Food is Love

In the series premiere, chef Lasse Sorensen meets Munsok So, owner of the popular sushi spot, The Drunken Fish. So, who recently opened the Korean fried chicken venture Kimchi Guys, talks about the changes in public awareness of foods like kimchi and his own experiences growing up in St. Louis as an immigrant from Korea.

Chef Lasse visits the popular Delmar Loop in search of Philippine food at Guerilla Street Food. Later Lasse traces the origins of a Philippine picnic tradition that has taken place in the city for the last 45 years. He samples Lechon, blood stew and the Philippine dessert halo halo. Lasse reflects on the similarities between cultures and lasting impact of the Philippine culture on the city.

Chef Lasse visits the popular "Balkan Treat Box" to learn about its origins and the technique of baking bread in a wood fire oven. Owners Loryn and Edo Nalic explain the Balkan influences in their menu and educate Lasse of Balkan heritage of the city of St Louis, which has the highest population of Bosnians anywhere outside of Bosnia.

Chef Lasse visits Egg Restaurant in the Benton Park neighborhood of St Louis to learn how a Tunisian transplant to the city has been offering a fusion of breakfast creations centered around eggs. Lasse is reminded of the resilience the city has shown in past disasters.

Chef Lasse Sorensen spends time getting to know the backstory of Gulf Shores Restaurant, a black owned business.

Chef Lasse hangs out with Restauranteur Qui Tran and goes into the kitchens at both Mai Lee Restaurant and Nudo House Restaurant to learn how it all got started.

Chef Lasse visits Jerk Soul, a Caribbean inspired restaurant located on Cherokee street, Owners Zarah and Telly invite Chef to a backyard picnic.

Chef Lasse visits popular brunch spot Turn, where Chef David Kirkland shares his love of food and music in the Art district.

Chef Lasse gets invited to spend the day a La Chata Mexican Restaurant to learn the backstory and try cactus soup.

Chef Lasse nostalgically searches St. Louis for a connection to his upbringing in his fathers renown pastry shop. Highlights include stops at Vincent Van Doughnuts in Tower Grove, Kaldi Coffee Roasters and making macrons at La Patisserie Choquette in Botanical Heights.

In episode 11 of Food is Love, Chef Lasse spends time getting to know restauranteur Ben Poremba, owner and Chef at Elaia and Olio. Lasse learns about how food has helped bring positive change to a once forgotten slice of the Lou.

Chef Lasse explores the food of Uraguay and Ecuador at the Maplewood restaurant Asador Del Sur.

A recap and look back at moments from the first 12 episodes of Food Is Love season 1.