The Nation Magazine (The Food Issue)
by Katie Pizzuto
What best embodies the best of our food culture? Easy--a radio show called The Restaurant Guys, hosted by the co-owners of two NJ restaurants. Francis and Mark, who own Stage Left and Catherine Lombardi restaurants host a daily 1-hour radio show (available as a podcast) dedicated to "Food, Wine and the Finer Things in Life." Besides being well versed in all things epicurean, these guys are witty, intelligent and engaging. Topics range from interviews with famous chefs, restaurateurs and sommeliers, to discussions with authors/activists about sustainable agriculture, organics, marketing to children, farm-raised seafood, raw dairy, etc. They'll talk about Haagen Dazs and White Castles as proficiently as they'll talk about Chateau d'Yquem and foie gras!
They should be applauded not only for their pursuit of quality food and wine, but also for maintaining relationships with local purveyors. They champion artisan food/wine and sneer at industrial agriculture, and they do it passionately.