OTM on-site at the Music City Food & Wine Festival in Nashville TN, conversations with 3 of the city’s top Chefs, an exciting new Hotel Concept, and a half-dozen of the Top Toques who participated in the Festival--And, to wrap up, a NC Farmer/Che/Restaurateur. First, from Nashville: Christopher Anderson, Chef designate, at a yet-to-be- named Restaurant, opening in November, in the Hutton Hotel, http://www.huttonhotel.com/; Brandon Chavannes, Executive Chef, Moto, https://www.mstreetnashville.com/moto/; Tandy Wilson, Chef, City House, http://cityhousenashville.com/; Sarah Robbins, Chief Hospitality Officer, 21 C Museum Hotels, https://www.21cmuseumhotels.com/nashville.  Then: Hugh Acheson, Athens & Atlanta GA, https://hughacheson.com/; Jimmy Bannos, Chicago, http://www.heavenonseven.com/jimmy.html; Andrew Curren, Austin, http://www.elmrg.com/; Cassidee Dabney, Walland TN, http://www.blackberryfarm.com/about/; Marcus Samuelsson, NYC, London, etc, http://marcussamuelsson.com/; Alon Shaya, New Orleans, http://www.shayarestaurant.com/alon-shaya/, (note as per recent news, Alon is leaving this position). Finally: Jamie Dement, Partner, Piedmont restaurant, Durham NC & Coon Rock Farm, Hillsborough NC, http://piedmontrestaurant.com/, The Farmhouse Chef.

New Products of note & their backstories: Scott Fry, Loving Earth Chocolates, Melbourn,e Australia, made with Cacao from Amazonian Peru, www.lovingearth.net & www.lovingearth.com (in USA); Ignacio Saez de Ibara, CEO, Espuna, Tapas Essentials from Spain (some made in the USA). Toronto Canada, www.espuna.es; Henry Miller, Founder/CEO, Henry Humdinger’s Spiced Honey, Burlington WA, ww.henryshumdingers.com.

It’s a “Fishy” business this week – and – news of a new dining option right in our neighborhood:  Langdon Cook, Forager extraordinaire, Seattle, http://langdoncook.com/, Upstream: Searching for Wild Salmon, from River to Table; Susan Schadt, Memphis TN, http://www.susanschadtpress.com/, Reel Masters – Chefs Besh, Link, Currence Share Recipes & Fishing Stories….. And welcome to our Pittsburgh Neighborhood to Justin Rosenberg, Founder & CEO, Honeygrow, https://www.honeygrow.com/east-liberty.

Top Nashville Chef Levon Wallace, of Gray & Dudley restaurant in the 21c Museum Hotel, www.grayanddudley.com, reviews some of the highlights of the 5th Annual Music City Food & Wine Festival (happening September 15-17, www.musiccityfoodandwinefestival.com). Join OTM at this great event! More Beverages, both non-alcoholic & intoxicating: Sharelle Klaus, Founder & CEO, Dry Soda, Seattle WA, www.drysoda.com; Ely Key, Co-Founder, Up Mountain Switchel, Bushwick, Brooklyn, www.drinkswitchel.com; Yvonne Niami, Founder, Viva XXX11 Tequila, Joven & Reposado, Miami FL, www.viva32.com; Fred Minnick, Spirits Critic, Prospect KY, www.fredminnick.com, Rum Curious: The Indispensible Tasting Guide for the World’s Spirit.

Food Now & in the Future: Stephen Ritz, Food Educator & Advocate, Bronx NY, www.greenbronxmachine.org, The Power of a Plant: A Teacher’s Odyssey to Grow Healthy Minds & Schools; Nick Barnard, Rude Health, London UK, www.rudehealth.com, Eat Right: The Complete Guide to Traditional Foods with 130 Nourishing Recipes & Techniques; James McWilliams, Austin TX, @the_pitchfork, Eating Promiscuously: Adventures in the Future of Food.

Interviews for imbibers, special stories about Wine & Spirits: Bruce Tyrrell. Chairman, Australia’s First Families of Wine & Managing Director, Tyrrell’s Wines, Pokolbin NSW Australia, www.australiasfirstfamiliesofwine.com.au, www.tyrrells.com.au; Lior Lev Sercarz, Owner, La Boite spice emporium, NYC, & Adam Quirk, Founder, Cardinal Spirits, Bloomington IN, www.cardinalspirits.com, Distillers of Terra Botanical Gin, available nationwide from www.mashandgrape.com; Scott Harris, Co-Founder, Catoctin Creek Distilling Company, Distillers of “Double Gold” winning Rye Whiskey, Loudon Valley VA, www.catoctincreek.com.

New Cookbooks, you should consider adding to your collection: Melissa Clark, Brooklyn NY, https://www.melissaclark.net/, Dinner: Changing the Game; Kimiko Barber, London, http://www.kimikobarber.co.uk/, Cook Japanese at Home: from Soba & Ramen to Teriyaki & Hot Pots, 200 Everyday Recipes Using Simple Techniques (plus some recommendations for dining Japanese in London); Shelly Westerhausen, Bloomington IN, https://www.vegetarianventures.com/, Vegetarian Heartland: Recipes for Life’s Adventures.

How London became the world-leading city for Indian cuisine, the latest news from a Star Kiwi Chef, and a Pastry Chef star in Chicago: Camellia Panjabi, MBE, Group Director, MW Eat,  www.realindianfood.com, Chutney Mary, Amaya, Veeraswamy, & Masala Zone (8 locations); Peter Gordon. Providores & Tapa Room in London, http://www.theprovidores.co.uk/, The Sugar Club & Bellota, Aukland, https://www.skycityauckland.co.nz/restaurants/the-sugar-club/peter-gordon/; Gale Gand, Pastry Chef Extraordinaire, Chicago, http://www.galegand.com/.

How did Britain’s Simon Rogan become a Culinary Superstar transforming sleepy Cartmel, Cumbria, UK into a must-go destination? 15 years after OTM first met Simon & Partner Penny, we capture a 2-part interview which tells the story and points to an even more exciting future for Simon and his team. http://www.simonrogan.co.uk/, http://cartmelvillage.com/.  Then, exploring why London loves Italian, OTM visits Café Caldesi in Marylebone and learn more about pairing Italian Wines from GM-Sommelier Fabio Aguzzi, www.caldesi.com.

Bring health & Zen to your kitchen: Sam Talbot, Chef-Owner, Pretty Southern, Brooklyn, http://prettysouthernbk.com/, 100% Real: 100 Insanely Good Recipes for Clean Food Made Fresh; Jean-Christian Jury, Vegan Chef, Teacher & Author, NY, http://jeanchristianjury.com/, Vegan: The Cookbook; Meg Barnhart & Jane McKay, Partners, The Zen of Slow Cooking – Spice Blends, Chicago,  https://www.thezenofslowcooking.com/.

New Products, a notable “revival” and a brew:  Bo Perry, Pizoots Flavor-infused Mad Scientist Peanuts, Portsmouth VA, https://www.pizootz.com/Articles.asp?ID=1; Jim Conroy, Owner, Conroy Foods, Reviving the legendary Isaly’s Ice Cream, also producing Beano Sauces, Pittsburgh PA, www.conroyfoods.com; Mike Cobb, CEO, Crown Maple, Dover Plains NY, www.crownmaple.com; Todd Thibault “Tebo”, Cultural Czar, Breckenridge Brewery, Littleton CO, www.breckbrew.com.

From organic, really free, pasture-raised Chickens to spice-infused Peanuts and Save Our Saucepans, some notable products: Jesse Solomon, Founder, Emmer and Co Heritage Chicken, San Francisco, www.emmerandco.com; Vicki Jakubovic, Spokesperson, Pereg Natural Foods, Clifton NJ, http://www.pereg-gourmet.com; Wendy Wilson-Bett, Founder, Peter’s Yard Crispbread, Shrewsbury Shropshire UK, www.petersyard.com; Christine McFadden, SOS Brand Manager, Clorox, Oakland CA, www.clorox.com.

A VERY Southern program: John T Edge, Director, Southern Foodways Alliance, Oxford MS. http://www.southernfoodways.org/; The Potlikker Papers: A Food History of the Modern South; John Tesar, Chef-Owner, Knife, Dallas TX, http://www.johntesar.com/restaurants/, Knife: Texas Steak House Meals at Home; Steven Raichlen, America’s Authority on all things BBQ,, Founder BBQ University, http://www.stevenraichlen.com/home/, Barbecue Sauces, Rubs, and Marinades: BJohn T Edge, Southern Fodwaysastes, Butters, Glazes too.

It’s that time of the year again: The Specialty Food Association’s  Summer Fancy Food Show packs New York City's Javits Convention Center. Over time OTM will bring you many standout products/companies--including many 2017 SOFI (specialty outstanding food innovation) awards. Today: Adam Dick & Dustin Taylor, Dick Taylor Craft Chocolate,  Eureka CA, http://www.dicktaylorchocolate.com/; Christy Goldsby, Founder, Honey Mama’s, Chocolate-Honey Cocoa Treats, Portland OR, http://www.honeymamas.com/; Naomi Mobed, Creator, Le Bon Magot Chutneys, Conserves etc.. (no less than 5 SOFIs), Lawrenceville NJ, https://www.lebonmagot.com/; Austin Clar, Sales Mgr, Seawater Food & Beverage, Tiburon CA,Fancy Food https://mediterraneaseawater.com.

Three TOTALLY BRILLIANT COOKBOOKS: Samin Nosrat, San Francisco, www.ciaosamin.com, Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat; Katie & Giancarlo, Chef-Partners, Café Caldesi & La Cucina Caldesi London-Marylebone, Caldesi Campagna, Bray Berkshire, www.caldesi.com, Around the World in 120 Salads – Fresh, Healthy & Delicious;  John Whaite. Owner, John Whaite's Kitchen, TV Chef & Host, Wrightington, Lancashire, www.johnwhaiteskitchen.com, Perfect Plates in Five Ingredients: 100 Stunning Recipes from the Winner of the Great British Baking Show.

First of all OTM wishes a Happy 69th Birthday to our brother Paul!!  Then today's program focuses on some of Pittsburgh’s contributions to the Cocktail Scene: Sean Enright, GM, Spork, Pittsburgh, www.sporkpittsburgh.com, Founder, US Bartender’s Guild-Pittsburgh Chapter, https://www.facebook.com/groups/usbgpghcommunity/, Author Pittsburgh Drinks (with Cody McDevitt); Tim Russell, Founder, Maggies Farm Rum, http://maggiesfarmrum.com/, Pittsburgh. Also Scott Woolley, Co-Founder/Owner, Rock N Roll Tequila, Stockton CA, http://rocknrolltequila.com/. 

Back in the 1960s when true JET-engined Aicraft were being introduced in Australia the flight time between Sydney & Melbourne was reduced from 2 hours to 1.  A local comedian observed that if the Good Lord had intended the country’s two major cities to be only an hour apart, he would have made them closer together!  The rivalry between Australia’s two largest metros continues to this day, but we love them both, so OTM made a brief visit to Sydney on our return journey from Melbourne Food & Wine Festival and World’s 50 Best--a great decision since it brought us superb dining experiences. Ross Lusted and his wife Sunny helm The Bridge Room, a stone’s throw from Circular Quay and the Harbor Bridge (known to locals as the “Coathanger”).  Sublime is the best word we can use for the Lunch that Ross’ kitchen prepared for us.  Go there!  www.thebridgeroom.com.au.  Another couple, Josh & Julie Niland , operate Saint Peter (named for the Biblical Fisherman, not OTM’s Co-Host).  Located on the main street of the trendy Paddington neighborhood, SP is a Seafood Lover’s delight. Josh entertained us with his fascinating life story, while shareing methods he's perfected to ensure every morsel represents the wonderful Australian “catch” at its very best, www.saintpeter.com.au.

OTM brings you some of the EXCITEMENT at the 2017 James Beard Awards held in Chicago. May 1: Three new Members of Who’s Who of Food & Drink in America, Michel Nischan, Founder & President, Wholesome Wave, Bridgeport CT, http://www.wholesomewave.org/; Suzanne Goin, Chef-Owner, AOC, Luques, Tavern – all in LA, http://thelucquesgroup.com/; Evan Kleiman, Culinary Multitasker, Los Angeles, https://www.evankleiman.com/; Daniel Boulud talks about a new venture in NYC, http://www.danielboulud.com/restaurants/new-york-city; Kristina O’Neal, William Harris, Adam Farmerie, Greg Bardshaw, Principals, AvroKO, NYC, http://www.avroko.com/, Winner, Best Restaurant Design under 75 Seats, Single Thread, Healdsberg CA; Art Smith, private Chef (Clients have included Oprah Winfrey), Presenter & Previous Winner, Humanitarian of the Year Award, http://www.chefartsmith.net/chef_art_homepage/index.htm; Rebecca Wilcomb, Chef, Herbsaint NOLA, https://www.herbsaint.com/, Winner, Best Chef South; Hugo Ortega, Hugo’s Houston TX, http://www.hugosrestaurant.net/, Winner, Best Chef Southwest; Gabrielle Quinonez Denton & Greg Denton, Ox, Portland OR, http://oxpdx.com/, Winner, Best Chef Northwest; Finally OTM takes a Sweet Break at Sixteen, Chicago, Evan Sheridan, Executive Pastry Chef, http://sixteenchicago.com/.

Three of Melbourne’s top exponents of “Mod Oz” (Modern Australian) Cuisine (although one of them is really British):  Scott Pickett, Owner & Executive Chef, ESP (Estelle by Scott Pickett) & several other restaurants, https://www.estellebysp.com;  Peter Gunn, Chef-Owner, Ides, www.idesmelbourne.com; Ashley Palmer-Watts, Founding & Executive Chef, Dinner by Heston, http://www.dinnerbyheston.com.au/. .

OTM catches up with some old friends – and Great Chef-Restaurateurs in Melbourne: Kevin & Gail Donovan, Owners, www.donovanshouse.com.au; Philippe Mouchel, Chef-Owner, Philippe, www.philipperestaurant.com.au; Neil Perry, Partner, Rockpool Steak & Seafood & many other places, www.rockpooldininggroup.com.au/.

More Celebrity Chefs while “Down-under:”  Elena Arzak, Chef-Partner, Arzak, San Sebastian Spain, www.arzak.es; Dan Barber, Chef-Owner, Blue Hill, NYC, http://www.bluehillfarm.com/dine/new-york & Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Pocantico Hills, NY, https://www.bluehillfarm.com/dine/stone-barns; Virgilio Martinez, Chef-Partner, Central, Lima Peru & Lima, London; http://centralrestaurante.com.pe/, http://www.limalondongroup.com/fitzrovia; Yannick Alleno, Chef-Owner, Pavillon Ledoyen, Paris, www.yannick-alleno.com.

Conversations with Chefs while “Down-unde:r” David Thompson, Chef-Partner, Nahm, Bangkok, & Long Chim, Melbourne (and several other cities), https://www.longchimsydney.com/; Victor Liong, Chef-Owner, Lee Ho Fook, Melbourne, Australia, www.leehofook.com.au; Gaggan Anand, Chef-Owner, Gaggan, Bangkok, http://www.eatatgaggan.com/.

Looking forward to next Monday’s James Beard Foundation Awards, and looking back at the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival + World’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards. Two top Finalists for JBF Awards:  Michael Tusk, Quince, SF, www.quincerestaurant.com; Nina Compton, Compere Lapin, NOLA www.comperelapin.com.  From World’s 50 Best: # 1, Daniel Humm & Will Guidara, Eleven Madison Park,  www.elevenmadisonpark.com; One to Watch, Eduard Zatruc, Chef-Partner, Disfrutar, Barcelona, Spain, www.disfrutarbarcelona.com; Best Female Chef, Ana Ros, Chef-Partner, Hisa Franko, Slovenia, www.hisafranko.com; Gaston Acurio, Chef-Partner, Astrid, Lima Peru, www.astridygaston.com;  Lars Peder Hedberg, Owner, White Guide, Stockholm Sweden, www.whiteguide.com.

Condiments- Oils & Salt – how & where to source some of the Best: Clay Oliver, Oliver Farm, Artisan Cold-pressed, Unrefined Nut Oils, Pitts GA, www.oliverfarm.com; Natalia Cabrera, Founder, Khayyam LLC, NYC, www.khayyan.com; unmatched quality Vinegars, Olive Oils & Spices from Spain; Leslie Bilderback, The Culinary Masterclass, Pastry Chef, N/naka Culver City CA, Pastry Chef at N/naka in Culver City, http://culinarymasterclass.com/, Salt: The Essential Guide to Cooking with the Most Important ingredient in Your Kitchen. >

Unusual Wine Stories from Spain, Oregon & China!  Miguel Oliveros, Owner & Winemaker, Bodega Oliveros, Huelva, Spain,http://www.bodegasoliveros.com/en,/Producer of Crianza Sweet Vermouth; Christopher Czarnecki, Owner, Joel Palmer House, Dayton OR, www.joelpalmerhouse.com, a Restaurant deep in the Heart of Oregon’s Vineyard Country; Noel Shu, Sommelier & Managing Partner, Prodiguer Brands, www.prodiguerbrands.com; China Through a Glass of Wine.