Padma Lakshmi; Bye-Bye Bananas?; Barbecue Diplomacy; Tofu

Hosted by Evan Kleiman Jan. 05, 2008 Food & Drink

We examine the banana's possible extinction, engage in some North Korean barbecue diplomacy and make tangy, tart, hot and sweet dishes. We learn how to cook vegetarian and silken tofu, and sample gourmet eating and the American food revolution. Plus, we trace the globe-trotting journeys of food.

While writer Rebecca Mead serves up North Korean barbecue diplomacy, journalist Dan Koeppel examines the possible extinction of the banana and Padma Lakshmi prepares some tangy and tart dishes. Chef Eric Gower cooks silken tofu, Mark Bittman cooks everything vegetarian and David Kamp explores our fascination with celebrities and exotic foods . Writer Sarah Murray follows the journey of food from farm to fork, and Laura Avery has a fresh Market Report.

From this Episode:

Silken Tofu

Breakaway Cook Eric Gower shares a tofu recipe that's a quick, tasty, and nutritious way to start a meal, and is one of his favorite ways to serve tofu. The top stays...

7 min

Bye-Bye Bananas?

America's favorite fruit is in danger of going extinct. Panama Disease has wiped out many banana plantations and there isn't a cure. Inspired by a Popular Science article...

7 min

How to Love Vegetables

Mark Bittman shows us how to love vegetables in his book, How to Cook Everything Vegetarian . A food writer for the New York Times, Bittman has meatless meal ideas for...

7 min

North Korean Barbecue Diplomacy

New Yorker magazine writer Rebecca Mead explains how an ordinary roofing contractor became and unofficial ambassador for North Korea.

7 min

Padma Lakshmi

Padma Lakshmi, host of Bravo's Top Chef , is a former model whose work allowed her to travel the world. She's fascinated by Mediterranean and Asian food, which she says...

7 min

The United States of Arugula

Writer and humorist David Kamp samples gourmet eating in his book, The United States of Arugula : The Sun Dried, Cold Pressed, Dark Roasted, Extra Virgin Story of the...

7 min

Market Report

Laura Avery talks with the Fruit Detective, David Karp, about his favorite citrus. David recommends Clementine Algerian mandarins (tangerines) sold by Bob Polito. Also...

7 min

Moveable Feasts

Writer Sarah Murray traces the globe-trotting journeys of food from farm to fork in her book, Moveable Feasts . She explores the "eat local" movement, carbon footprints,...

7 min