Archive for May, 2010
Virginia Is Flexing Its Mussels
I have been lucky to have my aunt Polly to travel with; she has taken me along in her adventures from the Bahamas to Italy to some of my first trips to New York City. One early summer evening recently Polly took us to discover Occoquan, Virginia, a town south of Washington, DC. Once a […]
Central is “Capital”
Every now and then you stumble into an experience you couldn’t have expected. When we were in Washington D.C. this past week visiting my family we had a bunch of great meals. A Belgium place with my Aunt Polly in Virginia to just outstanding meals cooked at home. A day trip to the city happened […]
Mad About Mole!
In Chicago, Illinois, Rick Bayless’s restaurants Frontera Grill and Topolobampo serve the highest quality authentic Mexican food in the United States and have long been supporters of sustainability and local agriculture. I had the pleasure of working at these restaurants (they share a single kitchen), during my externship at CIA. My job during the six months […]
Enlightened Hospitality 101
Growing up in my house no one was ever left hungry. We always had a house full of food and the kitchen was–and is to this day–the center of the house. It wasn’t just my home either, it was my aunts’, uncle’, and grandparents’ houses too. At breakfast, we would sit together over anything from eggs […]
What’s Good About Meatloaf?
This American classic has unfortunately suffered from versions which may evoke memories that are less than desirable for the discerning cook. A good meatloaf will be still juicy when cooked, pleasantly textured, and well seasoned. It is served well hot from the oven with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables, and is equally as good the next day […]
WD-50: More than Molecular
Molecular gastronomy is the term commonly used to describe the food at WD-50 and other restaurants who use cutting edge techniques and ingredients combined with creative ideas to achieve flavors and textures of food that would otherwise not be possible. WD-50 in New York City is undoubtedly a leader in this field, but, during our […]
Red, White, and Blue Hill
Blue Hill, for me, began in my imagination. I was finishing school at CIA, it was summertime, and the Hudson Valley was at the height of it’s splendor. Cool breezes brushed the tall grasses sent ripples off the river which would shimmer brilliantly in the late afternoon sun. I was in love with the place and […]
Italian Fast Food, but Not So Fast
I am very lucky that my family and I were able to go on a trip to Italy together back in 2004. We traveled from Rome to Tuscany and along they way got to enjoy the countryside and some of the fast food offered at gas station convenient stores. I know from traveling as a […]