The Face (and Hands) of the Workforce

By Katy Budge (a version of this article originally appeared in the Winter 2023 issue of Edible San Luis Obispo) Success in the restaurant business has never been easy. Monetary concerns such as food costs, rents, and razor-slim profit margins were always tough. Post-pandemic, those issues have worsened. However, it’s the human element of the business that’s proving particularly tough to stitch back together. Fielding … Continue reading The Face (and Hands) of the Workforce

From the Archives … A Tale of Tiffins: One Person’s Doggie Bag is Another City’s Lunch Box

I reposted this in 2019 after the then-new California state law allowing customers to bring their own takeout containers for restaurant leftovers, which I’d been doing this for years thanks to my tiffins! In light of all the discussion about food waste and keeping things out of landfills, it seemed a good time to reach into the archives again. I’ve updated the purchase information below, so … Continue reading From the Archives … A Tale of Tiffins: One Person’s Doggie Bag is Another City’s Lunch Box

From the Archives – “Forks in the Road”: From Vancouver with love to Poutine and Saumon Fume

Since I’m in the midst of World Cup fever, this archive dive seemed appropriate. It’s a post I wrote after visiting Vancouver in 2012 to watch the US Women’s team qualify for the Olympics. This is one of the “Forks in the Road” pieces about my traveling culinary finds. If you’re planning an upcoming trip, check that page to see if I’ve covered anywhere you … Continue reading From the Archives – “Forks in the Road”: From Vancouver with love to Poutine and Saumon Fume

Forks in the Road: Calistoga & St. Helena

Text and Photos By Katy Budge Heading to the Calistoga/St. Helena area? Here’s a quick look at what I discovered on a recent trip. (It was a pleasant surprise to find out that the immediate area had been spared fire damage, by the way. However, north of town towards Santa Rosa was described as an absolute disaster area, and we chose not to make the … Continue reading Forks in the Road: Calistoga & St. Helena

Finally went to Chez Panisse, the genesis of farm-to-table cuisine.

Forks in the Road: Some San Francisco Culinary Icons … Finally!

In all the yummy trips I’ve been lucky enough to make to San Francisco, there were still some glaring omissions in my “been there, done that” list. Until recently. During my last trip, I got to sample some long awaited delights, and I’m happy to say that none of them disappointed. Chez Panisse Yes. I know. Sacrilege that I had never crossed knife and fork … Continue reading Forks in the Road: Some San Francisco Culinary Icons … Finally!

“Forks in the Road”: 60 Candles, 7 States, 4 National Parks, 3 Weeks

Last September, a milestone birthday (not mine – I’m still in some “mid years”) hatched the idea for a fabulous whirlwind adventure through the beautiful West. The secondary goal of the journey was to visit some national parks (Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons and Lake Mead thrown in for good measure) in a new trailer. But of course, there was a lot of eating and drinking … Continue reading “Forks in the Road”: 60 Candles, 7 States, 4 National Parks, 3 Weeks

“Forks in the Road”: Healdsburg Highlights

Had never been to Healdsburg, so headed up with the pups for a mid-week February jaunt. (Yes, I’ve been remiss in posting this … hopefully better late than never.) It’s a charming town a lot like Paso Robles – a main square, lots of good restaurants, in the middle of wine country. No wine tasting this trip though, but maybe next time! L&M Motel – Wonderful … Continue reading “Forks in the Road”: Healdsburg Highlights

“Forks in the Road”: Sippin’ and Snackin’ in San Diego

Another tasty, fun-filled jaunt — this time to San Diego! It was a jam-packed trip that included visits to 11 breweries/taprooms, and that just scratched the surface of the local beer scene. The beers certainly did not disappoint. All were really good, and the only ones I didn’t much like were just styles of beer that aren’t my favorite. Arguably the U.S. capital of craft … Continue reading “Forks in the Road”: Sippin’ and Snackin’ in San Diego

A Line on Sustainable Seafood in Morro Bay

The original version of this article appeared in my “Local Flavors” column in the Tribune newspaper on April 9, 2015. In light of what recently happened with the West Coast sardine fishery (closed because the population has crashed), this is a look at a fishery that not only came back, but is now rated sustainable by Seafood Watch and the Marine Stewardship Council. This article … Continue reading A Line on Sustainable Seafood in Morro Bay

“Forks in the Road”: San Francisco Treats

Whenever I go to a city, my cultural exploration always revolves around food, and recently I got to indulge that passion in San Francisco. There’s always a theme when my besties and I go out and about in this wonderful city (this time it revolved around SF Beer Week), but a continually underlying theme is also “old school” spots, especially those on the SF Heritage … Continue reading “Forks in the Road”: San Francisco Treats