Origins

Joan Nathan is the author of eleven cookbooks including her latest work, “King Solomon’s Table: a Culinary Exploration of Jewish Cooking from Around the World,” released by Alfred P. Knopf in April 2017. Her previous cookbook, “Quiches, Kugels and Couscous: My Search for Jewish Cooking in France” (Knopf), was named one of the 10 best cookbooks of 2010 by NPR, Food and Wine, and Bon Appétit magazines. She is a regular cont...

Julia Feder brings two decades of experience with non-profit institutions and program oversight to her work as Executive Director of FRESHFARM. As a strategic storyteller, community builder, and activator of sustainability efforts, Julia is driven to introduce more people to the deliciousness of our region’s bounty. Perhaps what she enjoys most, though, is eating seasonally and knowing the stories and farmers behind the fo...

Sam is a co-founder of ANXO Cider, the District's first licensed winery since prohibition, and it's two brick-and-mortars in Truxton Circle and Brightwood Park. A member of the national board of the United States Association of Cider Makers, Sam oversees ANXO's cider production and distribution, which now covers six states, the District, and a few accounts abroad. Previously, he was DC's first Certified Cicerone, and found...

Chantal Tseng loves just about anything fermented and poured, as she tells it, but especially wine, tea and cocktails. She's turned that love into roughly 18 years of serving drinks as a bartender, bar manager and part-time Sommelier. She is currently the Social Media Manager for a local wine distributor with a focus on natural wines. She is also a co-founder of Redeye Menus, a sherry pairing dinner social club that pairs ...

Old Westminster Winery is the project of three siblings with one vision: to put Maryland wine on the map. Their meticulous vineyard care and cellar work yield wines that display complexity, character and -- most importantly -- are a joy to drink. A bottle of wine reflects its maker’s passion and creativity. Wild yeast fermentations, sparing additions and minimal intervention are key to crafting wines that are expressive of...

This week's guest on ORIGINS is Mike Curtin, CEO of DC Central Kitchen. After graduating from Williams College in 1986 with a BA in Religion, Mike lived and
worked in Osaka, Japan as a teacher, copywriter, and bartender at his neighborhood pub. Upon
returning to the US, Mike began a 20-year career in the hospitality business, which included
owning and operating his own restaurant, The Broad Street Grill in Falls Church, Vi...

Andrew Bahrenburg is the National Policy Director for the National Young Farmers Coalition. Prior to that, he worked for years as a legislative aide in the U.S. House of Representatives before returning to his native Vermont to farm organic specialty crops and pastured poultry. Andrew has served as an instructor in the University of Vermont's Farmer Training Program, as a founding member and organizer for the Vermont Young...

Chef Spike Gjerde is joined by the legendary Alice Waters on a special episode of ORIGINS. Alice Waters is a chef, author, food activist, and the founder and owner of Chez Panisse Restaurant in Berkeley, California. She has been a champion of local sustainable agriculture for over four decades. In 1995 she founded the Edible Schoolyard Project, which advocates for a free school lunch for all children and a sustainable food...

Jon Shaw has been using all natural, sustainable, raised bed, no-till methods for many years. Jon operates what might be called a large “market garden” in Monkton, Maryland that sits on some of the best soil in the state. He enjoys experimenting by growing unusual plants including heirloom varieties while trying to extend their season without the use of fossil fuel based heating.

Nat Shaw has been working in his Dad’s gar...