Episodes

Did the French Revolution create restaurants? Not exactly. In this episode, we explore the true origins of the modern restaurant with gastronomy expert Allison Zinder. Together, we uncover how medieval taverns evolved into the first restaurants, why the earliest restaurant served restorative broth, how menus and private tables transformed dining, and why many French restaurant […]

Can a vegetable create an international incident? In this episode, Caroline and Emily explore the surprising story of how French president François Hollande’s dislike of asparagus nearly became a diplomatic controversy during a state visit to Germany. Along the way, they examine why France pays such close attention to what political leaders eat, how asparagus […]

The modern charcuterie board may be beautiful, but it isn’t particularly French. This week, Caroline and Emily unpack the world of French charcuterie, from saucisson and jambon to pâté, rillettes, and pâté croûte. They explain why cheese and charcuterie were traditionally served separately, how regional pork traditions shaped French cuisine, and why the Instagram charcuterie […]

What actually is a bistro, and why does Paris seem to have a different word for every type of restaurant? In this episode of Fishwives of Paris, Emily Monaco and Caroline Fazeli break down one of the most misunderstood concepts in French food culture. From cafés to brasseries to bouillons, the lines between these establishments […]

In this episode of Fishwives of Paris, Emily and Caroline unpack the real story of Marie-Antoine Carême, the ambitious pastry chef who rose to cook for diplomats, emperors, and tsars, and helped shape modern French cuisine. Beyond the dramatized version, Carême was a master of image and storytelling, even spreading myths about his own life. […]

Potatoes are one of the most iconic ingredients in French cuisine today. But for centuries, the French refused to eat them. In this episode of Fishwives of Paris, Emily Monaco and Caroline Fazeli uncover the strange and fascinating story of how the humble potato went from feared outsider to beloved staple of French cooking. Once […]