Simply Wanderfull
Table of Contents
Looking for some foodie fun? I have you covered here in this article! Consider this a great go-to guide for recommendations on some great dinner playlists, foodie podcast talks and some great books about cooks! Follow along with me and lets dive into the beautiful world of everything food!
Food is one of the pleasures of life wouldn’t you agree? If this is your first time visiting my website, thank you for your time and also I will let you know that I am totally obsessed with food, cooking and travelling. I also love trying foods from different cultures and learning how to cook different cuisines. This is where Simply Wanderfull originated from-Live Simply, Wander often and be happily Full in Life! This blog reflects my love for simple living, wandering, and enjoying good food.
Everything I am recommending here in this blog post I have read, listened to and love to be able to share it with you. I hope that you enjoy this guide and find it fun & useful.
Awesome Dinner Playlists
Looking to set the perfect vibe for your next theme dinner party or while cooking in the kitchen? Music is key! Whether you’re aiming for a Steak Night dinner, or a quiet day cooking in the kitchen the right playlist is key to the vibe of your day. Here are some of my favourite food inspired music playlists to share with you:
1. Steak Night Dinner
For a steak night dinner playlist, aim for a sophisticated and relaxed atmosphere. My two favourite playlists for Steak dinner are the PEI Dinner Playlist and the Hadegi playlist. It reminds me of a dinner experience that I had at The Table, a restaurant on Prince Edward Island. If you’re thinking about a trip to Canada’s Maritime provinces, you might like my article: The Canadian Maritimes: A Food Lover’s Journey.
My second favourite playlist Hadegi comes from a memorable trip to Iceland! If you are interested in visiting Iceland one day, check out my vacation guide here: 6-Day Iceland Tour: Luxury & Adventure
2. Cocktail Party Playlists
Set the perfect ambiance for your next cocktail hour with a sophisticated and stylish playlist! Aim for a blend of smooth jazz, classic lounge music, and instrumental versions of popular songs. The Cocktail Party playlist has to be one of my favourite playlists. A good part of this playlist comes from my trip to the Azores. We were eating at the beautiful Octant Furnas hotel and this was playing in the restaurant. Are you interested in travelling to the Azores? Check out my article on: The Beautiful Azores: A 7-Day Soulful Outdoor Escape.
3. Italian Dinner Night
Transport yourself to a charming trattoria with the perfect Italian dinner night playlist. Envision a blend of classic Italian tunes, featuring Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra singing in Italian and English.
4. Cooking In The Kitchen Playlists
Foodie Podcasts To Follow:
Do you love to listen to podcasts? I enjoy listening to food-inspired podcasts while walking every morning. Here are some of my favourite foodie podcasts: Food People by Bon Appetit because they go in depth on a specific recipe and will talk about technique, ingredients, flavourings and more. I love this podcast!
Wine for Normal People is a down-to-earth podcast that chats about wines, wine regions and more. I love how she describes wines through her travels. Its more than just wine chatter which is nice!
Be My Guest By Ina Garten has some wonderful one on one interviews with famous people. It’s like listening to two friends chatting about life and having coffee. They talk about food, work and life. I just love Ina! The other podcasts mentioned below are all food related and all grea
Books On Cooks
Here are some of my favourite foodie books. I love to read books on iconic culinary figures and here are my top picks!
Dearie: The Remarkable Life of Julia Child by Bob Spitz is an affectionate and deeply researched biography that chronicles the extraordinary journey of Julia Child, the beloved culinary icon who revolutionized American cooking. From her privileged upbringing in Pasadena to her adventurous work with the OSS during World War II, and ultimately to her discovery of French cuisine in Paris, the book captures Julia’s transformation into a groundbreaking chef, author, and television star. It highlights her determination to master French cooking, her enduring love story with her husband Paul, and her pivotal role in shaping modern American food culture. Spitz’s engaging narrative offers an intimate look at Julia’s struggles, triumphs, and lasting legacy, making it a must-read for fans of food, history, and inspiring personal stories. I was sad when this book ended. What a truly remarkable life and I absolutely love Julia Child!
Ina Garten’s memoir, Be Ready When the Luck Happens, is an intimate and inspiring look at the life of the Barefoot Contessa. Ina Garten shares her journey from a difficult childhood to meeting her husband Jeffrey, working in a boring government job, and unexpectedly buying a specialty food store in the Hamptons. She openly discusses personal challenges, career twists, and the hard work behind her success. Garten also reveals a more vulnerable side, discussing her relationship with her parents and a brief separation from Jeffrey. Ultimately, the book highlights her courage to pursue her passions and the importance of being ready to seize opportunities. I loved her courage to continuously start new ventures throughout her life. This book was so inspirational and it taught me to continue to follow your passions in life and manifest good things for yourself!
32 Yolks: From My Mother’s Table to Working the Line by Eric Ripert is a heartfelt and gripping memoir that chronicles the celebrated chef’s tumultuous journey to culinary greatness. From his challenging childhood in the south of France, marked by family struggles and personal loss, to his grueling training in the demanding kitchens of Michelin-starred chefs like Joël Robuchon, Ripert shares an honest and emotional account of how food became his refuge and ultimate calling. The book captures both the beauty and brutality of the culinary world, offering readers an intimate look at the resilience and passion required to rise to the top. It’s a must-read for food lovers and anyone inspired by stories of perseverance. I loved this memoir and I can’t wait to visit Chef Ripert’s restaurant in New York called La Bernardin one day. It is definitely on my bucket list for restaurants to try!
Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly by Anthony Bourdain is an unfiltered, gripping memoir that pulls back the curtain on the chaotic, gritty world of professional kitchens. With sharp wit and brutal honesty, Bourdain shares wild anecdotes from his culinary career, from his early days as a dishwasher to leading high-end restaurant kitchens. He delves into the darker side of the industry—drug use, eccentric personalities, and relentless pressure—while also celebrating the camaraderie and passion that bind kitchen crews together. I found this book to be totally engaging and had a hard time putting it down. Even his suggestions for getting yourself a good knife to some wild stories while working in the kitchen . It is fast and witty and a must-read for food lovers and anyone curious what goes on behind the scenes in fine dining.
In Coming to My Senses: The Making of a Counterculture Cook, Alice Waters, the culinary icon behind Chez Panisse, reflects on the journey that led her to revolutionize American cuisine. From a suburban upbringing to the Free Speech Movement in Berkeley, Waters’ memoir explores the people, politics, and passions that shaped her vision. She recounts her sensory awakening to fresh, local ingredients and her determination to create a restaurant that celebrated pure flavour, ultimately sparking the farm-to-table movement. Coming to My Senses is a personal and revealing look at Waters’ evolution from a rebellious youth to a respected activist who connected food to ethical and political change. I really loved her simplicity regarding food and cooking. She would focus on really good ingredients and simple recipes to make the main ingredient shine. That totally resonated with me. I really hope that I can get to Chez Panisse one day for one of their amazing dishes.
Laugh More: Stories from an Unexpected Life by Debbie Travis is a collection of humorous and heartfelt stories from the author’s life, designed to offer readers a mental vacation and a good laugh. Organized around the seasons at her Tuscan farmhouse and spa retreat, Travis shares anecdotes from her childhood, her modelling career, and her experiences in television. The book is filled with relatable observations, mishaps, and inspiring moments, along with a few of Travis’s favourite seasonal recipes. Overall, it’s a cozy and lighthearted read that celebrates humour and the ability to find joy in everyday life. I really loved the recipes that Debbie gives you throughout the book. I made her Strawberry Tiramisu and it was a huge hit!
That's a Wrap!
Alright, foodies, that’s a wrap! Hopefully, this list of tunes, talks, and books gives you some fresh ideas for your next theme dinner night, commute, or cozy night in. Whether you’re seeking the perfect soundtrack for your next dinner party, craving a deep dive into the minds of culinary giants, or simply looking to spice up your daily routine, these playlists, podcasts, and books are sure to satisfy your appetite for all things food. I would love to hear from you! Drop me a line or send me a question. Happy feasting… for your ears and your mind!
I really enjoyed your latest blog tunes talks and books . Great read Jody thanks for sharing with all of us .
Thank you so much Fran👏💕 I appreciate your feedback!