The Off The Menu Podcast

What's Really in Your Coffee Cup?

In this episode of The Off The Menu Podcast, Wal, Joel, and Tom sit down with Jim Varney, co-founder of Wavelength Coffee Roasters, to uncover the surprising journey coffee takes from a tropical coffee cherry to your morning cup. Jim explains what coffee actually is, how processing and roasting impact flavor, why coffees from different regions taste so different, and how consumers can make better choices when buying coffee. The conversation also explores one of the biggest challenges facing the coffee industry today: climate change. Jim shares how rising temperatures are shrinking coffee-growing regions around the world and why sustainable farming practices are becoming increasingly important. Along the way, you'll learn the differences between light, medium, and dark roasts, whether expensive coffee is worth it, and the biggest mistakes coffee drinkers make at home. If you love coffee—or simply can't start your day without it—this episode will change the way you think about every cup.

Food Fight! The Food Debates That Divide America

In the first-ever Off The Menu Food Fight, Wal, Joel, and Tom throw out the facts and lean into pure opinion as they tackle some of the most divisive food debates around. Is Skyline Chili a regional treasure or a culinary disaster? Does pineapple belong on pizza? Should fish ever be microwaved at work? And where exactly does ketchup belong? The debate only gets hotter during a rapid-fire lightning round covering chocolate bars, cilantro, White Castle, blue cheese, veggie burgers, cereal, scrapple, spicy chicken sandwiches, and more. If you've ever argued with friends or family about food, this episode is for you. Expect strong opinions, questionable logic, plenty of laughs, and absolutely no chance of reaching a consensus. Based on a listener suggestion, this episode proves that food isn't just what we eat—it's something we're willing to fight about.

How One Entrepreneur Reinvented Pasta Sauce

What makes a truly great pasta sauce? Is it the tomatoes, the family recipe, or the way it's preserved? In this episode of The Off The Menu Podcast, we sit down with Melina Balbo, founder of BIS Pasta Sauce, to explore Italian food traditions, family recipes, entrepreneurship, and why frozen pasta sauce may deliver a fresher, more authentic flavor than shelf-stable jars. Melina shares stories of growing up in a large Italian family in New York, receiving homemade sauce care packages while away at school, learning food traditions in Sicily, and launching a food startup inspired by generations of family cooking. The conversation dives into San Marzano tomatoes, pesto, marinara vs. pomodoro sauce, the infamous "sauce or gravy" debate, and the challenges of building a specialty food brand from scratch.

The Cheesemonger’s Guide to Better Cheese

What separates an everyday grocery-store cheese from something truly unforgettable? This week, we sit down with certified cheese professional Jon Reese of Black Radish Creamery to explore the fascinating world of artisan cheese. From the ancient origins of cheesemaking and the science behind curds, cultures, and aging, to building the perfect cheese board and pairing cheese with wine, Jon shares insider knowledge that will change the way you shop, serve, and enjoy cheese. Plus, learn why Swiss cheese has holes, how to store cheese properly, and the surprising cheeses every food lover should try. Whether you're a charcuterie enthusiast or a late-night fridge raider, this episode is packed with delicious insights.

How School Lunches Changed: Nutrition, Food Allergies, and the Future of School Cafeterias

Remember mystery meat, cardboard pizza, and fluorescent cafeteria lights? Today's school lunch experience is something entirely different. This week, we sit down with Jonathan Squibb, Director of Communications for Chartwells K-12, to explore how modern school cafeterias have evolved into restaurant-style dining experiences serving millions of students every day. From build-your-own burrito bowls and global cuisine to allergy-friendly meals, cultural accommodations, celebrity chef partnerships, and nutrition standards, Jonathan explains how schools are balancing food quality, student preferences, health requirements, and tight budgets. We also discuss food allergies, celiac disease, free and reduced-price meals, the impact of social media trends on student tastes, and why school lunches may be healthier—and more affordable—than many parents realize. If you haven't stepped into a school cafeteria in a while, prepare to be surprised.