Amused Bouche artwork

Amused Bouche

57 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 months ago - ★★★★★ - 12 ratings

Food-obsessed friends Jen and Abby share their Iron Chef-style food battles, reading Yelp reviews in-character, and culinary hot-takes.

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Episodes

Batch #57: McKenzie Cunningham of Queen's Hand Collaborative

December 11, 2023 19:32 - 23 minutes

Kenzy Cunningham of Queen's Hand Collaborative is the friend we didn't know we needed. Kenzy shows us what it means to hustle and build a business with purpose: Queen's Hand Collaborative supports local (and often women-owned) beverage businesses to grow and succeed in this fast-paced, competitive industry. 

Batch #56: Featured Foodie - Your Braisen Chef at Mariah's Taco Spot

October 23, 2023 07:30 - 30 minutes

Our next Featured Foodie takes us to Pins Mechanical where a unique food truck awaits: Mariah's Taco Spot. Chef Reyaña of Your Braisen Chef shares some secret ingredients, culinary tips, and advice for entrepreneurs while we taste some of the best wings and tacos in the city.

Batch 55: Fall Fun

October 09, 2023 07:30 - 35 minutes

Jen and Abby reflect on their favorite autumnal traditions and share some NC State Fair news. 

Batch 54: Community Matters Cafe

September 25, 2023 07:30 - 58 minutes

Chayil Johnson, Executive Chef at Community Matters Cafe, brings more than just pastries to the studio for this batch: he shares a mission and a strategy to transform the lives of members of our local community battling addiction. The Charlotte Rescue Mission provides recovery programs that offer skills, opportunities, and hope for the future. To learn more and get involved, visit charlotterescuemission.org and grab a bite at Community Matters Cafe today!

Batch 53 - Sub One Hoagie House

September 11, 2023 07:30 - 35 minutes

Tune in for the premiere of our new segment, "Featured Foodie" where we ask notable Charlotteans to take us to their favorite spots around town. First up, Tim Edwards of Splatter Charlotte smashes it out of the park with a delicious experience at Sub One Hoagie House.

Batch #52: NCRLA Chef Showdown Recap

August 28, 2023 13:19 - 53 minutes

It finally happened! Tune in as Abby and Jen cover the incredible 2023 NCRLA Chef Showdown Grand Finale, featuring conversations with many of the talented award winners, punctuated by drool-worthy dish descriptions. You'll want to start planning your culinary road trip through North Carolina at the end of this one, friends.

Batch #51: Heidi Billotto and the NCRLA Chef Showdown

August 07, 2023 07:30 - 36 minutes

We're back! Heidi Billotto returns to dish on the Aug 14 Grand Finale of the 2023 NCRLA Chef Showdown in Raleigh: a competition months in the making featuring chefs, mixologists, and ingredients from all over this great state. We'll see you there! Tickets available at ncchefshowdown.com

Batch #50: Dim Sum at Open Rice Metropolitan

June 12, 2023 07:30 - 10 minutes

In our last batch before a hard-earned summer break, join Abby and Jen for a delicious dim sum experience (their first!) at the new Open Rice Metropolitan location, a spot that never disappoints. 10/10. Would gorge again.

Batch #49: Sam Ward, Wentworth & Fenn

May 31, 2023 21:05 - 44 minutes

Get your sweet tooth ready! The amazing Sam Ward of Wentworth & Fenn (our new lady-crush) shares her journey to Camp North End, her culinary hot takes, and her drool-worthy pastries. You won't be skipping dessert after this one, friends.

Batch #48: Abby's Adventures in Portugal

May 15, 2023 07:30 - 36 minutes

Great food, great friends, and a great destination: Abby chronicles her intrepid adventures in Portugal and brings some Portuguese snacks into the studio for a taste test. 

Batch #47: Susannah Brinkley Henry

May 01, 2023 07:30 - 48 minutes

Load up on antacids and tune in for a spicy batch featuring the lovely Susannah Brinkley Henry, the talent behind the renowned cocktail blog, Feast + West. In addition to dropping solid home bartending tips, Susannah guides us through a blind Bloody Mary taste test with some shocking(ly delicious) results. 

Batch #46

April 17, 2023 07:30 - 31 minutes

Coming to you from Jen’s personal zoo, this home batch covers a LOT of ground – We got puppies (cute!). We recap Biblio (nom!). We get amped for Charlotte Wine + Food Week (woo!). AND we hear about Abby’s recent Family Food Challenge. Grab you a snack, cuz this one will leave you hongry.

Batch #45: Sam Diminich

April 03, 2023 07:30 - 58 minutes

From Myrtle Beach beginnings all the way to his own Restaurant Constance, Chef Sam Diminich has had a remarkable [flavor] journey. Tune in to hear how being “sober out loud” has allowed him to stay in the solution and not the problem, making meaningful impacts in the Queen City and beyond. We have a feeling he’s just getting started.

Batch #44: Amanda Cranford

March 20, 2023 07:30 - 49 minutes

Meet Fresca lover and self-proclaimed debaucherous human, Amanda Cranford of Dish and Paper Plane fame. This batch shares her journey as a Charlotte native, her people-first approach, and her serious condiment standards (why yes, there IS a perfect ketchup...)

Batch #43: "Neighborger" John Cochrane

March 06, 2023 08:30 - 52 minutes

Comin' in hot! A jam-packed batch featuring the infamous John Cochrane, AKA the "Neighborger." We hear John's superhero origin story AND conduct some science experiments in studio that blew. our. minds. This one's a must!

Batch #42

February 20, 2023 08:30 - 18 minutes

What should you do when time ceases to matter? What’s the most underrated kitchen tool? How big (or not) is Abby’s mouth? Get answers to these classic questions and more stuffed into this sweet mini-batch.

Batch #41 - Heidi Billotto

February 06, 2023 08:30 - 54 minutes

What happens when you say yes? Welcome Heidi Billotto to the podcast, culinary expert and food blogger who has built a vast and impressive career out of this principle. With a passion for spreading happiness through food and shining a light on local produce and talent, Heidi is truly a legend in the regional culinary scene.

Batch #40 - A Look Back and a Little Fun

December 19, 2022 08:30 - 59 minutes

In this final batch of 2022, Abby and Jen hear an update on the cardamom challenge, take on a cheesy challenge of their own, set up the next epic Battle, and recap the amazing highs of an incredible year. We'll see you in 2023 (with some very special guests), friends! 

Batch #39 - Jen & Abby in Savannah, Battle Movie Magic

December 05, 2022 08:30 - 49 minutes

Abby and Jen take Savannah! Or was it the cave of wonders? Were there ghosts? Probably. All this, AND a recap of the hard-fought Battle Movie Magic. Grab a cocktail and settle in, friends. This ones a goodun.

Batch #38 - Chef Will Phillips, Chef Will Cooks: Part 2

November 21, 2022 08:30 - 29 minutes

The second half of our Chef Will menu kicks off with a birthday surprise and an enthusiastic (but non-sponsored) plug for a must-have kitchen device. Stay ‘til the end to learn how to book your own private chef experience!

Batch #37 - Chef Will Phillips, Chef Will Cooks: Part 1

November 07, 2022 08:30 - 46 minutes

Multiple courses, locally sourced ingredients, and an in-home chef - all on a Wednesday AND while wearing sweatpants from the comfort of home?! Yeah. We'll take that. Meet Chef Will Philips – mushroom fanatic, fermentation boss, and private chef – in another super fun two-parter.

Batch #36 - Chef Robin Anthony, Omakase by Prime Fish

October 24, 2022 07:30 - 58 minutes

If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s how much we have left to learn. Tune in for a lesson in authentic sushi and unlocking the third flavor with Chef Robin of Prime Fish and Omakase by Prime Fish. Plus, Chef Robin brings along a crowd-favorite: Sake Sara!

Batch #35 - Shawn Paul, Foxcroft Wine Co. (Part 2)

October 10, 2022 07:30 - 28 minutes

Part II of our chat with the delightful Shawn Paul begins with hidden talents and ends with some thirst trap spoilers about Foxcroft’s upcoming events and eventual world domination. Cheers, dear listeners!

Batch #34 - Shawn Paul, Foxcroft Wine Co.

September 26, 2022 07:30 - 44 minutes

Wine Lovers, pour yourself a glass and tuck in for Part I of our lively chat with Shawn Paul of Foxcroft Wine Co. From birthdays to random Tuesdays, Foxcroft is a go-to for any occasion: incredible food, vino, service, and an ever-present ambient level of charm.

Batch #33 - Kolleen Organek's Road Trip with Mom: Part 2

September 12, 2022 07:30 - 45 minutes

From the redwood forests to the gulf state diners, this land was made for our Kolleen. Part II: Pacific Coast Highway and back to Charlotte. 

Batch #32 - Kolleen Organek's Road Trip with Mom: Part 1

August 29, 2022 07:30 - 45 minutes

In another two-batcher, the ladies are stoked to welcome local Charlotte foodie and longtime friend of the podcast, Kolleen Organek, to talk about her recent food-driven cross-country travels with Mom (that’s her official name). Part I: NC to the Pacific Northwest.

Batch #31 - Paul Manley, High Tide Hospitality

August 15, 2022 07:30 - 52 minutes

Ace No. 3. Waterman Fishbar. Sea Level NC. Heard of 'em? From ski bum to oyster connoisseur, Paul Manley, owner/partner of High Tide Hospitality, joins us in the studio to share his industry journey and challenge what we thought we knew about those salty little sea snacks.

Batch #30 - Chef Michael Noll, Bardo & VANA

August 01, 2022 07:30 - 50 minutes

Don't let those dulcet tones fool you... Chef Michael Noll thrives in chaos, from flying down the freeway on a skateboard to conducting 12-course tasting menus. Chef Michael visits the studio to highlight two of Charlotte's premier dining destinations: Bardo and VANA. 

Batch #29 - Kalli & Faye Pahountis, Greco Fresh Grille

July 18, 2022 07:30 - 31 minutes

Badass female business owners? NBD. At least in Greece, it's not. In the studio, we're fangirling over these two powerhouse members of the Pahountis family, owners of Greco Fresh Grille, who school us in proper pronunciation and non-embarrassing business names.

Batch #28

July 05, 2022 07:30 - 30 minutes

Abby and Jen go back to their roots with a reprisal of classic segments like Yelp Reviews and Charlotte Shoutouts, in addition to a special plea to a Charlotte region staple - Harris Teeter. (beware: earworm included).

Batch #27: Ken Aponte, Alchemy

June 20, 2022 07:30 - 1 hour

From his humble beginnings creating backyard dirt potions to his current science-forward culinary style, Chef Ken Aponte of Alchemy shares his path and his passions (spoiler alert: rules) in an absolute blast of a chat with Jen and Abby. 

Batch #26: Sam Hart, Counter- (Part II)

June 06, 2022 07:30 - 26 minutes

"Now, it's time to run." In Part II of our chat with Chef Sam Hart of Counter-, we get some drool-inducing spoiler alerts about what's coming up, including a peek at his new wine-driven concept, Biblio. 

Batch #25: Sam Hart, Counter-

May 23, 2022 07:30 - 42 minutes

In Part I of 2, Jen and Abby welcome the inimitable Chef Sam Hart, who has been making serious waves in Charlotte with his musically paired, story-driven tasting menus at Counter-, an experience that is absolutely not to be missed – if you can get seats, that is.

Batch #24: What the Fries

May 09, 2022 07:30 - 22 minutes

Hold on to your appetites! Abby and Jen sit down with Greg Williams and Jamie Barnes, delightfully talented chef-owners of What The Fries, and chew the fat about everything from their food truck origins to their brick-and-mortar location and insanely creative menu stylings.

Batch #23: Legion Brewing

April 25, 2022 07:30 - 43 minutes

Great beer isn’t hard to come by in the QC. But great beer AND amazing food in one spot? That’s rare. Enter Legion Brewing! In this batch, we chat with two of their talented chefs in advance of the grand opening of their newest location. And yes, dear listeners, they brought snacks!

Batch #22: Christa Csoka, The Artisan's Palate

April 11, 2022 07:30 - 51 minutes

Chef Christa Csoka of The Artisan’s Palate visits the studio to share one of the most universal truths: no matter how long it takes, never give up on your dreams.

Batch #21: Jared Shank

March 28, 2022 07:30 - 40 minutes

Set your alarm and come along on an adventure through the woods as Jen and Abby discuss hunting with Jared Shank, local entertainer and hobby hunter.

Batch #20: Sake Sara, Part II

March 14, 2022 07:30 - 42 minutes

Kanpai! Sake Sara is back for Part II. In this batch: Abby gets tipsy, Jen gets a long-awaited answer to one of the big sake misunderstandings, and Sara explains all the science. 

Batch #19: Sake Sara, Part I

February 28, 2022 08:30 - 47 minutes

We had too much fun for one batch. In part I of II, Abby and Jen get their brains exploded in a delicious introduction to the complex world of sake with Sara "Sake Sara" Guterbock, who has been moonlighting as an Amused Bouche super fan. 

Batch #18: Valentine's Day Battle: Chocolate

February 14, 2022 08:30 - 53 minutes

Love is in the air! In this special Valentines Day episode, Abby and Jen recap their holiday food adventures, play a thrilling round of Foodie Fight, and romance the (stretchy) pants off their partners...and each other...in Battle: Chocolate.   

Batch #17: MJ, Two Scoops Creamery

January 31, 2022 08:30 - 40 minutes

An episode straight from Abby’s dreams: MJ from Two Scoops Creamery smuggles a metric ton of ice cream into the studio and shares his secret to small business success.   

Batch #16: Rachel Klebaur, Orrman's Cheese Shop

December 20, 2021 08:30 - 39 minutes

Cheese, glorious cheese! In the last episode of 2021, Abby and Jen have a "Gouda" time nerding all the way out with Rachel Klebaur, owner of Orrman's Cheese Shop. Along the way, they reminisce about their sensual Raclette Night experience and adopt some drool-worthy cheese-centric holiday traditions. 

Batch #15: Jimmy Pearls

December 06, 2021 13:25 - 43 minutes

Chefs Oscar Johnson & Daryl Cooper bring soul to the studio: sharing the history behind Virginia Tidewater cuisine and their own special twists that make Jimmy P's Street Shack a uniquely Charlotte concept.

Batch #14: Thanksgiving Special

November 22, 2021 08:30 - 24 minutes

In this very special Thanksgiving episode, Jen and Abby host a gathering to duke it out in Battle: Friendsgiving.

Batch #13

November 08, 2021 18:42 - 34 minutes

Jen and Abby eat their way through the Carolina Renaissance Festival; Abby challenges Jen to a new game: Never Have I Ever.

Batch #12 - Kim Ballard, Your Mom's Donuts

October 25, 2021 14:42 - 50 minutes

Kim Ballard, Flavor Lord of Your Mom’s Donuts, visits the studio to give Jen & Abby a lesson in donut math, deliver a first-taste of some autumn rotational flavors, and shout-out a few hundred incredible local eateries.

Batch #11 - IRO & Mizu Review

October 11, 2021 07:30 - 52 minutes

Jen and Abby recall the creative and competitive Battle: Berry and share their first review of two new restaurants located in the Hyatt Centric Hotel: IRO and Mizu.    

Batch #10 - Vincent Chirico – Idlewild

September 27, 2021 07:30 - 38 minutes

Vincent Chirico joins Abby & Jen to share in the magic of Idlewild, Charlotte's first no-menu custom cocktail bar. They discuss what makes Idlewild the first of its kind in the Queen City, the unique environment that Charlotte offers independent restaurateurs, and a drink so good that it made Abby (nearly) cry.  

Batch #9 - My Dinner with Jendre

September 15, 2021 16:45 - 47 minutes

Ever wonder what it’s like in the moment at one of Jen & Abby’s food battles? This batch comes to you live from inside battle headquarters (aka Jen’s kitchen) so you can experience the food fight in real time. Plus, Abby invents a new game and puts Jen’s tastebuds to the test in Grocery Store Roulette.

Batch #8 - Thomas Thacker, Southern Grace Distilleries

August 30, 2021 07:30 - 50 minutes

Jacob joins Jen and Abby in the studio for a special bourbon tasting with Thomas Thacker of Southern Grace Distilleries. Between sips the ladies learn about the art and science of distilling whiskey... and why Southern Grace does it best in an old prison.