strategic partnership and friendship will provide the GBTP's global community with direct access to new Kitchen Chat episodes. This collaboration officially unites Kitchen Chat's award-winning decade of culinary storytelling with the GBTP's dedication to history, elegance, and connection. The collaboration, celebrated by the two founders on-air, marks the beginning of a new and exciting chapter.

✅ Be sure and visit KitchenChat.info for more interviews and recipes. And, subscribe to the KitchenChat audio podcast:

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kitchen-chat-margaret-mcsweeney/id447185040
• Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3PpcTPpvHEh8eOMfDUm8I9
• Webtalkradio: Webtalkradio.com

This podcast is also available on Apple TV, Roku and Amazon Fire Stick streaming devices. Download the Experts and Authors App and go to the Kitchen Chat series page or visit: www.Expertsandauthors.tv

Join Kitchen Chat host Margaret McSweeney as she visits the truly sparkling Baccarat Hotel New York. Margaret is known to spotlight the brightest and most brilliant examples of Luxury, History, and Hospitality, and this hotel, a stunning blend of heritage and modern opulence aptly fits this description.

Opened in 2015, this Manhattan gem is the first hotel from the legendary 260-year-old French crystal house, Baccarat. Conveniently located across from the Museum of Modern Art, each detail of the hotel beautifully reflects the artistry and whispers the timeless elegance of Baccarat crystal.

Chef Ashfer Biju, the exceptional Food and Beverage Director/Executive Chef at Baccarat, reveals the passion behind the luxury guest experience and the meticulous artistry poured into the renowned Afternoon Tea service in the Grand Salon in addition to the elevated culinary options throughout the hotel. The presentation of the three tiered Baccarat crystal stand displaying the tea sandwiches and pastries is most memorable. Each type of beverage glass on the table is Baccarat crystal, and this elegant tradition continues in the the hotel rooms, where only Baccarat crystal glasses are provided.

Discover the Baccarat Hotel New York's sophisticated culinary scene. This hotel beautifully marries French elegance with modern luxury. The Baccarat Hotel New York (https://www.baccarathotels.com/) isn't just a place to stay; it's a landmark of New York glamour, where a rich history of artistry meets a true passion for hospitality.

Savor the Day!

✅ Be sure and visit KitchenChat.info for more interviews and recipes.

Subscribe to the KitchenChat audio podcast:

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kitchen-chat-margaret-mcsweeney/id447185040
• Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3PpcTPpvHEh8eOMfDUm8I9
• Webtalkradio: Webtalkradio.com

This podcast is also available on Apple TV, Roku and Amazon Fire Stick streaming devices. Download the Experts and Authors App and go to the Kitchen Chat series page or visit: www.Expertsandauthors.tv

Margaret McSweeney welcomes cookbook author Sarah Ahn to discuss Umma: A Korean Mom's Kitchen Wisdom. Discover Korean culinary heritage, heartfelt family recipes, and the rich history behind beloved dishes like kimchi grilled cheese.

"Kimchi is more than just a trendy food item. Kimchi is a Korean person's identity. It's our pride and it's a staple of our cuisine because it's the only food that got Koreans through the harsh winter months, got us through the wars, the Japanese occupation and the Korean War." Sarah Ahn

On this Special Edition of Kitchen Chat: A Taste of Luxury, History, and Hospitality, join your host, Margaret McSweeney, as she welcomes the celebrated cookbook author, Sarah Ahn of @ahnestkitchen on Instagram. Sarah and her mother Nam Soon Ahn co-wrote a heartfelt and acclaimed cookbook, Umma: A Korean Mom's Kitchen Wisdom and 100 Family Recipes. In Umma, Sarah and her "umma" (mother) memorialize and share a rich exploration of Korean culinary heritage, family traditions that celebrate Korean culinary culture and hospitality, as well as the historical perspective of one of the world's oldest culinary traditions.

Join Margaret as she invites Chehn to share the heart of Umma, uncovering its significant history, treasured family narratives, and the traditions of hospitality woven throughout the book. Together, they will explore the art of preserving culinary traditions and the luxuriousness of comfort found within the simple, authentic flavors of her own Korean mother's kitchen. Prepare to be immersed in a conversation that promises a true taste of history, served with the warmth and generosity of Korean hospitality. A true taste of luxury is sharing a meal with family and friends and celebrating the culinary traditions of loved ones.

Kimchi is an inherent part of Korean cuisine and honors the country's heritage. This dish also offers several health benefits that include probiotics. Kimchi grilled cheese is a nod to the past and a taste of the present. Sarah shares this recipe in her book. She says it was surprisingly one of the most difficult recipes to develop but one of the easiest recipes to prepare. The secret is to use munster cheese, sourdough bread and re-seasoning the kimchi before serving.

✅ Be sure and visit KitchenChat.info for the recipe for Kimchi Grilled Cheese thanks to Sarah Ahn and her team.

Subscribe to the KitchenChat audio podcast:

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kitchen-chat-margaret-mcsweeney/id447185040
• Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3PpcTPpvHEh8eOMfDUm8I9
• Webtalkradio: Webtalkradio.com

This podcast is also available on Apple TV, Roku and Amazon Fire Stick streaming devices. Download the Experts and Authors App and go to the Kitchen Chat series page or visit: www.Expertsandauthors.tv

Join KItchen Chat host Margaret McSweeney as she steps both into the future and back in time, to the hallowed, historic grounds of the Raffles London at The OWO. Experience the property's recent magnificent transformation of the Old War Office, a building where history was profoundly made, from the days of Winston Churchill to Ian Fleming's James Bond. Today, the historic building's storied past seamlessly intertwines with Raffles London at the OWO's unparalleled commitment to modern hospitality and culinary excellence. I especially enjoyed the exquisite Afternoon Tea.

Just the name "Raffles" conjures images of timeless luxury and exotic elegance. The first Raffles opened in Singapore in 1887. Recently, host Margaret McSweeney took an extraordinary journey to witness the most anticipated re-emergence of one of the world's most timeless luxury destinations. Discover how this Grade II* listed Edwardian masterpiece, completed in 1906, has been meticulously reborn as a beacon of elegance. Last year, Margaret had the honor of interviewing Philippe Leboeuf who at that time was the Managing Director of Raffles London at The OWO. His precious dog Archie joined them for the Kitchen Chat. Explore the magnificent, refurbished corridors and the innovative global kitchens that are ushering in a new era of gastronomy in London.

Raffles London at The OWO is a dazzling, contemporary landmark, embodying a rich historical legacy and the vibrant future of world-class, timeless luxury, history and hospitality.

✅ Be sure and visit KitchenChat.info for more interviews and recipes.

Subscribe to the KitchenChat audio podcast:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kitchen-chat-margaret-mcsweeney/id447185040

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3PpcTPpvHEh8eOMfDUm8I9

Webtalkradio: Webtalkradio.com

This podcast is also available on Apple TV, Roku and Amazon Fire Stick streaming devices. Download the Experts and Authors App and go to the Kitchen Chat series page or visit: www.Expertsandauthors.tv

On this particularly timely edition of Kitchen Chat®: A Taste of Luxury, History, and Hospitality, host Margaret McSweeney whisks you away on a flavorful journey into the captivating world of Matcha! From World Tea Expo in Las Vegas and the Chicago Tea Festival, where the global popularity and ceremonial allure of Matcha was undeniably the "hot topic.

Join Margaret as she explores what this powdered green tea is, by uncovering its fascinating history, its luxurious applications, and the warm hospitality that surrounds its preparation and enjoyment. We'll hear from distinguished experts who are shaping the modern Matcha landscape. Included are Noli Ergas, a certified Japanese Tea Master from Sugimoto Tea, who will illuminate the traditional art and nuanced preparation of authentic Matcha. We'll also connect with Don Ho, co-founder of BDH Consultants in addition to HairoUSA.com, to explore innovative perspectives and the expanding reach of Matcha culture. Discover Matsushita Tea Garden's Ajan Sparkling Tea. Furthermore, we'll glean wisdom from Mark Arathoon, the CEO of Blue Ocean Tea, as he shares his expertise on the broader tea industry and the rising prominence of Matcha. We will speak with a Japanese Tea Ceremony expert from the Japanese Culture Center in Chicago.

Finally, we'll even get a taste of refined elegance as we explore the art of High Tea at The Balmoral in Edinburgh. (part of the Rocco Forte collection), featuring the distinctive touch of Matcha in pastries created by the talented Executive Pastry Chef Ross Sneddon.

We invite you to join Margaret as we explore the captivating world of Matcha – a true taste of luxury, steeped in history and served with exceptional hospitality!

✅ Be sure and visit KitchenChat.info for more interviews and recipes. Subscribe to the KitchenChat audio podcast: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kitchen-chat-margaret-mcsweeney/id447185040 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/3PpcTPpvHEh8eOMfDUm8I9 Webtalkradio: Webtalkradio.com This podcast is also available on Apple TV, Roku and Amazon Fire Stick streaming devices. Download the Experts and Authors App and go to the Kitchen Chat series page or visit: www.Expertsandauthors.tv