It’s episode 33 and this week is jam-packed with topics! We’re talking about The Cooking Gene, validating Southern cuisine, our big food weekend, The Alt-Bite’s Mixtape Dinner, grocery stores as self-care, insect balls, mermaid food (again), and much more. And peep our new music!

Instacrushes:

* @cardamom.and.tea: http://instagram.com/cardamom.and.tea

* @workweeklunch: http://instagram.com/workweeklunch

* @onehungryjew: http://instagram.com/onehungryjew

Topics:

* The Cooking Gene by Michael Twitty: https://thecookinggene.com

* Commune: http://communevb.com

* Clementine’s at Riverview: https://www.facebook.com/Clementinesatriverview/

* Strawberry Fields Gelato: http://www.strawberryfieldsgelato.com

* The Alt-Bite: https://www.facebook.com/Thealtbite/

* Chef Josh Gregory of Supper Southern Morsels: http://suppereats.com

* Chef Brian Wegener of Esoteric: http://esotericvb.com

* Esoteric on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esoteric_vb/

* Chef Wegener’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aspiringchef87/

* Chef Nic Hagen of homeGrown: http://homegrownoldetowne.weebly.com

* Chef Hagen’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hgfatchef/

* Chef David Hannah of Stoley’s: http://www.stoleys.com

* Chef Hannah’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/regularchef/

* Chef Travis Lindblad of The Corner Bistro: https://www.facebook.com/TheCornerBistroVA/

* Chef Travis’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chublife757/

* Chef Forrest Warren of Smoke BBQ: http://www.smokenn.com

* Smoke BBQ on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smokebbqnn

* Joshua Fitzwater of Southern Grit Magazine: http://southerngritmagazine.com

* Southern Grit Magazine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southern_grit_magazine/

* Oprah’s line of refrigerated foods: https://www.lovebscott.com/news/oprah-winfrey-launches-o-thats-good-line-of-refrigerated-comfort-food

* New grocery stores in the Triangle area: http://www.newsobserver.com/news/business/article154006074.html

* Swedish store selling bug foods: http://amp.dw.com/en/insect-burgers-and-balls-swiss-supermarket-to-sell-bug-based-food/a-40090398

* Amazon’s ready-to-eat meals: http://www.refinery29.com/2017/08/167831/amazon-ready-to-eat-meals

* Mermaid churros: http://www.refinery29.com/2017/08/167694/new-mermaid-churros-trend-the-loop

Local Flavor:

* Five Points Community Farm Market: http://5ptsfarmmarket.org/donation/

Instacrushes:

* @crememacarons: http://instagram.com/crememacarons

* @irinanevaada: http://instagram.com/irinanevaada

* @bakeorbreak: http://instagram.com/bakeorbreak

Topics:

* Strawberry Fields: http://www.strawberryfieldsgelato.com

* Social Policy: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Social-Policy/840775722735347

* Southern Grit Magazine: http://southerngritmagazine.com

* Redwood Smoke Shack Food Truck: https://www.redwoodsmokeshack.com

* Two Drummers Smokehouse: http://www.twodrummerssmokehouse.com/Home

* Carolina Son BBQ: https://www.facebook.com/CarolinaSonBBQ/

* Smoke BBQ Restaurant and Bar: https://www.facebook.com/SmokeBBQnn/

* Saint Jacques: http://www.saintjacquesfrenchcuisine.com

* Chupacabra Drink: http://www.vix.com/en/drinks/528494/forget-urban-legend-chupacabra-drink-scary-good

* Chick-Fil-A Adding Mac & Cheese: http://www.vix.com/en/drinks/528494/forget-urban-legend-chupacabra-drink-scary-good

* Hestan Cue: https://www.hestancue.com/connected-cookware-design/

* Buzzfeed Tasty Cooktop: http://mashable.com/2017/07/27/buzzfeed-tasty-cook-top/?utm_cid=hp-h-4#272ryiaUFaqK

* Lay’s Do Us a Flavor Challenge: https://www.dousaflavor.com

Local Flavor:

Voodoo Pies at The Wasserhund Brewing Company in Virginia Beach: https://www.facebook.com/events/1930904430522623/permalink/1930975187182214/

Instacrushes:

@notquitenigella: https://www.instagram.com/notquitenigella/

@chopstickchronicles: https://www.instagram.com/chopstickchronicles/

@familyandforks: https://www.instagram.com/familyandforks/

@donttellcharles: https://www.instagram.com/donttellcharles/

Topics:

Commune Norfolk: http://www.communevb.com/commune-norfolk/

Mashed Potato Fries: https://instagram.com/p/BUo1Md7B0Ft/

Avocado Lattes: https://www.tastingtable.com/drinks/national/avocado-lattes-avolatte

Roasted Potato Salad: https://www.instagram.com/p/BUruT0QA04v/

Magic Grill Mat: https://fbcoolgadgets.com/products/magic-grill-mat-2psc?ref=586a92b71e69a

Maya: http://www.maya-restaurant.com/

Heritage: http://www.heritagerva.com

Mateo: http://mateotapas.com

Viceroy: http://viceroydurham.com

EAT Café: http://www.eatcafe.org

Pill Cosby cocktail: https://www.washingtonian.com/2017/05/22/diet-starts-monday-pop-up-bar-is-serving-bill-cosby-cocktails/

NC State Farmer’s Market: http://www.ncagr.gov/markets/facilities/markets/raleigh/

Lilley Farms: https://www.facebook.com/LilleyFarmsStrawberries/

Fire Sense Small Yakitori Grill: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0035ZWFDC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Kevita: http://kevita.com

Local Flavor: * Elementum: http://pilotonline.com/life/flavor/restaurants/nonprofit-that-helps-aspiring-chefs-fund-school-partners-with-norfolk/article_c9a4e3b2-b428-58a3-a9a6-f2b0fcdfae2c.html Instacrushes: * storeboughtisfine: https://www.instagram.com/storeboughtisfine/ * sugargeekshow: https://www.instagram.com/​sugargeekshow * sugargeekshow's mermaid showpiece: https://www.instagram.com/p/BThr0kPjznY/?taken-by=sugargeekshow * confessionsofthyme: https://instagram.com/​confessionsofthyme Topics: * Small Victories by Julia Turshen: https://www.amazon.com/Small-Victories-Recipes-Hundreds-Triumphs/dp/1452143099 * Roots pop-up at Harpers Table: http://www.harperstable.com * Garden to Table: http://www.sliceandtorte.com/garden-to-table/ * Coconut Macaroon Spread: https://www.amazon.com/Coconut-Macaroon-Cookie-Spread/dp/B00QPMP368 * Crotilla: http://www.delish.com/food-news/a52557/walmart-crotilla/ * Stoley's: http://www.stoleys.com * regularchef: https://www.instagram.com/regularchef/ * Brown Butter Miso Walnut Dark Chocolate Blondies: http://www.thebrickkitchen.com/2017/03/brown-butter-miso-walnut-dark-chocolate-blondies/ * Ina Garten's Outrageous Brownies: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/outrageous-brownies-recipe3 * Candy Cap Mushrooms: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candy_cap * Coffee Flour: http://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/coffee-flour-new-superfood-for-baking-taste-test-article * Trump Takes Aim at School Lunch Guidelines and a Girls’ Education Program: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/01/us/politics/nutrition-rules-school-lunches-michelle-obama.html * 101 Cheese Pizza: http://mashable.com/2017/04/26/101-cheese-pizza * Chicken Chips: https://www.eater.com/2017/1/3/14157780/taco-bell-crispy-volcano-chicken-chips

Local flavor: Harper’s Table: http://www.harperstable.com Instacrush: lillyluvscakes: https://www.instagram.com/lillyluvscakes/ mines_caken_and_sweets: https://www.instagram.com/mines_caken_and_sweets/ blondieandrye: https://www.instagram.com/blondieandrye/ Topics: Waterside District: http://watersidedistrict.com Simple by Diana Henry: https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Diana-Henry/dp/1784722049 Iron Chef Gauntlet: http://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/iron-chef-gauntlet Rooster’s Southern Kitchen: http://roosterssouthernkitchen.com Scotch Bonnet Fudges: http://scotchbonnetfudges.com Danielle’s Gender Reveal Cake: https://www.instagram.com/p/BS_iOEpFfzu/ Most Popular Food Pinterest Searches by State: https://blog.pinterest.com/en/what-world-are-we-eating-food-faves-alabama-australia Clear coffee: http://mashable.com/2017/04/20/this-company-makes-clear-coffee/ Starbucks Unicorn Frappuccino: https://www.starbucks.com/menu/drinks/frappuccino-blended-beverages/unicorn-frappuccino-blended-crème Food at Coachella: https://www.coachella.com/guidebook/eat-drink/

Instacrushes: @amauryguichon: https://www.instagram.com/amauryguichon/ @sylvain_vernay: https://www.instagram.com/sylvain_vernay/ @blackbirdbakehouse: https://www.instagram.com/blackbirdbakehouse/ Topics: Sugar Shack Donuts: http://www.sugarshackdonuts.com Nomarama VA: https://www.instagram.com/_nomarama_/ Wasserhund Brewing Company: https://www.instagram.com/wasserhundbrew/ Jenna Rae Cakes’ Black and Gold Cake: https://www.instagram.com/p/BSbbSJIBoGt/ One-day croissants: https://www.instagram.com/p/BSFRpvYFik3/ Simply Irresistible: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0145893/ Hellhound: https://www.sliceandtorte.com/recipes-archive/2017/3/24/hellhound Weeknight Spice-Braised Lamb Shoulder: https://www.sliceandtorte.com/recipes-archive/2017/3/28/weeknight-spiced-braised-lamb-shoulder Omega Chicken Stock: https://www.sliceandtorte.com/recipes-archive/2017/3/28/omega-chicken-stock Divine Pie: http://www.divinepieportland.com Commune Restaurant: http://communevb.com Ben & Jerry's Cereal Milk Ice Cream: https://apple.news/A765DnCPMSzqDFXWbEoRQzg Eating oranges in the shower is a form of self care: https://munchies.vice.com/en_us/article/eating-oranges-in-the-shower-is-the-self-care-you-didnt-know-you-needed Grilled Cheese Donuts: https://www.thrillist.com/news/nation/grilled-cheese-donuts-clinton-hall-donut-project Mateo chef/owner Matt Kelly to open a new seafood restaurant in Downtown Durham: http://www.newsobserver.com/living/food-drink/mouthful-blog/article89139487.html

This is an episode for the ages. We’re sitting down with Jarrell Williams of Nomarama! Peep the duration, we’ve got a ton to talk about. We start with our instacrushes, then we’re serving up what we loved, hated, and ate — and Jarrell gets in on the action with his stories and picks. Then we’re talking about how Nomarama came to be, what it stands for, and the fabulous events it puts on. The arbiter of burgers dishes on what makes a great burger and the best places to get one in Hampton Roads. Lastly, we have a few interesting hot topics — you won’t want to miss all three of us going in. Nomarama: * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nomaramava * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_nomarama_ * Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/nomarama-11856833891 Instacrushes: * fruitilicious_c_cakes: https://www.instagram.com/fruitilicious_c_cakes * alenafoodphoto: https://www.instagram.com/alenafoodphoto * commune_vb: https://www.instagram.com/commune_vb * the_bonbonnier: https://www.instagram.com/the_bonbonnier * the_lindo_channel: https://www.instagram.com/the_lindo_channel/ Topics: * Pino’s Meatballs: https://www.facebook.com/pinosmeatballs/ * Sheldon Simeon: https://www.facebook.com/ChefSheldonSimeon/ * Field Guide: http://www.fieldguide.is * Handsome Biscuit: http://handsomebiscuit.com * Toast: http://www.toastplace.com * Speedy’s Hot Sauce: http://speedyshotsauce.com * Chef’s Table on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/80007945 * Cooked on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/80022456 * The Flying Pig food truck: http://www.malbonsmobilefoods.com * Larder Room: https://www.instagram.com/larderroom * Bob Armstrong Chile con Queso, Bon Appétit: http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/bob-armstrong-chile-con-queso-dip * Matty Matheson: https://www.instagram.com/mattymatheson * Chef’s Night Out on Munchies: https://video.vice.com/be/show/chefs-night-out * Dog-n-Burger: http://dognburger.com * Repeal Bourbons and Burgers: http://www.repealvb.com * Stoley’s: http://stoleys.com * David Hannah: https://www.instagram.com/regularchef * The Beyond Burger: http://beyondmeat.com * Slice & Torte Turkey Burger: http://www.sliceandtorte.com/recipes-archive/2015/5/28/st-turkey-burgers * Espresso Tonic: http://www.eater.com/drinks/2015/5/11/8583833/espresso-tonics * Three Ships Coffee: http://threeshipscoffee.com * Slice & Torte Eat & Run Tour Summer 2015: http://www.sliceandtorte.com/eat-and-run-tour-summer-2015/ * Norfolk Farmers Market: http://norfolkfarmersmarket.org * Krispy Kreme’s Luxury Doughnuts: http://www.foodandwine.com/news/krispy-kreme-luxury-premium-doughntus * Sugar Shack Donuts & Coffee: http://www.sugarshackdonuts.com * Voodoo Doughnuts: http://voodoodoughnut.com * Taiwanese Whiskey: http://www.eater.com/drinks/2016/6/28/11985414/taiwan-whisky-scotch-kavalan * Chesapeake Bay Distillery: https://chesapeakebaydistillery.myshopify.com * C.J. Finz Raw Bar & Grille: http://www.cjfinz.com

This week we’ve got a full roster of things that we loved, hated and ate. We start with our instacrushes and then immediately go right into the restaurants, dishes, pictures, and foolishness that we love to talk about. We also run down Patti Labelle’s new cookbook, Popeye’s acquisition, ube ice cream, and a whole lot more. Instacrushes: @candyhunting: https://www.instagram.com/candyhunting @vafoodie: https://www.instagram.com/vafoodie @my_sourdough_attempts: https://www.instagram.com/my_sourdough_attempts Topics: Rue Cler: http://www.ruecler-durham.com Jamie Oliver’s Carbonara Cake: http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/pasta-recipes/carbonara-cake/ Danielle’s Savory Oatmeal: https://www.instagram.com/p/BQs7ihQF_Fd/?taken-by=sliceandtorte Savory French Toast: https://instagram.com/p/BQnne4ABrPx/ CuPig Cake: https://instagram.com/p/BQgKz6-gw63/ Harvest 18: http://harvest18restaurant.com The Durham Hotel Restaurant: http://thedurham.com/dining/ Penne with Pork Ragu: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/penne-with-pork-ragout Desserts LaBelle: Soulful Sweets to Sing About: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=75fUDAAAQBAJ Burger King Buys Popeyes: http://www.eater.com/2017/2/21/14672830/burger-king-popeyes-merger-tim-hortons Danielle’s Baby Cake: https://instagram.com/p/BQikVVkl60D/ Ensaimada Cinnamon Buns: http://www.sliceandtorte.com/recipes-archive/2015/9/8/ensaimada-cinnamon-buns-with-marshmallow-glaze Ube Ice Cream: http://www.rotinrice.com/2014/09/ube-ice-cream/

Look at us publishing on schedule again — it’s episode 25! Our instacrushes this week are so fabulous you won’t want to miss them. We’re introducing a little more structure by making Love It | Hate It | Ate It a thing this week. Danielle is loving a healthy buffalo chicken casserole, Sherród hates the dried broccoli he got from Walmart, and Danielle details a very interesting lunch. Then we’re running down the new Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavors, talking about our brand new Valentine’s Day Guide, and our superbowl food favorites. Instacrushes: @mealpreponfleek: https://www.instagram.com/mealpreponfleek/ @witandvinegar: https://www.instagram.com/witandvinegar/ Topics: Meal Prep on Fleek’s Whole30 Baked Buffalo Chicken Casserole: http://mealpreponfleek.com/recipe/whole30-baked-buffalo-chicken-casserole/ Bon Appetit’s Healthy-ish: http://www.bonappetit.com/healthyish Hot Cheeto Bagels: http://mashable.com/2017/02/06/flaming-hot-cheeto-bagel/#SJuTrxge3mqW Rainbow Fried Chicken: https://instagram.com/p/BQMkxqfj3yC/ Zeke’s Beans & Bowls, Norfolk VA: https://www.facebook.com/zekesnfk/ Ben & Jerry’s New Flavors: http://www.benjerry.com/flavors/new-flavors 2017 Valentine’s Day Guide: http://www.sliceandtorte.com/2017-valentines-day-guide

Let's get 2017 started right — with new intro music, a new logo, and a new episode! We start by talking about our completely over-the-top Christmas, and our food resolutions for 2017. Then we introduce a new segment — shoutouts! We run down our experience at Nomorama's Slider Showdown, who we think will win Top Chef, and of course we have to round it out with some rants. Danielle is not here for non-lasagna lasagnas and Sherród doesn't understand people who cook spiralized vegetables. This Week's Shoutouts: * @fitmittenkitchen on Instagram: http://instagram.com/fitmittenkitchen * @theartfulcaker on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartfulcaker Other People and Sites Mentioned: * Nomarama: https://www.facebook.com/Nomaramava * The Regular Chef: https://www.facebook.com/Regularchefjams/ * Beyond Meat (bleeding veggie burger): http://beyondmeat.com