My most excellent guest is, Chef Dom, aka Dominic Taylor. Best known as the winner of Five Star kitchen - Britain's Next Great Chef - on Channel 4 and Netflix. And his recent residency at The Langham, where he showcased the fantastic Good Front Room.  Dom and I talk about his fine dining work with traditional Carribean meals. How he's looking to change the game and not play it safe. And how he's paving the way for a whole new generation of top Carribean fine dining avant-garde chefs. Legendary stuff! We also talk about his food memories as a child, who influenced him as a chef. And why making history with Carribean food means so much to him. In this episode I also talk about the brilliant BBC food show called The Food Chain. And I have my say on chocolate put in the fridge and freezer, not the cupboard! I'll fight anyone who thinks I'm wrong, ha!  Enjoy the episode - get your ears into Menu, the feel-good food podcast.

This week's brilliant guest is Daneash restaurant owner and chef who creates tasty food via 'Daneash taste of the Carribean.'  We talk about his food memories from back home in Jamaica. How what seems like the whole of his family can cook really well. And how his grandmother made sure he could cook, clean, wash and iron, so he wasn't taken advantage of by a woman, ha! Granny knows best. We also talk about his ambitions for restaurants in the UK and in Jamaica. In this episode I also talk about the brilliant food app Too Good to Go. And my beautiful experience shopping in Sainsbury's during lockdown. I actually loved it. It's up there in my fave lockdown memories. Enjoy the episode - get your ears into Menu, the feel-good food podcast.

This week's superb guest is Lorraine Copes Founder and CEO of Be Inclusive Hospitality. A not-for-profit organisation with a mission to accelerate racial equality in the hospitality sector. We talk about the good work Lorraine does. Why it's so important, and how she got into the hospitality business. Lorraine also talks about the good home-cooked Jamaican food she ate growing up. And we talk pet peeves in restaurants, weird food combos, and how an escape route is needed for a potential food date disaster, ha!  In this week’s show I talk about THAT Burger King advert - you know, the one with the guy in the rucksack eating a burger. Yes, it is weird, but it actually makes sense. I also chat about Love Island, and how a person who ticks all the boxes is referred to as a set menu! I know! These young-uns, eh. Although I kinda like the set menu thing, ha! Enjoy the episode - get your ears into Menu, the feel-good food podcast.

My fantastic guest this week is Liam part of the foodie podcast duo responsible for Breaking Bread! A podcast that celebrates the wonderful dynamic food scene in Birmingham. Liam and Carl do a great job of spreading the word and their enthusiasm about Birmingham culinary scene. We talk about Liam’s time in hospitality, growing up eating sumptuous Irish food with his family, the strong ties he has to Ireland as a Brummie. Along with his pet peeves in restaurants, weird food combos, and his dislike of fake cherry blossom trees, haha! In this week’s show I tell you about the wonders of a twice baked biccie (it magnificent). And I give you the lowdown on Afternoon Tea at Caffè Concerto. Enjoy! Get your ears into Menu, the feel-good food podcast.

My superb guests this week are Giorgio and Alessandro from Amore restaurant in Moseley, Birmingham. We had such a good chat! They’re full of character, stories and good vibes, including the rivalry between them and northern and southern Italy. Ha! We talk expansion plans, how they met, and of course pizza! I also talk about my mom’s charitable act with ice cream. Then HAD to add that ice cream Instagram post which took social media by storm! Yes it’s that one with the girl from up north. Haha! In this episode I say goodbye to one of my favourites, Cote in Mailbox, Birmingham. Which was my food date location of the past. You served me well Cote. Gone but never forgotten. Haha! Get your ears into Menu, the feel-good food podcast.

My fantastic guest this week is Louise Kissack. Lou is not only a food consultant she also does a great job running Liverpool Food Network. We talk hospitality, helping foodie startups, food (of course) and lots in between. I go down memory lane and ask Lou what her favourite food was a child, and who made those great dishes! Which is when I get whisked away to Australia where Louise grew up! So good to hear about food stories from elsewhere. We also have a chat about her aspirations for Liverpool Food Network. Also, in this episode, I chat AI and food. Got a good tip for ya if you're stuck for something to eat and have random bits in the cupboard/fridge! I also talk about when you know that love has gone into food, and how much of a difference it makes to what you're eating. I had that experience recently at Tamu, an famous brunch eatery on Bearwood High Street. Superb! Get your ears into Menu, the feel-good food podcast.

My superb guest this week is Dan Nash, brand supermo in the hospitality space. Dan started out in the music industry before he decided hospitality, branding, and story telling was for him! We chat about how he got into doing what he does. And he tells me all about his love for food from East Asia - he even runs an Asian cooking club. But, if you ever go out for a meal with Dan, be prepared for seaweed all over your food. Ha! It’s his thing. We also talk food memories. And why as a kid, he only ate McDonald’s. His mom was concerned and took him to the doctors to find out what was wrong. Ha! Also in the episode, I share my food gift joy. And...I ask are you someone who reads the menu before going to the restaurant? If so, then there are 5 things you didn’t know about yourself! Listen to get the lowdown. Get your ears into Menu, the feel-good food podcast.

This week my guest is the brilliant Sasa Cromack, who’s a Matron working for the NHS, Blood and Transplant. Sasa and I talk food and blood! We chat about the kind of foods you need for top notch blood, particularly if you want to be a regular blood donor - as I am. We also talk food memories, her raw food fetish (with a side of mayo) ha. And her partner’s party trick, which, I have to say I was impressed by. It would have swung it for me, ha. I chat about food smells. Because of a recent experience where food and smell on public transport meant I needed a lie down after. And on a brighter note I review a gorgeous authentic Italian! Cia Bella. Get your ears into Menu, the feel-good food podcast.

My guest this week is the superb Hannah Todd from The Interesting Eating Company in Liverpool. Hannah gives us the lowdown on how she got into hospitality. And how she very much considers her eatery to be a people business, with customers front and centre - caring about their dietary needs. Hannah’s proudly created an inclusive space for her team and her customers. And regularly runs a death cafe’ for those who need to talk about, or just get comfortable with the topic and all it brings. The death cafe’ came about when Hannah’s mom died and the aftermath of covid. We also talk about back in the day food memories, and generally about what Hannah considers to be good grub! Also, in the show, I get my rant on and give Farmfoods a piece of my mind, ha! How dare they use the slogan “There’s a farm foodie in everyone.” There shouldn’t be! The majority of the food they sell is ultra-processed, high fat, high sugar, high salt...the list goes on. Anyway, let me calm down. Let’s move onto good ol’ Alison Hammond. Who talks food, joy, recipes, culture and sharing. All my favourite things. Get your ears into Menu, the feel-good food podcast.

This week my brilliant guest is the one and only Chef Robbie, who is making history by being the youngest guest on Menu podcast! Whoop! Chef Robbie (who I met with his mom Jess) told me all about how he cooks up a storm in the family kitchen. He was inspired to cook after lockdown by the Anime character Sanji, from the cartoon One Piece. And once he got his cooking knives for Christmas, well that was it, Robbie was unstoppable. He makes ramen, schnitzel and lots of other tasty meals for the family. Robbie was an absolute joy to interview and we both could not stop laughing and his description of a mallet. Listen out when he talks about making a schnitzel. It’s joyous! Haha! Thanks again to Robbie’s mom Jess for her help with the interview. Get your ears into Menu, the feel-good food podcast.

My fantastic guest this week is Lee Hollington, Head Chef at B:eats in Symphony Hall, Birmingham. We talked all things food and had a laugh along the way. Lee’s famous Brummie Bacon Cake was featured on the BBC 1 Hairy Bikers TV programme (Christmas edition) and were inspired by his loving Grandad who was a chef in the army. Lee’s grandad made him want to be a chef, with stories of cooking for and feeding the troops, which entertained Lee when he was a kid. We also talk about his famous pot noodle sandwich and a fajita eating date, haha! Given all the good stuff I’d heard about the Brummie Bacon Cake, me and a friend had to try it! Listen to our review. I also talk deep fried toothpicks! Yes, you read that right, deep fried toothpicks! Apparently they’re a trend in South Korea. People are eating them with seasoning, of course (sigh). Tik Tok craze. I know! Anyway, forget that and get your ears into Menu, the feel-good food podcast.

This week my brilliant guest is Tony Elvin, General Manager of Touchwood in Solihull, West Midlands and The Wine Events Company. Tony tells us how his hospitality journey began. And how his chatty nature at school, where he says he drove the teachers mad, was a good sign that he was a people person! So a career in hospitality made perfect sense. He also talks about food and dates, food memories, and his weird food combo of a lasagne sandwich with secret sauce aka salad cream, ha! It was a real pleasure talking to Tony. A nice chatty guy who clearly loves what he does! In this episode I talk about New Year Resolutions (kinda). And... food trends for 2024! What will we be eating this year? I’m gonna stick my neck out here and say....Food - haha! Get your ears into Menu, the feel-good food podcast.

It’s a festive Christmas and New Year edition this week! I cover a Christmas lunchclub, the Christmas sandwich from M&S, and a starter from a dinner I went out for during the Christmas period which was absolutely sensational! Also, there’s a quick 2024 Happy New Year message for ya’ll. Keep listening in the year ahead for more great guests, topics and feel-good food joy.

My guest this week is the brilliant Kieron Bailey! He’s co-owner of Otolo - who develop, support & retain the hospitality workforce! Kieron’s also a host, speaker and all round positive good energy guy! We talk about how he got into food and drink. What motivates him in his work, childhood memories...one word for you eggs. Haha! And how his late mom’s warm-hearted people skills helped him and his career. In this episode I chat about the Disney film Ratatouille. And talk about food waste and Master Chef: The Professionals. I also, made my first visit to Midlands Hospitality Network last month. Enjoyed it! It’s run by Conrad Brunton (a former Menu podcast guests). I’ll be there next year too, they’ve got some great speakers lined up! Get your ears into Menu, the feel-good food podcast.

This week my brilliant guest is Chef Darren! Yes, that’s what he calls himself and so do I, ha! His full name and title it’s Darren Liew, a Culinary Director, who is a chef Blue Jasmine - South East Asian Fine Dining. We have a good natter about Darren’s Malaysian back and upbringing. Find out who inspired him to get into cooking, what his food memories are, and his mission to spread the word a tastes of South East Asian food across the world! Oooh, I can taste this food as I type. Then I head to Mexico, kinda, as I talk about Eva Longoria’s food and travel programme Searching for Mexico. Definitely worth a watch on a Sunday evening! I also talk about AI, dating and food. Would you let an AI dating app write your responses and food conversations to a would-be date? I certainly wouldn’t! My people, I have specific food-related questions. That need answers. I know you understand this about me. Ha! Get your ears into Menu, the feel-good food podcast.

My guest this week is the superb Jem Scragg, a personal trainer who incorporates food, nutrition, performance and wellness. He works with clients who are supa dupa busy and want to keep themselves fit, healthy and keep to their goals. Jem’s company Nirvu, is all you need if your busy as hell and want top tier training with a holistic approach. Also on the podcast, I get myself on 1xtra. Telling my food dating story of prawn theft from my plate! Listen to me get very animated, yes more than usual, and spill the beans on a first date that didn’t make it to a second one, ha! Also, late to the party I know, but I watched the Disney film Soul. Apart from it being completely brilliant, there was a section where food - pizza infact - was smelt and tasted for the very time! It was a brilliant piece of the film. So much so I did a section in the podcast about it: had to be done! If you’ve seen the film and loved that part too, drop me a message on social media - CravenK7 on Twitter, I mean X, and CravenK on Instagram - share your joy! Get your ears into Menu, the feel-good food podcast.

My guest this week is the brilliant Franciane Tartari. The Queen of the Sugar Embassy and a Sweet Diplomat too, haha! This means nothing to you, but she’ll get it. Franciane tells us all about how she became a pastry chef, and what led her to get into that area of food. We also get into her childhood food memories and her obsession with condensed milk! She also reveals her weird food cravings. I was like, what? Really Franciane? Like, seriously! Ha! Have a listen to her weird combinations. I had good fun and plenty of laughs with Franciane - she’s a good sport. Also, I give my review of the tv programme Boiling Point. Are you watching that? I love it! Watched it all on iplayer already! Great series - listen to what I have to say about it. Annnnd, I get my scallop on! Yum! You just can’t beat a scallop from a good chippy. Listen to my scallop eating delight as I feast on one. If you love a scallop too, drop me a message on social media - CravenK7 on Twitter, I mean ‘X’ (eye roll). And I’m CravenK on Instagram. Get your ears into Menu, the feel-good food podcast.

This week my superb guest is wellness and nutrition guru, Andy Aston! Andy does his magic at Baxtery Storey, and is full of passion about food as fuel and plant based goodness! We talk about his career journey as a chef and food wellness wonder, as well as his gorgeous food memories with his mom and the food he loved to eat when he was growing up. It’s lovely to hear how fondly he remembers his mom who passed away, and the love he felt from her food. Beautiful. I go on to talk about my quirky ways where I pimp up food. Come on, we all do it. Don’t we? I also have a chat about a pet peeve of mine when I go to restaurants. We do not like a mucky menus round here - no we don’t! Haha! Get your ears into Menu, the feel-good food podcast.

My guest this week is the brilliant Aidan Schwarzer, a fine wine specialist at Tanners Wines. We talk about how he got into the wine business. Why he loves what he does (hello Tanners Wine Tasting Tuesdays, ha!), his career, and of course his food family memories. Pay attention to the Gremlins film reference, it’s so weird, haha, but I was following it and got what he meant. A great guy and good to interview. Also! He also gave me a bottle of wine when we met. Loved that! Future guests take note (wink). And he’s a talented guy - an artist - he did a portrait of me! I’ve put it on my social media. Go see it at CravenK7 on Twitter, I mean ‘X’ (eye roll). Or on Instagram at CravenK. Also on the show, I make my maiden voyage to Cornwall this summer. I know! Can't believe it's taken me so long to get there either! Me and my friend Laura eat the best of Cornwall during my weekend stay. It was brilliant! Laura's a great tour guide too. Food! Gotta love it! Get your ears into Menu, the feel-good food podcast.

This week I talk to you about the superb Birmingham Restaurant Festival, which came to an end on August 27th. The fantastic super-dupa foodie drama The Bear, and my visit to Lichfield Food Festival for the first time in my life! It's only up the road from me: shocking. Ha! First up, it’s my round-up of the Birmingham Restaurant Festival. This summer (if you can call ut that!). Me and my girls headed to the Mailbox, Birmingham, to get our food on in Cote restaurant. Then I take you through the food adventure me and my friend Meena had at Issac’s, which was also part of the Birmingham Restaurant Festival. We really enjoyed our dining experience their, the chef, Alexandra the Manager, the environment - it was all great! Finally, hear my verdict on Lichfield Food Festival. Not too shabby. Get your ears into Menu, the feel-good food podcast.