A Toast to Bourdain + Wings Worth Traveling For

June 25, 2025

This week, I’m pausing to honor someone who shaped how many of us see food, not just as something to cook or eat, but as a language.

Anthony Bourdain would have turned 68 on June 25. And no matter how many years go by, it still hurts. Because long before chef titles and TV fame, he was a storyteller who chose to experience the world by being part of it. He didn’t try to change cultures. He showed up, listened, and shared a seat at the table.

That’s the energy I’m channeling into this week’s newsletter: curiosity, culture, and flavor without boundaries.

Let’s cook something bold,
Chef Maika
Just Maika Cooking
https://www.justmaikacooking.com/

"If I’m an advocate for anything, it’s to move. As far as you can, as much as you can. Across the ocean, or simply across the river. The extent to which you can walk in someone else’s shoes, or at least eat their food, it’s a plus for everybody."

Anthony Bourdain · Chef, Author & Journalist

International Chicken Wing Day is July 1st!

Celebrate with bold, finger-licking flavors from all over the world: air-fried, glazed, sticky, or spicy, there’s a wing for every craving.

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Prime Day Is Coming! Here’s Why You’ll Want In

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Here’s why I recommend Prime for every home chef:

Fast, free delivery on everything from meat thermometers to meal prep containers
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Prime Video cooking shows and food docs (perfect for culinary inspo!)
Try Before You Buy on kitchen tools, cookbooks, and more
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I always take advantage of Prime Day to refresh my kitchen tools, upgrade gear, and grab backups of my everyday favorites (like food-safe gloves, spice jars, or a backup thermometer).

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Videos of the Week

Chili Momo Video (New!)

How-to Chicken Prep Series

Food Safety 101

Understand how to keep your kitchen and leftovers safe, especially in summer heat. Download your free printable too!

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Kitchen Hack of the Week

You might be storing your spices wrong. Here’s how to stop wasting flavor. Plus a free printout.

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Recipes of the Week

Mango Coconut Felato – Ninja Creami Treat

Creamy, fruity, and dairy-free—your new summer obsession.

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Citrus Herb Seasoning Blend (Salt-Free)

Perfect for summer grilling—rub it on chicken, fish, or veggies.

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Spread the Flavor

This is what I love to see! Shout-out to Penny from Florida! She made the Calabrian Lemon Yogurt Baked Chicken Thighs with Vegetables for her family of four!

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Forward this email to a friend who loves bold flavor, cultural food stories, and kitchen confidence. Tag @justmaikacooking on Instagram with what you’re cooking this week, we’d love to feature you next!

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