Berets, Bolognese, and Big Apple Bites

Audio By Carbonatix

The October 17th Fun Friday podcast was a full-course meal of conversation, starting with Kevin McCullough and Cristyne Nicholas unpacking the chaos of a recent NYC mayoral debate. Between jokes about Curtis ditching his signature beret and musings on free speech versus mic-cutting, the duo served up sharp commentary with a side of humor.

From politics, the show pivoted to passion—food. Kevin teased the lineup: culinary royalty, legendary restaurateurs, and a new food magazine that’s making inboxes delicious. Enter Drew Nieporent, the man behind Tribeca Grill and Nobu, who shared stories from his new book I’m Not Trying to Be Difficult: Stories from the Restaurant Trenches. Drew’s anecdotes spanned McDonald’s beginnings, Cornell days, and partnerships with icons like Robert De Niro and Robin Williams.

Cristyne and Drew reminisced about NYC’s dining revolution in the ’80s and ’90s, when lower Manhattan became a gastronomic hotspot. Drew revealed his philosophy: restaurants aren’t cookie-cutter—they’re creative productions, with chefs as stars and menus as scripts. His career, marked by risk-taking and relentless innovation, reflects a love for craft over cash.

The foodie fun didn’t stop there. Aimee McCullough, editor-in-chief of C’est Si Bon, joined to share her vision for accessible, elegant home cooking. Her magazine offers recipes, meal plans, and restaurant reviews, including her rave about Daniel Boulud’s opulent new steakhouse. Aimee’s mantra? Delicious doesn’t have to mean difficult—think bolognese that wins over Italians and weeknight meals that wow.

The episode wrapped with Cristyne’s weekend tips: Open House New York tours, spooky Hudson Valley escapes, and cultural gems like the New York Historical Society. Between culinary confessions, insider restaurant stories, and lifestyle hacks, this Fun Friday was a five-star experience—no reservation required.