A Conversation with W.Va. Chef-Journalist Mike Costello

On this West Virginia Morning, West Virginia chef-journalist Mike Costello appeared on CNN’s Parts Unknown. Costello talks about that experience, plus what he’s working on for 100 Days in Appalachia. Also, in this episode, we hear about a multi-state outbreak of Hepatitis A infections in the Ohio Valley  linked to the region’s addiction crisis.

Health officials in the Ohio Valley are dealing with a multi-state, regional outbreak of Hepatitis A infections, with nearly 500 cases in four states. As part of the Ohio Valley ReSource series, “Rural Risk,” Mary Meehan reports this outbreak is the latest public health threat linked to the region’s addiction crisis.

The Ohio Valley ReSource is made possible by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

Chef Mike Costello has become known in the region as a storyteller and champion of authentic Appalachian cuisine. He’s also a journalist and photographer who is working with 100 Days in Appalachia to tell the stories of West Virginia’s food culture.

When CNN’s Anthony Bordain brought his “Parts Unknown” film crew to West Virginia in September, Costello’s farm in Lost Creek was one of their stops. The new season of “Parts Unknown” began last night with a special focus on West Virginia. Jesse Wright spoke with Costello about appearing on national television and what he’s cooking up next for 100 Days in Appalachia.

You can find more about Costello’s work online at 100daysinappalachia.com.

West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.

Support for our news bureaus comes from West Virginia University, Concord University, and Shepherd University.

Our producer is Glynis Board.