Category Archives: Uncategorized

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”

The old adage states there are two things that are certain in life, death and taxes. In the South, the certainty goes a step further. If there is a death, there will be food, and lots of it. Southern ladies band together when there is a casualty among the ranks. The casserole committee goes onContinue reading “Funeral Genes”

As of today, I am a little over three weeks removed from a tortuous month of veganism. I chose the month of September to endure that particular dietary agony for two reasons: 1.) It’s a month with only 30 days 2.) Halloween is in October Even at 49 years old, I associate Halloween with chocolate.Continue reading “Happy Halloween— Now Go Stick Your Head in That Bucket”

“My employees almost blew up a wedding.” That was my response when someone asked me about my brief stint in the catering business. I’m not talking about “blew up” in the sense that we almost “blew it” by losing a layer off of the groom’s cake. No. We almost annihilated the entire house and theContinue reading “Nuclear Nuptials”

Women are beginning to lead the way in the culinary world. It all started with Julia Child. When she came along, only male chefs were considered “legitimate” in an upscale professional kitchen. Alice Waters, of Chez Panisse in Berkley, took it a step further bringing local cuisine to the forefront. My favorite restaurants in otherContinue reading “The Grande Dames”