Stephanie March Tradition hasn’t rooted so firmly in my kitchen that I cook the Thanksgiving meal every year. Sometimes I am a guest at the feast, like the mjority of people, an eater. It’s a beautiful thing, for a cook to be cooked for, and I never take that invitation lightly. It should be one of the … Read more
The bird is the word. We used to go to my aunt’s house in North Oaks for Thanksgiving. I clearly remember her perched on a chair next to the oven, heater and scotch in one hand, turkey baster in the other as she dutifully doused the bird every five minutes. From that chair she barked orders … Read more
It’s go time. It’s the opening of Feast Season, are you ready? This is the week that my head starts spinning with potato options and I rip through the internet trying to find the cranberry recipe that will outshine last year’s. Thank goodness one of my kitchen walls is made of slate, because it is now chalked over with lists … Read more
One of the toughest questions I’m asked is “What’s your favorite restaurant?” You might as well ask me which specific taste bud I prefer. Instead of a quick reference, this question begs a full discussion of the weather, the season, the time of day/night, what I’m wearing, who’s paying, etc. But that’s the thing about … Read more
Someone put a food curse on my house. I cooked like crap last week … Nothing lived up to expectation, mistakes were made at every turn, I threw my knife more than once into the wooden chopping block. Maybe it started with the Osso Buco my husband attempted last weekend. He had been craving the … Read more
I don’t really want to think about Christmas yet, I shun any holiday movies/songs until after Thanksgiving. I even direct my 4 year old to avert his gaze from the shiny shiny currently draped all over Target. And yet, I have to begin thinking of what I’m going to send as my "holiday card" because … Read more
First, it was Alice Waters who said NO to bottled water at Chez Panisse. Suddenly, something that seemed so lovely and useful (fresh, clean water wherever I go!) became downright evil, and almost … dirty. Fast Company’s piece outlined much of the concerns and issues held by conservationists. Restauranteurs have been stepping lightly it seems … Read more
Which camp are you in? A: Truffles are earthy little pungent gifts from the ground that should be prized and savored in a meaningful and creative dish. B: Truffles are overrated bits of hype that chefs use to glam their menus while hiding their technical failings. Honestly, sometimes I’m in both camps at the same … Read more
I’ve been thinking about the ride home, post dinner party. I think I’ve come up with the perfect parting gift. I imagine my guests, driving away after a full evening of good food and good wine, inevitably deconstructing the night and sort of relishing the fact that they won’t have to do dishes when they … Read more
This is the week to check out the Midtown Global Market … I know you’ve been meaning to get back there. Monday or Tuesday or Wednesday: Anyone can give out Snickers or Double Bubble, don’t you want to be the cool Halloween House that gives our Chupa Chups or Pocky sticks? Check out the global … Read more