In this episode we take a break from our usual alphabetic ramblings to pay respects to a great man who is no longer with us. Anthony Bourdain influenced us in so many ways and his passing has left us heartbroken. So we wanted to take some time to share stories, quotes, and admiration as well as hear from others who Anthony influenced along the way. RIP Anthony.

Could there be a more universally wonderful food? I think not. As Saveur magazine said, even bad nachos are good. But what are they exactly and where did they come from? How DO they make that wonderful cheese? All this and more in Episode 15 of Mastication Nation.

Could there be a more universally adored condiment than mustard? No. The answer is no. But what makes mustard so great? And which mustard is the best and why? We settle some mustardy scores in this episode of Mastication Nation. Also get 15% off your copy of the new Attaché book! Just go http://www.attachetravel.net/books/ and use promo code MASTICATION at checkout.

THIS is the greatest crossover, all others be damned. We welcome Layovers co-host Paul Papadimitriou to the Mastication Nation saloon to discuss the ups and downs of airplane food in all its glory. The best, the worst, why it's bad, how you can make it better - we cover it all in this episode of Mastication Nation.

We're back! Sorry for the long break, all explained within. But we restart with a contentious subject - KALE! Love it or loathe it, Kale is crazy popular these days. So popular that we have a special guest to help us unlock its mysteries. Enjoy!

Ah jam, could there be anything sweeter? Well yes, depending on what country you live in there could be jam that's a lot sweeter. This weird nugget and lots more (including something of the worst puns you've ever heard) in this episode of Mastication Nation.

It's the most wonderful time of the year....FOR EATING! We dive headfirst into holiday feasts from around the world and throughout history. And along the way we settle some old scores like Turkey vs Beef and what absolutely does NOT belong on a Holiday table (hint: brandy butter.)

Finally we talk about something sweet! Ice cream in all its beautiful glory. What makes it good, what makes it bad, the best, worst, and weirdest - it's all inside episode 009 of Mastication Nation.

Woo boy, was this one a doozy. A huge technical problem in the post production process meant that it's taken hours and hours to put the track together. So apologies for the delay but I hope you agree it's been worth the wait. A fun episode about a sticky, sweet substance that is far more interesting than it's simple appearance belies. LISTEN IN!

We break protocol here and talk about a DRINK! A great drink though, the wonderful Gin. Where does it come from? Did the British invent it? How do you use it? Featuring our very first guest who tells us how to make some classic gin cocktails.

Tiny little balls of deliciousness, these chickpea....or fava...or both (contentious)Middle Eastern staples are hearty, satisfying, delicious, AND interesting. Sounds like the perfect date!

Eggplant, aubergine, brinjal...it goes by many names but it always means delicious. Versatile, dependable, and SUPER interesting, eggplant is full of surprises in Episode 005 of Mastication Nation.

It may seem intimidating at first but Dim Sum is one of the most laid back, inclusive, downright FUN foods in all of Asia. There's something for everyone in these beautiful bite-sized treats...and we explore them all in Episode 4 of Mastication Nation.

What makes a great chili? IS it Mexican? Do beans belong anywhere near it? Is Alex's chili the best in the entire world? All this and more in Episode 003 of Mastication Nation.

What makes a burger? What makes a GREAT burger? Does lettuce have any place on a burger? What's the best burger in the world? All this in more in Episode 002 of Mastication Nation.

Do you like alligators? Do you like testicles? Then do we have a food for you...the avocado! Great for guac, of course, but the humble avocado is so much more than a taco topping. We also discuss whether avocado toast is a great way to start your day or more hipster nonsense.