For an east coast urban girl, I've been fortunate to spend a significant amount of time in vineyards throughout California, New York, and Italy (and there are still so many more to see!). As I prepare to teach the first of four wine classes over the next several days, I am thinking about the upcomingContinue reading "Vineyards I Miss"
Chef’s Night Off – Sardines?
When I was a kid, the older grown-ups (the ones that still spoke Italian at home) considered sardines a special treat that they would relish when we kids weren't around to make faces and sounds of disgust for the oily, strong smelling delicacies. Now, sardines, like so many of the treats the older generation heldContinue reading "Chef’s Night Off – Sardines?"
Two Rainy Nights in NYC
The weather this past week has been less than attractive - but that hasn't stopped my fellow wanderers and I - nor does it mean that Mother Nature hasn't been putting on quite a show... A few days ago, I met up with an old friend from the west coast (sounds like the beginning ofContinue reading "Two Rainy Nights in NYC"
Fish Tacos and Jalepeno Margaritas
Before we left for our California vacation, my sister and brother-in-law had a little dinner party to try out a couple of new recipes. The meal was such a success that we repeated it with the rest of our family, poolside, in the hills above Napa. In preparation, my sister infused a bottle of PatronContinue reading "Fish Tacos and Jalepeno Margaritas"
Where I Wish I Was Right Now…
Just got an email from my father with pictures of him taking the first swim in their recently renovated pool, behind the villa they have been renovating. It's over 100 degrees in the province of Roma right now... perfect for a swim and al fresco dinner in the olive grove with my family. A girl canContinue reading "Where I Wish I Was Right Now…"
Chef’s Night Off – Ibiza Anyone?
Personally, I've never been to Ibiza before - Not for lack of desire, the opportunity has just not presented itself yet. In the meantime, I enjoy the treats my sister brings back for me from her annual trip there with her friends. Today was particularlly challenging for a Monday, and it's in the 90s and humidContinue reading "Chef’s Night Off – Ibiza Anyone?"
Summer Pasta
Before summer is over (technically only a few more weeks), I wanted to share my favorite summer meal... made it tonight and it reminded me of my most recent trip to Napa. The majority of my vacation in the Bay Area was spent with my family at a friend's home in the hills above Napa.Continue reading "Summer Pasta"
Where Chefs Eat – Fatty Crab
I can't believe what I've been missing all this time! If I had only known the wonders that are Fatty Crab... but now I know and I'm so much happier for it. Four of us (mostly chefs) descended on the comfy neighborhood joint, hungry, hot and thirsty. First of all, the place is not whatContinue reading "Where Chefs Eat – Fatty Crab"