Author Archives: Robert

I have a long-overdue apology to make. In the early days of my writing career I used a lot of column inches making fun of my wife’s cooking. We were newlyweds and she was learning her way around the kitchen. I was thinking about how she used to cook the other day as she wasContinue reading “An Overdue Apology”

It’s graduation season. But in 2020 there will be no commencement ceremonies, no caps, no gowns, no cords, and no commencement addresses. The world might be a little better off for the lack of the latter, as I am not sure anyone ever remembers what was said during their commencement ceremonies. When my two childrenContinue reading “To the Mississippi Graduates of 2020”

Critical times inspire creative methods. In the early days of this shelter-in-place, my wife, 22-year old daughter, 18-year old son, a friend who is temporarily bunking in our garage apartment, and I were cooking typical stay-at home meals— chicken pot pie, steaks on the grill, burgers, sandwiches, and several different casseroles. The only one ofContinue reading “Shut-In Shindigs”

A couple of decades ago, an editor at one of my newspapers called and said, “Robert, we need to work on your opening sentences and your opening paragraphs.” I think what he was really wanting to say was, “Robert, we need to work on all of your writing from the opening sentence to the closingContinue reading “When It Rains It Pours”

If there is one thing that defines my family’s current situation in the middle of this global pandemic, it’s togetherness. My wife, 22-year old daughter, and 18-year old son have spent more quality time together than we have since 2011, when the four of us crammed into a Volvo in Sweden and spent the nextContinue reading “Grilling Lessons”

Hearts of Palm and Artichoke Salad Salad Dressing: 1 Tbl dijon mustard 1 tsp sugar 1 Tbl shallots, minced 3 Tbl balsamic vinegar 1/4  cup cottonseed oil 1/2 cup virgin olive oil 1 Tsp fresh black pepper 1 Tsp kosher salt 1 Tbl fresh basil 1 cup tomato, finely diced Place all ingredients into aContinue reading “Your Easter Lunch 2020”

In the 20-plus years I have written this weekly column I have covered all manner of topics. In the early days many of the subjects and themes were awkward and silly as it took a few years to find my voice. I write a lot about food and the food business and try my bestContinue reading “Leadership In Crisis”

This weekend a friend asked me, “How’s it going?” I said, “I’m walking around Home Depot with gloves on. That’s how it’s going.” I didn’t mention that minutes earlier I was outside in the parking lot waiting in the appropriately spaced social-distancing queue while waiting for the correct number of people to exit the storeContinue reading “Freezer Sandwiches and Football”

There is a routine I have followed for the last 20-plus years I have written this weekly column. On Monday mornings I get to my office early and start fleshing out a thought or an idea for a column. Within a few hours, I put the finishing touches on it, add a recipe, an associatedContinue reading “Our Current Coronavirus Reality”