Ever wonder what it’s like to get paid to eat at some of the best restaurants around?

Today’s guest knows that world inside and out—because he lives it. Bao Ong is the food critic for the Houston Chronicle, and he spends his days exploring what many call the most exciting food city in America.

In this episode, Bao shares how he landed the job, the reviews he wishes he could take back, and his advice for anyone dreaming of becoming a food critic.

On a hill high above Kerrville,TX sits a beautiful, controversial, giant cross.
The idea for the cross was born more than 20 years ago when a gifted wildlife artist named Max Greiner listened to a still, small voice. His journey since then is anything but small, and it’s a far cry from still. The prayer gardens where the massive cross sits are visited by hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world. Curiosity seekers, truth seekers even skeptics come to see and feel the energy that surrounds the beautiful gardens and its largest tenant, The Empty Cross.
In today’s episode, I talk to Max Greiner about the fascinating birth and evolution of the prayer gardens, officially called The Coming King Sculpture Prayer Garden. I witnessed first-hand how that beautiful place is changing the lives of those who come.



I approached this interview with a tad bit of reservation—I left feeling my life would be affected forever.

Today, we’re taking a little trip back in time—to the Catskills, also known as the Borscht Belt. If you’ve heard the stories, you know it was once the go-to summer escape, especially for Jewish families from New York. Think comedy legends before they were famous, family-style meals, and a kind of charm you just don’t see anymore. It was a whole world of its own—and one that left a lasting imprint on American culture.

There’s a wonderful fundraiser event for the Borscht Belt Museum that will happen in Houston later this month. Everyone’s favorite Deli Man, Ziggy Gruber, is hosting “A Night in the Borscht Belt” at the fantastic Kenny & Ziggy’s Deli. Hope to see you there.

Link: www.borschtbeltmuseum.org

The biggest culinary event in Houston is right around the corner—Houston Restaurant Weeks! And while it’s definitely a food lover’s dream, it’s also something much more: the largest annual fundraiser for the Houston Food Bank, the biggest food bank in the country.

This incredible event was the brainchild of the late Cleverley Stone, a beloved media personality and true champion of Houston’s dining scene. Cleverley believed deeply in the power of food to do good—and her simple idea has grown into a citywide tradition that’s raised millions to help fight hunger.


After Cleverley passed away in 2020, her daughter Katie Stone stepped in to carry on the mission. Today, we’re sitting down for a lively conversation with Katie—who’s not only keeping her mother’s legacy alive, but making sure that no Houstonian goes hungry.

https://houstonrestaurantweeks.com/

Houston Restaurant Weeks is right around the corner—and while it’s a dream for food lovers, it’s also the largest annual fundraiser for the Houston Food Bank, the biggest in the country.

The event was founded by the late Cleverley Stone, a beloved media voice who believed in using food to give back. Today, her daughter Katie Stone carries on that mission, keeping her mother’s legacy alive and helping ensure no Houstonian goes hungry.

https://houstonrestaurantweeks.com/

Summer feels like it showed up early this year in Texas, so why not hop on a plane bound for cooler weather!

One of our go-to summer escape spots is New England. There’s so much to see—and even more to eat!

We’re all about the lobster rolls and fried clams when we’re up there. It’s kind of our little foodie adventure. So today, I called in an expert: Amy Traverso, Senior Food Editor at Yankee Magazine—basically the Southern Living of New England.

She’s here to share her best tips for frying clams and to dish on the top places to check out if you’re planning a New England trip. Or, if you’re just craving clams, she has a mail order option too.

Link to website: newengland.com/yankee-magazine/
Order fresh mail order clams kits: https://www.woodmans.com/shop/product/chubbys-clam-kit/

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Texas wines are gaining national recognition, with prestigious gold medals rolling in—and Becker Vineyards is leading the charge. This has long been one of my favorite wineries, not only for its award-winning wines but also for its stunning setting. In today’s episode, we explore the deep Texas roots of founder Dr. Richard Becker and hear from winemaker John Leahy about the grape varietals that thrive in Texas—and why he chose to leave Napa Valley to be part of it all.

Have you ever experienced a moment so perfectly timed, it felt like more than just coincidence?
Chances are, you’ve had a Godwink — one of those extraordinary moments where two seemingly random events align with a purpose.

In this week’s episode, get ready for heartfelt stories, joyful laughter, and maybe even a few tears as we welcome New York Times bestselling authors SQuire Rushnell and Louise DuArt. Together, they share inspiring tales from their books and personal lives — stories that remind us we’re never alone, and that even life’s smallest moments can carry the biggest meaning.

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We now have an American Pope for the first time in history. And our President just wrapped up a bold trip to some of the world’s most powerful—and complicated—places.

It made me wonder: is there more going on here than just headlines? Are we witnessing a deeper shift—spiritually, culturally, even globally?

So I reached out to someone whose life of faith I deeply respect. Sister Nicole Trahan helps others find their purpose in life. For ten years, she was the Director of Vocations for the Marianist Sisters in the United States. I knew she’d bring a grounded, thoughtful perspective—on Pope Leo the Fourteenth, and on the moment we’re living in right now.

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📧 Sign up for our weekly newsletter!
Stay up to date with Tanji's wine finds, featured restaurants, easy recipes, and tips:
https://www.goodtaste.tv/newsletter/

🕛 Watch Goodtaste with Tanji on TV
Find your local air times and channels:
https://www.goodtaste.tv/goodtaste-tv/

🎧 Listen to the Goodtaste for the Soul podcast
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/goodtaste-for-the-soul/id1790780905
Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/0sa7IUq4VoxEm2yRK8a8Tq

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Instagram: @GoodtasteTV
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👩‍🍳 Follow Tanji Patton personally:
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🌐 Visit us online for more wine pairings, travel, and lifestyle tips:
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#GoodtasteWithTanji #TanjiPatton #TexasEats #WineFinds #FoodieLife #GoodtasteTV