CULINARY CONFIDENTIAL: NEW YEAR, NEW PANTRY
Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 9 PM (Eastern) on AM 970 The Answer
Each week onCulinary Confidential, Christina Cates—a seasoned hospitality professional who has worked at some of New York City’s top restaurants—shares her passion for the culinary world, exploring the trends, triumphs, and challenges facing the food‑service profession and spotlighting some of the most interesting and influential industry voices. Culinary Confidential airs Sunday nights at 9 PM, exclusively on AM 970 The Answer, with episodes also available on major podcast platforms.
We’re starting the year by reframing the way we think about food—especially carbohydrates. Instead of restriction, this episode explores how choosing better carbs can transform your pantry, your meals, and your energy. From ancient ingredients to modern nutrition science, we take a thoughtful look at how intention—not elimination—can reshape the way we cook and eat.
FEATURED GUESTS AND THEIR STORIES
ALICIA LANG — Queen St Bakery
https://queenstreetbakery.com/
Alicia Lang brings a community‑first approach to bread and baked goods through her work at Queen St Bakery, where nutrition, accessibility, and real‑life eating intersect. With a focus on ingredient integrity and digestibility, she breaks down why quality grains matter, how to read labels with confidence, and why fear‑based food rules often do more harm than good.
In this episode, Alicia explains how thoughtfully made breads and baked goods can absolutely have a place in a balanced diet—and how choosing smarter carbohydrates can support energy, gut health, and everyday enjoyment.
MARISOL VILLALOBOS — Founder, Amasar
https://amasar.net/
Marisol Villalobos introduces listeners to breadfruit—an ancient, nutrient‑dense carbohydrate with deep cultural roots and modern culinary relevance. As the founder of Amasar, she explores breadfruit as a versatile, naturally gluten‑free pantry staple and shares how her company supports sustainability, cultural heritage, and equitable food systems through its sourcing and production.
Marisol offers a compelling look at how this resilient ingredient can reshape the way we think about pantry staples and global food traditions.
ABOUT THE HOST
Culinary Confidentialis hosted by Christina Cates, a hospitality professional with over 20 years of experience in New York City’s restaurant industry. She holds a Restaurant Management degree from The Art Institute of New York City and has served as Assistant Restaurant Director at Tavern on the Green, as well as General Manager at The Palm Restaurant and Almond Tribeca.
Cates brings an elevated approach to every dining experience, shaped by her work in some of New York City’s most notable restaurants and her passion for travel. On Culinary Confidential, she leads thoughtful, informed conversations with chefs, founders, artisans, and innovators across the food and beverage world.
WHY LISTEN
Whether you’re rethinking your pantry, exploring healthier eating patterns, or simply curious about the future of carbohydrates, this episode offers a grounded, accessible look at how smarter choices—not restrictive rules—can make a meaningful impact.
From ancient ingredients like breadfruit to modern grain innovation, listeners will gain practical insight, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of how carbohydrates can fuel the body, support wellness, and bring joy back to the table.
TUNE IN
Culinary Confidential
Sunday, January 18, at 9 PM (Eastern) on AM 970: The Answer and the AM970 mobile app.
More info: https://culinaryconfidentialchristina.com/
Episodes are available on major podcast platforms—including Amazon, Apple, iHeart, and Spotify—with on‑demand listening for those who want to revisit the stories, strategies, and conversations shaping today’s culinary and hospitality landscape.
Culinary Confidential: rewriting the carb narrative, one grain at a time.
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You can also stream a replay here:
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To view Lucas's other projects, click here: https://linktr.ee/lucasaferrara# # #