030 Carryout in COVID: Howie Kahn "Eating is Complicated Right Now"

Introduction

"Eating is complicated right now." What does it say about our current state of affairs that I felt dangerously close to tears at this simple, validating statement from today's guest, Howie Kahn? For 20 years, the hospitality community gave journalist, author, and podcaster Howie Kahn delicious food, career success (you know, just a podcast that hit #1 on the food charts in iTunes), friendships, and even a wife. When this crisis hit, Howie and his wife knew it was time to support the people and restaurants that had given them so much. So Howie started an emergency podcast titled Takeaway Only. Every day, he is telling the stories of not only an industry in crisis, but a community that has mobilized to do truly noble and heroic work. From his knowledge of the industry that is as wide as it is deep, Howie provided me with exactly the clarity that I sought. He gives all of us clear, actionable advice when evaluating our food choices.

Highlights

The impact the hospitality industry has had on Howie
What's happening with 12-15 million restaurant workers?
The importance of communication between restaurants and guests right now
"Food is complicated right now" - How to evaluate our choices
Howie's latest emergency podcast "Takeaway Only"
Some of the inspiring, noble, heroic work restaurant owners are doing
The importance and the work of being a listener

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Address: 637 Florida Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

Website: FishScale Restaurant

Instagram: @wearefishscale

Facebook: www.facebook.com/wearefishscale

Twitter: @eatfishscaledc

About the Carryout in COVID Series

Of all the conflicting information we're receiving these days, I'm having the most difficulty reconciling the call to support small, local businesses with the command to stay home as much as possible. Can I support small restaurants without contributing to the spread of the virus? I felt the best way to answer this question was to hear the stories of businesses in crisis and ask THEM my questions. A variety of guests including owners, farmers, and journalists, are participating in this series, so make sure you check back to get a new perspective each day.