Family Meal

On this episode of Family Meal, I sat down with Grasie Mercedes @grasiemercedes and we dished about way more than food. A podcast host herself  on @notblankenoughpod Grasie also acts, writes, and directs her own projects. She pulled back the curtain on what goes down in a writers room (she was on staff for Perfect Harmony), how being the oldest in her family shaped her, and the importance of having faith in yourself even if you don't feel "ready yet or qualified enough". Grasie also discussed the importance of representation on and off screen and how that preps the future generations for believing in themselves.  GRASIE'S MOM'S DOMINICAN RICE AND BEANS FOLLOW FAMILY MEAL FOLLOW NATALIE 

On this episode of Family Meal, I sat down with Tiana Okoye @tee_ohhh and we dished about way more than food. Of course we covered her time on Broadway and being an actor in a new production, as was her case in The Cher Show. She talked about how COVID has illuminated a lot of cracks in the systems we have in place and the measures she and her community are taking to make lasting change- one of them being Broadway via @broadwayforracialjustice. The push for more diversity and inclusivity is needed more than ever, and Tiana is making her voice heard. Her welcoming energy will give you hope and cause to fight for those things in your own life and communities especially with the help of her group @artsavethevote  Listen along if you want an honest look at what it takes to be a working multi-faceted performer, how to keep a dream alive even if you feel you're in the minority, and why it's important now more than ever to make your voice heard.  Nigerian Igbo Tomato Stew: Cook time - 20-30 mins Brown Ri

On this episode of Family Meal, I sat down with Emily Fedner of @foodloversdiary and we dished about way more than food. Of course we covered her Babushka's famous vareniki and her early days where her love of food was formed, but as usual we dove much deeper. Emily opened up about her struggle to find a career in food that was not only meaningful, but fulfilling, how her her days as a line cook forever changed her, and how it's not been as easy of a road as instagram may show. She's an open book and touches on why mental health needs to be addressed more in the industry, and why we need to be giving back to the undocumented workers of the US. She even developed an e-cookbook that donates a portion of its proceeds to the NY based Undocu Workers Fund. Listen along if you need some uplift, are thinking of changing careers, and want to fuel your appetite!  PURCHASE PASTA LOVERS DIARY HERE 15% of sales benefit the Undocu Workers Fund RECIPE FOR VARENIKI HERE CHECK OUT EMILY'S PODCAST HERE FOLLOW FAMILY MEAL

On this episode of Family Meal, I sat down with Ellen Marie Bennet, founder of Hedley and Bennett, an incredible work wear brand outfitting chefs in restaurants and kitchens around the world. But what Ellen created is much more than functional and quality aprons- it's a global community of like-minded makers, who are in fact making a difference. Ellen for example, completely pivoted her apron operations mid-March and their warehouses started to produce face masks. Their buy-one, give-one program has donate over 200,000 masks and counting!  We talked how Ellen started her business, taking leaps of faith, how to save veggies on the brink of heading out *hint it involves pickling*, and why taking action will never steer you in the wrong direction.  Follow along @family_meal_podcast on Instagram or your host Natalie @irishfrecklegirl  Shepherd’s Pie FOR THE MASHED POTATOES -Russet Potatoes -1/2 and 1/2 -creme fraiche -butter salt fresh cracked pepper! FOR THE PIE FILLING Grapeseed oil (or cooking o

On this episode of Family Meal, I sat down with photographer, Sophie Kuller, @sophkuller and we chatted about everything from how she transitioned artistic careers (from ballet to photography), to how the two of us met (Instagram, a puppy, a dock and Scotland were involved), to how she's staying creative during COVID. She shares memorable meals and how the best way to care for someone during a time of loss is to just do. She is an incredibly special person and has filled me with so much confidence that there's no way I can truly thank her. She'll open your eyes and hearts to the beauty in simplicity, nature and capturing the moment. PECAN PIE -pie crust of choice -3 eggs -2/3 cup Sugar 1/3 teaspoon salt 1/3 butter, melted 1 cup dark corn syrup 1 cup pecans FROM SOPHIE'S MOM: *Pre-toasting the pecans brings out the flavor but be careful, they burn easily! I usually add more pecans than this, and it’s easier to cut if most of the pecans are pieces, not halves. My brother Jim also taught me to add about a t

On this episode of Family Meal, I sat down with podcast host, and as I dub her- the culinary mayor of LA- Kate Green @funwithkate We talk in depth about how the restaurant industry she used to call home (she stumbled into working at the Mozza Restaurant Group and never left!) has been hit hard during this pandemic, and the pivots people are taking to make ends meet. She shared multiple LA organizations that are giving back to those who have been hit hardest- and how the service industry and its professional are still of service to the community at large. This episode is honest and really harps on the idea that everyone- regardless of job title, gender, race, or socioeconomic class deserves a seat at the table.  Kate's Family Meal Recipe: VANILLA CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE FROSTING c/o Modern Honey  RESOURCES FOR ALL! (some are LA Based, but look into supporting where you can!) @nouswithoutyou (helping provide food for undocumented back of house staff) @secret_lasagna (employing out of work chefs and donati

On this episode of Family Meal, I sat down with journalist, cookbook author and culinary guide, Katie Parla, @katieparla . A resident of Rome since 2003, Katie and I chatted all things cookbook writing, being a consultant on Master of None, why you shouldn't buy Barilla pasta and how she got to work with the legendary Stanley Tucci. From ways to help the Italian economy during these time, to how she started her own podcast, Gola- we really ran the gambit of topics. Pro tip: enjoy this episode with a glass or two of dry lambrusco. SUPPORT/ SHOP ITALIAN FOOD COMPANIES HERE  FOR WALKING TOURS AND KATIE PARLA'S PROJECTS if possible purchase cookbooks locally to keep your bookstore in business! linking an LA based on Now Serving  PURCHASE FAMILY MEAL  CALAMARI SALAD serves 4 to 6 2 pounds calamari, cleaned, tentacles separated and body cut into rings 1 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 2 ribs celery, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 1 large carrot, grated 1/2 cup Gaeta olives, pitted and halved Sea salt, to t

On this episode of Family Meal, I sat down with actress, writer, dessert enthusiast and oatmeal influencer, Sarah Schenkkan of @actress_eats We talk about everything from visceral food memories, to solo trips, to establishing herself in NYC after getting a BFA at UMiami. She's a period piece queen and you can catch her on Z, Turn, and the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel to name a few. Currently quarantined in Brooklyn, she is at the helm of Kitchen Rodeo, offering virtual cooking classes with donations helping causes related to COVID. When things open back up- you can find her as a lead instructor at MilkBar in NYC teaching classes and making life that much sweeter.  MOM’S NO-FAIL APPLE PIE

On this episode of Family Meal, I sat down with actress & singer Kelly Lamor Wilson. We talk about her Georgia roots, her first bookings, how she trusted her gut and decided that college wasn’t her path, and being an advocate for mental health. We open the body image can of worms and give that the space it deserves- and why these issues need to be talked about and how she turned that into a cabaret show at 54 Below called ‘I Am Woman’.

On this episode of Family Meal, I sat down with actress, writer, director and creative spirit, Nika Burnett @nikaburnett We talked about how she went from being an athlete, to an undeclared major, to falling in love with philosophy which ultimately landed her into filmmaking. She is a firm believer of 'learning by doing', and it shows as in her recently released bi-lingual film, Brindisi which is currently making its way through the festival circuit. She is a bright light, a champion of curiosity and her soothing voice will truly help release any anxiety.  BASIL LEMON PESTO (as told my Nika) Below is the pesto recipe with my moms instructions — I always at least double everything because this is a small batch for a single pot of pasta : -2/3 c washed tightly packed basil good leaf part only -3 garlic cloves -1 lemon seeded & juiced -1/4 toasted pine nuts -1/4 c Reggiano Parmesan -drizzle olive oil  Pulse everything in food processor except nuts.  Add nuts last so you can control the chunks

On this episode of Family Meal, I sat down with cookbook author, recipe developer, and food blogger, Kylie Mazon-Chambers aka @cookingwithcocktailrings We talked about how she went from being a picky eater to a kitchen boss (there may have been some sibling rivalry involved

TODAY'S GUEST: @madrymccormick  On this episode of Family Meal, I sat down with actress, Maddie McCormick. We talked about how she navigated Hollywood during her time at UCLA, growing up (with me!) and spilling some high school shenanigans. And Maddie talks about the importance of having a full life and self-love as the keys to her success as an actress...Plus a fun story involving Drake and Skittles. AUNT KAY'S SHEET CAKE 2 c sugar 2 c sifted flour 1 cup butter 1/4 c cocoa 1 c water 1/2 c buttermilk 2 eggs slightly beaten 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp vanilla Icing: 1/2 c butter 1/4 c cocoa 6 Tbsp milk 1 lb confectioners sugar 1 c chopped pecans Sift flour and sugar into large bowl. Combine butter, cocoa and water in pan. Cook to boiling. Add buttermilk, eggs, soda, and vanilla and mix well. Pour into greased jelly roll pan. Bake at 400 for 25 mins. Prepare icing. Add butter, cocoa, milk to boil. Add confectioners sugar, vanilla and pecans. Mix together and spread on cake while still warm. Harvard Business R

On this episode of Family Meal, I sat down with actress, Madeleine Byrne and we chatted all things growing up in the 90's, food and body image, and funny service industry stories. We swapped our favorites (mine involved Amy Poehler, hers involved the crowd at GOAL Sports Bar in LA *cough* Leonardo DiCaprio *cough*) and how the crews we worked with turned into our best friends and family. WASH YOUR HANDS and support your local restaurants!  FOLLOW Madeleine: @madeleinebyrnee // watch her on TWENTIES  FOLLOW Family Meal/Natalie: @family_meal_podcast // @irishfrecklegirl

On this episode of Family Meal, I sat down with, Allison McNamara, the founder of Mara- a clean + cruelty free indie beauty brand. We talked about her conception of Mara, her other roles as the Editorial Director for Mane Addicts and digital influencer, how she transitioned from hosting (she was previously at E! and Pop TV!), and what it takes to keep innovating as a company.

On this episode of Family Meal, I sat down with singer/songwriter, Elizabeth Lyons, and we talked about building a music career from the ground up, how she handles negativity in the music industry, her songwriting process, working through roadblocks and of course her family recipe and favorite restaurants.

On this episode of Family Meal, I sat down and chatted with Nick LaKind of @TrailofGold and we chatted all things food. More specifically his LA roots, why he started his ode to the late Jonathan Gold, an epic tale of how he got to eat at the world's top restaurant, Osteria Francescana, what kind of tomatoes make the best bruschetta, and of course his favorite LA restaurants.

On this episode of Family Meal, I sat down and chatted with Adam Cherney, Chef de Cuisine at A.O.C. Wine Bar in Los Angeles. I met Adam a little over 3 years ago when I started working as a server at said restaurant and we became fast friends. Two years ago, when I had a video wine series, Adam was the first guest on the show and we made a summer grill series- linked in the show notes. This time, we talked how he got in the restaurant biz (surprise it wasn't until later in life), why you should always be friends with your farmers and how practice really does make perfect. Chokes on you if you don't listen...

In this bonus episode of Family Meal, I deviate from the normal interview format and get down and dirty with my recent European Solo Travels. This episode covers my time spent in Modena...yes that Modena from Master of None Season Two and known its world famous cuisine!

On this episode of Family Meal, I sat down and chatted with Jess Schmidt, GM of Little Dom's in LA and former GM of Dominick's. I met Jess 6 years ago when she gave me my first job as a hostess at Dominick's in West Hollywood. She is the reason I really know what "Family Meal" means in the restaurant sense. We chatted our midwest roots, why being nice always wins, where to get the BEST PANCAKES IN LA, and shared lots and lots of Dominick's stories and memories!

In this bonus episode of Family Meal, I deviate from the normal interview format and get down and dirty with my recent European Solo Travels. This episode covers my time spent in Florence, Italy aka Firenze