Chicago Style Pizza
I love Chicago-style pizza and I have tried many different pies over the years. Whenever I’m eating out and see this pizza on a menu I always have to try it. Sometimes, people refer to this as “deep dish” pizza. But the true “Chicago-style” pizza is different than most other pies. The dough is cooked…
Guacamole
Guacamole originated with the Aztecs in Mexico in the 16th century and is considered one of Mexico’s best known sauces, some say its most popular sauce. I would question that, however, since salsa in its many varieties is prevalent in all Mexican restaurants, both in Mexico and the U.S. Guacamole is most popular in the…
George Inlet Lodge Crab Feast
The George Inlet Lodge Crab Feast in Ketchikan, Alaska was an amazing tour which ended with one of the most memorable meals I’ve ever had. While on a cruise to Alaska’s Inside Passage and Glacier Bay National Park, we chose a shore excursion at our port stop in Ketchikan because (1) it involved a trip…
Citrus Braised Pork Tacos
Something magical happens to this pork when you marinate it in fresh citrus marinade, and then braise it for hours in the marinade and allow the fat to render down into the pork. I love serving this pork for large groups. I set up a taco bar with all the traditional toppings (cheese, salsa, lettuce,…
Caribbean Blend
The Caribbean Blend Beach Bar & Restaurant on the half-French half-Dutch island of St. Maarten was a great find that we almost missed. We were on a Caribbean cruise that had a port call on this island. We have been there many times and have always searched out one of their amazing beaches (Baie Rouge…
Don Antonio
I recently had what I think was the greatest pizza of my life in New York City. This discovery happened at Don Antonio’s at 309 West 50th Street between 8th & 9th Avenues. I learned about it when I watched an episode on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” called “Keepin’ It Real”. It featured…
Salsa Verde
You will find bright green salsa verde in almost all Mexican restaurants. It’s sometimes served with your starter basket of tortilla chips or at least it’s out on the condiment table along with the hotter red chile sauce and the fresh tomato salsa. Salsa verde is the one that most Americans never even try when…
Mandarin Orange Salad
I really enjoy this mandarin orange salad. It is very light and refreshing. I love the unique combination of the sweetness of the fruit and vinaigrette, the spicy sharpness of the onion, the creaminess of the goat cheese, and the crunch of the sunflower seeds. This recipe is based on a salad that I was…
Tomato Sauce
I have come up with a really simple, but flavorful tomato sauce recipe that was inspired by celebrity Chef Scott Conant. I watched an episode of “The Best Thing I Ever Ate” on the Food Network that focused on sauces. Ted Allen said that the best spaghetti and sauce he ever ate was from Scott…
Roasted Almond Butter
Roasted almond butter is fast becoming one of my favorite nut butters. It is packed with an intense roasted aroma, but its flavor is rich and delicate. It’s great on toast or crackers with a touch of honey. I think, however, that the roasted almond flavor can be overpowered if you put too much fruit…
