Years ago, when Esther Choi was working behind the scenes of Iron Chef on the Food Network, helping procure specialty groceries for the competitors, she never imagined that one day she’d be battling the country’s best chefs for the show’s top prize. But there she was, part of the star-studded lineup of the new Netflix reboot, Iron Chef: Quest For An Iron Legend. We won’t say if Esther won, but just know there are a few spoiler alerts on this week’s episode. Esther and host Kerry Diamond talk about the series; what next for Mökbar, Esther’s growing chain of Korean ramen eateries; the good and bad of hustle culture; and Esther’s Sessy sesame oil product line. This episode is supported by Wild Planet, leaders in sustainable seafood. For more information, recipes, and a store locator, head to wildplanetfoods.com. This episode is also supported by Whole Foods Market and La Newyorkina. Learn more at wholefoodsmarket.com. Radio Cherry Bombe is recorded at Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Our theme song is by the band Tra La La.Subscribe to our newsletter and check out past episodes and transcripts here!More on Esther: Instagram, Mökbar, YouTube, Sessy

When the former community organizer Reem Assil opened Reem’s California in Oakland, she knew she wanted to do things differently. But she never could have imagined what was to come. There were protests and death threats, but also industry accolades; a heavy mix for anyone, but especially a new mom and new restaurateur. Reem joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about the early days of Reem’s, her time with La Cocina’s incubator program, and how social justice continues to permeate everything she does. They also discuss Reem’s debut cookbook, Arabiyya: Recipes from the Life of an Arab in Diaspora, a tribute to the food at Reem’s and the Arab hospitality she grew up with and champions today.This episode is supported by Talea Beer Co. For locations and more info, check out taleabeer.com. Radio Cherry Bombe is recorded at Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Our theme song is by the band Tra La La.Subscribe to our newsletter and check out past episodes and transcripts here!More on Reem: Instagram, Reem’s California, Arabiyya, La Cocina

After an unconventional childhood, Zoë François thought the structure of corporate America seemed very appealing. But once she got there, she realized a desk job was not her future and she started baking to deal with the professional doldrums. That led to a stint at the Culinary Institute of America and the start of a fascinating career. Today, Zoë is the star of Zoë Bakes on the Magnolia Network and the author of Zoë Bakes Cakes, her first solo cookbook. Zoë has become known for her beautiful signature baked goods, including puffy pavlovas and layer cakes coated in torched meringue, that she features on her popular Instagram account. Zoë joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about the twists and turns her life has taken and the sweet life is so satisfying.  Thank you to Kerrygold for supporting today’s show. Visit kerrygoldusa.com for product info, recipes, and a store near you. Radio Cherry Bombe is recorded at Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Our theme song is by the band Tra La La.Subscribe to our newsletter and check out past episodes and transcripts here!More on Zoë: Instagram, Newsletter, Website

Sajani Amarasiri was born to launch her own business. She was entrepreneurial as a child growing up in Sri Lanka, studied supply chain management in college, and pursued numerous side hustles as a young adult. While working at Microsoft, she had the idea to launch the first networking and co-working space in Sri Lanka. Called Colombo Cooperative, the concept was embraced by the emerging entrepreneur community in her native country. Around the same time, back in the U.S., Sajani couldn’t help but notice how Southeast Asian traditions and ingredients were influencing the wellness world, so she decided to launch her second bootstrapped brand, one that would pay homage to the Sri Lankan practices she and her family hold dear. That brand, Kola Goodies, earned Sajani the Cherry Bombe Women in Food Award as part of the Foxtrot Market 2022 Up & Comers competition. Her prize includes a monetary award, marketing support, and a spot on Foxtrot’s shelves. Sajani joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about her journey, the situation in Sri Lanka, how to survive and thrive in a corporation, and what’s next for Kola Goodies. To learn more about Kola Goodies and try them for yourself, visit Foxtrot’s online store. Radio Cherry Bombe is recorded at Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Our theme song is by the band Tra La La.Subscribe to our newsletter and check out past episodes and transcripts here!More on Sajani: Instagram, Kola GoodiesMore on Foxtrot: Locations, Online Shop

Grace Young knew she wanted to cook from a young age. She was making Julia Child recipes at the age of 10 and as a teen and washed dishes in exchange for cooking lessons from a local instructor. Grace went on to work in test kitchens and write her own cookbooks, including two classics, The Wisdom of The Chinese Kitchen and Breath of a Wok. Before the start of the pandemic in 2020, Grace found herself in a new role, that of activist, as she started fighting for the survival of Manhattan’s Chinatown. Her activism expanded to include Chinatowns around the country, as well as AAPI communities. Because of that work, Grace received this year’s Julia Child Award from the Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts, as well as Humanitarian of the Year from the James Beard Foundation. She joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about her work and culinary calling, and the unexpected turn her life has taken. Thank you to Brightland for supporting this episode. Shop and find recipes at brightland.co.Here is the KK Discount Go Fund Me that Grace mentioned. Radio Cherry Bombe is recorded at Newsstand Studios at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Our theme song is by the band Tra La La.Subscribe to our newsletter and check out past episodes and transcripts here!More on Grace: Instagram, The Julia Child Award, Website