Episode 122: Of Basques and Bagels

We're on the road this week, first to Europe and the beautiful mountains straddling the border between France and Spain. The Basques who inhabit this area are some of Europe's most fascinating people. Mark Kurlansky, author of The Basque History of the World, introduces us to Basque life and culture, a subject he's researched for 25 years.

Then it's a look at the sad state of the bagel in America with writer and Jewish food authority Matthew Goodman. Matthew says the bagels in Montreal are possibly the last holdout against the American assault on this traditional yeast bun. Can't get to Montreal? Make your own with the recipe for Montreal bagels. Jane and Michael Stern are in Conroe, Texas, for a classic Southern catfish feast. Specialty produce detective David Karp gives his 1999 picks of the best mail-order fruit, and tea expert Bill Waddington talks Chai tea and tells us how to brew real Chai.

Broadcast dates for this episode:

• December 4, 1999