Welcome, dear foodie friends, to my charming hometown of Barrington, Illinois. I’m your host, Margaret McSweeney, and it is such a joy to welcome you to a very special episode of Kitchen Chat as we celebrate a culinary destination that is truly elevating the spirit of our community.

. I am so honored to feature the visionary Chef and Owner of the new Progressive American restaurant Noe, Robert Gadsby. Many thanks to Quintessential Barrington for introducing me to Chef Robert and Noe.

Impressive, innovative, and intentional are the words that best describe Chef Gadsby’s cuisine, and today we explore the profound emotional authenticity, seasonality, and excellence that elevate every dish he creates.

Take a look at our video chat here:

Although Chef Robert Gadsby has worked with some of the most iconic chefs around the world, his mother and the family’s Victory Garden in England had a major influence on his appreciation of fresh produce and food preparation. The above photo features Chef Robert’s mother, grandfather and sister in the family’s Victory Garden in England.

At the heart of Noe’s mission is a Four Pillars philosophy—Seasonality, Sustainability, Technique, and Community—which serves as a sacred reminder that Progressive American cuisine is a rigorous commitment to both the land and the craft. In this episode, we go behind the scenes to discover how Noe defines the new American palate through a sophisticated global lens. Their culinary identity is masterfully forged by French sophistication, Italian freshness of product—aligned perfectly with the seasonality of the Victory Gardens—and the unwavering Japanese discipline of execution. Most of all, it is defined by a distinct American ingenuity that transforms these influences into something entirely original. Join us as we explore how this soulful intentionality brings a world-class perspective to our Barrington landscape.

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 Margaret has a fascinating and delightful conversation with Executive Chef Saravanan Palanipandichamy, exploring how he and his world-class team translate the hotel’s philosophy of impeccable, cross-cultural service onto the plate and home to the two-Michelin-starred Brooklands by Claude Bosi.

Check out our Peninsula video here:

Delicious highlights include: Margaret’s Afternoon Tea in The Lobby with May Wong and Claire Myers-Lamptey, founder of Great British Tea Party.

The Beef Wellington Experience in The Lobby, which brought back special memories for Margaret.

Dinner at Canton Blue, which is the top Cantonese restaurant in London.

Dinner at Brooklands by Claude Bosi, the two Michelin starred rooftop restaurant on the 8th floor of The Peninsula London. The Tasting Menu is outstanding. Here is a photo of an amuse bouche which was served.

It was an honor to meet Chef Claude Bosi at Brooklands.

The Peninsula London is indeed a delicious destination.

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Here is a look at our video chat:

This episode, like the book, is an intimate, compelling look at one of the world’s most impactful hosts and multi-talented men in the hospitality industry. From establishing iconic eateries to shaping the entire modern dining landscape through the preservation of the legacy hospitality style, Nieporent’s influence is unparalleled. Join Margaret as she invites Drew to share the stories behind the man—a titan of service, a visionary entrepreneur, and, as you’ll quickly discover, a genuine genius who is one of the kindest people in the industry. (Photo below is when Margaret met Drew in 2015 at the International Association of Culinary Professionals celebration of Chef Jacques Pepin’s 80th birthday).

Drew shares behind-the-scenes stories about how Robert De Niro became a great friend and business partner in launching Nobu. (Photo provided by Drew Nierporent).

Margaret had the honor of meeting Chef Nobu in Miami Beach.

As Ruth Reichl says, “If you go out to eat, you need this book.” Here is a link to the must read “I’m Not Trying to Be Difficult: Stories from the Restaurant Trenches” by Drew Nieporent.

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We rolled up our sleeves at Chicago’s Merchandise Mart, where Chef Jaime Laurita joined us for a fun, flour-dusted biscuit lesson. One bite of a warm, fresh biscuit instantly transported me back to my childhood and the flavors my father used to make with such love.

This is an episode to cherish. With Carla, Jaime and Chadwick as your biscuit buddies, you’ll learn exactly how to create tender, perfect biscuits every single time.

The post Encore: Biscuit Time! Holiday Baking with Carla Hall appeared first on Kitchen Chat.

Congratulations to Kevin Boehm on the launch of his compelling book The Bottomless Cup: A Memoir of Secrets, Restaurants and Forgiveness. Margaret McSweeney and Kevin Boehm first met in 2016 at The James Beard Awards in Chicago after their first Kitchen Chat. Kevin is the co-owner and co-founder of the highly acclaimed and award winning Boka Restaurant Group which he started with Rob Katz. In 2019, Kevin and Rob were the recipients of Outstanding Restaurateur at the James Beard Awards.

Here’s the link to our video chat with Kevin.

In this Kitchen Chat, Kevin shares the highs and lows of his personal life along with key components of success in his professional life. He also discusses the importance of mental health. You will be inspired by his story and strength.

Here is the link to buy his new book which launches November 4, 2025.

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Originally built in 1780 in Georgian style and rebuilt in 1908 in Jacobean style, Estelle Manor sits on 85 acres and is surrounded by 3,000 acres of parklands and gardens. In 2023, Ennismore opened this beautiful property as a private club and hotel.

Here’s a peak at the video:

The kitchen gardens provide a bountiful and beautiful harvest of greens for the salads at the Glass House, one of the hotel’s restaurants. Margaret enjoyed chatting with one of the chefs who was collecting the day’s harvest from the gardener.

The Potting Shed is the perfect place for a morning latte and pastries amongst the lush plants throughout the interior.

Margaret’s friend May and her dogs, Lulu and George joined her for this stay.

They enjoyed a delicious lunch in the private library and dinner at Brasserie.

Margaret especially enjoyed booking the Thermal Journey at the Eynsham Baths, an oasis of relaxation at Estelle Manor. This experience included exclusive access to the Tea Lounge where a tea master prepared a special blend for her. She purchased some tea to continue her wellness journey in Chicago.

Soak up the sun at the Riviera inspired heated pool.

And the evening view is enchanting!

Please click here for additional information about Estelle Manor.

Many thanks to Claire and her Great British Tea Party Facebook Community for the opportunity to share Kitchen Chat on their Facebook Page.

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Nancy Brinker and I met at Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization (WEDO) event at the United Nations where she was being honored by Wendy Diamond, the founder of the WEDO. During our Kitchen Chat, Nancy and I of course bonded over our love and appreciation of food. She shared highlights from her favorite meals as U.S. Ambassador to Hungary along with her appreciation of her late husband’s accomplishments as a pioneer within the restaurant industry. Norman Brinker was the founder of Steak and Ale and CEO of Brinker International which owns Chili’s Grill and Bar, Romano’s Macaroni Grill and Maggiano’s Little Italy. He is credited for revolutionizing the casual-dining restaurants in the United States.

In a full circle, “hugs from heaven” moment, Nancy invited me to join her for the Women of Distinction awards luncheon in Palm Beach which is hosted by Palm Beach Atlantic University. She of course is a past honoree. What she didn’t realize is that when my father was president of Palm Beach Atlantic University over thirty years ago, he actually helped create this concept of honoring women in the community.

Please help support the Promise Fund of Florida and make an impact for women to have access to life-saving cancer resources. Thank you, Nancy Brinker for finding “a great need in a near edge and acting upon it to make a huge difference.”

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Foodie friends, what are some of your favorite charities that you discuss at your kitchen table?

The post Nancy Brinker: Leading the Global Movement to end Breast Cancer appeared first on Kitchen Chat.

Join Kitchen Chat host Margaret McSweeney as she celebrates the 100th anniversary of Gleneagles, located at the base of the Scottish Southern Highlands. After its grand opening in 1924, media proclaimed that Gleneagles was the “8th Wonder of the World” and called it “The Glorious Playground.”

Tee and Tea are hallmark experiences at this timeless resort. With three championship courses and a nine-hole course, golfers can test their skills amidst the lush landscape. In 1921 (before the hotel opened), Gleneagles hosted their first golf tournament between American and British players, which is considered to be the precursor to the Ryder Cup.

Enjoy Afternoon Tea in Glendevon at Glenagles for a taste of Scottish heritage with a legacy of impeccable service and refined elegance. Margaret especially enjoyed the Centenary Afternoon Tea offered during her stay with savories and pastries representing the culinary highlights during the 100 years, including the Truffled Egg Mayonnaise sandwich made famous in the 1930s in The Ritz.

Explore the verdant grounds and crunch along the paths of the Kitchen Garden, an oasis of produce and botanicals.

Expand your knowledge about Scottish Whisky through a tasting offered at Gleneagles.

Every episode of Kitchen Chat can be heard on all podcast platforms and is NOW available on The Great British Tea Party’s Facebook page.

What are your favorite memories and experiences in Scotland?

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Welcome to a very special episode of Kitchen Chat: A Taste of Luxury, History & Hospitality. Today, we’re traveling to a storybook setting in Scotland. Let’s visit Cromlix, the breathtaking Victorian mansion and five-star luxury country house hotel near Dunblane, owned by tennis legend, Sir Andy Murray and his wife, Kim. This majestic and historic mansion even includes a chapel. Hospitality is engrained in the Scottish culture, and Cromlix exemplifies the graciousness of Scotland. Don your “wellies” and explore the 34 acres of serene countryside including a kitchen garden and a tree swing that invites you back to your childhood.

Cromlix welcomes guests with both timeless Scottish heritage and contemporary luxury with resplendent interiors designed by renowned designer Suzanne Garuda. This is a place where every detail tells a story, from the grandeur of its architecture to the warmth of its welcome.

You can reserve an exquisite Afternoon Tea served daily in the Glass House dining area or if your dog accompanies you, the staff will accommodate Afternoon tea in the living room area.

Host Margaret McSweeney sits down with the gracious General Manager, Barry Makin, to discuss the spirit of this magnificent property and the perfected hospitality. “The style of luxury we want to deliver at Cromlix is a relaxed and understated luxury that makes people feel welcome. We want to welcome you into our home and not a hotel,” Makin says. From the tranquil beauty of its grounds to the exquisite dishes crafted with local ingredients, this episode is a masterclass in modern Scottish luxury. 

A poignant moment for Margaret was serendipitously meeting a Scottish bagpiper who was walking into Cromlix Chapel to practice before a wedding. As many of you know, Margaret launched Kitchen Chat as a way to honor her late father who was a gourmet home chef, world traveler and accomplished musician. Her dad even loved to play the bagpipes, and his favorite song to play was Amazing Grace. This kind bagpiper in Cromlix Chapel played Amazing Grace for Margaret.

“Haste ye back,” a Scottish phrase meaning “You are always welcome to return” reflects the depth of hospitality at Cromlix. I look forward to one day returning to this cherished place.

Remember, every episode of Kitchen Chat can be heard on all podcast platforms and NOW heard on The Great British Tea Party on Facebook.

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Brown’s is more than just a hotel; it’s a living piece of history, where the past whispers from every corner. Founded in 1837, this is London’s very first hotel, and its legacy is rich with stories. It’s where Rudyard Kipling wrote The Jungle Book, and where Alexander Graham Bell made Britain’s first-ever telephone call. Today, this historic landmark has been impeccably reimagined, blending its iconic heritage with a modern culinary spirit.

Here’s a look at our video:

This episode will feature highlights from Margaret’s Kitchen Chat last summer with her friend, Chef Ross Sneddon, Regional Executive Pastry Chef for Rocco Forte (including The Balmoral and Brown’s Hotel). During her visit to London this summer, Margaret and May Wong visited with Chef Ross to sample the popular Mayfair Bun which is now available at Brown’s.

Inspired by centuries of British baking tradition yet entirely its own, the Mayfair Bun is a delicate
balance of indulgence and restraint. Baked in beeswax, draped in honey, and dusted with floral bee
pollen, it offers a subtle sweetness that lingers without overpowering. The honey used in the Mayfair Bun is sourced from the award-winning Rhug Estate in North Wales,
where bees forage freely among wildflowers in the Dee Valley. The result is a naturally floral honey
with subtle notes of citrus and heather.

This pastry is a tribute to the hotel’s address at 33 Albemarle Street in Mayfair. Each Mayfair bun features 33 delicate layers of pastry and only 33 of these buns are baked and sold each day, with £1 from each sale benefiting Bees for Development, a charity dedicated to beekeeping and biodiversity.

Get ready to experience the perfect blend of luxury, history, and hospitality as we celebrate a true London icon.

Remember, every episode of Kitchen Chat can be heard on all podcast platforms and NOW heard on The Great British Tea Party on Facebook.—-

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