SPORTS DINING: IT’S NOT JUST BEER AND SCREAMING

CULINARY CONFIDENTIAL: WHERE FLAVOR CAN GET FANATICAL

Tune in this Sunday, November 9, at 9 p.m. ET on AM 970: The Answer for a new episode of Culinary Confidential—the radio show that explores the deeper stories behind the food we love and the people who shape how we eat.

This week’s episode takes a flavorful detour into the world of sports dining, asking why certain foods become synonymous with game day and how hospitality venues are designed to amplify the fan experience. The discussion will explore how food and atmosphere combine to create memorable moments for sports lovers—whether they’re watching from a stadium seat or a bar stool.

Christina Cates, a seasoned hospitality professional with a track record of leadership at some of New York’s most iconic restaurants, hosts the show. Known for her operational savvy and front-of-house finesse, Cates brings a deep understanding of how service, setting, and staff coordination shape the guest experience. Her perspective adds a vital layer to the discussion on how hospitality teams create the energy and rhythm that define game-day dining.

Joining her in the studio are two guests with deep ties to New York’s hospitality landscape. Martin Whelan, owner of Stout NYC Hospitality Group, shares the story of his family’s legacy—which began with Maggie’s Place in 1974 and grew into a network of nearly 20 restaurants and bars across New York and New Jersey. Whelan’s venues, including the flagship Stout across from Madison Square Garden, have become staples for fans seeking good food and great energy before and after the game.

Also featured is Chef Joey Fortunato, executive chef at The Splendid, whose approach to elevated comfort food brings nuance and soul to the sports dining experience. Fortunato will discuss how thoughtful cooking can heighten the emotional impact of a big game and how chefs balance refinement with familiarity in high-energy settings.

Together, they will unpack the psychology of game-day cravings, the role of community in hospitality design, and the ways in which food can turn a routine match into a shared celebration.

Tune in this Sunday, November 9, at 9 p.m. ET on AM 970: The Answer, stream it at culinaryconfidentialchristina.com, or catch a replay on your favorite podcatcher—Amazon, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, or YouTube.

Culinary Confidential—where the stadium meets the supper table.

For more information, or to listen to the show while it's airing, visit: https://culinaryconfidentialchristina.com/

Stream a replay here:

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