Recent Blogposts

The Bastardization of Birria – Braised Beef Tacos

The Bastardization of Birria – Braised Beef Tacos

I have to admit, I’ve never had birria, neither on a taco nor in a bowl. But the other day I saw a picture of a braised beef taco, and it looked tempting and delicious. I didn’t even know it was birria, but immediately I 

A Break From the Cold – Vietnamese-Inspired Chicken Lettuce Wraps

A Break From the Cold – Vietnamese-Inspired Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Think about winter food; root vegetables, hearty soups and stews, braised meats. All delicious, they warm the body as we face the chill of the season. They are heavy and satisfying, getting us through the darkest, coldest months of the year.     But sometimes 

Gardening Is a 12-Month-A-Year Sport

Gardening Is a 12-Month-A-Year Sport

While the height of gardening season is late spring through the end of summer, gardening is really a 12-month-a-year sport. Yes, summer tomatoes may be the star of the show for many gardeners, but there is bounty to be harvested virtually all year long if 

Doing Dishes – Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Doing Dishes – Baked Macaroni and Cheese

From a very young age, my siblings and I – three boys, about two years apart – were forced to do dishes. Our parents, in their great wisdom, told us the sprayer on the kitchen sink hose was broken. Perhaps they feared a flood or 

Appetizers of the Year – Ground, Spiced Lamb in Phyllo

Appetizers of the Year – Ground, Spiced Lamb in Phyllo

As Covid continues to surge for the second winter, we unfortunately don’t expect to see many friends this holiday season, at least not up close and personal. That means any big New Year’s Eve plans may have to be put on hold yet again. And 

The Caribbean Life – Grilled Calamari for Greek Salad

The Caribbean Life – Grilled Calamari for Greek Salad

When we lived on St. Thomas in the Caribbean for two years in the mid-1990s, our favorite restaurant was not a local West Indian joint, but a Greek restaurant with the unoriginal name: Zorba’s. Despite this, we loved local food. A hearty serving of Bull 

Spinach Salad with Roasted Squash, Toasted Walnuts, Watermelon Radish, and Pomegranate Seeds

Spinach Salad with Roasted Squash, Toasted Walnuts, Watermelon Radish, and Pomegranate Seeds

I have this weird thing about salads. I eat them for lunch practically every day at work, but I can’t seem to find one worthy of serving to guests. My weekday salads may be Greek or Asian-influenced, Italian-esque with Emilio’s dressing or Caesar; all perfectly 

The Forgotten Stepchild – Cranberry Chutney

The Forgotten Stepchild – Cranberry Chutney

At Thanksgiving, the cranberry sauce doesn’t get a whole lot of respect. It’s different than the show off roast turkey, the over-achieving first child of the holiday. Nor is it like mashed potatoes, so smooth, buttery, and creamy, the youngest child who gets away with 

The Angry Chef – Shiitake Mushrooms and Tofu in Wonton Cups

The Angry Chef – Shiitake Mushrooms and Tofu in Wonton Cups

My wife sometimes calls me the Angry Chef. I guess it’s a nickname well deserved, but only from my past. Our first apartment together, in the early days, was the entire second floor of an old Victorian house on Long Island. We had a small 

Early Thanksgiving, Outside Edition – Sweet Potato Pancakes with Maple Cream

Early Thanksgiving, Outside Edition – Sweet Potato Pancakes with Maple Cream

Traditions and celebrations with friends and family are important; they are the joyous events on the horizon to which we all look forward. As last year was devoid of many of these festive occasions, we weren’t going to let our annual Early Thanksgiving dinner with