Chef Erin Boukall and I had the opportunity to share a meal with Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek. It was a good chance to get to know someone we often see behind a podium, or as the subject of some article or another praising or criticizing her work. Whatever the case, I know that being the Mayor of a growing city with as many complexities as Calgary can’t be easy. That being said, I wanted to ask questions about the strategies that are currently in place and give Mayor Gondek a chance to talk about them in a space where her ideas can convey a fair and balanced perspective.

Special thanks to:

Mayor Jyoti Gondek @jyotigondek

Chef Erin Boukall @culinarycalgary

Chef Darcy Lane @cookcanada

Chef Deepak Singh Kalsi @deepaksdhaba

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Hi everyone! Sorry for the hiatus, but I’m back with a brand new episode about the Calgary Stampede food. This is a recap of the dishes I got to try during my first year as a judge for the Best Midways Foods. I’ll go over the top 5 best dishes, the bottom 5 dishes, as well as talk about your thoughts from your comments on social media during the duration of the Stampede. Enjoy!

Shout outs to:

Shabina from Wandering In YYC

@wanderinginyyc

Sarah Hovind

@sarah.sociables

Chanry Thach

@chanrythach

Carmen Cheng from Food Karma Blog

@foodkarmablog 

Check out the substack for all the pictures of the dishes:

https://linktr.ee/theaimlesscook

Thank you for listening. Please rate, review and share with your friends!

Peace.

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In this episode, Jay talks about a few of your favourite Canadian culinary creations. Of course, Poutine is the topic of this episode and Jay goes over a little history of this famous dish, the makings of the ideal poutine, and the neverending debate on the perfect plate. It’s all here on The Aimless Cook Podcast.

Special thanks to:

Chef Steve Glavicich of the Youth Culinary Arts Program at Woods Homes

@braizenchef

@ycapmarket

If you like this show, be sure to rate, review, and SHARE with your friends. Support this show by buying merch from our shop:

http://www.linktr.ee/theaimlesscook

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheezies

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/oakvale-of-albion/block-party

License code: HTYVOVEYJE809O7F

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/sunny-side-neighborhood

License code: KHZNOINJUUP5YRPH

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/qube/foam

License code: PHKLS3SUBRNOJ6CD

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/aaron-paul-low/thought-patterns

License code: II5QRDCOBMQW4TRB

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Today we’re gonna talk about what’s been happening, what I’ve been eating, our YYC Restaurant Review Of The Week, the latest from Instagram and Tiktok, AI imagery in social media, and 5 of my favourite food scenes in movies.

Thanks for listening. If you like the show, please rate, review, and SHARE with your friends!

If you have any questions or comments for me, please DM me or email me at:

jay@theaimlesscookpodcast.com

Who we talked about today:

The J-Spot: @thejspotyyc

Rain Dog Bar: @raindogbar

Night Owl Vietnamese Cuisine: @nightowlyyc

Chè Bóng: @chebongyyc 

If you’d like to support the show, you can donate or buy some merch from the shop:

http://www.linktr.ee/theaimlesscook

Be kind to one another, stay hungry, and I’ll see you on the next one.

Peace.

Music Credits:

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/oakvale-of-albion/block-party

License code: HTYVOVEYJE809O7F

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/christian-larssen/suburban-honeymoon

License code: 6SAWMLQIGS7HDTLH

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/qube/foam

License code: NEPVISKYE1ITPW5W

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/monument-music/adventure-time

License code: N2NXGD5GA59U8RUT

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/giulio-fazio/funambule

License code: D78VPQS7AS8AYW1D

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/monument-music/majestic-whispers

License code: LP2PEHWKQA0QFA2W

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/the-imperial-garden

License code: ILSJPCVK2YUV3HHL

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On this episode, we begin a series on iconic dishes in Canada starting with Butter Chicken!

Jay talks to Chef Deepak Singh Kalsi from Deepak’s Dhaba to learn a little history of this Canadian favourite and talk about Deepak’s own journey of being a cook, coming to Canada, and starting his restaurant business. 

Deepak's Dhaba: @deepaksdhaba

Thank you for listening. If you like, please rate and review. You can support this show by donating or buying merch from our shop.

http://www.linktr.ee/theaimlesscook

Music Credits:

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/oakvale-of-albion/block-party

License code: HTYVOVEYJE809O7F

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/oliver-massa/morning-bustle

License code: IJBGCCTFI3QYOVGX

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This week, we wrap up our Lunar New Year special with a look at some old and new Lunar New Year traditions. Jay also talks with our special guest, Ji Won (Jessi) Yu from Stay Social YYC for a special look at 4 local Asian-owned restaurants with unique offerings that keep us coming back for more. Have a happy and prosperous Year Of The Dragon!

As always, please rate, review, and share with your friends if you like this show. Support us by grabbing some merch or making a donation:

http://www.linktr.ee/theaimlesscook

The places we talked about:

Bun Bo Hue Deli, 4909 17 Ave SE 

Korean Deli (Deli Oriental Meat Style & Food), 117 15 Ave SE

Quan Cuty: @cutyrestaurant

Yim Siam: @yimsiamyyc

Special thanks to:

Tina Lee of T&T Supermarket: @tt_supermarket @tinalee_tnt

Jessie Yu of Stay Social YYC: @staysocialYYC

Chef John Leung: @chefjohnleung

Friends Of Chinatown YYC: @friendsofchinatownyyc

If you’d like to send your comments and messages, please DM me @theaimlesscook on Instagram or email: jay@theaimlesscookpodcast.com

Music Credits:

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/oakvale-of-albion/block-party

License code: HTYVOVEYJE809O7F

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/zimpzon/xinjiang

License code: KQFYVPOHP6ACAB0V

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/oakvale-of-albion/chinatown

License code: EG0L3GKRWNSVMP6X

Citations and sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitchen_God

https://www.misspandachinese.com/kitchen-god-and-the-preparation-for-the-lunar-new-year/

http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/cosmos/prb/earthly.htm

https://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/Chinese_Customs/Kitchen_God.htm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_New_Year

https://oldworldgods.com/chinese/zao-jun-kitchen-god/

https://mythopedia.com/topics/zao-jun

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitchen_God

https://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/Chinese_Customs/Kitchen_God.htm

https://study.com/academy/lesson/zao-jun-chinese-kitchen-god-myths-facts.html

https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/chinese-canadians

https://www.cbc.ca/life/culture/beyond-the-hongbao-how-these-chinese-canadians-embrace-lunar-new-year-customs-today-1.5006221

https://www.cicnews.com/2023/01/the-lunar-new-year-a-time-to-remember-and-celebrate-canadas-diverse-heritage-0132561.html

https://canadianimmigrant.ca/living/culture/8-things-to-know-about-chinese-new-year

https://www.jstor.org/stable/26864127

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In Part One of the Lunar New Year Special, Chef Jay talks to Ricky Chung and his daughter, Joanne from Hung’s Noodles. Ricky tells his immigrant story from his humble beginnings, developing his noodle recipes in his uncle’s workshop, to Hung’s transformation over 3 generations to the business it is today. It’s an inspirational story of strength, resilience, and the importance of family.

Special thanks to Ricky and Joanne Chung for your time and for sharing your story.

We talked about:

Bar Chouette: @thebarchouette

Hung’s Noodles: @hungs.noodles

Friends Of Chinatown YYC: @friendsofchinatownyyc

If you like this episode, please rate, review, and share it with your friends. It means the world to me. If you’d like to comment on this or any past episodes, please feel free to DM or email me at jay@theaimlesscookpodcast.com

You support this show by buying merch from the shop or making a donation.

http://linktr.ee/theaimlesscook

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On this Freestyle Friday, Chef Jay reads your comments and DMs from the past week, then talks about some of his pet peeves in the food space from the industry perspective and the dining and creator perspective. He then talks about his most recent food epiphanies, going over some of his newer flavour experiences, including Nigerian food and Korean raw marinated crab. Finally, and as always, the YYC review of the week.

Special thanks to Chef Andrea Harling of Lil’ Black Rooster at CFM West

@lilblackroostereats

Happy Blogiversary to Bernice Hill and her blog, Dish n' The Kitchen!

http://www.dishnthekitchen.com

Places we talked about:

Cooking Mama: @cookingmamayyc

Flavours Restaurant: @flavoursrestaurant

Pathway Burgers And Momos: @pathwaymomos

Tiger K: @tigerkyyc

Calgary Farmers Market: @calgaryfarmersmarket

Thank you again for all your love and support. Please rate, review, and share with your friends if you like this show. It means the world to me. 

If you’d like to support, consider donating or buying merch from the shop:

http://www.linktr.ee/theaimlesscook

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Alberta is the place for beef, and what better way to showcase this wonderful product than with burgers? Calgary has seen a lot of great burger spots open up and I have tried quite a few of them over the years, including one of the newest burger bars, Class Clown Hamburgers.

In this episode, we talk about cooking burgers, favourite styles, thin patty vs. thick patty, cheeses, the origins of the smash technique, and the review of the week. My wife, Jo, also makes an appearance to talk a little about food nostalgia and shares her memories of a distinctly Canadian connection to the burger universe.

Thank you, as always, for listening. Please rate, review, and share with your friends if you like. If you want to support the show, click the link to find my Substack newsletter, the merch, or donate. It would mean the world to me. If you’d like to sponsor the show, you can DM me on Instagram: @theaimlesscook or email me at: jay@theaimlesscookpodcast.com

Places we talked about:

The J-Spot: @thejspotyyc

Class Clown Hamburgers: @classclownhamburgers

Smashburger: @smashburger

White Castle: @whitecastle

George Motz’s YouTube Show: The Legend Of Oklahoma’s Fried Onion Burger

Sources:

Depression-Era Origins Of The Famous Oklahoma Onion Burger

Meet the American Who Made Us Flip For Fast Food: White Castle Founder Billy Ingram

A Century Of Sliders: The White Castle Story

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Today, we talk about foodies. Whether you like the term or not, foodies are an integral part of the complex culinary landscape we wander through every day. It seems we are continuously inundated with a deluge of food-related content, be it by choice or involuntarily. I asked you, the listeners, what you think being a foodie entails and on this episode, I talk about your comments.

I also talk about the many factors that make up the opinions we form in our heads about certain experiences and how subjective they can be. Do some have more credibility than others when it comes to giving their opinion on food? Let’s talk and explore.

Special thanks to all the listeners who submitted your comments on this episode. 

Marie Jane Levesque

Merry Spooner Kuchle @merryabouttown

Simone Andersen @simonecherie_

Wendi Leitzell

Allan Pineda @baonmanilanights

Gregor McWee

The Movies:

Foodies: The Culinary Jetset (2014) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3400460/

City Of Gold (2015) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2614776/?ref_=fn_al_tt_4

Restaurants from this episode:

Ryuko @ryuko.yyc

Smokehouse N Broasters Calgary (Smokehouse Diner) www.smokehousediner.com 

Tiger K @tigerkyyc

Where to find me:

You can DM me on my Instagram

Chef Jay del Corro @theaimlesscook

or email at jay@theaimlesscookpodcast.com

For more content, including written reviews, essays, etc, subscribe to my Substack:

http://www.theaimlesscookpodcast.com

Support the show through donation or buying merch from the shop: http://linktr.ee/theaimlesscook

Please rate, review, and share with your friends.

Be kind to each other, stay hungry, and I'll talk to you on the next one.

Peace.

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Dim sum is a cultural culinary phenomenon that I connect to a lot of fond memories. It’s a great way to come together and share in a meal with no special occasion required. It can be a casual catch-up session with a friend or a huge family gathering. Whatever the case may be, the sheer joy of seeing these wonderful delectable dishes hitting the table as they embrace us with their steamy tendrils of nostalgia makes me hungry and excited just thinking about them.

Special thanks to everyone who submitted their dim sum memories and top fives. I appreciate you all:

Andrea Oh @sixfootcanasian

Amy B

Derek Kwan @dgk1969

Joanne Shi-Min @hungs.noodle

Liz Tang @dimsumgirl_

I also want to add that I started a newsletter on Substack that you can subscribe to with more of my written work, in addition to reviews from this show. You can find it at: http://www.theaimlesscookpodcast.com 

My name is Jay del Corro. You can reach me via Instagram at @theaimlesscook or email me at jay@theaimlesscookpodcast.com.

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On this episode of Freestyle Friday, we catch up after the holidays and after being super sick for the past few weeks. It was a hell of a time, but I'm glad to be healthy again. Also, I talk about the Calgary restaurants that are long gone, but not forgotten. I will also talk about my recent visit to Rain Dog Bar in Inglewood, and how their menu captured my attention and made me forget I was there to talk about burgers.

So glad to be back! Thanks for listening. Of course, as always, please share with your friends if you like this podcast. Rate and subscribe, and buy some merch from the store!

Jay del Corro @theaimlesscook

jay@theaimlesscookpodcast.com

www.linktr.ee/theaimlesscook

Places and people I talked about:

Salt & Brick: @saltandbrickyyc

Chef Dave Bohati: @chefbohati

Rain Dog Bar: @raindogbar

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In this episode:

• Eats of Asia is back for more pop-ups.
• A look at future interviews.
• ELYMI opening and the buffet people we hate.
• I read one of the most horrific AHS inspection reports from a recently closed Calgary restaurant and talked about basic expectations of Alberta’s Food Regulation.

Thanks for listening. Rate, review, and share with your friends if you love this show. Be kind to one another.

DM me at @theaimlesscook on Instagram or email jay@theaimlesscookpodcast.com

Peace,

J

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In this episode, we talk about solo dining! I start with an ode to pho at one of my favourite spots, Pho Rang Dong in Forest Lawn.

After that, I talk about some of the benefits of eating alone, I share your thoughts on solo dining, and of course, some great spots in YYC for your next solo dining experience!

You can find me at:

@theaimlesscook IG

@ricedaddyeats Tiktok

www.theaimlesscookpodcast.com

The places we talked about today:

Calan Beef Noodle: @calanbeefnoodle

Ramen Ichinen: @ramenichinenyyc

Pho Rang Dong: 4527 8 Ave SE, Calgary AB

Guilin Noodle: 303 Centre St. S, Calgary AB

Sun’s BBQ, Calgary Court, Cafe 100%: @tasteofasia_yyc

Peppino: @peppinoyyc

Calgary Italian Bakery: @calgaryitalianbakery

Spolumbo’s: @spolumbosdeli

Saigon Deli: 4527 8 Ave SE, Calgary AB

Banh Mi Nhu Y: 3229 17 Ave SE, Calgary AB

Lil’ Empire: @lilempireburger

Clive Burger: @cliveburger

VBurger: @heyvburger

The J-Spot: @thejspotyyc

If you love the show, please rate, review, and share with your friends. Also check out the substack at www.theaimlesscookpodcast.com for more content!

BUY MERCH: The Musubi Tees are available in the shop www.linktr.ee/theaimlesscook

Thanks for listening. Be kind to each other.

Peace,

J

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Special thanks to today’s guest:

Chef Zac Ardena @zacariel_ @flip.the.dishes

Also, props to one of YYC’s pop-up masters:

Chef Keisuke @tokyochopsticks

The places we talked about today:

Billie’s Smash Burgers at Roy’s Kitchen @billies.yyc

Saffron Street at First Street Market @saffronstreetyyc @firststreetmarketyyc

Pho Hoai Vietnamese Noodle House 132 3 Ave SE, Calgary AB

U & Me 233 Centre St S, Calgary AB

Golden Sands Chinese Restaurant @goldensandsyyc

Fortuna’s Row @fortunas.row

Magpie @magpie_yyc

Shelter Cocktail Bar @shelter.yyc

If you like the show, please rate and review, share with your friends, and let me know what you’d like to hear in future episodes. You can find me at @theaimlesscook in IG, Facebook, and at @ricedaddyeats on Tiktok.

If you’d like to support this show, you can make a donation or buy merch at our shop located at: www.linktr.ee/theaimlesscook

Thanks so much for listening, be kind to each other, and I’ll see you on the next one!

Peace.

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On this episode of The Aimless Cook Podcast, I talk about visiting out of the way restaurants, taking time to enjoy the dining experience, Asian Grocery Stores, and why I started a food Tiktok.

Restaurants I talked about on this episode:

Krave’n (Great Plains Recreational Facility) IG: @kravenyyc

Le Pichet (Seattle) IG: @lepichetseattle

Fonda Fora IG: @fondafora

The Chuckwagon Cafe IG: @thechuckwagoncafe

Longview Steakhouse 

The Aimless Cook Merch!

Get your Musubi T-shirt here: https://yabaistyle.etsy.com/listing/1615545203

“The Next Supper: The End Of Restaurants as We Knew Them, and What Comes After” by Corey Mintz:   *Affiliate link* https://amzn.to/3QVYm1Q

Special thanks to all of you who listen and support the show. If you like the show, please rate, review, and share with your friends.

Peace,

J

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On this episode of The Aimless Cook Podcast, we will be talking about the world of Food Influencers! The good, the bad, and the cringe inducing. My first ever special guest, Chanry Thach, shares her wisdom on how restaurants can find the perfect partnership with a social media marketing manager. It’s gonna be an episode filled with a little history, education, and some recommendations for great YYC eats!

Jay’s IG/Tiktok:

@theaimlesscook

@ridedaddyeats (also Tiktok)

Chan’s IG/Tiktok:

@chanrythach

@askforchan

Tiktok: @thehungrygnome

The YYC restaurants we talked about:

Tiger K IG: @tigerkyyc

Butterblock IG: @butterblockyyc

Saigon Deli

Pho Rang Dong

Pho Dau Bo IG: @phodaubo

Ryuko IG: @ryuko.yyc

Mama Dessert IG: @mamadessertcanada

Paper Lantern IG: @paperlanternyyc

Bincho IG: @binchoyyc

https://www.mashed.com/243878/how-a-food-truck-changed-the-way-we-use-twitter-according-to-kogis-roy-choi-exclusive/

If you like the podcast, please rate, review, and share with your friends. It means the world to me.

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On this episode of The Aimless Cook Podcast, we celebrate the beauty in the simplicity of one of Asia’s most beloved dishes: Congee. Special thanks to everyone that submitted their congee nostalgia. I appreciate you all.

Chef Zac Ardena of Fortunas Row @zacariel

Chef Duncan Ly of Bar Chouette @chefdly

Tea Neill @teaneill

Chef Brandon Bauzon of Nan’s Noodle House @lasacookingyyc

Liz Tang of Deep Dish Supper Club @deepdishsupperclub

Bruce Alter @greatstoneface

Chef Kelly Kim of Seoul Sister @seoulsistereats

Andrea Oh @sixfootcanasian

Please don’t forget to rate and review. Your love and support mean everything to us. Be kind to each other and I’ll see you on the next episode.

Peace!

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On our first Freestyle Friday, I talk about the tried and trusted tools that I always keep close when I work. I also share your comments on this subject from Instagram and Facebook, so please keep those comments coming!

I also talk about the virtues of late night dining, especially on those nights after a particularly tough night at work in the kitchen. Shout out to our friends at Oneway Seoul Pocha, Magpie, and Sun’s BBQ for being our sources of comfort and good eats after a long shift.

Special thanks to the folks that sell and make these wonderful kitchen tools I love so much. Here they are if you’d like to visit:

Knifewear: www.knifewear.com

Nacionale Bladeworks: www.nacionalebladeworks.com

JB Prince: www.jbprince.com

Link to Oneway Seoul Pocha review by Ricedaddyeats: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMjtrjSDQ/

Please subscribe and rate us on Apple Podcasts. Your support helps us immensely.

Thank you for listening and I’ll see you on the next one. Peace!

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On this week’s episode of The Aimless Cook Podcast, I want to share with you 5 of the most impactful cookbooks on my life. Cookbooks are not only collections of recipes, but also provide so much in terms of insight and perspective on the chefs that created them. In the case of the books I cover this week, they are memoirs that inspired me and helped guide me to where I am today. I hope that you enjoy this week’s episode. Please rate us. It would help a lot, and I appreciate your continued love and support. Peace!

Mission Street Food: Recipes And Ideas From An Inprobable Restaurant by Anthony Myint and Karen Leibovitz: https://a.co/d/aeyvrZv

Momofuku by David Chang and Peter Meehan: https://a.co/d/6Qb2ukK

Ivan Ramen by Ivan Orkin and Chris Ying: https://a.co/d/1hRV3Eq

Asian American: Proudly Inauthentic Recipes From The Philippines To Brooklyn by Dale Talde and JJ Goode: https://a.co/d/cN3a3Sz

Let’s Cook Japanese Food: Everyday Recipes For Home Cooking by Amy Kaneko: https://a.co/d/7VueDlz

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If you’ve found us, thank you for listening! This is The Aimless Cook Podcast. My name is Jay del Corro. I am a chef and video creator located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. This show is everything about food including the industry, restaurants, careers, cooking, recipes, reviews, food in pop culture, and more!

Subscribe now and let’s talk soon!

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In this episode of The Aimless Cook Podcast, special guest, Chef Erin Boukall talks about her career as a high school foods teacher. Chef Boukall shares her experiences as she moved through the stages of her time as a goldsmith, culinary student, and educator and how these facets have helped her in her work today. Chef Boukall is also a food stylist, writer, and creator of the popular blog, Culinary Calgary.

Chef Erin Boukall on Instagram: @culinarycalgary

www.culinarycalgary.com

Thanks for listening! Be sure to rate, review, and share with your friends.

Music:

Music from #Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/oakvale-of-albion/block-party

License code: UFIHSI1TIFZLJUFX

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This week on The Aimless Cook Podcast:

• The Eats Of Asia countdown is on
• Going back to school
• Best toppings for a bowl of rice
• The Chili Crunch Backlash and Momofuku's official response
• YYC Asian lunch specials

True World Foods @trueworldfoodscalgary

6a Snack Bar @6a.snackbar.yyc

Fat Kee Noodle House 3132 26 St NE

Link to the podcast with David Chang and Momofuku CEO Marguerite Mariscal: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-dave-chang-show/id1375877915?i=1000652284807

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/momofuku-chili-crunch-controversy-original-spicy-oil-rcna147284

Thank you for listening. If you like the show, please rate, review, and subscribe!

Buy our merch!

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In this week's Freestyle Friday:

• The return of Eats of Asia
• Our favourite Calgary Mom-and-Pop restaurants
• A visit to Mogouyan Hand-Pulled Noodle

Thanks for listening! If you love this show, please rate, review, and share with your friends!

Peace!

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In this episode, Chef Jay talks about the history of instant ramen from its development and introduction to the world by its inventor, Momofuku Ando. Jay also talks about how his legacy changed the culinary landscape forever and launched a multi-billion-dollar industry. Listen to how countries worldwide enjoy instant noodles and a few recipes while you’re here. Enjoy the show!

If you love the show, please rate, review, and share with your friends! Thanks for listening.

https://www.vox.com/2015/3/5/8150929/momofuku-ando-ramen-instant-noodles

https://lemelson.mit.edu/resources/momofuku-ando

https://www.biography.com/inventor/momofuku-ando

https://www.cupnoodles-museum.jp/en/osaka_ikeda/attractions/chronicle/

https://www.britannica.com/story/how-was-instant-ramen-invented

https://myfoodjobrocks.com/innovation-in-hindsight/

https://www.reddit.com/r/InstantRamen/comments/13j86o2/recreating_momofuku_andos_original_nissin_instant/?rdt=64533

https://www.cupnoodles-museum.jp/en/yokohama/attractions/history/

https://www.vox.com/2015/3/5/8150929/momofuku-ando-ramen-instant-noodles

https://www.reddit.com/r/todayilearned/comments/15371q7/til_momofuku_ando_the_inventor_of_insta_ramen/

“L.A. Son: My Life, My City, My Food” by Roy Choi

Instant Version Dandan Noodles

Sapporo Ichiban Commercial: 

TabiEats visit 24-hour instant ramen self-serve restaurant

Music:

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/birds

License code: NYG8VGWYAHUXCQNI

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/pecan-pie/vlog-king

License code: SYJQZDQD8AAM6FGF

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On this week’s edition of Freestyle Friday, Jay talks about:

• work/life balance
• Mama’s Rice Roll Review
• Hyper-regional Western-style Chinese dishes
• April Events
• “Struggle Food”
• Listener Mail

Mitzi’s Closing: https://winnipeg.ctvnews.ca/video/c2889559-end-of-an-era-for-winnipeg-restaurant

Tokyo Chopsticks Private Chef Series. DM Chef Keisuke if you would like to book a special dinner in April. 

Instagram: @tokyochopsticksyyc

Brown Bagging For Calgary Kids: http://www.bb4ck.org

Filipino Restaurant Month: Avenue Magazine Calgary

Thanks again for listening. If you love the show, please rate, review, and share with your friends!

This show was created, written, and hosted by Jay del Corro and hosted on Acast.

Support us by donating, or buying merch from the shop.

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This week we continue with part 2 of our Chinatown special. Gabe and I finally try Mama Rice Roll, walk through some empty spaces reminiscing about better times, and share some final thoughts about our hopes for this amazing place. 

History notes:

Chinatown Historical Context Paper

We Are Here: http://www.wahvoice.ca

Special thanks to Gabriel Yee: @gabe.director

Views From Chinatown Podcast

Mama Rice Roll: @mamariceroll

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/jeff-kaale/candlelit

License code: ODZXDGUVRPDDE4UQ

Thanks for listening. Share with your friends!

Support this podcast. Visit the shop. Buy some merch and wear it with pride.

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This week on The Aimless Cook Podcast, it's our Chinatown Special Part 1 with my special guest, founder of Lotus Media, host and producer of Views Of Chinatown Podcast, Gabriel Yee.

This week, Gabriel and I talk about this amazing place, full of history and community spirit on location from Calgary Court Restaurant. We talk about the complex challenges that Chinatown faces today as it evolves with the times, and how advocacy is helping to preserve it's legacy. Of course, we also eat some delicious food, talk nostalgia, and share our own Chinatown stories.

History notes:

Chinatown Historical Context Paper

We Are Here: http://www.wahvoice.ca

Special thanks to Gabriel Yee: @gabe.director

Views From Chinatown Podcast

Calgary Court Restaurant: @tasteofasia_yyc

Thank you for listening. If you love this show, please rate, review, and share it with your friends. You can support us with a donation, or by buying some merch from the shop: The Aimless Cook Shop

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It's been a minute. Sorry for the long hiatus, but I'm back!

Today, let's catch up on what's been happening.

My new work.

Sandwiches.

Places I've been eating.

Rosie's Burgers Bridgeland

Perfect Meat Bowl

Cal's Noodle Hut

Orijins sneak peek

Kin Dee Street Kitchen

Thanks for listening. I've missed you so much.

If you wanna watch the videos for all these spots, follow me on Instagram @theaimlesscook or on TikTok @ricedaddyeats

Peace.

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This week, we explore and debunk the subject of "White People Food" by looking at the origins, perceptions, and histories of the different factors that form its foundations. We'll talk about:

• The concept of race.
• Factors that may have contributed to building the stereotype of "white people food"
• The Norwegian cultural tradition of Matpakke
• The Chinese social media phenomenon of "Bai Ren Fan" (white people food)

Links:

Kraft Cranberry Crimson Mold Recipe: https://youtu.be/ONoDHL7vzQw?si=rNfkiDPJayIVANNZ

You Way 2 Norway Matpakke video: https://youtu.be/JlNmeVK_zLg?si=scU08MnX-YksRzaV

Thanks for listening! Please rate, review and share if you like this podcast.

Follow me on Instagram: @theaimlesscook

Peace.

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This week, I am continuing our Canadian food feature by looking at some of our favourite Canadian snacks and treats. We will talk about the history of popular snacks like:

Hawkin's Cheezies

Hickory Sticks

Ketchup Chips

Pizza Pops, a Winnipeg invention.

Coffee Crisp

Eat-More

Big Turk

Lucky Elephant Popcorn

Jos Louis

So sit back and listen as I unwrap the stories behind our favourite Canadian snacks and treats.

Please rate and review if you like this show. Share with your friends. Thanks for listening!

You can message me at: @theaimlesscook on Instagram or on Facebook.

Peace.

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This week, I talk about 3 Canadian fast-food brands and their histories, the nostalgia behind these brands, and I ask what it means to be Canadian in this day and age. Also, what happened to Tim Hortons?

Please rate and share. Thanks for listening!

DM me @theaimlesscook on Instagram for episode suggestions, stories, comments, or just to say hello!

Peace.

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This week, we talk about the most beloved of Asian ingredients...Spam. On this episode:

• a brief history of Hormel's innovative pork and ham product that was introduced in 1937
• Spam's growing popularity and it's rise to worldwide fame
• Spam in Asia and the iconic dishes that were born from post-war necessity
• The story of Barb Funamura and the invention of Spam Musubi

Thanks for listening! Please rate, review, and share.

Follow The Aimless Cook on Instagram: @theaimlesscook

Peace.

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This week, I talk about Struggle Food. We often think about it as that starving college student food, but it's so much more. I talk about how a lot of our favourite dishes and even cuisines came from struggle. Thanks for listening!

Please rate, review, and share.

Follow The Aimless Cook on Instagram: @theaimlesscook

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This week on Freestyle Friday, I talk about Bastion Burger, Influencers, and the eye-opening experience of being thrust into a brand new social media platform after hearing about what Americans are seeing on the Chinese platform, Rednote (Xiaohongshu). Join me and thanks for listening!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Big thanks to my special guest, Alice Lam from Friends Of Chinatown YYC. I will include all her socials on the show notes.

Instagram: @friendsofchinatownyyc

http://www.friendsofchinatownyyc.org

Calgary Chinatown Context Paper

https://www.calgary.ca/content/dam/www/pda/pd/documents/current-studies-and-ongoing-activities/tomorrows-chinatown/chinatown-context-paper.pdf

Interactive Chinatown Map

https://calgary.reflective-urbanisms.com/

And if you still haven’t been to a Chinese New Year Celebration here in this wonderful city, 2025 is your year. You are gonna have an amazing time.

So that’s it from me. Be kind to one another because we’re all we got. Stay Hungry and I’ll see you on the next one.

Peace.

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In this episode, we’re diving into the fascinating world of food trends: Why they pop up, how they shape what we eat, and what they tell us about the world around us. We’ll explore how food trends influence culture, health, economy, and sustainability—and why they matter. Also, our long overdue Calgary small business shout-out of the week. Thanks for listening!

Links:

The Aimless Cook Podcast (Jay) IG @theaimlesscook

Rice Daddy Eats (my Tiktok) @ricedaddyeats

Day With Mei IG @daywithmei - tinned fish reviews and recipes

Good Vibes Cooking IG @good.vibes.cooking - tinned fish recipes

Bastion Burger IG @bastionburger - 501 17 Ave SW (inside Pinbar)

YouTube:

Great Depression Cooking With Clara

https://www.youtube.com/@YouTubes_Original_Grandma

Again, thanks for watching. Please rate, review, and share!

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Summary

This podcast episode explores the powerful connection between food and nostalgia. I talk about the cultural phenomenon of KFC becoming a Christmas tradition in Japan, illustrating how marketing can shape food-related memories and create new traditions. Then, I examines the science of food nostalgia, explaining its multisensory nature and its impact on mood, identity, and well-being. Finally, the episode explores food nostalgia's portrayal in movies and cooking shows, from classic films like Tampopo to contemporary YouTube personalities, highlighting the enduring role of food in shaping personal and cultural identities.

Thanks for listening!

Please rate and share this show if you like it.

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In this episode, we celebrate the 40th anniversary of one of my favourite food movies of all time - Tampopo.

Thanks for listening!

Follow me on Instagram: @theaimlesscook

TikTok: @ricedaddyeats

or email me: @theaimlesscook@gmail.com

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This week on the podcast, I am talking about the history of the iconic Canadian restaurant, Edo Japan. This Japanese-inspired fast casual restaurant was founded in 1979 in Calgary by a Buddhist Minister. Learn all about the origins and history of this popular food court institution, its evolution, and the history of teppanyaki cooking in North America.

Thanks for listening!

Follow me on Instagram @theaimlesscook

Tiktok @ricedaddyeats

Email: theaimlesscook@gmail.com

Please send me all your comments, stories, suggestions, or just say hello!

Peace.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.