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The Northwest Method Express

The Northwest Method Express

By The Northwest Method Team

Tony, Jonathan and other "Method actors" weigh in on topics related to cooking, learning, and maximizing your success in the kitchen.
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TNWM Express - Episode #17

The Northwest Method ExpressMar 13, 2022

00:00
16:37
#62 - It's All About the History

#62 - It's All About the History

Tony and Jonathan talk about how adding historical context to our teaching sparks interest to everything from our One Night courses....all the way through our professional programs.

Apr 16, 202325:56
#61 - Italian Cuisine and "What IS Authentic?"

#61 - Italian Cuisine and "What IS Authentic?"

In this episode, Tony and Jonathan discuss the controversy surrounding what is Italian cuisine. What is recent and what is "traditional" and "authentic"

Apr 09, 202325:10
#60 - Eric Goes the San Fransisco!

#60 - Eric Goes the San Fransisco!

In this episode Eric and Jonathan talk about Eric's recent trip to San Fransisco and the changes in tipping culture and, most importantly, the great food!

Feb 19, 202319:14
#59 - To Tip or Not to Tip - The Evolution of Fair Wages in Restaurants

#59 - To Tip or Not to Tip - The Evolution of Fair Wages in Restaurants

In this episode, Tony and Jonathan talk about the concept of "tip-flation" - where literally everything you pay for has tip option. What has this done to the restaurant industry? And how can we take cues from other countries to ensure that restaurant staff are paid, not just a living wage, but a wage commensurate with the fact that the people working there are professionals? Any maybe we can move tipping back to what it was truly meant for - to reward exceptional service.  Instead of a crutch used to subsidize low wages. 


Feb 12, 202315:32
#58 - Culinary Questions from Reddit (Pt. 3)

#58 - Culinary Questions from Reddit (Pt. 3)

In this episode Eric and Jonathan answer five questions that were posted to the AskCulinary sub-Reddit as if these people were sitting in our classroom. Find out about batters, testing rubs, cornmeal on no-knead bread, and broth substitutes. 


And of course we use these questions to go down rabbit-holes. 


Feb 06, 202319:35
#57 - Dine Out Vancouver - Where Would We Go?

#57 - Dine Out Vancouver - Where Would We Go?

Eric and Jonathan discuss their top 3 restaurants they'd go for Dine Out. Plus a couple of honourable mentions. 

#nightshade #mackenzieroom #hawkersdelight #bombaykitchen #askforluigi #maenam #fannybayoyster #carderos

Jan 29, 202326:33
#56 - Our Favourite Food Shopping Places in Vancouver

#56 - Our Favourite Food Shopping Places in Vancouver

In this episode, Eric and Jonathan talk about their favourite places to buy groceries in the city (and in the suburbs). 

Jan 22, 202319:16
#55 - Noma Closure and the State of Fine Dining

#55 - Noma Closure and the State of Fine Dining

***WARNING - This is going to be a lonnnnnng one***

In this episode Tony, Eric, and Jonathan chat about the recent announcement of Noma, the most famous restaurant in the world, closing at the end of 2023. 

Is this the death knell for fine dining? Find out over a nearly 45 minute episode. 

Jan 15, 202343:41
#54 - Top 5 Hole in Wall Restaurants in BC

#54 - Top 5 Hole in Wall Restaurants in BC

In this episode, Eric and Jonathan talk about their favourite "hole-in-the-wall" food joints. From places like Cache Creek and Chemainus to a place in a lumberyard? 

Jan 08, 202318:11
#53 - Cooking Stuff We Got For Christmas

#53 - Cooking Stuff We Got For Christmas

In this episode, Eric and Jonathan talk about stuff they got for Christmas for the kitchen. Eric's gifts helped him on a deep dive into his coffee-making (a competition-grade grinder basket and a coffee wire) while Jonathan's were a little more eclectic - an Instant Pot Duo, George Motz's encyclopedia of American burger joints, a beautiful bottle of Old Forrester bourbon, and a gift certificate for his favourite restaurant - Say Mercy!


Jan 01, 202321:29
#52 - 2022 in Review: The Year of the Pivot

#52 - 2022 in Review: The Year of the Pivot

In this episode, Tony, Eric, and Jonathan discuss all the changes at the school, in people's homes, and online. It has truly been an incredible year for us and for our students (both pro and enthusiast). 

Happy Holidays everyone. Look for a new episode just after Christmas!

Dec 18, 202218:38
#51 - Tony and Italian Food Culture

#51 - Tony and Italian Food Culture

In this episode, Tony talks about the influence of Italian culture on its cuisine as well as how being away from family pressures allowed him, his brother, and eventually his mother to broaden their food horizons. 

Dec 12, 202215:01
Episode 50!! The One about Getting Back to Basics

Episode 50!! The One about Getting Back to Basics

In this episode, Eric and Jonathan discuss the in-house Basics 1 and its origins as the foundation for Fundamentals 101, its value for the home cook, and how even more amazing the students have been since COVID.  

Dec 04, 202223:06
#49 - Underappreciated Ingredients

#49 - Underappreciated Ingredients

From beets and brussel sprouts to turnips and sirloin steak, Eric and Jonathan talk about their top underappreciated ingredients. 

Nov 27, 202218:46
#48 - Italy Fundamentals - Tomato Sauce, Sugo, and Tony's Mom
Nov 20, 202218:15
#47 - Using the Right Tool for the Job
Nov 13, 202219:48
#46 - Answering Questions from the Cooking Sub-Reddit

#46 - Answering Questions from the Cooking Sub-Reddit

In this episode Eric and Jonathan answer some questions posed on the cooking sub-Reddit ranging from maintaining the protein integrity in a family soup recipe, re-using old frozen stock in new stocks, the order of ingredients in a mushroom risotto, and simple, but tasty recipes. PLUS, there is one bonus question. 

Nov 06, 202216:21
#45 - Michelin Stars in Vancouver
Oct 30, 202229:45
Epsiode #44 - Ramblings Part Deux

Epsiode #44 - Ramblings Part Deux

In this episode Tony and Jonathan talk about a few more things including a continued chat on kitchen ergonomics, mise en place, nightmares, and an ingredients "this or that" quiz. 

Oct 23, 202220:16
Episode #43 - The One Where Tony and Jonathan Ramble (Part 1)

Episode #43 - The One Where Tony and Jonathan Ramble (Part 1)

In this episode, Tony and Jonathan touch on a number of topics including cutting boards, choosing a knife, and using recipes to emphasize techniques (why Azteca-style soup is in Chapter 1 of the Fundamentals 101) 

Oct 16, 202220:28
Episode #42 - The One Where Eric and Tarek Talk about Creativity and Technique

Episode #42 - The One Where Eric and Tarek Talk about Creativity and Technique

This Episode is a cross-over episode of our soon-to-be-released Youtube series "Between Two Chitarras" and The Northwest Method Express. In this episode, Eric, Tarek, and Jonathan discuss the challenges that cooks face every day. It's a bit of a chicken and egg thing. Do you need great technique BEFORE you try to be creative? Or do you need creativity to motivate you to learn something new? (Hint: it's a little of both). 

Apologies: Because this was our first time filming AND our first time crossing over episodes, there are some rough patches in spots. As well, the Intro and Outro do not necessarily match what you might see on Youtube. Live and learn!

Oct 09, 202219:08
Episode #41 - The About Tony Being ON!

Episode #41 - The About Tony Being ON!

In this episode Tony and Jonathan talk about how working on a reboot of the online Fundamentals 101 has really stoked Tony's teaching in the classroom. 

Oct 02, 202216:51
Episode #40 - The One About Documenting Your Journey
Sep 19, 202219:54
Episode #39 - The Internet, Cookbooks, and the Usefulness of Recipes

Episode #39 - The Internet, Cookbooks, and the Usefulness of Recipes

**Warning - this is a long one!!**

In this episode Tony and Jonathan talk about how it's not necessarily recipes that are the bain of a home cook's existence, it's how they are read and understood. As well, they reflect on the cookbooks and food magazines of the past, and how they have, often inconsistently, been replaced by the Internet. 

Sep 04, 202230:33
Episode #38 - The One Where We Put a Bow on the Bootcamps

Episode #38 - The One Where We Put a Bow on the Bootcamps

After two incredible weeks with the AM and PM Bootcampers, Eric and Jonathan sum up the great experiences and the lessons learned. 

Aug 28, 202224:01
Episode #37 - The One About the Two-Week Bootcampers!

Episode #37 - The One About the Two-Week Bootcampers!

In this episode, Tony and Jonathan reflect on the first week of TWO two-week bootcamps that are going on at the school right now. It has been such a wonderful experience to have more than 40 people from all over the world enter our kitchen. They are such voracious learners. 

Aug 21, 202218:44
Episode #36 - The One About the Coffee Course

Episode #36 - The One About the Coffee Course

In this episode, Jonathan and Eric talk about the coffee course that Eric is developing for The Northwest Method, and use it as a springboard to chat about a number of topics, including: keeping cooking as a hobby even when its a career, using failure as a motivation to try new things, and how using basic understandings of technique and science to do deep dives into specialty topics in food. 

Aug 14, 202220:05
Episode #35 - It's Allium not Alluminum

Episode #35 - It's Allium not Alluminum

This episode is a little unique. Tony, Jonathan, and another "Method Actor", Alana talk about alliums (onions and garlic). This episode is excerpted from a series of podcasts we'll be doing for each practice in version 2.0 of Fundamentals 101. 

Aug 07, 202215:49
Episode #34 - The One Where Eric and Jonathan Answer Some Questions from the Cooking SubReddit

Episode #34 - The One Where Eric and Jonathan Answer Some Questions from the Cooking SubReddit

In this episode, Jonathan and Eric pick four questions from the /Cooking Subreddit to answer:

  1. Rubbery steak
  2. Foccacia the sticks
  3. Eggs sticking to a stainless steel pan
  4. What is the perfect omlette?


Jul 31, 202219:58
Episode #33 - The One Where Eric Chimes in About the Gumption Trap

Episode #33 - The One Where Eric Chimes in About the Gumption Trap

After listening to Episode #32, Eric couldn't wait to chime in with his thoughts on the gumption trap. 

Jul 24, 202215:17
Episode #32 - The Gumption Trap

Episode #32 - The Gumption Trap

In this episode Tony and Jonathan talk about the challenges that get in the way of the home cook diving head first into learning to cook. 

Jul 10, 202223:05
Episode #31 - By the way...What IS cooking?

Episode #31 - By the way...What IS cooking?

In this episode Tony and Jonathan get down to the nitty gritty about defining what cooking is and what it is not. 

Oh, and by the way, Tony won the bet (you'll need to listen to the end to find out what the bet was). 

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Oh, and apologies to those people who loved the previous intro and outro transition music...Anchor FM got rid of it. Let us know what you think of the new one. 

Jul 03, 202218:20
Episode #30 - The One About the Italy Online Course, Tony's Mom, and a Breakthrough in Editing

Episode #30 - The One About the Italy Online Course, Tony's Mom, and a Breakthrough in Editing

In this episode, Tony is excited to reveal the epiphany he has had while working on the Best of Italy online course. He also follows up on last week's discussion on influences, while reflecting on the visit with his Mom. Oh, and he somehow talks about getting his toenails trimmed...

Jun 12, 202227:30
Episode #29 - The One About Our Influences

Episode #29 - The One About Our Influences

Tony is back with Jonathan to talk about our influences. Some are predictable, but there are some surprises!

Jun 06, 202222:02
Episode #28 - The One About Taking Some Time to Reflect

Episode #28 - The One About Taking Some Time to Reflect

Tony reflects on the times he's spent reflect on key life decisions and how essential it is to take some time away from the "rat race" to do that. 

May 29, 202207:14
Episode #27 - Things that Make You Go Mmmmmmmmm....

Episode #27 - Things that Make You Go Mmmmmmmmm....

In this episode Eric and Jonathan talk about Maillard Reactions, Umami, and some of the key ingredients responsible for making our tastebuds go gaga!

May 22, 202217:38
Episode #26 - The One About "You Don't Know What You Don't Know".

Episode #26 - The One About "You Don't Know What You Don't Know".

In this episode Eric and Jonathan talk about the biggest epiphanies they had after going to culinary school. 

May 15, 202218:22
Episode #25 - And Then There Was One!

Episode #25 - And Then There Was One!

In this episode Jonathan is truly alone as Tony is on vacation and the other "Method actors" are busy. But, not to be deterred, Jonathan talks about some of his famous food-related shows and movies.  

May 08, 202216:24
Episode #24 - Adapting to the Ever-Changing Pro Learner

Episode #24 - Adapting to the Ever-Changing Pro Learner

In today's episode, Tony and Jonathan reflect on the past professional term and talk about strategies for helping students and the industry adapt to each other. 

May 01, 202224:11
Episode #23 - The One About the Top 5 Influential Books

Episode #23 - The One About the Top 5 Influential Books

Tony, Eric, and Jonathan give their list of top five influential food books. Here's a sneak peak of the books we'll be talking about. 


Apr 24, 202219:27
Episode #22 - The One About Eric's Deep Dives Beyond Omelets...Coffee, Whiskey, and More!

Episode #22 - The One About Eric's Deep Dives Beyond Omelets...Coffee, Whiskey, and More!

In this episode, we continue our conversation with fellow instructor Eric Cheng about how becoming a teacher has influenced his learning. And how his basis in technical training has allowed him to freely take on other challenges in the food and beverage worlds. 

Apr 17, 202222:58
Episode #21 - The One About Eric, Knives, and Omelets

Episode #21 - The One About Eric, Knives, and Omelets

Another one of our instructors, Eric, joins Tony and Jonathan to talk about his background, his love of knives, French omelets, and Japanese cuisine. 

Apr 11, 202218:40
Episode #20 - Another Knife Episode...with Douglas Chang

Episode #20 - Another Knife Episode...with Douglas Chang

In this episode we discover how Douglas actually made the shift from chef to knife retailer. 

Apr 03, 202218:17
Episode #19 - The One About Knives...with Douglas Chang

Episode #19 - The One About Knives...with Douglas Chang

In this episode, we're happy to welcome knife guru extraordinaire Douglas Chang of Ai&Om Knives...a local Vancouver knife shop. We talk a little about how he got into knives and his journey through the restaurant industry. 

Mar 27, 202215:30
Episode #18 - The One About Inspiration in the Kitchen

Episode #18 - The One About Inspiration in the Kitchen

Allison is back to finish our conversation about inspiring yourself.

Mar 20, 202218:34
TNWM Express - Episode #17

TNWM Express - Episode #17

In this episode we bring back Alison Kent from The Home Kitchen to talk about something a little bit more personal than designing a kitchen. Instead we talk about feeling comfortable in your own space and how to surround yourself with inspiration while cooking. 

Mar 13, 202216:37
TNWM Express - Episode #16

TNWM Express - Episode #16

Tony and Jonathan talk about what a joy it is to teach the enthusiast learner right now. And how people have really stepped up their cooking game during the pandemic. 

Mar 06, 202220:36
TNWM Express - Episode #15

TNWM Express - Episode #15

In this episode we talk about where to buy your meat. That includes developing a relationship with a butcher...or even a farmer!

Feb 27, 202219:51
TNWM Express Episode #14

TNWM Express Episode #14

In this episode we are pleased to be joined by Alison Kent of The Home Kitchen to talk about designing your ideal kitchen. You can also find Alison on Instagram @ak_thehomekitchen

***WARNING*** This episode is a little bit longer than usual...but we think you'll enjoy it!

Feb 20, 202232:09
TNWM Express - Episode #13

TNWM Express - Episode #13

Tony and Jonathan talk about how to choose a cutting board. 

Feb 13, 202215:15