goodtaste for the Soul

Here in Texas, we’re hurting—but we’ll be okay. The sadness, the anger, and the struggle to make sense of the devastating floods weigh heavily on our hearts.  This week, I’m sitting down with New York Times bestselling author and pastor Max Lucado to get his perspective on the tragic flooding in the Hill Country.  How should we pray at a time like this? Is it okay to be angry, even to yell at God? And why do bad things happen to good people, even innocent children?

Join us for a conversation filled with honesty, h...

Ever wonder what it’s like to get paid to eat at some of the best restaurants around?

Today’s guest knows that world inside and out—because he lives it. Bao Ong is the food critic for the Houston Chronicle, and he spends his days exploring what many call the most exciting food city in America.

In this episode, Bao shares how he landed the job, the reviews he wishes he could take back, and his advice for anyone dreaming of becoming a food critic.

On a hill high above Kerrville,TX sits a beautiful, controversial, giant cross.
The idea for the cross was born more than 20 years ago when a gifted wildlife artist named Max Greiner listened to a still, small voice.  His journey since then is anything but small, and it’s a far cry from still.  The prayer gardens where the massive cross sits are visited by hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world.  Curiosity seekers, truth seekers even skeptics come to see and feel the energy that surrounds the beautiful gardens and its largest tenant, The Empty...

Today, we’re taking a little trip back in time—to the Catskills, also known as the Borscht Belt. If you’ve heard the stories, you know it was once the go-to summer escape, especially for Jewish families from New York. Think comedy legends before they were famous, family-style meals, and a kind of charm you just don’t see anymore. It was a whole world of its own—and one that left a lasting imprint on American culture.

There’s a wonderful fundraiser event for the Borscht Belt Museum that will happen in Houston later this month.  Ever...

The biggest culinary event in Houston is right around the corner—Houston Restaurant Weeks! And while it’s definitely a food lover’s dream, it’s also something much more: the largest annual fundraiser for the Houston Food Bank, the biggest food bank in the country.

This incredible event was the brainchild of the late Cleverley Stone, a beloved media personality and true champion of Houston’s dining scene. Cleverley believed deeply in the power of food to do good—and her simple idea has grown into a citywide tradition that’s raised millions to help fight hunger.
Duration: 00:44:18

Summer feels like it showed up early this year in Texas, so why not hop on a plane bound for cooler weather!

One of our go-to summer escape spots is New England. There’s so much to see—and even more to eat!

We’re all about the lobster rolls and fried clams when we’re up there. It’s kind of our little foodie adventure. So today, I called in an expert: Amy Traverso, Senior Food Editor at Yankee Magazine—basically the Southern Living of New England.

She’s here to share her best tips...

Texas wines are gaining national recognition, with prestigious gold medals rolling in—and Becker Vineyards is leading the charge. This has long been one of my favorite wineries, not only for its award-winning wines but also for its stunning setting. In today’s episode, we explore the deep Texas roots of founder Dr. Richard Becker and hear from winemaker John Leahy about the grape varietals that thrive in Texas—and why he chose to leave Napa Valley to be part of it all.

Have you ever experienced a moment so perfectly timed, it felt like more than just coincidence?
Chances are, you’ve had a Godwink — one of those extraordinary moments where two seemingly random events align with a purpose.  

In this week’s episode, get ready for heartfelt stories, joyful laughter, and maybe even a few tears as we welcome New York Times bestselling authors SQuire Rushnell and Louise DuArt. Together, they share inspiring tales from their books and personal lives — stories that remind us we’re never alone, and that even life’s smallest moments can carry the biggest m...

We now have an American Pope for the first time in history. And our President just wrapped up a bold trip to some of the world’s most powerful—and complicated—places. 

It made me wonder: is there more going on here than just headlines? Are we witnessing a deeper shift—spiritually, culturally, even globally?

So I reached out to someone whose life of faith I deeply respect. Sister Nicole Trahan helps others find their purpose in life. For ten years, she was the Director of Vocations for the Marianist Sisters in the United States. I knew sh...

Have you ever wondered if you’re truly following your passion—what it is you really want to do with your life? Whether it’s a career, a lifestyle, or something entirely different?

I often meet people who’ve made bold, life-changing moves—switching jobs, changing careers, even starting over completely.

Today, you’ll meet Monica Nino—a friend and former colleague—who turned a side hustle into a perfectly timed new path. Once a news executive, Monica is now a charcuterie and wine expert. It’s true what they say: God works in mysterious ways.

In...

Now that spring is in full bloom, I hope your garden is thriving too! Every gardener knows the challenges that come with a new season—no two are ever quite the same. With my own garden now ripening tomatoes and producing snap peas, I reached out to The Garden Girls for some expert advice on dealing with pesky pests and getting watering just right.

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🍽️ Watch full clips and featured recipes from Goodtaste with Tanji:
https://www.goodtaste.tv/recipes/ Duration: 00:32:06

I’m lucky to work with some amazing women in the TV industry, and one of them is my longtime friend and the longtime host of San Antonio Living, Shelly Miles. Whenever I get the chance to step into her world, it never feels like there’s enough time to catch up—so I thought, what better way to spend time with Shelly than to invite her on our podcast!

We dive into what it’s like being a woman on TV, especially at our age, swap stories about TV makeup, and even talk about the time she let...

Learning about wine should be fun — not stuffy or intimidating. A good sommelier knows how to turn the whole experience into an adventure. At a wonderful seafood spot in Houston, picking out a wine always feels like part of the night’s excitement. That’s because Sommelier Omar Velasquez tosses out suggestions like you’re chatting with an old friend.  Today, Omar introduces us to a wine region making wines that are perfect for our long, hot summers.

H-Town rap legend Bun B shares the latest on his wildly popular burger joint, his favorite local restaurants, and his new venture, Trill Tenders. He also opens up about teaching at Rice University,  family life and the role spirituality plays in keeping him grounded. For many, fame fades—but Bernard Freeman (his real name) has found lasting relevance by always keeping it real.  

Have you ever wondered about angels? I have.  Though they're mentioned nearly 300 times in the Bible, the details about them remain surprisingly scarce. Do guardian angels truly exist? Are they all-knowing? How do they actually help us—and are there such things as bad angels? To explore these questions and more, I spoke with an expert who shed light on these mysterious celestial beings.

📺 LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for delicious new videos every week!
https://www.youtube.com/@GoodTastewithTanji?sub_confirmation=1

🍽️ Watch full clips and featured recipes from Goodtaste with Tanji:
https://www.goodtaste.tv/recipes/ Duration: 00:39:23

The historic Loretto Chapel, located at the end of the Old Santa Fe Trail, draws visitors from around the world. Inside stands the Miraculous Staircase—an architectural marvel cloaked in mystery. This engineering feat makes two full 360-degree turns without any visible means of support.
According to legend, after the chapel was completed in 1878, the Sisters of Loretto realized they had no way to access the choir loft.  So, they prayed.  In response to their prayers to St. Joseph, a mysterious carpenter appeared. Using only simple tools and wooden dowels, he built the staircase and then disappeared without aski...

Wine lovers, this is for you.  With ongoing health debates about wine, potential tariffs, and the impact of climate changes on vineyards worldwide, there may be no one better to offer insight than The New York Times chief wine critic, Eric Asimov. How are these changes shaping the way we enjoy wine at home? Eric candidly shares his insights and reveals his favorite go-to wine varietals and his thoughts on Texas wines. Get ready to plan your next meal—wine inspiration is coming your way.

If you had a chance to visit Italy, would you take it?  If so, you’ll love knowing about The Lazy Italian Culinary Adventures.  Its founder is an Italian born American who is living the dream of sharing her beautiful country with all of us.  Francesca Montillo started a side hustle of writing a thoughtful, colorful newsletter about Italy, complete with cultural insights, history and mouthwatering recipes. That side hustle is now a full time business. One of her enticing newsletters ended up in my inbox—that was several years ago, and I’ve had the pleasure of working with Fran...

Whether you’re an Aggie fan or not, John Harvey Slocum’s story is sure to inspire you. His father, R.C. Slocum, is celebrated as one of the winningest college football coaches of all time and a man of deep faith. John Harvey, the youngest of Slocum’s two sons, has an incredible story of survival. At 42, he suffered a heart episode that left him flatlined—dead for 13 minutes. He’s grateful to God for his survival and openly shares why he believes his life was spared.

One of the best delis in the country is in Texas, run by none other than the legendary "Deli Man" himself—Ziggy Gruber. As the heart and soul of Kenny & Ziggy’s New York Delicatessen Restaurant and Bakery in Houston, he has been serving up classic deli fare for 25 years. His family's deli legacy traces back to New York City, where they opened the first deli on Broadway.  You can count me as Ziggy’s biggest fan - his personality is larger than life, plus, he has a heart of gold. By the way, you can order Kenny & Ziggy’s famous...

Who doesn’t want to turn back the clock and reclaim a youthful glow? If you’ve ever had days where you feel better than you look, you won’t want to miss today’s guest. Dr. Manny Lopez, a Board-Certified Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, believes that whether you're a man or a woman, it’s never too late to look and feel your best. In this episode, Dr. Lopez explores a variety of procedures designed to rejuvenate your appearance—many of which don’t even require surgery.
https://www.lopezplasticsurgery.com/about/meet-the-providers/

We’re back in the kitchen with the Enchilada Queen, Sylvia Casares! Today, she’s sharing her secrets for making perfect Mexican Rice—because there’s more to great rice than meets the eye. From choosing the right brand to nailing the perfect seasoning, she’s got you covered. Plus, we’re diving into your viewer comments and taking a fun trip down memory lane with a special “appearance" from Paula Deen. Don’t miss it!

We’re all on a journey—some of us have a clear destination, while others are still searching for the right path. On a recent trip to Santa Fe, I discovered the work of Leticia Herrera, a talented Dallas-based artist whose vibrant creations captivated me. Intrigued, I wanted to learn more—what inspires her striking use of color? What are ‘walkers’? And what message does she hope to convey through her art? As it turns out, her work is all about embracing joy and light.

Are you eating a lot of mushrooms yet? Not only are they delicious, but they’re also packed with potential health benefits—boosting memory, delivering antioxidants, and reducing inflammation, to name a few. If you’re not already cooking with mushrooms, Diane Roederer will inspire you to start. After moving from France to Texas, she transformed her passion for truffles into a thriving mushroom business. I’m a believer!

Do you drink a lot of water? Ever wonder what’s really in it? Some of the purest, most refreshing artesian bottled water in the country may come from an unexpected place— tiny, Autauga, Alabama. Known for its crisp taste and remarkable purity, this water has an incredible origin story.

Locals credit one man, Marquis Ford, with its discovery—some even say he saved the small town of Autauga. But Marquis insists the credit belongs to a higher power. Today, he shares his extraordinary journey, revealing how Divine messages changed his life—and an entire town’s future—for

If you’ve ever considered gardening, now’s the perfect time to start! The Garden Girls in Houston make it easy, and once you see their stunning gardens, you’ll want one too. Get expert tips, learn how to tackle the unpredictable weather, discover what to plant and when, and avoid the biggest mistakes gardeners make. Plus, find out why gardening isn’t just a hobby—it’s nourishment for the soul.

What a fascinating time to be alive! If you watch the evening news and you're familiar with the prophecies written in the Bible thousands of years ago, you can't help but wonder—are we living in the end times? The ancient writings feel incredibly relevant today.

We see wars and rumors of wars,  moral decline, natural disasters, pandemics—these are all events foretold in the Bible. Is something bigger unfolding right before our eyes?

Today’s guest gives us some perspective on all this.  Max Lucado is a New York Times best selling author and pastor...

Pour a glass of wine with us and listen in to a fun and inspiring conversation with San Antonio’s Diana Barrios Trevino.  You’ve likely seen her in her family’s wonderful restaurants, on the NBC Today Show or throwing down puffy tacos with Bobby Flay.  Behind that beautiful smile, her family has endured some trying times in the midst of their success.  Forgiveness and love shine through!  BTW, she has a wonderful cookbook at https://www.amazon.com/Los-Barrios-Family-Cookbook-Tex-Mex-ebook/dp/B001ODEQFC?ref_=ast_author_mpb

I talk to Lorenzo Sewell, the pastor who was all the buzz at Trump's inauguration.

Lorenzo's past might surprise you. Once caught up in gang violence and drug dealing, with a father in prison for murder, his journey is anything but typical for someone on a presidential inauguration stage. Yet, his presence - and his prayer - were truly powerful.

Now, you can hear Lorenzo's story firsthand as he joins me on a brand-new podcast episode.

In today’s episode, meet "The Enchilada Queen," Sylvia Casares, as she unveils the secret behind what many call the best enchiladas in Texas. Her mouthwatering creations have even been featured in The New York Times.

But there's more to Sylvia's story than just incredible enchiladas. She opens up about her harrowing journey of survival—a near-fatal gunshot to the stomach that almost claimed her life. Instead, it became the catalyst for a renewed faith and an unyielding determination to live a meaningful life.

Let’s talk Italian!…Italian food that is. I invited Emmy award winning TV personality and chef Lidia Bastianich to cook in my kitchen about 16 years ago.  To my amazement, she said yes! We’ve worked together several times since then, and today she joins us on our new podcast episode where we talk about her favorite recipes, my favorite Lidia recipes and her new line of sauces.  Also, the importance of food sustainability and organic farming.

In the premiere episode of the Goodtaste for the Soul podcast, Emmy award winning journalist Tanji Patton interviews Goya Foods CEO and Pres. Bob Unanue. 

Fate, luck or divine intervention - you be the judge as we hear an incredible story of how the use of one little word—blessed—launched an inspiring mission to get rosaries from Texas to the families fleeing the war in Ukraine.  One person truly can make a difference.