Family
Highland Christmas
Nothing like being taken out of your element, both geographically and culinarily, to learn a bit about yourself.
Extra Terrestrial Life and Busty Waitresses
A tribute to a mentor and friend, Bud Sweitzer.
Dad
He was the instigator for all of this.
Dad 2
Parents, for most of us, are "on loan" and not something we get to keep forever.
Ex-mas -
My first Christmas alone in 10 years, and all the things I didn't miss.
Humble Holiday Traditions
A modest upbringing made for modest, but no less memorable, holiday traditions.
Restaurants
Stars
Reviewing a restaurant was once a specialty profession by a cultured and experienced few. Now, anyone with an email address is an expert.
The Hooks
The not-quite-ubiquitous tools of any counter seating, and the stories they can tell.
When a Superhero Disappoints
A few celebrity chefs fare well when the expand their empire; others... don't.
Check, Please
The most delicate part of the dining process is also the least elegant.
Strategy for a menu
A good menu can be a challenging collection of temptations; here's how I approach such a menu.
Mind over Matter
Many of us think of ourselves as culinarily “curious” and sometimes, that comes back to bite us.
Fire Alarms and Wide-spread Calm
People probably don't think of themselves as being huddled over a "kill" while dining, but a crisis can demonstrate how close we remain to the animals.
“CLOSED FOR PRIVATE PARTY”
From a business standpoint, I understand closing for a private party. However, it forces me to try other restaurants...
Guess What You’re Having for Dinner
A menu, in my mind, should inform and invite, not confuse and intimidate.
Steakhouse Hell
The trend toward every high-end restaurant being at least part “steakhouse” seems here to stay.
Table or “belly-up”?
While we may not choose to dine alone, there are times when it is necessary and it allows a slightly different approach to dining.
Pepper Grinder Nation
Somewhere along the way, steakhouses decided we needed to eat more meat and everything else was scaled up.
Cooking
Outdoor Season * - Something mag
"Us" vs. "Them"*
Dressing the part... *
New Year, More Resolution*
Cast-Iron*
All-Clad - Beauty and Brains *
No subtitute for experience *
Pacific : Gas or Electric?*
Where have all the Caesars gone? *
"Add pasta." Okay, when? *
Travel
A return to New York
Road Warrior 2 - A return to business travel
Here, taste this (Business travel dining)
Cocktails
Death of the Martini?
Death of the Martini? Part 2 - The Dirty Secret
Speakeasy Culture
The Subtleties of Clear Ice
The Green Fairy
The Road Less Taveled
Commentary
False Prophets
Food's other roles
The word you're looking for is "hungry".
What are THEY having?
Quick Food or Fast Food?
One
Inspiration
Supper Bowl
Snake Oil, Part 2 - Unfiltered
Bucks Stops Here
The Second Level of Molecular Gastronomy - The Why
The First Level of Molecular Gastronomy
Vegan Sex?
Food World Glitteratti Ripping Me Off?
Star. Bucks. See?
Ingredients
Shark Fin Soup
Extra-Virgin Snake Oil
Obsolete
"American" Cheese
Still, Sparkling, or Tap?
The Trouble with Truffles
Abalone > How did I miss that?
Farmer's Market, or Buyer's Market?