On this edition of Joan Eats, Joan reveals Consumer Reports' top grocery store hot dogs for 2025 just in time for Memorial Day. She reviews and compares Nathan's Famous, Hebrew National Beef Franks, and uncured original wieners based on juiciness and flavor, providing listeners with the best choices to enjoy as they fire up their summer grills.

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On this edition of Ask Joan, Joan dives into the details of Fleet Week New York, starting on May 21st with a parade down the Hudson River and running through Memorial Day. The US Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard will showcase their ships and capabilities, with events including public ship tours and military displays across Manhattan and Staten Island. Highlights include performances at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, a movie night featuring 'Top Gun,' and multiple Memorial Day parades in Brooklyn and Queens. For the full schedule and more details, listeners are encouraged to visit the Fleet Week NYC Facebook page and NYC tourism website.

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On this edition of Joan Eats, Joan introduces listeners to a modern twist on a beloved traditional Jewish cookie, Mandel Bread. With guest Stephanie Berlin, the mind behind Wanda, discover the rich history and cultural variations of Mandel Bread. Stephanie shares her journey of transforming her mother's recipe into a business and how this twice-baked cookie can serve as a reminder of our shared humanity. Listeners will learn about the unique flavors offered by Wanda and where to purchase them. Additionally, a special sampling event at Save Bars is announced, encouraging cookie enthusiasts to try Wanda's creations. Tune in to unveil the story behind Wanda's Mandel Bread and the love that goes into each batch.

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On this edition of Ask Joan, Joan offers a solution for those with upcoming weddings or formal events who don't want to spend a fortune on clothes they'll only wear a few times. She introduces Rent the Runway, a service providing onetime rental options and monthly membership plans for dresses, jewelry, and handbags from over 750 designers. Joan explains how users can rent outfits for specific occasions such as weddings or graduations, with rental periods ranging from 4 to 8 days. She highlights the ease and affordability of the service, providing examples of dresses available for rent and discussing the process from selection to return. For more details, listeners are encouraged to visit Rent the Runway's website.

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On this edition of Joan Eats, Joan provides recommendations for a special Mother's Day brunch with scenic views and relaxing walks. Highlights include the Mother's Day brunch at Brooklyn Botanical Garden's elegant Yellow Magnolia Cafe, offering a three-course menu with items like goat cheese, lamb flatbread, and desserts such as honey cake and vegan vanilla gelato. Joan also mentions the Rockaway Hotel's rooftop brunch near Rockaway Beach, featuring options like Belgian waffles, Greek salad, and mimosas. Tune in for all the details on how to make reservations and pricing information to make your Mother's Day celebration unforgettable.

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On this edition of Ask Joan, Joan explores two picturesque gardens in New York perfect for Mother's Day picnics and family activities. She highlights the events at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx, which include live food, beautiful spring landscapes, games like Corn Ladder and Giant Jenga, with events running on Mother's Day weekend, May 10th and 11th. Admission details and offerings are provided. Additionally, she recommends Wave Hill Public Garden Cultural Center, also in the Bronx, with its 28-acre picturesque landscapes overlooking the Hudson River. Events include a special family art project, guided walks, free community yoga, and a tea service at the historic Wave Hill House, requiring reservations. Detailed information on both garden experiences, activities, and ticket pricing is shared for listeners looking for a perfect Mother's Day outing.

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On this edition of Joan Eats, Joan dives into the 50th anniversary of Macy's Flower Show, running from April 27th to May 18th at Macy's iconic location in Harold Square, New York. This year’s show boasts an impressive display of around 8,000 plants and 50,000 stems, along with numerous contributions from partners like YSL Beauty and Holland America Line. The event is free and open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM Sunday to Thursday, and 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Joan also highlights a special flower-themed menu at Stella 34 Trattoria, located on Macy’s sixth floor, offering a two-course prix fixe menu for $45. Make your reservation now and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Empire State Building.

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On this edition of Ask Joan, Joan provides crucial information regarding the enforcement of the Federal Real ID Act starting May 7, 2025. The episode focuses on how this act will affect domestic air travel for individuals aged 18 or older who generally use driver's licenses or non-driver IDs. Joan outlines the need to obtain a Real ID to avoid travel issues and explains how to identify if your current license is Real ID-compliant based on state-specific symbols. She also covers the procedures and requirements for upgrading to a Real ID in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, including the necessity for appointments and extended DMV hours. For additional details, Joan advises checking individual state DMV websites.

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Joan welcomes the renowned primatologist and environmental activist Dr. Jane Goodall. Dr. Goodall shares insights from her groundbreaking 60-year career, emphasizing the importance of hope, activism, and the interconnectedness of humans and animals. She discusses her podcast, 'Jane Goodall Hope Cast', which was started during the pandemic to spread her message of hope. Dr. Goodall recalls her early inspirations, her mother's unwavering support, and the pivotal moments that shaped her career. The conversation also covers current global challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and the COVID-19 pandemic, and underscores the responsibility to take action. Dr. Goodall's enduring optimism and dedication to youth-led environmental initiatives through her Roots and Shoots program are also highlighted.

Recorded on March 13, 2022

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On this edition of Jona Eats, Joan shares her recent dining experience at the Golden Unicorn in Chinatown. Despite the weekend crowds, Joan enjoys revisiting this favorite restaurant, known for its upscale Cantonese-style banquet dining and dim sum. Established in 1989, the Golden Unicorn has received multiple accolades, including a spot in TimeOut Magazine's top 11 restaurants in Chinatown and a recommendation from the New York Times. Joan highlights the restaurant's menu, hours of operation, and the reasonable prices of popular dishes like soup dumplings and baked roasted pork buns. She encourages both locals and visitors to experience this quintessential part of New York's Chinatown.

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