Off The Menu

Steve Cook of CookNSolo joins Dara to talk about the new book his company's new book highlighting Israeli soul food.  Then, the show gets some Latin flair when we hear from New Orleans chef Adolfo Garcia.

Dara chats about Fall drinks with Peace Coffee founder Lee Wallace and Bushel to Bottle Festival coordinator Melissa Waskiewicz.  Our host also provides her top Winter squash recipes.

Dara is out to save us this week.  She speaks with Chef Tim McKee (The Fish Guys) about sustainable seafood, which also provides her top five recipe list.  Then, the show dives into health care.  Former General Mills CEO Mark Addicks previews the Manova Summit that will be held in Minneapolis next week.

Outgoing MN DNR Nongame Wildlife division supervisor Carrol Henderson talks about his time in that role, part of his 45-year career with the DNR.  Chef Matt Leverty from Tullibee gives us more info on the Plates for Good program that runs through the rest of this weekend.  Plus, Dara offers up her top "imperfect tomato" recipes.

Dara's back in the studio this week.  She welcomes Union Kitchen owner Yia Vang to talk about his local spot.  Then, she discusses the Plates for Good initiative with local restauranteur Eric Forsberg.

Dara broadcasts live from the annual Bacon Fest in River Falls.  Our hosts chats with the city's Chamber of Commerce CEO Chris Blasius, John Lisowski of Security Financial Bank, River Falls FFA members Keith Gunderson (president of the Alumni group) & Lindsek Skogen (current member), and Croix Valley Foods owner Damon Holter.

Dara is back in the Minneapolis studio, and she's talking with area chefs about the latest happenings at their restaurants.  In this episode, she interviews Mike Brown of Travail and Jamie Malone of Grand Cafe.  Plus, hear our host's top recipes for lettuce wraps.

This week from the State Fair porch, Dara chats with Dean Phillips (candidate for U.S. Congress), Destiny Brooks (owner of Mama D's Authentic Southern Cooking & BBQ), and Hank Hanten (owner of Shanghaied Henri's).

Dara fills her plate during this first weekend of the Minnesota State Fair.  We hear about Caribbean cooking with local restaurant owner Harry Singh and West Indies Soul Food's Alicia Noel.  Then, Stephanie Shimp of Blue Plate and Dan Theisen of Ball Park Cafe discuss their particular stops at the Fair.

Dara with Dustin Thompson of St. Genevive and Kristen Poppenhagen and John Krattenmacher of Sheet Chow