Last weekend while driving up to CT for my mom's birthday with my brother, I came upon a familiar voice on the radio and it was none other than my friend Niki Russ Federman of Russ & Daughters, my favorite LES haunt for herring and other fishy smoked delicacies. I adore Niki. Always all smiles, she makes sure to chat with her legendary diehard customers (some who have been frequenting the neighborhood staple since her great-grandfather Joel Russ first opened it in 1914) even during the biggest rush of Thanksgiving orders.

Talking on the WNYC/PRI program, Studio 360, Niki recalled her hesitations getting into a family business of such notoriety and smell, and also having to forgo her college ambitions. She also talked about her friend and long-time customer John Zorn playing at her wedding. I don't want to spoil it for you. You should give it a listen -- it's short and sweet. And it sure made for a nice drive.