Merry Christmas and Happy Hannukah!

This week is just a fun episode about my Christmas traditions in the past.

Would love to hear yours in the comments or on Instagram!

Happy Holidays from Tasty Trails Travel Pod!

Hang out with me: Food: ⁠@tastytrailstravelpod⁠

Life in Korea: ⁠@wherewefindhome⁠

Identity & Belonging: ⁠Substack⁠✨

What better way to ring in the new year than with Champagne?!

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of Champagne with Gersande, a marketing expert for her family's champagne business in Champagne, France.

Gersande takes us through the intricate process of crafting authentic champagne, from hand-harvesting the three primary grape varieties to the meticulous steps of pressing, fermenting, blending, and aging.

We explore the unique qualities that make Champagne stand out from other sparkling wines, including its specific soil, climate, and time-honored techniques protected by strict regional regulations.

Gersande also shares insights into how the flavors of Champagne—fruity, floral, and mineral—are shaped by the blend of grapes and their precise maturation process and she teaches us how to pair your Champagne with your food.

Have you been eating chocolate with your Champagne? You're going to want to stick around until the end to find out why you might need to STOP doing that!

Join us for this deep dive into the heritage and craftsmanship behind one of the world's most celebrated beverages, as well as the family traditions that keep the spirit of Champagne alive.

Happy New Year!

**Connect with Gersande and go for a visit:

- Champagne Germar Breton website

- Instagram: @champagnegermarbreton

- Facebook

Hang out with me: Food: ⁠@tastytrailstravelpod⁠

Life in Korea: ⁠@wherewefindhome⁠

Identity & Belonging: ⁠Substack⁠✨

This week, I sat down with Chef Bintou N'Daw, a passionate Senegalese chef who brings the authentic flavors of West Africa to Charleston. Bintou shares her journey of preserving and celebrating traditional dishes, sourcing ingredients creatively from international markets, and presenting Senegalese cuisine in a way that connects with foodies everywhere.

Dive into the vibrant traditions of Senegal, from the shared communal meals that bring families together to the meaningful ceremonies surrounding lamb during Ramadan and other celebrations. Bintou also gives invaluable travel tips for exploring Senegal, including the hidden gems of Casamance in the south and the desert wonders of the north.

If you're curious about how food can preserve culture and bring people together, this episode is a must-listen.

Connect with Chef Bintou:

Instagram: @chefbintou

Visit her restaurant Bintou Atelier and check them out on Instagram @bintou.chs

Hang out with me: Food: ⁠@tastytrailstravelpod⁠

Life in Korea: ⁠@wherewefindhome⁠

Identity & Belonging: ⁠Substack⁠✨

This week, I’m chatting with Kathy McCabe, travel expert and host of PBS’s Dream of Italy. Kathy shares her deep connection to Italy—rooted in family history—and her experiences exploring the country’s rich culture, regional differences, and zest for life.

From her grandfather's quest to find his ancestral town to her favorite tortellini moments in Emilia-Romagna, Kathy reveals what makes Italy so magical.

Tune in for heartfelt stories, insider tips, and a fresh perspective on one of the world's most beloved destinations.

Don't forget to rate, review, and share this episode!

Connect with Kathy:

Watch Dream of Italy

Instagram: @dreamofitaly

Plus all of her resources!

Hang out with me: Food: ⁠@tastytrailstravelpod⁠

Life in Korea: ⁠@wherewefindhome⁠

Identity & Belonging: ⁠Substack⁠✨

This week is Thanksgiving in the US! So we're celebrating by talking a little more about where this holiday comes from and what it's REALLY about.

But the most special part is getting to hear from all of you about what you're thankful for! Listeners messaged in and we're sharing some of the messages on this episode.

What are you thankful for this year?

Special thanks to everyone who messaged in!

- Leah & Mae

- Alejanda

- Ingrid

- Bryan

- Cailin

- Kaley

- Marielle

- Britta

- Maria

- Mark

- Gabi

- Sarah

- Steven

- Sandra

- Marco

- Jillana

Hang out with me: Food: ⁠@tastytrailstravelpod⁠

Life in Korea: ⁠@wherewefindhome⁠

Identity & Belonging: ⁠Substack⁠✨

We’re back this week with the second half of our chat with Chef Amethyst Ganaway! If you haven’t heard the first part yet, hit pause and go listen—it’s full of great context for this episode.

Chef Amethyst is an award-winning chef featured in The New York Times and Food & Wine magazine. She specializes in Gullah Geechee cuisine and the food of the African diaspora in the South. This week, we dive deeper into Gullah Geechee traditions, their influence on Southern food, and how these flavors and techniques shaped what we now think of as American cuisine.

✨ Highlights:

• Why Gullah Geechee food is the foundation of American cuisine.
• The story behind dishes like Hoppin’ John (hint: it’s not just peas and rice!) and okra stew.
• Pro tips for cooking okra—yes, you can get rid of the slime!
• How freshness, smokiness, and umami define Gullah Geechee flavors.
• Where to find authentic Gullah Geechee eats if you’re around Charleston.

If you’re curious about the roots of farm-to-table or want to learn more about a cuisine that blends African, Indigenous, and Southern influences, this episode is for you.

🎧 Grab your headphones and join us for the journey!

Connect with Chef Amethyst:

Instagram: ⁠@thizzg⁠

Online: ⁠www.waterwhippin.com⁠

Hang out with me: Food: ⁠@tastytrailstravelpod⁠

Life in Korea: ⁠@wherewefindhome⁠

Identity & Belonging: ⁠Substack⁠✨

I'm excited to welcome award-winning chef and food writer Amethyst Ganaway onto the pod as we delve into the history and culture of the Gullah Geechee people, descendants of West African slaves in the American South.

Chef Amethyst shares the Gullah Geechee’s enduring West African heritage, spanning language, food, art, and music, while tracing the vital role they played in the economic boom of the American South through their cultivation of Carolina Gold rice.

This fascinating conversation delves into how isolation along the coast preserved their unique culture and how their contributions have shaped both Southern and American foodways.

We explore how Gullah Geechee traditions—especially in food—are deeply rooted in West African heritage, how Carolina Gold rice changed the course of U.S. history, and the resilience behind it all.Connect with Chef Amethyst:

Instagram: @thizzg

Online: www.waterwhippin.com

Hang out with me: Food: ⁠@tastytrailstravelpod⁠

Life in Korea: ⁠@wherewefindhome⁠

Identity & Belonging: ⁠Substack⁠✨

In this episode, Snezhana gives us an inside scoop on Russian holiday traditions, kicking things off with the iconic Olivier salad—a must-have for New Year’s and known abroad as “Russian Salad.”

She chats about other holiday favorites like "Herring Under a Fur Coat," a colorful layered salad, and even "meat in jello," a cold dish you’ll find at family gatherings.

And of course, we can’t forget vodka! She shares how it’s more than a drink—it's a tradition in itself, complete with heartfelt toasts.

From backyard barbecues to painting eggs for Easter, Snezhana shares how these foods bring family and friends together across Russia.***

Connect with Snezhana on Instagram ⁠@ahsnezhana ⁠

Hang out with me: Food: ⁠@tastytrailstravelpod⁠

Life in Korea: ⁠@wherewefindhome⁠

Identity & Belonging: ⁠Substack⁠✨

In this episode, we journey into the heart of Día de los Muertos, Mexico's cherished "Day of the Dead" celebration.

This rich cultural tradition honors the spirits of loved ones with beautifully arranged "ofrendas" (altars), colorful marigolds, intricate sugar skulls, and traditional food offerings.

Together, we explore how families reunite with ancestors each year, from cemetery gatherings to festive rituals, and the deep significance behind these vibrant customs.

Tune in to learn about the iconic practices that make Día de los Muertos not only a celebration of life and memory but also a profound cultural festival admired around the world.

You'll also learn how ancient processes like nixtamalization—originating from prehistoric times—have transformed maize from a simple staple to a nutritious powerhouse that shaped Mesoamerican civilization.

Rodrigo unpacks the surprising story of how this age-old technique is still used today, supporting local farmers and ensuring authentic flavors.

Listen in to explore the connections between design, tradition, and the colorful celebration of Día de los Muertos in Oaxaca.

Visit and connect with Tortilleria Moneda:

Instagram: @tortilleriamoneda

Online: https://tortilleriamoneda.com/

Hang out with me: Food: ⁠@tastytrailstravelpod⁠

Life in Korea: ⁠@wherewefindhome⁠

Identity & Belonging: ⁠Substack⁠✨

I'm here this week with Snezhana exploring the biggest country in the world!

From iconic dishes like borscht and pelmeni to unique regional flavors we're diving deep into the heart of Russian cuisine.

Along the way, they share stories about communal dining, the evolution of the food scene in modern cities, and how traditional recipes continue to shape Russian identity.

Whether you're a total newbie or already love Russia and its food, this episode offers a fresh, inviting perspective on the flavors and culture of Russia.

Connect with Snezhana on Instagram @ahsnezhana

Hang out with me: Food: ⁠@tastytrailstravelpod⁠

Life in Korea: ⁠@wherewefindhome⁠

Identity & Belonging: ⁠Substack⁠✨