Flavorphiles

Tanner and Jerry take a look at how the way we drink is changing. They discuss how more people are cutting back on alcohol, the rise of THC beverages, and what those shifts could mean for bars and restaurants moving forward. From there, the conversation turns to the latest diet traps—how good intentions can lead to healthy but flavorless meals, and how to avoid sacrificing taste in the name of wellness. Mary Berg returns to the show to talk about Mary Makes It Easy, and how she makes cooking look so effortless. The episode wraps with a conversation about Ne...

Tanner and Jerry ring in the new year with an episode dedicated to Champagne and the traditions that surround it. They trace the history of Champagne and how it came to be, including the irony of Dom Pérignon—who famously tried to prevent bubbles, not celebrate them. Then they walk through the right (and wrong) ways to open a bottle, from the classic cork to the dramatic saber, including a story of a celebration that didn’t go as planned.Next, it’s time for a “pop” quiz, testing what we’ve learned so far this year on Flavorphiles. The episode c...

Tanner and Jerry celebrate the season with a Christmas episode full of traditions, tips, and a little holiday mischief. They start by revisiting the Thanksgiving discussion on how to be a great guest, answering new questions listeners raised after the episode aired. Then they share one of their favorite traditions—Drink of the Day—where each person creates a featured cocktail all Christmas week.

Next, they dive into “Christmas Crap,” the gadgets and gimmicks companies try to sell you this time of year—and why you don’t need them. In contrast, the Gourmand Gift Guide highlights gifts food lovers...

Amuse Booze: Negroni 

Tanner and Jerry dig into the world of reviews and why restaurants seem to get more feedback—solicited or not—than any other profession. They explore how chefs handle criticism, including the story of one who famously banned a critic from his restaurant. Then they sit down with D Magazine’s food critic to learn how the job really works: what to taste for, how to write with clarity and fairness, and the backlash that sometimes follows. After that, Tanner and Jerry turn the spotlight on themselves as they read and respond to reviews of Flavorp...

Tanner and Jerry turn up the heat with an episode dedicated to peppers in all their forms. They start with where chilis came from, how they traveled across the globe, and the ways they shaped entire cuisines. From there, they break down how to cook with peppers for flavor—not just fire—so even heat-averse cooks can get more out of them in the kitchen. Then things get intense as they welcome a Guinness World Record holding pepper eater while Jerry bravely takes on a Scotch Bonnet he immediately regrets. Finally, they taste-test a lineup of hot sauces and Tanner shar...

Tanner and Jerry take off for an episode all about travel. Tanner shares the chaos and charm of playing plane-shot roulette and revisits his appearance on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives—including the now-legendary Chocolate Sauerkraut Cake from Rye. Then they break down how to find great places to eat when you’re away from home, from hidden gems to local standouts worth the detour. The conversation continues with tips on how to behave respectfully in restaurants abroad and navigate unfamiliar dining customs with confidence. Finally, they explore why food tastes different on a plane and what’s really happening to your s...

Tanner and Jerry explore how a tire company became the world’s first food influencer and now the most powerful name in fine dining. They break down the history of the Michelin Guide, what each star and award represents, and why chefs chase them. Then they unpack the unprecedented news that three of America’s most celebrated restaurants are losing their third star—a shake-up that has the entire industry buzzing. From there, the conversation turns homeward with tips for creating a thoughtful tasting menu in your own kitchen. Finally, Tanner reflects on Rye’s win for Best Cocktail in Texas an...

Tanner and Jerry dig into the delicious world of food names—why they change, what they mean, and how they shape the way we eat. From French fries versus chips to biscuits versus cookies, they explore how the same foods get different identities around the world. The conversation continues with protected names like Champagne, Bourbon, and regional cheeses that can only come from one place. Then it’s on to the art of rebranding, from rapeseed becoming canola and slimehead becoming the far more appealing orange roughy. Finally, they catch up with Tanner's former boss and Top Chef Canada host Mark...

Tanner and Jerry turn up the heat in this episode all about cooking with fire. With Tanner’s new live-fire restaurant as the spark, they explore how open flames have become one of the hottest trends in modern dining—and how you can bring that same energy home. From choosing the right wood to adding smoke to your cocktails, and even clever tips for apartment cooks, it’s all about mastering the flame. Then, the fire of competition takes center stage as MasterChef Canada winner and host Mary Berg joins the show to talk creativity, pressure, and what it takes to kee...

It’s the Flavorphiles Halloween Special, and we’re serving up something spooky. Tanner and Jerry start with absinthe—the mysterious “green fairy” once banned for its supposed hallucinogenic powers—and uncover how it earned its eerie reputation. Then they carve into the history of jack-o’-lanterns, sharing tips on how to make the most of your pumpkin’s innards, seeds, and flesh in the kitchen. The celebration continues with a look at Día de Muertos and the foods that honor the tradition, before ending on a sweet note: our overrated and underrated Halloween candies, including Tanner’s passionate opinion that the Re...

In this episode, Tanner and Jerry explore why a bar is the perfect place for a first date—and how to make it a great one, whether you’re the dater or the bartender behind the stick. Tanner shares a few memorable stories from bad dates gone worse before diving into a Short Order Cooking round of common questions people ask at him. Then, fresh from his visit to Patrón in Mexico, Tanner welcomes their brand ambassador to talk tequila—how it’s made, how to drink it, and what makes the world’s favorite agave spirit so special.

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It’s our very first episode—and we’re starting with a feast. Tanner and Jerry stir up an Apple Pie Manhattan before diving into the dos and don’ts of Turkey Day. From hosting hacks that make Thanksgiving easier to guest etiquette that keeps you invited back, we’ve got you covered. Then it’s time for a rapid-fire Short Order Cooking where we answer Google's most googled questions, and we wrap up with our hot takes on the most overrated and underrated dishes at the table. Pour a drink, grab a plate, and join us for a Flavorphiles Thanksgiving...