Ten Restaurants, Four Seasons

On this week’s show, we take an in-depth look the evolution of restaurant dining in the America and speak with the co-owner of one the nation's top restaurants.

We begin by exploring two centuries of historical and cultural changes with acclaimed Yale historian Paul Freedman. His book Ten Restaurants That Changed America weaves together culinary and social history, from the innovators of roadside dining to the vanguards of haute cuisine.

On Paul Freedman's short list is New York's Four Seasons Restaurant, which for decades was arguably the most expensive and exclusive eatery in all of the Big Apple. We speak with the restaurant's co-owner Julian Niccolini, who played an enormous role in making that a reality. Julian shares stories about the original Four Seasons before it closed its doors in 2016, and shares his plan for reopening in a different location on Park Avenue.

We'll also speak with Jim Heimann, Executive Editor for publishing house TASCHEN America, whose book Menu Design in America traces the evolution of dining culture through the development of the bill of fare.