Menu Talk

Menu Feed transitions to Menu Talk, a new podcast hosted by yours truly, Pat Cobe of Restaurant Business, and my Informa colleague, Bret Thorn with Nation’s Restaurant News. We are veteran reporters on the menu beat and eager to bring you inspiring conversations about what’s happening in restaurant kitchens, including weekly interviews with chefs, operators and food professionals.

Food

Innovation rules at 2025 MenuMasters

By Patricia Cobe and Bret Thorn on May 20, 2025

Menu Talk: Pat and Bret chat about the highlights from the National Restaurant Show and share an interview with Kyle Knall, chef-owner of Birch in Milwaukee.

Food

The power of ube

By Patricia Cobe and Bret Thorn on May 13, 2025

Menu Talk: Pat and Bret chat about the latest food and drink trends and share an interview with Rasika Venkatesa of the New York City pop-up Mythily.

Food

How one eatertainment concept is elevating its food game

By Patricia Cobe and Bret Thorn on May 06, 2025

Menu Talk: Pat and Bret chat about the upcoming National Restaurant Show, unicorn drinks and barbecue flavors, then share an interview with Mark Boyton, VP of global food & beverage for Puttshack.

Food

Limited-time offers roll out at warp speed

By Patricia Cobe and Bret Thorn on Apr. 29, 2025

Menu Talk: Pat and Bret chat about new menu items hitting chains lately and dual-branded concepts, then share an interview with Jay Kumar of Lore Restaurant in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Food

Chain chefs share menu insights

By Patricia Cobe and Bret Thorn on Apr. 22, 2025

Menu Talk: Pat and Bret chat about trends that emerged at the Restaurant Leadership Conference, 4/20 specials and the return of outdoor dining, then share an interview with Bob Johnston, CEO of The Melting Pot.

Food

Wendy's rolls out new line of Frostys

By Patricia Cobe and Bret Thorn on Apr. 15, 2025

Menu Talk: Pat and Bret discuss lemonade, TV dinners and other food & beverage trends, and also share an interview with Juan and Gee Smalls of Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen & Bar in Atlanta.

Food

Pickle-mania sweeps restaurants

By Patricia Cobe on Apr. 08, 2025

Menu Talk: Pat and Bret chat about the latest food and drink trends and share an interview with Bill Nevruz, executive partner in Shaw’s Crab House in Chicago.

Food