#1202 - Fred Morin & David McMillan
NaN minutesEpisode #1202
Fred Morin & David McMillan are James Beard Award–nominated culinary adventurists and proprietors of the beloved restaurant, Joe Beef in Montreal. Their new cookbook/survival guide called "Joe Beef: Surviving the Apocalypse" is available on November 27.
Watch the full episode of #1202 - Fred Morin & David McMillan.
Episode Timestamps
Joe Beef Surviving the Apocalypse
- Pressure from editors led to the creation of 'Joe Beef Surviving the Apocalypse'
- Authors desired to cover multiple subjects beyond just cooking
- Discussion on building first aid and survival kits alongside cooking
Impact of Extreme Environments on Survival Instincts
- Living in harsh winters of Montreal makes one conscious of survival
- Adaptation to potential power outages and need for plans
- Issues with wood burning bans and the cultural significance of wood in Quebec
The Perception of Eating Horse and the History Behind It
- Perception of eating horse as part of nutritional choices and its connection to historical events
- Discussion on cultural and historical backgrounds regarding consuming horse meat
- The significance of the battle of Wolf between Moncalum and its impact on the cultural acceptance of eating horse
Diverse Protein Choices: French vs. North American Culture
- Contrast between protein options in French vs. North American culture
- The openness of dining public in Quebec towards diverse proteins
- Reflection on the cultural acceptance and availability of various proteins in different regions
Japanese Whalers and Sea Shepherd Tracking
- Japanese whalers found a way around fishing regulations by using research boats.
- Sea Shepherd organization tracks down and reports illegal whale killings.
- Efforts to promote sustainable seafood and avoid unethical fishing practices discussed.
The History and Significance of Oysters in New York City
- Explanation of oysters role in New York City's history and population growth.
- Details on the sustainability efforts related to oyster reefs and oyster restoration projects.
- Discussion on the nutritional value and potential impact of oysters on the environment.
Encounter with Frogs in New York and Culinary Curiosity by David and Anthony
- David and Joe stumble upon giant bullfrogs in a store while walking in New York
- Conversations around cooking live frogs evoke curiosity and concern about how to prepare them
- The experience at the Chinese market leaves a lasting impression on their perception of frog consumption
Exploring Chinese Cooking Techniques and Culinary Philosophy on Ingredient Provenance
- Delving into the process of frog preparation in Chinese market sparks fascination and discussion
- David and Fred analyze traditional cooking tricks, emphasizing connections between food and environment
- The conversation evolves around ingredient matching and the academic correctness of dish combinations
Caviar and Sturgeon Management Regulations in Quebec
- Laws in Quebec are stringent regarding the possession and sale of sturgeon caviar.
- Commercial market for sturgeon caviar drives the regulations.
- Sturgeon caught in the Gulf of St. Lawrence have their eggs discarded but meat sold commercially.
Sturgeon Fishing by First Nations Groups and Culinary Applications
- First Nations like Mohawks fish sturgeon traditionally for consumption.
- Sturgeon meat compared to veal loin in texture and taste.
- Eels, sourced alongside sturgeon, used creatively in dishes like McNuggets.
French Cooking based on Necessity
- French cooking in Bordeaux heavily relied on local ingredients
- Eels used in Matelotte d'Anguille, a stew in red wine
- Eel dishes not commonly made at home and consumed as a treat
Environmental Impact and Eel Filtration
- Eels return to breed in the Sargasso Sea annually
- Discussion on environmental benefits of eels
- American Unagi company raising and releasing eels for commercial purposes
Faisandé, Pheasants, and Strong Flavors
- Discussion about the French word faisandé referring to resting meat
- Exploration of the historical practice of hanging pheasants until they are ready to eat
- Understanding the appeal of intense flavors developed through rotting and fermentation
Probiotics and Traditional Food Cultures
- Analysis of traditional food preservation methods like probiotics
- Exploration of different types of probiotics beyond yogurt
- Debate on the importance of preserving natural flora through food
Relationships and Intimacy in Restaurant Industry
- Close relationships in the workplace and bonding over years of working together
- High-stress environment and teamwork in a restaurant
- The importance of intimate connections and personal relationships in the industry
Alcoholism and Recovery Journey
- Struggles with alcoholism and co-dependency in the culinary field
- Revelation leading to sobriety and the decision to eliminate alcohol
- Learning through education and rehab to overcome addiction and find happiness
Ryan Grave's Unconventional Wine Tasting Approach
- Ryan Grave, a recovered alcoholic and wine buyer, has a unique way of tasting wine by spitting it out.
- Despite his past struggles with alcoholism, Ryan actively participates in wine discussions and testing.
- His unconventional approach stems from his journey through rehab and mentorship.
Journey Through Sobriety and Fitness Challenge
- Discussion on the benefits of sobriety, including insights on non-alcoholic beers like Heineken Zero Zero.
- Exploring the effects of intense fitness challenges during Sobriety October.
- Reflecting on the role of exercise in reducing anxiety levels and improving overall well-being.
Chablis and Sugar Addiction: Internal Battles with Stress
- Encounter with stressful situations triggers taste of Chardonnay
- Discussion on sugar addiction and carb consumption for coping with anxiety
- Reflections on feeding a 'monster inside' while planning for a weekend getaway
Impact of Dietary Restrictions: Turning to Carnivore Diet
- Transitioning to a restrictive diet plan to improve health
- Inspiration from Jordan Peterson's experience with Carnivore diet
- Exploration of calorie restriction benefits and autoimmune disease improvements
Dilemma of Sourcing Meat at Joe Beef's Restaurant
- Local beef sourcing challenges at Joe Beef restaurant
- Challenges in verifying the origin of beef products
- Impact on menu decisions and operational complexities
Tony Bourdain's Profound Influence on Food Perception
- Elevating food appreciation to an art form
- Tony Bourdain's contribution to culinary industry
- Changing perceptions on chefs, food production, and consumption
Loneliness and Hardships for Tony
- Tony's constant hotel living and travel for 12 years led to a sad and lonely life.
- Heavily reliant on alcohol consumption to cope with the rigors of constant traveling.
- Experienced isolation despite being in beautiful places, feeling weird and disconnected.
- Mitigated feelings of loneliness by traveling with friends and indulging in marijuana instead of alcohol.
Legalization of Marijuana in Canada
- Discussion on the legal status of marijuana in Quebec and Canada.
- Comparison between marijuana and alcohol consumption.
- Regulations around cannabis consumption, including limitations and government control.
- Issues faced following the legalization, including ticketing and restrictions on growing cannabis.
Discussion on Back Health with Chairs from Fully
- Chairs from a company called Fully called Capsicos are discussed.
- Importance of decompression of the spine and solution to back pain.
- The discovery of ergonomic chairs and the impact on long podcast sessions.
The Impact of School Design on Physical Activity
- Discussion on how the physical design of classrooms affects students.
- The importance of physical activity and nutrition in education.
- The need to redesign schools to promote physical health and community building.
Heinemann's Arctic Adventure: Living in the Arctic National Refuge
- A man documented living alone in Alaska's Arctic National Refuge
- He and his Inuit wife live a hunter-gatherer lifestyle
- Believes in the natural human reward systems for hunting and gathering
Community in Stressful Situations: Bonds Formed in Times of Crisis
- Discussing building camaraderie during natural disasters and extreme stress
- Shared experiences of evacuations and bonding in difficult times
- The impact of communal living and support systems during crises
D.J. Stief and Flambé Adventures
- Preparing proper lamb Wellington served for two with a trolley of 12 cheeses
- Crepes and duck flambé for two with orange sauce
- Influence of experiences with Tony in Quebec city on flambe dishes
Fred and Joe's French Restaurant Vision
- Purchase of a farm near Vermont border for building a French restaurant
- Discussion about creating a small-scale French restaurant with specific features
- Absence of interest in replicating Joe Beef in other locations like at the Palms
Joe Beef: Kindred Spirits in the Restaurant Business
- Joe Beef restaurant in LA, similar to speaker's restaurant
- John and Vinny's relationship reminiscent of Dave and Fred
- Connections with like-minded chefs, including Captain Tony
Surviving the Apocalypse with Joe Beef
- Book 'Surviving the Apocalypse' set to be released on November 24th
- Speaker mentions having early access to the book
- Encouragement to support and visit Joe Beef restaurant in Montreal