Sound Palate Kitty Kinnin

As always, I was honored to chat up Inez Ribustello about the new memoir/cookbook, "On the Square- A Restaurant That Made A Community".  In the book, she and her husband, Chef Stephen Ribustello, share their journey of the now 21 yr. old On The Square Restaurant in Tarboro and scrumptious fav recipes & crowd pleasers from Stephen.  Their wine knowledge is unmatched.  In fact, this culinary couple are both advanced Sommeliers (and the only married couple who share this certification).  Yet, you will not find more down-to-earth people than Inez and Stephen.  This book is perfect for holiday gift giving or anytime giving.  Make sure you also check out her first memoir, Life After Windows, capturing their story during 911 when the couple served as sommeliers at NYC's legendary Windows on the World.  Also, enjoy the award winning brews at their Tarboro Brewing Company as well.
Thanks for listening.  Feel free to email me comments or suggestions:  kitty@kittykinnin.com. Happy Holidays!

Shannon Healy is the owner/mixologist of Alley 26, the first bar in NC nominated for Best Bar Program by the James Beard Foundation.  Join us as we share libation love mixing cocktails (well, Shannon does the honors) and we chat about the extraordinary journey of Alley 26.

Award winning Chef Vivian Howard of Chef & The Famer, Lenoir, A Chef's Life, Hot & Handy and now VIV's FRIG updates us on all her latest ventures.  I have to say her laugh is infectious and had me giggling throughout.  She also has an anti pairing for the sound segment - funny stuff.  

Some of our fav local chefs shared a special family holiday recipe and paired it with a song (or 2).  Executive Chef Walter Royal of The Angus Barn Chef Cheetie Kumar (formerly of Garland, Matt Bumpas of Sweet Bumpas in Durham, Chef Jill St. Lucia of Catering Works, Chef Jeff Seizer of Counting House in 21C Museum Hotel, Durham, Chef Inez Rubistello of On the Square & Tarboro Brewing Company, Chef Jake Wood of Lawrence BBQ, Chef Alex Ricci of Cucciola Terraza in North Hills Raleigh and Chef Chris Lopez of Fine Folk.

@Chef Saif Rahman of @Vidrioraleigh was such a fascinating and entertaining interview!   Born in Pakistan, Chef Saif has embraced his roots with a feverish passion for food, history, community and family.  The menu at Vidrio is globally inspired & influenced by his world travels offering small, shareable plates.  Scrumptious and artful, the bites are exquisite with much sourced locally.  Chef speaks of his childhood growing up in a tight knit family in Pakistan, what is was like arriving in NYC at age 10, finding balance between work & family, his strong sense of community & impromptu random thoughts.  His food & music pairing is inspired & drool-worthy.  You'll find his energy infectious (as is his laugh)!  Chef Saif was the 2021 winner of NCRLA Chef Showdown.  The podcast is supported by The Foundation of Hope & Larrys Coffee featuring my Bad Kitty Blend.

James Beard nominated Chef Dean Neff honed his skills at many celebrated restaurants before landing in Wilmington, NC. to open his own gem, Seabird Restaurant, in the heart of downtown.  His focus is on sustainability featuring the seafood and ingredients found in North Carolina and it's storied coast.  Dean talks oysters, home made sauces, community & finding love w/ a pastry chef.  He also pairs his restaurant with a special song.  This podcast is supported by The Angus Barn Foundation of Hope & Larry's Coffee featuring The Bad Kitty Blend.