Shift Drink
85 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 4 years ago - ★★★★★ - 29 ratingsWelcome to Shift Drink! Long hours on sore feet and wearied coworkers cramped side-by-side in the pursuit of perfection is typical in the service industry. But it isn’t until the final diner has gone and the last tab is closed; when there are no more pots to scrub or glasses to polish; that’s when the first shift drinks are poured and the stories start to flow. Every week, Eddie Kim and Mathew Ramsey will share a shift drink and swap war stories from behind the line with chefs, bartenders, bakers, brewers, and anyone who touches this all-encompassing industry. Un-edited, no-holds-bar, and personal, these brief moments bleed into life stories, past and future aspirations, philosophy, life lessons and every shot in between.
This show records and broadcasts LIVE on Full Service Radio from the lobby of the LINE DC in Adams Morgan, Washington DC.
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Episodes
Opie Crooks & Jill Tyler: #ShutUsDown, But Not Out
March 16, 2020 20:18 - 49 minutes - 37.5 MBThis week, notorious locavore Opie Crooks - executive chef of A Rake’s Progress, and hospitality hero - Jill Tyler, co-owner of Tail Up Goat and Reveler’s Hour, join us from the frontlines of what’s been an emotional week, to discuss their closings of their restaurants in response to the COVID-19 emergency. We call for action and legislation that will affect D.C.’s restaurant industry in the interim (#ShutUsDown). Opie dabbles in baking bread, Jill gets swole with push-ups, Mathew grows his h...
Rising Star Paola Velez’s Passion of the Fruit
March 09, 2020 21:46 - 58 minutes - 45.3 MBThis week, Executive Pastry Chef and confection Domini-queen of Kith and Kin, Paola Velez, joins us in our Corona-free recording bubble to discuss how she caught baking fever. From a cacao-farming family to fine chocolatier, Paola draws upon her Dominican roots and NYC training to simplify and showcase childhood ingredients. Rum cake, arroz con dulce, and ugli fruit get honorable mentions, Eddie runs into a “Florida man,” and Mathew gets insatiably hungry. Powered and distributed by Simplecast.
Ruben Garcia: Can’t Fight Nature
March 02, 2020 22:41 - 56 minutes - 47.1 MBThis week, Shift Drink alum Boby Pradichith continues to do the heavy lifting by bringing us chef, and mentor, Ruben Garcia. Freshly funemployed, we look back at Ruben’s 16-year legacy with Think Food Group and how that translates into future plans (think mezcal), “fighting nature,” and the cycle of culinary maturation and creativity. Ruben goes all George Clooney, Boby goes all Benjamin Button, Eddie goes all Julia Roberts, and Mathew tries to go all Daniel Day Lewis. Powered and distributed...
Francesca Arienzo: Baking the Law
February 24, 2020 21:49 - 46 minutes - 36.7 MBThis week, we are joined by Francesca Arienzo, mother-baker and dough-puncher of the Mexican-German — Filos Bakery. Francesca pinches off a piece of her therapy dough over Putin’s favorite shifty, dives into the universal love language of freshly baked breads, and mediates dueling doting grandmothers. Eddie Kim hones in on the perfect concha and Mathew gets some much needed assistance in German phonetics. Powered and distributed by Simplecast.
Ann Limpert: The 101 on D.C.’s 100 Best
February 03, 2020 22:01 - 54 minutes - 50.3 MBThis week, Ann Limpert, Executive Food Editor of the Washingtonian keeps it cool on the hot seat, as she divulges her pastry past, serves up some “crispy” personal pizza predilections, and offers a deep dive into some of the food-critique-calculus behind the recently released “The 100 Very Best Restaurants.” Eddie buddies up with Hippocrates and Heisenberg, and Mathew apes out over wet martinis. Powered and distributed by Simplecast.
Robin Ha: Korean Hand, American Girl
January 30, 2020 15:53 - 52 minutes - 48.3 MBThis week, the kimchi jar lid is popped on Korean food and the American experience with comic illustrator Robin Ha — just ahead of the release of her new graphic novel, Almost American Girl — and guest host Peter Chang of No Kings Collective. We geonbae (cheers) over some unexpected mezcal as we parse out the meaning of Korean son-mat (hand-taste), the commonalities between Mexican and Korean cooking, and the disparities between the Korean immigrant and Korean-American experiences. Robin is O...
Lane Harlan + Carlos Raba: Homies where the heart is
January 24, 2020 21:43 - 37 minutes - 34.7 MBThis week, arbiters of Charm City cool — Lane Harlan and returning guest Carlos Raba of Clavel, sit down with Mathew and poeticize everything from breakfast wine and the “hand of the maker,” to fishing for real estate on craigslist and even… well, Malort. Eddie follows the sun west, and Mathew “bullet time dodges” a well aimed lie. Powered and distributed by Simplecast.
David Batista and Soung Wiser: Around the Corner and Back Again
January 13, 2020 22:24 - 55 minutes - 51 MBThis week, David Batista and Soung Wiser of All Souls, General Design Co, and the soon to be; The Little Grand, drop “the” formalities AND raise the Jaleo bar to discuss the origins of an iconic combo, alley appeal, and the many ways one can Eddie Kim. Soung and Eddie incept the ‘Bad Korean Klub,’ and Mathew keeps it dushi. Powered and distributed by Simplecast
Mr. Rovine Goes to Washington: The Fight Against Tariffs
January 09, 2020 19:26 - 55 minutes - 50.9 MBThis week we light a fire on the new season of Shift Drink to illuminate the impending U.S. tariffs on French wines, possibly going into effect later this month. Representing a cadre of importers and producers set to testify on Capitol Hill is natural wine figurehead and importer Zev Rovine, who explains the ins and outs of the 100 percent tariff, the destructive impacts it will have across the domestic wine industry (but particularly natural wine), and his beginnings as an importer. Guest co...
Felicia Colbert’s New Wine World Order
December 18, 2019 21:21 - 1 hour - 56.4 MBThis week, we round out the season (and year!) with a clarion of D.C.’s wine community — Felicia Colbert — Wine Director at A Rake’s Progress. We discuss navigating to the peak of the wine world while “mastering” one’s destiny, the added baggage of intersectionality in hospitality, and wine as a field guide to sociology. Alexya dons her graduation cap, Eddie squeezes into his cake fairy tights, and Mathew hulks out of his apron. But we all agree — Parents just don’t understand. Powered and d...
Clementine Thomas Gives a Fork About Cookbooks
December 09, 2019 22:25 - 44 minutes - 40.5 MBThis week, Clementine Thomas joins the studio to boldly fork where no book has gone before. We’re talking Bold Fork Books, a culinary bookstore pop-up in D.C.’s Pear Plum Cafe. Clem covers some cookbook chronology from personal favorites to neo-classic standards, purrrloins her cat’s name, and sets a local literary table for chefs and home-cooks to commune over. Mathew and Eddie bond in their aversions to the continental apple, the former biologically, the latter existentially. Powered and d...
Dave Coleman’s “Three Star Method to Motivation”
December 02, 2019 21:51 - 48 minutes - 44.7 MBThis week, Dave Coleman of Three Stars Brewing joins our post-Thanksgiving breakdown because that’s how he green-bean-casser-ROLLS. From Colt 45 to Peppercorn Saison, Dave opens up on the cost of integrity, swinging for those “two extra stars,” and staying motivated in a “Big Apples vs. D.C. Oranges” kind of world. Mathew mucks horse stables on the cheap and Eddie raises a glass to a favorite shirtless barman. Powered and distributed by Simplecast
Adam Bernbach: Part Duh
November 26, 2019 16:17 - 52 minutes - 48 MBThis week, tune out the family drama and turn up the awkward with three friends, live mics, and a healthy dose of sherry for some stimulating, turkey-stuffing background noise. We welcome back Adam Bernbach of the upcoming Oyster Oyster, who’s keeping it lazy with an upcoming Mega-Mandy-Death-Moore Omakase, betrays his cranberry roots, and opens up on “closing the loop” and sustainability in restaurants. Eddie supersizes his Starbucks and Mathew says “hell yes,” to a flaming hot cheeto and to...
Konbi’s Laminated Layers with Nick Montgomery and Jen Yee, and Akira Akuto
November 21, 2019 16:15 - 46 minutes - 42.8 MBThis week, it’s ‘three’s company’ in the studio with the crew from LA’s pastry and sandwich darling, Konbi. Akira surfs the couch while co-owner Nick Montgomery and pastry chef Jen Yee take to the mics to discuss caffeinated indulgences, seasonal sensibility, and exercising a healthy restaurant balance. Akira makes coffee a black or white issue, while Mathew and Eddie go lowbrow on Thanksgiving plans. Powered and distributed by Simplecast
Johnny Spero: Cooking Reveries and Life’s Realities
November 05, 2019 15:24 - 1 hour - 55.9 MBThis week, cuisenaire cosmonaut Johnny Spero of Reverie daydreams of San Sebastian and butter burgers, connects his life’s valleys and peaks, and checks our table for gum over some Dragon Whispers. Eddie chews fondly on Txuleta and Mathew takes a “New American” approach to villainy. Powered and distributed by Simplecast
Genevieve Villamora: Freaks and Geeks Class President
October 21, 2019 21:54 - 55 minutes - 50.7 MBPowered and distributed by Simplecast
Coast to Coast, Host to Host: Eddie and Mathew
October 09, 2019 17:43 - 54 minutes - 49.7 MBPowered and distributed by Simplecast
Owen Thomson and Ben Wiley Navigate the District’s Tradewinds at Archipelago
September 30, 2019 21:51 - 1 hour - 55.8 MBPowered and distributed by Simplecast
Pushing Tien: Chef Kevin Tien finds his voice while recognizing his past
September 17, 2019 16:19 - 49 minutes - 45.4 MBPowered and distributed by Simplecast
Shochu Shorty Monica Lee Unleashes Her Claws
August 26, 2019 21:06 - 56 minutes - 52.2 MBThis week, we’re all aboard the Shochu choo choo with Monica Lee, beverage director of the Daikaya Group, and “Hennything is possible.” Monica rhapsodizes on the artisanal hard seltzer movement, mouth garnishes, and fruit sandos from beyond the Keto Zone™. Eddie stokes the flames at Room 11, and Mathew bemoans his Fail-eys Irish Cream incident.
LA’s Akira Akuto: Thinking Outside the Sando Box
August 19, 2019 17:12 - 44 minutes - 41.2 MBThis week Akira Akuto, master laminator and co-owner of LA’s Japanese sandwich darling, Konbi, drops by the studio for a chat and shat. Akira divulges on big dreams in tiny spaces, the cult of canelé, and his personal Italian “heros.” Eddie sounds the alarm for “Code Brown,” and Mathew tea’s up his corn popup.
Cocktailwalla Dante Datta does D.C.
August 13, 2019 14:24 - 48 minutes - 44.8 MBThis week, homegrown barman Dante Datta of the upcoming Indian-inspired cocktail bar, Daru, joins us in the studio to slug down some emerald-colored Midori elixirs and talk Indian rum, pet mustaches, and the craft of opening a neighborhood watering hole. Eddie tries to recruit for a string quartet and Mathew unleashes his “Vanilla Green” on the world.
Trevor Frye’s Inner-Washline
July 08, 2019 20:08 - 1 hour - 56.4 MBThis week, we ball high with water whisperer, Trevor Frye and resident artist, Nate Mann. We dive into the district’s viral geometry, lessons in failing, and making room for mental wellness. Trevor finds his inner-“washline,” Eddie segways like a motherfucker, and Mathew picks up a casual Kodō drumming habit.
Malaka Gharib Finds the American Dream
July 01, 2019 14:55 - 47 minutes - 43.8 MBNavigating between three worlds as a Filipino-Egyptian in America, Malaka Gharib grew up struggling to grasp what it meant to live the American Dream. That is, until she wrote and drew her first graphic memoir, “I Was Their American Dream.” We break bread over the role of food in defining -- and confounding -- our cultural identities, drink a piquette that piques our interests in natural wine, and be ‘N Sync in our loves for fanfic. Malaka finds herself in a mukbang of Spam, Eddie y...
Josh Phillips, The Master and the Margarita
June 19, 2019 14:15 - 52 minutes - 47.8 MBThis week, Josh Phillips, master mezcalier and co-owner of Espita Mezcaleria, unscrews the top on an array of agave spirits and dives down the nerdy corn hole that is nixtamalization. Josh talks Craigslist connections, tortilla grinds, and offers just the tip on buying mezcal… And, when Eddie goes high, Mathew ends up shorter.
Top Jefes: Brooke Williamson & Antonia Lofaso
June 18, 2019 10:42 - 45 minutes - 42 MBIn this episode, we’re graced by not one, but two badass Arch-Angelenos and restaurateurs of Top Chef fame - Brooke Williamson & Antonia Lofaso. We discuss the dichotomy of awards and the awarded, general rules of thumb, and Tequila earns two exclamations!! Eddie plays el Diablo’s advocate and rallies with Brooke over tennis terminology, while Mathew dons his “cheeseburger-life coach” hat for Antonia.
Sweet / Dry with DC Public Library and Domestique
June 17, 2019 14:44 - 1 hour - 74.9 MBAn exploration of the intersection between taste and identity, presented by Domestique Wine and the DC Public Library. Including special guest panelists Jon Bonné, Lee Campbell, W. Ralph Eubanks, Millicent Souris, Genevieve Villamora.
Jon Bonné Jovi’s Greatest Hits
June 17, 2019 14:39 - 38 minutes - 35.6 MBFor this episode we open up our Mezcal cabinet to professional wino and tastemaker, Jon Bonné, senior contributing editor for PUNCH, former wine editor for The San Francisco Chronicle, and author of “The New California Wine.” Jon pontificates on going au natural, Gewurzt case scenarios, and mousey wine traps. Eddie comes out as a Riesling apologist, Mathew makes a dough confession, and Jon returns full circular on a certain incision.
Millicent Souris on Serving the Underserved
June 10, 2019 22:10 - 30 minutes - 28.4 MBThis week we scour off the rust and dust off the cobwebs to start off a new season of Shift Drink with Millicent Souris, former chef turned educator and advocate for the underserved at St. John’s Bread and Life. The activist helps us parse the difference between old/new schools of cooks, nourishing the privileged few/needy hundreds, and chef volunteerism/tourism. Millicent reminisces on her prison-tinged last visit to D.C., Mathew comes back like a bronzed Greek god, and Eddie crush...
Kristen Kish Keeps Pop Star Dreams in the Lone Star State
May 01, 2019 15:56 - 28 minutes - 26.2 MBThis week we keep it weird in the kitchen with Austin’s Kristen Kish, Top Chef alumna and chef of the newly minted Arlo Grey at the LINE Hotel. We unearth a few lines to add to her Wikipedia page, such as her notable singing skills, the do’s and don’ts of keeping it vulnerable in her kitchen, and her penchant for chicken fingers. Kristen opts out of the cowboy-chic, Eddie digs into the meaty side of Yelp, while Mathew gets torn and tater-ed with burger envy.
Reunion and Rivalry in Koreatown with Chefs Deuki Hong and Esther Choi
April 30, 2019 21:48 - 51 minutes - 47.2 MBThis week we put on a Korean double-feature with chef siblings-in-arms Esther Choi (mokbar and Miss Yu, NYC) and Deuki Hong (Sunday Bird, SF). The cross-country reunion sparks discussion on staying connected to one’s passion, satiating a bong appetite, and owning the “a” word -- "authenticity." Esther stokes a sibling rivalry, Deuki lives his best glamping life, Eddie finds milk in the banana stand, and Mathew balks at being called a banana split.
Can Chefs Mei Lin and Jon Yao Bring Old Memories to New LA?
April 29, 2019 20:08 - 59 minutes - 54.2 MBThis week we do a City of Angels "bang bang," with LA chefs Mei Lin of the newly minted Nightshade and James Beard-nominated Jon Yao of Kato. We reminisce on childhood foods, navigate the celebrity chef limelight, compare camaraderie in LA vs. DC, and cut deep into kitchen accidents. Jon contemplates a life as a La Croix-somm, Mei prefers to cook hearts -- not break them, Mathew finds love in his coconut, and Eddie learns the art of back-to-back dining.
Ice Cream and the Art of Rooftop Maintenance with D.C.’s Milk Cult
April 22, 2019 20:19 - 1 hour - 63.1 MBThis week we join forces with D.C.’s double dragons of ice cream, Ed Cornell and Patrick Griffith of Milk Cult, to take down the innovation/boredom balance, tapping into cult classics, and the art of rooftop maintenance. Ed and Patrick take us through a Hole in the Sky, Eddie belabors ear holes, and Mathew reminisces on corndog glory holes.
No Creative Still Waters for Cult Brewers Brian Strumke and Mike Van Hall
April 15, 2019 20:14 - 56 minutes - 51.5 MBThis week nomadic beer cultist Brian Strumke and visual disrupter Mike Van Hall of Stillwater Artisanal search for creative rules to break, from flipping the sacred to Action Bronson collabs. Mike and Brian hate on coriander and triangles, Mathew mourns the death of Jon Snow, and Eddie feels the wet-nat
Daniel Boulud -- Michelin Chef, Crab Smuggler, Viper Bootlegger
April 05, 2019 18:05 - 52 minutes - 48.5 MBThis week legendary French Chef Daniel Boulud confesses some of his more illicit activities down on the hometown farm, cooking for his icon Jacques Pepin, and true egg-celence. Daniel gets Tina Turnt-up, Mathew and Chef Boulud develop a lasting “frenchip” over cooking for mom, and Eddie contracts the itch to bring crab shacks to the city of lights.
Intelligent Design In D.C.’s Ecosystem with Edit Lab
April 01, 2019 20:39 - 49 minutes - 45.8 MBIn our 50th AND sadly, FINAL episode... designers Lauren Winter and Brian Miller of Edit Lab manifest their own destinations, one neighborhood at a time. Lauren and Brian embrace the imperfect, Eddie and Mathew throw design trends at the wall to see what sticks, and Alexya presses the big red button to initiate our conscious uncoupling
Little Little Chef Cagla in the Middle
March 25, 2019 20:10 - 48 minutes - 44.8 MBThis week we crack open one of D.C’s most central, but looked over, badasses in the kitchen, Green Almond Pantry’s Cagla Onal. Cagla stocks our cupboard with goodies fit for the soul, but made for her daughter, and recounts choosing onions over economics. Mathew looks for the green hook-up, and Eddie goes full-Korean over Turkish-BBQ.
Chicago’s Bad Hunter Fashions #LifeGarnishes From Lemons
March 11, 2019 14:46 - 47 minutes - 43.8 MBThis week, the Bad Hunter bar crew/dance troupe brings nothing but good vibes all the way from Chicago and talks about their path to phoenix-ing from a grease fire, house rules with Bruno Mars, and #LifeGarnishes. Bad Hunter swipes right on D.C., Mathew swipes left on deep dish, and Eddie is OK with being not OK.
Tail Up Goat’s Bill Jensen and Bon Jovi, On a Bed of Rosés
March 04, 2019 22:16 - 1 hour - 64.3 MBThis week we visit the glitz, glamour, and denim of wine with Bill Jensen of James Beard Award-nominated Tail Up Goat. Bill doubles-down on a storied D.C. neighborhood, Mathew gets a little brown on his nose, and Eddie pines for big beers -- and he cannot lie.
How Max Kuller Stays Forever Young and Hungry in the Industry
February 25, 2019 21:05 - 58 minutes - 54.1 MBThis week we take the leap -- or just fall head first -- with Max Kuller, owner of Estadio, on his technicolor interests, somm-ing as a vegetarian, and breathing new life into old concepts. Max breaks down the short and long of his “rice program,” Eddie cleans up “Doggy-style,” and Mathew “screws the Pooch.”
The Washington Post’s Maura Judkis Shines a Spotlight on the Food World
February 18, 2019 21:24 - 49 minutes - 45.8 MBThis week award-winning reporter and esteemed eater of all things guilty Maura Judkis dishes the good, the glittery, and the ugly of the food industry. Maura takes us around the neighborhood, Eddie abstains from the ol’ In-N-Out, and Mathew goes owl-naturale.
Walking the Creative Line with Carlos Raba of Clavel
February 11, 2019 21:05 - 53 minutes - 49.1 MBThis week we guard and grapple with Chef Carlos Raba of Clavel over the transformation from corporate to creative, the taco revolution in Baltimore, and finding art in the martial and culinary. Carlos fires his wife, Mathew taps out, and Eddie reveals his porcine side.
No Borders for Hospitality with Carlie Steiner of Himitsu
February 04, 2019 21:49 - 52 minutes - 47.9 MBThis week boss in the streets and freak in the spreadsheets Carlie Steiner of Himitsu and Chufly Imports decants her break-neck restaurant opening, a concept’s longevity, and love of the Chicago dog. Carlie croons for Alanis, Mathew points a finger at Ariana, and Eddie embraces a nip-slip from Adam.
Drinks-Slinging Madame Lauren Paylor on Breaking Barriers, Diving Head First, and Creating Safe Spaces in the Bar World
January 21, 2019 20:50 - 48 minutes - 44.8 MBThis week Bronx-turned-D.C. bar madame Lauren Paylor discusses her spark of joy in the cocktail world, spreading diversity on the shoulders of giants, and coming out of her shell. Lauren rolls with an Obama, Eddie mixing drinks with an eye-roll, and Mathew judo rolls into your DM’s like ...
Pitmaster Rob Sonderman on BBQ’s Gold Standard, D.C.’s Q-Identity, and Smoking at Home
January 07, 2019 21:41 - 55 minutes - 51.3 MBThis week Pitmaster Rob Sonderman of Federalist Pig gives us the low-and-slow of the Holy Trinity, finding your ribs on the big screen, and the changing faces behind the smoker. Rob breaks down his favorite woods, Eddie smolders for Fiji Water girl, and Mathew digs deep for his own bbq language.
Holiday Extravaganza and Industry Roast of D.C.’s Bon Vivant Jason Mader
December 18, 2018 18:55 - 55 minutes - 51.3 MBThis week bar maven and food dandy, Jason Mader brings the holiday spirit, and we all get the drunker for it. Seasonal ghost guests of ShiftDrink past and future - Kat Hamidi Adam Bernbach Chantal Tseng and Melissa Konishi come to roast Mader's chestnuts( but mostly love) ... AND a new star is born; the Chilito Royale (just add caviar).
Jeff Segal of Domestique on Going Au Naturale with Natural Wine and Maturing as a Brash Wine Pro
December 10, 2018 21:04 - 51 minutes - 47.4 MBThis week we decipher the lingo of natural wines, find a pairing with the OG halfsmoke, and get a bit too “mousey” with Jeff Segal of the newly minted Domestique Wine. Jeff recounts a wedding day run-in with Uncle Jesse, Mathew creates the ultimate catering company, and Eddie twerks his way to understanding pet nats.
Chris Hannah and Nick Detrich of Jewel of the South on Repping the Crescent City, Vegan Taxidermy, and Bartender Superbands
December 03, 2018 21:18 - 48 minutes - 44.1 MBThis week we strut the second line and geek out on the French 75, throwing technique, and bartender collaborations with Chris Hannah and Nick Detrich of the soon-to-open Jewel of the South in New Orleans. Chris aims for a million, Nick embraces the -tini, Mathew defends the neckerchief, and Eddie backseat bartends.
Pony and a Pop: Bonus Episode with David Zilber of Noma’s Fermentation Lab
December 01, 2018 15:41 - 29 minutes - 27.5 MBNeed an extra shifty for the road now that the holiday season is upon us? We’ve got you covered with a bonus Shift Drink featuring David Zilber, head of Noma’s Fermentation Lab. We caught up with David after his booktalk with Rene Redzepi, hashing out his role as Noma’s ferment-ologist, a garbage photographer, and a collaborative food innovator.
The Many Hats and Flames of Hearth-tender Ben Eisendrath of Grillworks
November 26, 2018 21:03 - 52 minutes - 47.7 MBThis week we stoke the embers of innovation, visit the red planet, and unearth the Promethean origins of Ben Eisendrath of Grillworks. Ben flexes his photog muscles, Mathew rehabilitates from his hamburglar past, and Eddie defends mumbo, the midwest, and everything in between.