I love a good podcast — especially one on my favorite topic. 

As the host of a podcast myself, I often get questions about what it’s like to host or be a guest. I’m happy to report that now there’s a way for you to see for yourself.

James Beard and Webby Award-winning host Dan Pashman will be on the stage at the Buckman Performing and Fine Arts Center for a special taping of “The Sporkful” on Thursday, Jan. 16.

It will be the Mid-South debut of a podcast touted as “not for foodies, it’s for eaters.”

Pashman uses humor and humanity to approach food from many angles, including science, history, identity, culture, economics and lengthy debates on the best way to layer a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

“At Buckman, we try to offer a range of artistic opportunities,” said Cindi Younker, the Buckman’s director. Podcasts are one of the newer genres, but we thought ‘The Sporkful’ would be a fascinating fit. Dan Pashman approaches all of his subjects with such intriguing and thoughtful humanity.” 

“I might be in for a big surprise, but, hey, I can talk,” Memphis chef Karen Carrier said about being on “The Sporkful” podcast. (Brad Vest/Special to The Daily Memphian)

And Pashman will have a special guest on stage with him: Memphis chef and restaurateur Karen Carrier.

Younker said Pashman handpicked The Beauty Shop restaurant owner for his featured guest.

“He really loved the story of Karen’s journey,” Younker said. “We can’t wait to hear the conversation that these two creatives will bring to the table.”

Carrier is excited but not 100% sure what to expect, she said. 

“I might be in for a big surprise, but, hey, I can talk, and I have a lot of stories over my long journey in this industry from New York City to Memphis to New Orleans to Oaxaca (Mexico) to Israel to Sonoma (California) … well, it just keeps going!”

Creativity is one topic I hope will be discussed.

In 2021, Pashman released cascatelli, a new pasta shape that he invented. The shape went viral and was eventually named one of Time magazine’s Best Inventions of the Year.

Carrier is also known for her creativity in the kitchen and in creating original dining concepts.

I think hearing about their creative processes would make for a lively and inspiring discussion.

“The Sporkful Podcast Live with Dan Pashman” is Thursday, Jan. 16, at 7 p.m. at the Buckman Performing and Fine Arts Center on the campus of St. Mary’s Episcopal School (60 Perkins Ext.). Tickets are $35 per person and can be purchased at BuckmanArtsCenter.com.

This Week on Memphis’ restaurant scene

Abbi Nichols and her mother Traci Nichols recently opened Abbikadabbi’s Baking Co. at 6727 Snowden Lane in Southaven. (Mark Weber/The Daily Memphian)>

If one of your resolutions is to eat more of Memphis’ culinary offerings, we’ve got you covered. Five Daily Memphian staffers joined me on “Sound Bites” to discuss their favorite restaurant dishes.

Jody Callahan reported that The Kooky Canuck restaurant in Cordova has closed after 10 years. However, the original location Downtown at 87 S. Second St. remains open.

Primas Bakery + Boutique is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The bakery is closed Mondays. (Mark Weber/The Daily Memphian file)

In Food Files, Sophia Surrett reported that Muggin Coffeehouse Uptown is closed as owners Dixon-White Restaurant Group rebrand and give the space a new look. Also, despite erroneous new reports, artisan dessert shop Primas Bakery + Boutique remains open at 734 Mount Moriah Road. News reports circulated earlier this week that Primas Bakery + Boutique was among 100 restaurants that closed in the past two years. However, the bakery did not.

Rob Moore shared the story behind the new Southaven bakery, Abbikadabbi’s Baking. Abbi Nichols opened a storefront for her bakery known for its custom-decorated cookies, cakes and petit fours in December.

Memphis Restaurant Association announced its annual Food Festival will be held on Sunday, Feb. 2. One big change this year is the MRA’s annual awards will not be announced at the event. 

Nagoya’s tonkotsu dashi is a triumph with a broth that is rich and velvety, packed with layers of umami that linger long after each sip. (Joshua Carlucci/Special to The Daily Memphian)

In last week’s $10 Deal, Joshua Carlucci recommends a bowl of spicy tonkotsu ramen at Nagoya House Hibachi & Ramen, a new restaurant in the heart of Cooper-Young.

And, if you love a good Reuben sandwich, be sure to check out my recent “What to Order” column. The Reuben served at The Mad Grocer & Deli in Crosstown Concourse is the real deal.

Thanks for joining me for this week’s Table Talk. Be sure to look for this column weekly for all the latest food news in Memphis.

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