How do you introduce Melissa Clark, a prolific cookbook author, longtime New York Times columnist, and one of the most respected food writers around? Well, first you must know that one of our absolute favorite cookbooks of all time is her 2017 tome Dinner: Changing the Game. In this episode, we talk about what inspires her weekly recipe column in the paper of record and how her latest book, Dinner in One, may be one of her most personal books yet. We also go back to her days collaborating with great chefs including Daniel Boulud, David Bouley, and Claudia Fleming. We hope you enjoy getting to know Melissa Clark a little better.

Also on the show Matt catches up with Contributing Editor Aliza Abarbanel to talk all about this McTorta moment we are all living in, as well as ranking our top fast food menu items.

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More from Melissa Clark:

• Take Your Cakes to the Upside Down [New York Times]

• Elbowing for Scallops With Melissa Clark [TASTE]

• How to Roast the Perfect Chicken [Youtube]

• The McTorta Moment [TASTE]

Buy: Dinner in One