Get Your Bánh Mì On!

Bánh mì! Where had you been all my life? As much of a sandwich lover as I am, it’s surprising that I’d never heard of bánh mì (pronounced bun me) until a few years ago. Though specific ingredients can vary, this Vietnamese sandwich is typically made with grilled meat or tofu, cucumber, jalapeño, cilantro, pickled carrots, daikon radish, and a spread such as aioli or … Continue reading Get Your Bánh Mì On!

How to Stop Cheese Sauces from Breaking Your Heart

In theory, it seems as though cream sauces should be a snap, right? If you heat cream, which is a liquid, and add cheese, which melts with heat, the result should be a happy, easy peasy, yummy swim of delight for your pasta, right? Well, of course, anyone who’s tried cheese sauces knows that it’s just not that simple. There’s that moment when you think … Continue reading How to Stop Cheese Sauces from Breaking Your Heart

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

I’m just recently back from a first-time ever visit to Vancouver, and must say that the city and citizenry deserve high marks. A lot of tasty treats to be had, and thankfully downtown and nearby areas are very pedestrian-friendly as well so we could walk off all (well, some of) the yummy calories. Particularly memorable dishes ran the gamut from Chinese, to Moroccan, to locally … Continue reading “Forks in the Road”: From Vancouver with love to Poutine and Saumon Fume

“Forks in the Road”: Chicken Fried Bacon? Oh yes we did San Francisco!

It all started so innocently. I got an assignment to do a short article on pairing wine with bacon. Since the tasting room staff at Hope Family Wines (HFW) here in Paso Robles had been doing such an event for the past two years for Harvest Wine Weekend, I was asked to interview them. Seriously? I’m being asked to sit and catch up with some … Continue reading “Forks in the Road”: Chicken Fried Bacon? Oh yes we did San Francisco!

Antioxidant Mixology

  Well, it’s Fourth of July, so the watermelon recipes are flying! I must admit though, that the ones that have been catching my eye are for adult beverages like a basil watermelon cooler with vodka and a watermelon tequila cocktail aptly dubbed “The Party Starter.” (Nix the simple syrups though – the watermelon is so sweet on its own you really don’t need more … Continue reading Antioxidant Mixology