Joy shares a special, bonus interview recorded while at sea on the Chris Botti at Sea cruise! She sits down with legendary restaurant critic Michael Bauer, who spent an incredible 32 years as the food editor and restaurant critic for the San Francisco Chronicle. Michael shares fascinating behind-the-scenes stories of what it really takes to review restaurants incognito—including growing beards, wearing fat suits, and learning how to separate poor service from the actual food on the plate.

Tune in to hear how growing up around his father's wholesale meat market in Kansas shaped his love for dining out, why he believes San Francisco is one of the ultimate food cities in the world, and how he now spends his time mentoring at-risk youth through the Sprouts Chef Training program. And yes, he's been here and tried the cashew chicken. 🐔 It's a rare, insightful look into the mind of one of the country's most celebrated culinary critics! 🍽️📰✨

Thanks to our sponsors, Fazoli's, Jimm's Steakhouse and Pub, and Kitchenland USA!