On this episode of DIOTALK, we sit down with David Page, an award-winning journalist, television producer, author, and food storyteller whose career has taken him from hard news to the heart of American food culture.
David is the creator of the hit television series Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, host of the podcast Culinary Characters Unlocked, and author of Food Americana: The Remarkable People and Incredible Stories Behind America’s Favorite Dishes.
Before entering the world of food television, David spent two decades as a journalist with ABC News and NBC News, covering stories both domestically and internationally. He eventually brought his journalistic curiosity and storytelling experience into food television, helping create one of the most recognizable food programs in America.
In our conversation, we explore how Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives was created, the rise of celebrity chefs and food influencers, and the fascinating ways food becomes part of American culture and identity.
We also dive into America's favorite foods, food history, fast food, pizza, healthier eating, plant-based alternatives, the artisanal and “authenticity” movements, and the future of restaurants and cooking.
David shares his perspective on how international cuisines—from Chinese, Italian and Mexican to Ethiopian and Japanese—evolve after arriving in America. We discuss questions such as: When does a “foreign” food become American? Does a dish have to be considered authentic to be legitimate? How did foods like bagels and sushi become everyday parts of American life? And why do less-healthy foods continue to have such a powerful hold on the American diet?
From journalism and television to restaurants, history and the changing American palate, this episode is a wide-ranging conversation about the stories behind what we eat—and what our food says about who we are.
Guest: David Page
Creator — Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives
Host — Culinary Characters Unlocked
Author — Food Americana
Former Journalist — ABC News & NBC News
Previous Media Appearance:
Food for Thought Podcast:
https://www.foodforthoughtcast.com/71-david-page-a-guest-ep
Website
http://culinarycharactersunlocked.com
LinkedIn URL
https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-page-65b6728
Facebook URL
https://www.facebook.com/Culinarycharactersunlocked
YouTube URL
https://www.youtube.com/@CulinaryCharactersUnlocked
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/culinary_characters_unlocked
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