Kitchen Chat

Join host Margaret McSweeney for an unforgettable cup and conversation on Kitchen Chat: A Taste of Luxury, History and Hospitality. In this special episode, Margaret’s lifelong passion for afternoon tea moves far beyond the three tiered serving trays of sweet and savory delicacies as she travels to the stunning estate of Heckfield Place to meet with Henrietta Lovell, internationally renowned as the “Rare Tea Lady” and founder of Rare Tea Company. The company’s motto is “Tea that’s good for you, good for the land and good or the people who craft it.”

Subscribe with your favorite podcast player

Together, they explore how extraordinary single-origin leaves can reveal a profound new world of flavor, heritage, and refined hospitality. Henrietta strongly believes in the ethos of sustainability and traceability. Step into this captivating realm as Henrietta shares vibrant stories from her global journeys sourcing rare harvests, unpacks the philosophy behind her acclaimed book Infused: Adventures in Tea, and highlights the vital mission of her Rare Charity initiative. Here is a look at our video chat:

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will forever transform your appreciation for one of the world’s most remarkable steep. Here is a link for you to order this exquisite loose leaf tea which ships to the U.S.

Savor the Day and Savor the Sip!

The post Henrietta Lovell and Rare Tea Company appeared first on WebTalkRadio.net.

“Food is a prism through which you see everything.” Tom Parker Bowles

Subscribe with your favorite podcast player

What does it truly take to define British gastronomy today? In this special London edition of Kitchen Chat®, Margaret McSweeney enjoys a cup of tea in the gardens of Number Sixteen with award-winning food journalist, restaurant critic, author, broadcaster and entrepreneur, Tom Parker Bowles, for an insightful look into the global ingredients of London’s thriving dining scene. As Tom emphasizes, “Immigration built this city and made it great.” He describes the delicious diversity of cuisine in London which expands one’s palate.

According to Tom, “Roasting, baking and tea is what perhaps the British will be best known for.” Margaret enjoyed all three of these alimentary accolades in London, including her memorable meal at the recently reopened Simpsons in the Strand, best known for its domed silver trolleys with master carvers presenting the roasted meats table side. Margaret had last dined there during the 1970s with her parents. Tom extolls the outstanding vision of restaurateur Jeremy King who just relaunched this historic establishment. Tom also spotlights Wiltons, a restaurant in London which opened in 1742. This iconic destination also epitomizes the roasting legacy of England. Here is a look at our video chat:

Afternoon Tea is a hallmark of British culture with scones, savory sandwiches and pastries. Drawing from his extensive collaboration with Fortnum & Mason and his definitive book Time for Tea, Tom highlights the precision, history, and cultural significance behind one of Britain’s most beloved traditions. His most recent book, Cooking & The Crown also includes a great section on Tea. As he says, “Tea is a universal language.” And it’s important to prepare the tea itself properly, and loose leaf is preferred.

Tom Parker Bowles and his business partners recently launched Christopher’s Cordials, “a thoroughly modern celebration of a quintessentially English classic.” This non-alcoholic cordial is blended with pure fruit juice, carefully chosen botanicals and a judicious measure of organic cane sugar resulting in sophisticated and forward flavor combinations such as gooseberry and lime. The cordials can be added to sparkling/still water or even a cocktail. This product will hopefully launch in the United States soon.

Lastly, Tom shares what is next on his plate. He is working on a book about chili peppers. He describes how this “pungent pod” has become an essential ingredient throughout the world, primarily in the cuisines of Mexico, Thailand, and India.

The culinary brilliance of Tom Parker Bowles shines in this Kitchen Chat. And how true his words are that “food is a prism through which you see everything.”

Savor the day!

The post Kitchen Chat® with Tom Parker Bowles appeared first on WebTalkRadio.net.

Join host Margaret McSweeney for a special Tea Themed episode of Kitchen Chat: A Taste of Luxury, History and Hospitality with the true American Masters of Tea and Hospitality Harney & Sons. Margaret attended the prestigious Chicago Tea Festival, and into a world of refined elegance and storied heritage for an exclusive one-on-one interview with Michael Harney, the Master Tea Blender of the iconic Harney & Sons. Michael Harney is the author of the greatly respected book The Harney & Sons Guide to Tea, a compendium of the fifty-six teas every tea connoisseur should know.

Subscribe with your favorite podcast player

On this special episode, Margaret celebrates the journey of a family-led tea empire that has redefined the luxury of hospitality, exploring the perfect synergy between global sourcing and the art of welcoming with the perfect brew. In 1983, John Harney, Michael’s father, officially launched Harney & Sons. Harney & Sons now reaches tea enthusiasts on all seven continents, including Antarctica. Harney & Sons masterfully blends the finest tea, artisanal quality with a legacy of impeccable service.

Margaret’s conversation with Michael Harney explores how the firm translates their family’s philosophy of “mouth-filling umami” and timeless hospitality into every tin. She also discovers the brand’s most celebrated blends, including the romantic Paris tea and the brisk, high-altitude Havakai Frost, while delving into the nuances of tea sourcing from the gardens of Japan and China.

What is your favorite blend of Harney & Sons Tea?

Savor the day!

The post Harney & Sons: Tea That Makes you Smile appeared first on WebTalkRadio.net.

Welcome to a special Kitchen Chat® featuring luxury home kitchens. Host Margaret McSweeney returns to one of her all-time favorite locations for this landmark episode: the historic The Brazilian Court in Palm Beach.

Subscribe with your favorite podcast player

Here is a look at our video chat:

Joining Margaret is Stacy McCarthy, CMKBD. As a Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer and a Kitchen and Bath Magazine 2025 Innovator of the Year, Stacy’s mastery lies in the “transition”—specializing in seamless interior renovations for families navigating significant life challenges. This episode offers a compelling look at the essential framework of modern design, moving beyond fleeting trends to discuss the resurgence of natural woods, the deliberate use of bold color, and the sophisticated evolution of 1970s-inspired aesthetics.

If you are “reimagining your kitchen,” today’s show will help provide some insights into working with a designer and making your dream into a reality.

Savor the day!

The post Kitchen Chat®: Luxury Home Kitchens with Stacy McCarthy, CMKBD appeared first on WebTalkRadio.net.

Get ready for what we’re calling the most exciting and anticipated Kitchen Chat episode of the year! Host Margaret McSweeney traveled straight to the heart of the culinary world in New York City to sit down with a true legend: celebrated restaurateur Drew Nieporent, the founder and inspiration behind the Myriad Restaurant Group. The reason for this dynamic, can’t-miss conversation is the release of his insightful and candid new memoir, “I’m Not Trying to Be Difficult: Stories from the Restaurant Trenches“ written with Jamie Feldmar.

Subscribe with your favorite podcast player

Here is a look at our video chat:

This episode, like the book, is an intimate, compelling look at one of the world’s most impactful hosts and multi-talented men in the hospitality industry. From establishing iconic eateries to shaping the entire modern dining landscape through the preservation of the legacy hospitality style, Nieporent’s influence is unparalleled. Join Margaret as she invites Drew to share the stories behind the man—a titan of service, a visionary entrepreneur, and, as you’ll quickly discover, a genuine genius who is one of the kindest people in the industry. (Photo below is when Margaret met Drew in 2015 at the International Association of Culinary Professionals celebration of Chef Jacques Pepin’s 80th birthday).

Drew shares behind-the-scenes stories about how Robert De Niro became a great friend and business partner in launching Nobu. (Photo provided by Drew Nierporent).

Margaret had the honor of meeting Chef Nobu in Miami Beach.

As Ruth Reichl says, “If you go out to eat, you need this book.” Here is a link to the must read “I’m Not Trying to Be Difficult: Stories from the Restaurant Trenches” by Drew Nieporent.

Savor the day!

The post Drew Nieporent: One of America’s Most Respected and Celebrated Restaurateurs appeared first on WebTalkRadio.net.

Get ready for what we’re calling the most exciting and anticipated Kitchen Chat episode of the year! Host Margaret McSweeney traveled straight to the heart of the culinary world in New York City to sit down with a true legend: celebrated restaurateur Drew Nieporent, the founder and inspiration behind the Myriad Restaurant Group. The reason for this dynamic, can’t-miss conversation is the release of his insightful and candid new memoir, “I’m Not Trying to Be Difficult: Stories from the Restaurant Trenches“ written with Jamie Feldmar.

Subscribe with your favorite podcast player

Here is a look at our video chat:

This episode, like the book, is an intimate, compelling look at one of the world’s most impactful hosts and multi-talented men in the hospitality industry. From establishing iconic eateries to shaping the entire modern dining landscape through the preservation of the legacy hospitality style, Nieporent’s influence is unparalleled. Join Margaret as she invites Drew to share the stories behind the man—a titan of service, a visionary entrepreneur, and, as you’ll quickly discover, a genuine genius who is one of the kindest people in the industry. (Photo below is when Margaret met Drew in 2015 at the International Association of Culinary Professionals celebration of Chef Jacques Pepin’s 80th birthday).

Drew shares behind-the-scenes stories about how Robert De Niro became a great friend and business partner in launching Nobu. (Photo provided by Drew Nierporent).

Margaret had the honor of meeting Chef Nobu in Miami Beach.

As Ruth Reichl says, “If you go out to eat, you need this book.” Here is a link to the must read “I’m Not Trying to Be Difficult: Stories from the Restaurant Trenches” by Drew Nieporent.

Savor the day!

The post Drew Nieporent: One of America’s Most Respected and Celebrated Restaurateurs appeared first on WebTalkRadio.net.

Congratulations to Kevin Boehm on the launch of his compelling book The Bottomless Cup: A Memoir of Secrets, Restaurants and Forgiveness. Margaret McSweeney and Kevin Boehm first met in 2016 at The James Beard Awards in Chicago after their first Kitchen Chat. Kevin is the co-owner and co-founder of the highly acclaimed and award winning Boka Restaurant Group which he started with Rob Katz. In 2019, Kevin and Rob were the recipients of Outstanding Restaurateur at the James Beard Awards.

Subscribe with your favorite podcast player

Here’s the link to our video chat with Kevin.

In this Kitchen Chat, Kevin shares the highs and lows of his personal life along with key components of success in his professional life. He also discusses the importance of mental health. You will be inspired by his story and strength.

Here is the link to buy his new book which launches November 4, 2025.

Savor the day!

The post The Bottomless Cup: A Memoir of Secrets, Restaurants and Forgiveness by Kevin Boehm appeared first on WebTalkRadio.net.

Host Margaret McSweeney takes us to the Oxfordshire countryside to Estelle Manor, one of the “hottest” destinations in England.

Subscribe with your favorite podcast player

Originally built in 1780 in Georgian style and rebuilt in 1908 in Jacobean style, Estelle Manor sits on 85 acres and is surrounded by 3,000 acres of parklands and gardens. In 2023, Ennismore opened this beautiful property as a private club and hotel.

Here’s a peak at the video:

The kitchen gardens provide a bountiful and beautiful harvest of greens for the salads at the Glass House, one of the hotel’s restaurants. Margaret enjoyed chatting with one of the chefs who was collecting the day’s harvest from the gardener.

The Potting Shed is the perfect place for a morning latte and pastries amongst the lush plants throughout the interior.

Margaret’s friend May and her dogs, Lulu and George joined her for this stay.

They enjoyed a delicious lunch in the private library and dinner at Brasserie.

Margaret especially enjoyed booking the Thermal Journey at the Eynsham Baths, an oasis of relaxation at Estelle Manor. This experience included exclusive access to the Tea Lounge where a tea master prepared a special blend for her. She purchased some tea to continue her wellness journey in Chicago.

Soak up the sun at the Riviera inspired heated pool.

And the evening view is enchanting!

Please click here for additional information about Estelle Manor.

Many thanks to Claire and her Great British Tea Party Facebook Community for the opportunity to share Kitchen Chat on their Facebook Page.

Savor the day!

The post Estelle Manor: A Taste of Luxury, History and Hospitality appeared first on WebTalkRadio.net.

“Scotland is a land of mountains, glens, and islands, a land of myth and legend” – Walter Scott

Subscribe with your favorite podcast player

Join Kitchen Chat host Margaret McSweeney as she celebrates the 100th anniversary of Gleneagles, located at the base of the Scottish Southern Highlands. After its grand opening in 1924, media proclaimed that Gleneagles was the “8th Wonder of the World” and called it “The Glorious Playground.”

Tee and Tea are hallmark experiences at this timeless resort. With three championship courses and a nine-hole course, golfers can test their skills amidst the lush landscape. In 1921 (before the hotel opened), Gleneagles hosted their first golf tournament between American and British players, which is considered to be the precursor to the Ryder Cup.

Enjoy Afternoon Tea in Glendevon at Glenagles for a taste of Scottish heritage with a legacy of impeccable service and refined elegance. Margaret especially enjoyed the Centenary Afternoon Tea offered during her stay with savories and pastries representing the culinary highlights during the 100 years, including the Truffled Egg Mayonnaise sandwich made famous in the 1930s in The Ritz.

Explore the verdant grounds and crunch along the paths of the Kitchen Garden, an oasis of produce and botanicals.

Expand your knowledge about Scottish Whisky through a tasting offered at Gleneagles.

Every episode of Kitchen Chat can be heard on all podcast platforms and is NOW available on The Great British Tea Party’s Facebook page.

What are your favorite memories and experiences in Scotland?

Savor the day!

The post Gleneagles: The glorious Playground of Scotland appeared first on WebTalkRadio.net.

“Haste ye back” A Scottish saying

Subscribe with your favorite podcast player

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, the breathtaking Victorian mansion and five-star luxury country house hotel near Dunblane, owned by tennis legend, Sir Andy Murray and his wife, Kim. This majestic and historic mansion even includes a chapel. Hospitality is engrained in the Scottish culture, and Cromlix exemplifies the graciousness of Scotland. Don your “wellies” and explore the 34 acres of serene countryside including a kitchen garden and a tree swing that invites you back to your childhood.

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.

You can reserve an exquisite Afternoon Tea served daily in the Glass House dining area or if your dog accompanies you, the staff will accommodate Afternoon tea in the living room area.

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.

Savor the day!

The post Cromlix: A Luxury Country House Hotel in Scotland appeared first on WebTalkRadio.net.