38 episodes

Dish City explores the iconic foods of D.C., Maryland, and Virginia to understand local history and how we live today. Join hosts Patrick Fort and Ruth Tam as they learn the origins of Old Bay in Maryland, explore the roots of Vietnamese cuisine in Virginia, and investigate whether D.C.'s bottomless brunch is actually a good deal. From WAMU.

Dish City WAMU 88.5

    • Arts
    • 4.7 • 158 Ratings

Dish City explores the iconic foods of D.C., Maryland, and Virginia to understand local history and how we live today. Join hosts Patrick Fort and Ruth Tam as they learn the origins of Old Bay in Maryland, explore the roots of Vietnamese cuisine in Virginia, and investigate whether D.C.'s bottomless brunch is actually a good deal. From WAMU.

    Bottomless Brunch

    Bottomless Brunch

    The only meal D.C. loves more than a power lunch is a bottomless, boozy brunch. Most weekends, unlimited mimosas, and bloody marys are flowing as Washingtonians splurge on late breakfasts, often after late nights. But brunch has equally impassioned critics and fans. Ruth and Patrick learn why Washingtonians love brunch so much and whether it’s a good deal for anyone.

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    • 32 min
    Fried Fish

    Fried Fish

    Crispy golden filets of whiting, croaker, or catfish on white bread are sold all over the D.C. region at small carryouts. For years, fried fish businesses like Horace and Dickie’s and Fish in the Neighborhood have been pillars in their community. But, as D.C. rapidly gentrifies, classic fried fish counters have had to adapt. Ruth and Patrick learn why fried fish counters are a crucial part of D.C.’s soul food culture and what their future in this city might look like.

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    • 30 min
    Little Saigon & Eden Center

    Little Saigon & Eden Center

    The center of Northern Virginia’s thriving Vietnamese community is Eden Center in Falls Church. It’s the biggest Vietnamese commercial center on the east coast and draws visitors from all over the DMV region and the country. But before Eden Center, the local Vietnamese community was based in Little Saigon in Clarendon. This week, Ruth and Patrick learn the origins of Little Saigon, how the community relocated there to Eden Center, and what the local Vietnamese community’s future might hold.

    Patrick and Ruth will be at the Giant Barbecue Battle in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, June 25. Stop by and grab some stickers and magnets!

    Check out music from this episode by No-No Boy, composed by Julian Saporiti and engineered by Seth Boggess.

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    • 36 min
    Stuffed Ham

    Stuffed Ham

    Stuffed ham: IYKYK

    This hyper-local delicacy from southern Maryland has been a part of life in St. Mary’s County for generations. But, unless you grew up there or have a family connection, you probably have no idea what it is. Patrick and Ruth explore what goes into a stuffed ham, its generations-old history, and how people are eating it now.

    Patrick and Ruth will be at the Mosaic farmer's market in Fairfax, Va., on Sunday, June 19. Stop by and grab some stickers and magnets!

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    • 20 min
    A Chinatown In Name Only

    A Chinatown In Name Only

    D.C.’s Chinatown has all the hits. A giant archway. Dragons painted on the streets. Chinese characters in its storefronts. But…where are all the Chinese people?

    For all of its traditional iconography, D.C.’s Chinatown doesn’t feel very Chinese. For years, the remaining Chinese restaurants and shops have felt more like Easter eggs in the neighborhood rather than the main attraction. How did it get like this? Ruth explores the history of D.C.’s Chinese American community.

    Ruth and Patrick will be at the Mosaic farmer's market in Fairfax, Va., on Sunday, June 19. Stop by and grab a sticker!

    Fill out our survey: dishcity.org/survey

    Leave us a tip at wamu.org/supportdishcity.

    Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/dishcity

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    • 34 min
    Maryland Blue Crabs

    Maryland Blue Crabs

    Blue crabs are messy, time-consuming, and expensive to harvest and eat. And yet, no summer on the Chesapeake Bay is complete without a crab feast. Many Washingtonians are happy to set aside a couple hours, and maybe a few hundred dollars, to enjoy this meal with loved ones. But how many of us know what it takes to get crabs and crab cakes to your table? Ruth and Patrick learn how these iconic crustaceans get from the boat to your throat.

    Patrick will be at the Dupont Circle farmer's market in Maryland on Sunday, June 5, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Stop by and grab a sticker!

    Fill out our survey: dishcity.org/survey

    Leave us a tip at wamu.org/supportdishcity.

    Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/dishcity

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    • 30 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
158 Ratings

158 Ratings

emgusk ,

The podcast for DC food culture

I recommend this podcast to friends more than any other podcast! It is fun to listen to and I always learn something. I think the hosts do a great job explaining DC culture and our city’s foods. I especially recommend it to people who like to eat (that’s everyone!). It’s also great if you’re from the DMV and homesick.

BeezieD ,

Amazing Show!!

I love this show so much. Fascinating detail about our area and the way food interacts with culture. Keep up the good work!

yng_breezy ,

#1 least depressing podcast about DC

Fun listen, good tips about the food science

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