The Surprising History of Beer, Taverns, and Human Connection

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.

The Hidden Food Safety Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes

In this episode of The Off The Menu Podcast, Wal, Joel, and Tom sit down with food safety expert and Rutgers University professor Don Schaffner to separate food safety facts from fiction. From the 5-second rule and cutting board debates to restaurant safety, food recalls, proper cooking temperatures, and the hidden risks lurking in everyday foods, Professor Schaffner explains what really makes food safe—and what doesn't. Along the way, we discuss leftovers, food trucks, grilling season, food poisoning, and the simple habits that can dramatically reduce your risk of getting sick. If you've ever wondered whether that pizza left on the counter is still safe to eat, how worried you should be about restaurant food, or what food safety experts actually do, this episode is for you.

Why Are Beef Prices So High?

In this episode of The Off The Menu Podcast, Wal, Joel, and Tom sit down with agricultural economist David Anderson from Texas A&M University to unpack the real reasons behind soaring beef prices. From shrinking cattle herds and rising ranching costs to supply chain bottlenecks, meat processing capacity, consumer demand, and global trade, Professor Anderson breaks down the economics of beef in a way that actually makes sense. Along the way, we explore why chicken and pork remain relatively affordable, whether imported beef could help, and how long Americans may be paying premium prices for burgers and steaks. If you’ve looked at the meat aisle lately and wondered what happened, this episode is for you.