Category Archives: Uncategorized

I eat out all of the time. One would think that a person who eats for a living might become jaded after a while. Restaurants come and go, trends fade, palates change, but good food is good food and I love the restaurant business. I enjoy the business behind the business and I certainly loveContinue reading “Babalu”

Food has constantly evolved over the history of man, from barbecued mastodon over a roaring campfire to seared grouper cheeks with a pomegranate puree, crispy sweetbreads, and a beetroot foam. Food has always been sustenance, but it has also been used for other purposes. Through the ages food has been used as a gift, aContinue reading “The Potato Gun”

Every December it has been customary for this column to publish an end-of-the-year list containing my favorite dining experiences that were enjoyed throughout the previous year. Typically, the list has been filled with restaurant meals enjoyed in Chicago, New York, San Francisco and the like. Sometimes the listings are white-tablecloth fine-dining establishments; sometimes I listContinue reading “Family Meals”

While thinking about the upcoming holidays, my thoughts turned to food. That should come as no surprise to people who know me, as my thoughts often turn to food. Just about everything in my life is associated with some type of cuisine. Granted, my everyday work life is filled with food, but just about everythingContinue reading “Holiday Food Icons”

I can’t remember the last time I had to skip a meal because I couldn’t afford to buy food. In my past there were times when I was counting-change-in-the-sofa-cushions broke, but even then, I don’t know if I was ever in a situation where I needed a meal and wasn’t able to feed myself. That’sContinue reading “The Extra Table Christmas Challenge”

There are many expressions that are associated with food. When one eats something that tastes good there is a distinct “tell” that even the most astute poker player would have trouble masking. It’s a facial expression that is impossible to hide. A perfectly seared Prime New York Strip steak– there’s a look for that. AnContinue reading “The Joy of Chocolate”

I know a man who never has to eat leftovers. He’s adamant about it, and his wife consents. He is a lucky man indeed. Though I have always suspected that after Thanksgiving he changes his philosophy, tiptoes into the kitchen while everyone is asleep, sneaks a few leftovers, and eats them by the light ofContinue reading “Thanksgiving Leftovers”

Throughout history there have been many epic battles— Concord, Waterloo, Gettysburg, Normandy, The Battle of the Bulge, The Thrilla in Manilla, and The Rumble in the Jungle On Thanksgiving Day at my home there will be another epic battle. This skirmish has been fought every year for the past 23 years. It’s a conflict notContinue reading “The Side Dish Scuffle”

“What is your most memorable meal?” Whether I am answering email, fielding questions after a speech, or just carrying on a conversation with someone, that is the question I am asked most often. It’s a hard question to answer, mainly because the reply changes so often. It’s not that I’m wishy-washy when it comes toContinue reading “Most Memorable Meals”