Al Spoler
Host, Cellar Notes and Radio KitchenAl Spoler, well known to WYPR listeners as the wine-loving co-host of "Cellar Notes" has had a long-standing parallel interest in cooking as well. Al has said, the moment he started getting serious about Sunday night dinners was the same moment he started getting serious about wine. Over the years, he has benefited greatly from being a member of the Cork and Fork Society of Baltimore, a gentlemen's dining club that serves black tie meals cooked by the members themselves who are some of Baltimore's most accomplished amateur cooks.
His most rewarding immersion in cooking came through his work as a television director at MPT. Spoler served as off-line editor and assistant director on two series featuring the legendary French chef Pierre Franey. He also worked with Mexican chef Patricia Quintana, and with Bed and Breakfast expert Gail Greco on her series "Country Inn Cooking". Al says traveling all over the US visiting country inns and taping recipes that they prepared in little makeshift television kitchens was an incredible education.
Spoler's tastes in cooking are influenced by regional tradition and contemporary casual French fare. Never slavish to recipes, he is never happier than improvising a Sunday dinner with whatever ingredients come to hand.
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Red Bordeaux is a world-wide favorite, but it’s sibling White Bordeaux is often overlooked. Here are a few that you should pay attention to. -
I think a lot of us have discovered how easy it is to make home-made pasta. In fact, I’ve got a nice pasta machine that rolls out thin layers of pasta, with the option of cutting it into fettucine or spaghetti. But as Chef Jerry Pellegrino points out, there’s one very good pasta shape that doesn’t involve machinery, but it does involve a hands-on approach and that would be gnocchi. -
First he played Frontier Heroes, then he worked at becoming a California winemaker. The late Fess Parker did all right for himself, as Hugh explains. -
When it comes to picking a starch for dinner, we usually vacillate between potatoes and rice. There seem to be a million ways to cook potatoes, but rice is a little bit more straightforward. The problem is, I rarely seem to get it just right. Chef Jerry Pellegrino has some ideas on how to prepare a good bowl of rice. -
When I stepped outside last weekend, I was gratified to feel warmth in the air and sunshine in the skies: beautiful Spring weather. And so it was with great eagerness I made my way to the Baltimore Farmers Market under the expressway to see what our farmers have come up with. And as I told Chef Jerry Pellegrino, the joint was jumpin’. -
It’s a great time of the year for Pinot Noir, and if you’d like to save some money on a few good bottles, Al has got some hot tips. -
Zesty, peppery, and refreshingly versatile, Grüner Veltliner is Austria’s signature white grape—and a rising star on the global wine stage. In this episode of Cellar Notes, we uncork the charm of Grüner, exploring its hallmark citrus and spice notes, food-pairing prowess, and why it’s a must-know for fans of fresh, expressive whites. -
Golden, crispy, and custardy—French toast is a breakfast classic with endless possibilities. In this episode of Radio Kitchen, we whisk through the history, technique, and tasty variations of this beloved dish, from traditional styles to creative twists that turn stale bread into something truly spectacular. -
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, coffee cakes are the sweet companion to your favorite cup of joe. In this episode of Radio Kitchen, we dive into the delicious world of coffee cakes—talking textures, toppings, and time-tested recipes that bring comfort and joy in every bite. -
Tender, flavorful, and full of seasonal charm—spring lamb is a culinary favorite this time of year. In this episode of Radio Kitchen, we explore what makes spring lamb so special, how to select the best cuts, and share some simple, delicious ways to bring this springtime staple to your table.
