After twelve happy years in Oxford, the happy year I spent in Cambridge was a far greater culture shock than (several years later) coming to Minnesota. The first thing I learned was that in Cambridge, it is not polite to be rude to people. If you say, “I read your book; what a lot of … Read more
Just beyond the Hong Kong harbor lies Lamma Island, a small, quiet isle with small, hidden beaches and, during the time my husband and I visited, a remarkable butterfly population. After exploring the green surroundings, we sat down at a bar overlooking the water. What I remember most about that hot September day nearly six … Read more
Let’s eat y’all! I don’t think it’s cheating to call in some girlfriends to help with Thanksgiving. Just because those girlfriends happen to be professional caterers is neither here, nor there. The Chowgirls are a sassy couple of caterers who succeed at kicky, yummy food while caring about local farms and ingredients. They have a … Read more
So….the New York trip was fun. The marathon was super cool, basically it was a mass of humanity moving in one direction. Telepan was by far the best service, our server was invisible yet attentive. He helped us pair the best flavors for our tasting menu choices, but never over-asserted himself. Top bite was a … Read more
juggling, juggling, juggling … Did you hear the news about Five Restaurant? Chef Stuart Woodman, the one who was recently named a Best New Chef by Food & Wine, was asked to leave his restaurant by his partners. This was supposed to be the best new restaurant in the state, an epiphany of foodie dining. … Read more
the first order of business in nyc… I’m headed to New York this weekend for the marathon. No, not running, cheerleading. One of my Girls and her future sister-in-law will be huffin’and puffin’ while I, and the rest of the gang, stuff our faces with lox and try to find them in the crowd. It’s … Read more
Sausage Sausage Sisters! I know how you love them at the Mpls Farmers Market, with their cute little hats and funky sausage treats. Well, now that the market is over you can still get your sistah fix. First of all, they’re having a Sausage Garage Sale (which sounds kinda funkish, but they are professionals) on … Read more
My 16-year-old daughter has a new interest in The Ramones and The Clash. She also has a huge Ferris Bueller poster in her room. It’s odd when the things of your past become the fascination of a new generation. I’m just glad she can’t get a hold of most of the food I ate in … Read more
just a few bites of info… Did you see our local pals from the Oceanaire Seafood Room mentioned in the New York Times article about the sudden proliferation of $40 entrees? The star of the article is a 1 3/4 ounce lobster dish from The Modern in NYC. It is priced at $42. When you … Read more
Can we, just for a second, try to understand what Tyler Florence is doing with Applebee’s? He’s created four dishes that they’ve themed “Huge Flavor” by Tyler Florence. On the website they show him shopping at a market and chopping tomatoes (with an Applebee’s embossed knife) before he gently slices through the fresh mozzarella that … Read more