On the Menu continues several weeks coverage of Spain’s Culinary scene and World’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards--A Week in Bilbao/San Sebastian and another in Barcelona.  Listen to: Elena Arzak, Chef-Partner, Arzak, San Sebastian, https://www.arzak.es/; Joana Vasconcelos (Lisbon, Portugal Artist), Food and Art Panelist at Bilbao Guggenheim conference, http://joanavasconcelos.com/index.aspx; Andre Chiang, Chef-Owner, Taipei, Taiwan, http://restaurantandre.com/; J P McMahon, Chef-Partner, Aniar Restaurant, Galway Ireland. http://aniarrestaurant.ie/; Mark Bright, Partner & Sommelier, Saison, San Francisco, www.saisonsf.com; Paolo Casagrande, Chef, Lasarte, Barcelona Spain, https://www.restaurantlasarte.com/,  https://www.monumenthotel.com/en/hotel-1/.

On the Menu starts several weeks coverage of Spain’s Culinary Delights and the World’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards, “Basque Style”--a week in Bilbao-San Sebastian and another in Barcelona.  Massimo Bottura, Osteria Francescana in Modena, Italy,  https://www.osteriafrancescana.it/, returns to the Top Spot, and everybody is thrilled, even Spain’s Can Roca, Girona, https://cellercanroca.com/index.htm, which dropped the short distance to #2.  For more about 50 Best - https://www.theworlds50best.com/. Eneko Atxa, Chef-owner, Azurmendi, Bilbao, et al, https://azurmendi.restaurant/en, organized a Sustainabilty conference. Listen to his ideas re the world's food supply. Then, Carme Ruscalleda, Chef-Partner, Restaurant San Pau, https://www.ruscalleda.cat/en/, San Pol de Mar, Celebrating 30 Years (& us celebrating our 45th Wedding anniversary), shares her always-forward-thinking concepts.  

Kathy Lund, CEO High Plains Bison, Denver CO, www.highplainsbison.com, and National Bison Association, www.bisoncentral.com; Christopher Hirsheimer & Melissa Hamilton, Owners, The Canal House, Milford NJ, www.thecanalhouse.com, What’s new at The Canal House, & working with John & Sukey Jamison on their soon-to-come new Book about their Latrobe PA organic Lamb Farm, https://www.jamisonfarm.com/; Jessica Gavin, Culinary Scientist, Orange County CA, www.jessicagavin.com & www.nutrilite.com, Easy Culinary Science for Better Cooking.

World’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards is only 48 hours away. Tune in at https://www.finedininglovers.com/tag/50-best-restaurants. Then today's OTM program--Cheese, Wine & a Guide to NYC “watering holes:”. Nora Weiser, Executive Director, American Cheese Society, Denver CO, www.cheesesociety.org – the Upcoming 2018 Conference in Pittsburgh, July 25-28, 2018; Kathleen Bershad, Wine Educator, Armonk NY, http://finewineconcierge.com/, The Wine Lovers’s Apprentice; John Tebeau, Artist, Bar & Liquor Maven, NYC, https://tebeau.com/,  Bars Taverns & Dives New Yorkers Love.

Big Flavors, Ancient & Modern, Cuisines of Different Countries & Cultures.  Joan Nathan, Author & Journalist, Washington DC, www.joannathan.com, King Solomon’s Table; Chef Hari Nayak, Café Spice, Indian, Prepared Meals, 2018 winner of Gold Sofi Awards, Hudson Valley NY, www.cafespice.com; Adam Fleischman, Owner, Umami Burger & 800 Degrees Pizza (40 locations), www.umamiburger.com, Flavor Bombs: The Umami Ingredients That Make Taste Explode.

Two Great Ladies of the culinary world share life experiences, history and kitchen secrets: Chef & Food Writer Anissa Helou, London, UK & Trapani, Sicily,  http://www.anissas.com/, Feast: Food of the Islamic World; Chef-Restaurateur, TV Personality & Author Lidia Matticchio Bastianich, Long Island NY, https://www.biography.com/people/lidia-bastianich, http://lidiasitaly.com/, My American Dream: A Life of Love Family & Food.

The Scoop on the 2018 World’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards: William Drew of William Reed Business Media, Founders & Organizers. Now in its 16th Year, the 50Best will run in Spain’s Basque Country, June 17-19 https://www.theworlds50best.com/blog/News/save-the-date-worlds-50-best-bilbao.html. Then, Isabel Cruz, Chef-Owner, Isabel’s Cantina, San Diego,  http://isabelscantinasd.com/, The Latin Table; and Tom Rogan, Co-Owner, Goodnow Farms, Sudbury MA, www.goodnowfarms.com, Makers of exqusite Single Origin Bean-to-Bar Chocolate. 

Looking South—first, delicious traditions of The South USA, then reinvigorating vital Agrarian Roots in Georgia; and, finally, a Dietary Marvel to know about from “South of the Border:”  Virginia Willis, Author & Journalist, Atlanta GA, http://virginiawillis.com/; Secrets of the Southern Table; Will & Jenni Harris, Owners, White Oak Pastures, Bluffton GA, www.whiteoakpastures.com, Organic & All-Natural Meats and Vegetables, including Iberico Hogs finished on Pecans & Peanuts; Adriana Gomez, Founder, Salviana, Importer & Distributor, Raw Maguey Sap from Mexico - Sweetener, Prebiotic & Probiotic, Los Angeles, www.salviana.com.

The 2018 James Beard Awards – some new themes &, as always, exciting winners. Then, listen to a woman who founded a successful career in Cheese, and one with the ultimate expertise in Pressure Cooking: Michele Buster, Founder, Forever Cheese, Long Island City NY, www.forevercheese.com; Laura Pazzaglia, Rome, Italy, www.hipcooking.com, HIP Pressure Cooking. Finally, to all you Mothers out there, have a Happy, Happy, Happy Day.

This week we’re in an Imbibing State of Mind. First, Michter’s, founded in 18th Century Pennsylvania, is back in a big way with a 10-Year-aged Bourbon. Next, an American ”Italophile” explains that country’s Cocktail Culture. Finally, who knew about Wine made in Garages: Pamela Heilmann, Master Distiller, & Andrea Wilson, Master of Maturation, Michter’s, Louisville KY, https://michters.com/; Annette Jospeph, Lover of All Things Italian, Rome Italy, www.annettejosephstyle.com, Cocktail Italiano; Doug Minnick, Founder & Partner, Garagiste Wine Festival, May 12, 2018, Sonoma CA, https://www.sonomacounty.com/sonoma-events/garagiste-wine-festival-sonoma.

Gearing up for the 2018 James Beard Awards, including conversations with two finalists, pplus an Indispensable Resource cataloging Chef’s' “little black books."  This year’s James Beard Awards return to Chicago, May 7. We chat about what these awards are all about, and how you can join in the fun.  Details at https://www.jamesbeard.org/awards/tickets.  Note that the Media Awards were in NYC April 29 were sold out. Today's OTM: Clare De Boer, Chef Partner, King, NYC, Finalist for Rising Star Chef, www.kingrestaurantnyc.com; Zachary Golper, Founder & Owner, Bien Cuit, NYC, Finalist for Best Baker, http://www.biencuit.com/; Joshua David Stein, Editor for The Americas, Where Chefs Eat – 3rd Edition & App, http://www.phaidon.com/store/food-cook/where-chefs-eat-9780714875651/.

Books to really cook from: Justin Chapple of Mad Genius Tips, http://www.justinchapple.com/, Just Cook It; Siri Daly, http://siriouslydelicious.blogspot.com/, Siriously Delicious: 100 Nutritious (and not so Nutritious) Simple Recipes for Real Home Cooks; Debbie Moose, Raleigh NC, www.debbiemoose.com, Carolina Catch: Cooking North Carolina Fish & Shellfish from Mountains to Coast.

Don’t forget to File your Tax Return by Monday. Alison Clare Steingold, Los Angeles, https://alisonsteingold.contently.com/, The LA Cookbook: Recipes from the Best Restaurants Bakeries & Bars in Los Angeles; Georgeanne Brennan, http://georgeannebrennan.com/., Windows on Provence: Musings on the Food, Wine and Culture of the South of France; Chris Nathan, Founder & CEO, Cocavo, Whangarei, NZ, www.cocavo,com, Combining Coconut & Avocado for Cooking Oils.

Great Books on how to Cook with greater variety, plus a Mexican-American Success Story you can emulate in Your Kitchen: Alison Roman, Brooklyn NY, https://www.alisoneroman.com/about/, Dining In: Highly Cookable Recipes; Jenn Segal, Blogger, Potomac MD, https://www.onceuponachef.com/, Once Upon a Chef; Eddie Hernandez, Chef-Partner, Taqueria Del Sol, several locations in GA & TN, www.taqueriadelsol.com/, Turnip Greens & Tortillas: A Mexican Chef Spices up the Southern Kitchen.

We wish Happy Easter & Passover to all ON the Menu listeners around the world.  A tribute to an Iconic Chef, who celebrated the Cooking of the American South; Who knew about Jelly Bean’s most popular flavors; plus Craft Cider and an Unusual Urban experiment:  Sara Franklin, https://www.sarabfranklin.com/, Kingston NY, Edna Lewis: At the Table with an American Legend; Tom Carter, Media Director, The Candystore, LA, www.candystore.com, Statistical Analysis Reveals the most Popular Flavor of Jelly Beans; Alejandro del Peral, Fonder & Cider Maker, Nine Pin Cider, www.ninepincider.com, Albany NY, Craft Cider & the Urban Orchard Project.

Exotic, Award-winning Chocolate Bars, Milk made from Oats & a New Tea Taste Sensation: Brian Wallace, Founder & Partner, Endorfin Foods, Craft Chocolate Bars with Cardamone, Absinthe, Coconut Mylk & Sugar, Berkeley CA, www.endorfinfoods.com; Mike Messersmith, US General Mgr, Oatly-the original Oat Milk, NYC, www.oatly.com; Jenny Zheng, Founder, Little Fluffy Head Café, Bubble Teas & Cheese Teas, LA, www.littlefluffyhead.com.

A Definitive Tome on Spiritous Liquors, and Cocktail Mixers to rave about. Also Kosher Foods- not just for Passover: Richard Carleton Hacker, a True Expert on Spirits from around the world, Sherman Oaks CA, The Connoisseur's Guide to Worldwide Spirits, http://www.richardcarletonhacker.com/; Meredith Orfanos, Director of Communications, Powell & Mahoney Craft Cocktail Mixes, Salem MA, https://www.powellandmahoney.com/; Vicki Jakubovic, Spokesperson for Kayco, Bayonne NJ, www.kayco.com & www.kosher.com.

Fresh Ways with both Meat & Vegetables: Lee Clayton Roper, The Seasoned Kitchen, Denver CO, www.seasonedkitchen.com/,  Fresh Tastes: From a Well-Seasoned Kitchen; Camas Davis, Founder, The Good Meat Project, Portland OR, www.thegoodmeatproject.com; Shelley Westerhausen, Vegetarian Ventures, Bloomington IN, www.vegetarianventures.com, Platters & Boards: Beautiful, Casual Spreads for Every Occasion.

Meet a Pittsburgh-based James Beard Foundation Semi-Finalist for Outstanding Restauranteur, Take a New Look at Essential Sauces and Find a Fresh Approach to Cooking Vegan: Rick Deshantz, Founder & Partner, Deshantz Restaurant Group, Pittsburgh, http://richarddeshantz.com/restaurants/, Semi Finalist, JBF Outstanding Restaurateur; Lorilynn Bauer, TV Personality – Iron Chef America, Redwood City CA, https://twitter.com/redlulucooks, The Art of the Perfect Sauce (with Ramin Ganeshram); Rita Serano, Food Blogger, Amsterdam Netherlands, http://www.ritaserano.com/, Vegan in 7: Delicious Plant-based Recipes in 7 Ingredients or Fewer.

Honoring Chinese New Year, a fresh approach to Potluck Dinners, and Indian cooking tweaked American: Hsiao-Ching Chou. Food Journalist & Cooking Instructor, Seattle WA, www.mychinesesoulfood.com, Chinese Soul Food: A Friendly Guide for Homemade Dumplings, Stir Fries. Soups & More; Ali Rosen, TV Chef, Charleston SC, www.potluckvideo.com, Bring It: Tried & True Recipes for Potlucks & Casual Entertaining; Asha Shivakumar, Blogger, San Francisco, www.foodfashionparty.com, Masala & Meatballs: Incredible Indian Dishes with an American Twist.

This week – a Miscellany--a serial 2-Star British Chef, 5 Generations of Cheesemaking & a new bakery incubator in in Pittsburgh: Michael Wignall, embarking on a new Restaurant Venture after winning 2 Michelin Stars in Yorkshire, in Surrey and most recently at Gidleigh Park in Devon UK; Sid Cook Master Cheesemaker, Carr Valley Cheese, La Valle WI, http://www.carrvalleycheese.com/aboutus.asp; Phil Enck, Manager, The Bakery Society of Pittsburgh-First Bakery Incubator in the USA, www.tbspgh.com

Healthy Eating & Drinking: Mark Stevens, Author & Film Director, New Orleans LA, Cooking with Spices: 100 Recipes for Blends, Marinades & Sauces from around the World; Lee White, Mendocino Teas, Tuber Tonic, Chai & Fine Teas, https://mendocinotea.com/; Paula Shoyer, Chevy Chase MD, www.thekosherbaker.com, The Healthy Jewish Kitchen: Fresh, Contemporary Recipes for Every Occasion.

120 Years of Artisanal Grappa Distillation, Farmed Snails, a Great Book about Charcuterie, and Wines from Australia’s Mornington Peninsula (in honor of the Australian Open Tennis Tournament ending today):  Antonella & Elisabetta Nonino, Family Partners, Nonino Distillatori, Percoto, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy, www.grappanonino.it; Taylor Knapp, Founder, Peconic Snails, Fresh Snails & Snail Caviar, Cutchogue NY www.peconicescargot.com;  Meredith Leigh, Mereleigh Food, Ashville NC, www.mereleighfood.com, Pure Charcuterie: the Craft & Poetry of Curing Meats at Home; then Ocean 8 & Polpero wines from the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria Australia.

Baking with Metal Sheets, cooking with Woks & Special Treats – Belgian Chocolate & Napa Wines with a Southern Connection: Andris Lagsdin, Inventor of the Baking Steel, Boston MA, www.bakingsteel.com; Baking with Steel: The Revolutionary New Approach to Perfect Pizza Bread & More; Ching-He Huang, TV Chef & Inventor of The Lotus Wok, LA-London & Asia, https://www.chinghehuang.com/; Stir Crazy: 100 Deliciously Healthy Stir-Fry Recipes; Jean-Paul Hepp, Chocodiem Belgian Artisan Chocolate, Clinton NJ & Easton PA, www.chocodiem.com; Gustavo Gonzalez, Winemaker, Mira Family Estates, Napa CA & Charleston SC, Mira’s inaugural Merlot vintage, www.miranapa.com.

Super Sauces and/or Simple Meals:James Patterson, Brooklyn, www.jimcooks.com, Sauces: Classical & Contemporary Sauce Making 4th Edition; Vanessa Seder, Stonewall Kitchen, York Maine, http://www.vanessaseder.com/, Secret Sauces: Fresh & Modern Recipes with Hundreds of Ideas for Elevating Everyday Dishes; Amanda Cushman, Chapel Hill NC, www.amandacooks.com, Simple Real Food: Delicious Clean Food Prepared Simply; Cynthia Graubart, Atlanta GA, www.cynthiagraubart.com, Sunday Suppers: Simple Delicious Menus for Family Gatherings.