Food Stories Told

Stephanie Gravalese
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Food Stories Told, hosted by food and drink writer Stephanie Gravalese, who shares food history and culture while meeting the fantastic people who've made food their world. Combining audio versions of Stephanie's articles with engaging interviews featuring chefs, foragers, farmers, and food enthusiasts, Food Stories Told brings food to life by uncovering the untold stories that make every meal memorable. Join Stephanie as she delves into culinary history, foodways, cultural tales, and personal narratives, behind what goes onto our plates and why it matters.

  1. 12/22/2024

    Comebacks and Nostalgia: Why We Can’t Quit Our Favorite Foods

    Why do we crave the return of our favorite discontinued foods? From the cult following of McDonald’s Snack Wraps to Taco Bell’s Decades Menu and the seasonal magic of the McRib, this episode dives into the delicious power of food nostalgia. We explore how flavors tie us to simpler times, why fandoms rally for food comebacks, and how brands are turning throwbacks into cultural phenomena. Whether it’s Chi-Chi’s rumored revival or the caramel apple empanadas of your youth, one thing is clear—these foods aren’t just meals, they’re memories. Join us as we savor the stories behind these irresistible comebacks!

    12 min

  2. 12/03/2024

    Comfort Food—Nostalgia, Memory, and the Other Side of Loss

    Comfort food isn’t just about what’s on the plate—it’s about the memories, people, and moments tied to each bite. In this episode, host Stephanie Gravalese explores the deep connection between food and nostalgia, sharing personal stories of grilled cheese on rainy afternoons, casserole dishes filled with love, and the simple act of seeking comfort after emotional moments like election day. Stephanie invites you to reflect on your own comfort foods with thoughtful prompts woven throughout the episode. What dishes make you feel at home? Which meals remind you of someone special? Whether it’s a slice of pie or a bowl of ramen, comfort food holds stories and meaning worth celebrating. Tune in as we explore how these foods ground us, bring joy, and help us carry on—even when the world feels chaotic.

    13 min

  3. 11/07/2024

    Nostalgia, The King, and the Power of Food Memory

    In this season of Food Stories Told, we’re diving into how food stirs up memories, linking us to the people, places, and moments that feel like home. Studies even show that food can spark some of our strongest connections to the past. Today, I’m sharing a story that started as a simple article but became an exploration into food memory, an iconic sandwich, and the emotional layers that taste can reveal. We'll explore an iconic sandwich tied to the King himself, Elvis Presley, blending family memory, myth, and the power of taste to bring us closer to the past. Join me on this journey as we unpack how the flavors of our past shape who we are and connect us to the people and places we hold dear.

    7 min

  4. 11/04/2024

    Late August Harvest and the Flavor of Nostalgia

    Do you have a favorite food memory that lingers with you? A taste, a smell, or a meal that brings back another time, another place? In this season of Food Stories Told, we’re exploring the deep connections between food and nostalgia—how certain foods tie us to our past, bring comfort, and create lasting memories. In this episode, host Stephanie Gravalese takes with us to a memory of late August abundance—and the warmth of New England summers. She reflects on what nostalgia can look like, why it matters to us, and how it shapes our connections to food and each other. This season, we’ll be exploring food nostalgia from many angles—the memories, the flavors, and the stories that keep us connected to our past while shaping our present. Join us as we explore how these food memories shape who we are today and learn ways to capture your own food stories to pass down and honor.

    7 min

  5. 06/13/2024

    Decolonizing the Plate: Voices and Visions in Indigenous Dining

    Last winter had the privilege to write an article for the Winter 2024 issue of VOICES, a wonderful publication by the wine brand Maze Rowe. In this issue, I explore the vibrant world of Indigenous dining in the US. I had the incredible opportunity to connect with Sherry Pocknett from Sly Fox Den Too, Sean Sherman from Owamni, and Loretta Barrett Oden. Each of them shared their heartfelt stories and observations about their projects, the joys, and the challenges they face as they work to uplift and preserve Indigenous foodways for the future. Our conversations were impactful, and learning from such amazing people filled my heart. In this episode, I'll be reading this article to you, bringing their voices and stories right into your ears.

    8 min

  6. 06/08/2024

    Wild by Nature: Nate Scull on Bridging Wild Flora and Brewing

    Hey there, I'm Stephanie Gravalese, and in this episode, I'm taking you back to a chat I had with Nate Scull in 2022. Nate used to work with Hermit Thrush Brewery, a place that was all about using what nature gives us to make some really unique beers. Even though the brewery closed its doors in 2024, there's a lot we can learn from how they did things. Back in 2021, I dove into how breweries are getting creative with wild ingredients, and that's when I first stumbled upon the cool stuff Nate and his team were doing. We talked about how they found and used these wild plants and ingredients, how things changed as they started brewing more and more, and how important it was to them to always respect nature. Nate shared stories about the challenges and adventures of brewing with what you can find in the wild. It wasn't always easy, especially as they tried to grow, but it was important to them to stick to their roots and make sure they always did right by the environment.

    13 min

  7. 05/17/2024

    How Seven Women Entrepreneurs Thrive in the Food World in 2024

    From the challenges of supply chain snags to the triumphs of a perfectly balanced dish, I spoke with seven women in the food industry who shared their real-world experiences of running a food business. Here's how they stay dedicated, inspired, and manage to lead by example.

    14 min

  8. 05/02/2024

    Paola Velez on Bodega Math and the Power of Third Spaces

    I speak with chef and author Paola Velez, who, in her debut cookbook, "Bodega Bakes: Recipes for Sweets and Treats Inspired by My Corner Store," revisits the bodegas of her Bronx upbringing—places that were much more than mere shopping destinations; they were the heart of her community. Bodegas serve purposes beyond quick stops for snacks or soda; they're where life's little moments unfold, where you catch up with neighbors, find that elusive recipe ingredient, or spot Paola herself, gathering inspiration from the aisles. I'm excited to share this love letter with these important third spaces in this episode and much more.

    39 min
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About

Food Stories Told, hosted by food and drink writer Stephanie Gravalese, who shares food history and culture while meeting the fantastic people who've made food their world. Combining audio versions of Stephanie's articles with engaging interviews featuring chefs, foragers, farmers, and food enthusiasts, Food Stories Told brings food to life by uncovering the untold stories that make every meal memorable. Join Stephanie as she delves into culinary history, foodways, cultural tales, and personal narratives, behind what goes onto our plates and why it matters.

Information

  • Creator
    Stephanie Gravalese
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2024
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Stephanie Gravalese
  • Show Website
    Food Stories Told