Jun 29, 2009 -
Since the Summer is in full swing, I want to know about your preferred seaside bites. My absolute all-time favorite things to eat at the beach are fresh grilled sardines. The crisp-skinned, salty kind they serve on the playas of Southern Spain are the best.
- 10 Comments
Jun 18, 2009 -
The other day, Party asked me how I feel about eating foods that I can't identify. Since I've often found myself at food events that serve an overwhelming number of complicated bites, I do it all the time. But despite the fact that I've eaten lots of random (and unidentified) foods, there are still scores of foods I've always wanted to try but have never gotten around to sampling.
- 31 Comments
Jun 10, 2009 -
When I chatted weddings with Gail Simmons a couple of weeks ago, she shared her tips for hosting an eco-friendly big day and let me know her wedding pet peeves. "When the wedding doesn't reflect the personality of the couple, that really bugs me." Also on her list: a menu that lacks creativity, and dessert buffets.
- 60 Comments
Jun 01, 2009 -
Last week the San Francisco Chronicle ran an interesting article that discusses the role of music in the commercial kitchen and features the favored playlists of several Bay Area chefs. With so much time spent prepping, it's no surprise that "music cuts through the monotony of the day," according to one chef. Although cooking at home is very different from being in a restaurant kitchen, I too enjoy listening to some groovy tunes.
- 23 Comments
May 25, 2009 -
Recently, I took you with me to Sam's Chowder House in Half Moon Bay, CA, a restaurant with a great view of the Pacific Ocean. I've always been a fan of restaurants that offer views of something other than the parking lot or the dry cleaners across the street — although, of course, it's also important that the establishment keeps it focus on the food, too.
In addition to Sam's, I also happen to love the sweeping bay windows that overlook Ocean Beach (and the Pacific) at The Beach Chalet.
- 24 Comments
May 21, 2009 -
Thanks to an article that names the top 25 pizzerias in the United States, the food world has been obsessed with pizza this week. Alan Richman of GQ even believes that pizza is more American than it is Italian. He says,"pizza isn’t as fundamental to Italy as it is to America.
- 47 Comments
May 18, 2009 -
Garlic bread is one of my all time favorite foods. I love the crisp crunch of the toasted bread smothered with tangy garlic. When I make garlic bread I don't have a set recipe that I follow; I usually just use what I have on hand.
- 22 Comments
May 11, 2009 -
With so many cocktails, beers, and varieties of wine to choose from, it's good to have one standby drink you don't have to think about. Something that every restaurant stocks or every bartender knows how to make — your signature drink, if you will.
That way, if you're feeling undecided, you can just sidle up to the bar and shout your usual order.
- 56 Comments
May 04, 2009 -
When I was younger, every time we would go out to eat, I desperately wanted to dine at Fresh Choice. I loved having total control of my meal at the self-service restaurant. I chose the ingredients that went into my salad and selected what kind of soup to slurp.
- 51 Comments
Apr 27, 2009 -
From the time I first laid eyes on Dr Pepper-filled bubble gum decades ago, I've been a sucker for trying new chewing gum flavors. Although I've tried everything from Orbit Maui Melon Mint to Trident Splash Apple With Raspberry, I ultimately return to the tried-and-true Trident Original Flavor. It's always soft, and has the perfect amount of freshness without overpowering my tongue.
- 40 Comments
