Good Taste is the Worst Vice

My mom’s chicken stew

Whenever my mother visits, I ask her to make chicken stew.  It's filled with vegetables, nutritious as well as delicious - the food equivalent of a hug.  And it freezes beautifully in individual portions, ready for me to heat up on chilly evenings when I'm hungry and facing an empty ... continue reading...


Crêpes Suzette à la Jen

Tonight, D suggested that we head to RL for some crêpes Suzette, but I didn't want to deal with the Saturday night crowds.  So that's how I ended up making crepes Suzette - or at least, my version of it - for the first time. For the crepes, I whisked together milk, flour, an egg, and a few more ... continue reading...


Twenty First Century Limited: EMP at Alinea

What do you get when you put two Michelin three star restaurants together?  According to Grant Achatz, the answer is six stars - and a truly unique experience. There's a close relationship between Alinea and Eleven Madison Park, and between Chefs Achatz and Humm - as evidenced by prior ... continue reading...


Celebrating at L2O

It's become a tradition for us to celebrate D's birthday at L2O - certainly no hardship for me!   I was particularly excited about this most recent visit, since I've been following Chef Matthew Kirkey's latest kitchen project - a tank system split into Pacific and Atlantic sections - on ... continue reading...


Chocolate rum cake

When I was growing up, my mother always used to make this cake for special occasions. It's four layers of chocolate, with rum custard filling and a thick layer of whipped chocolate frosting - rather impressive to look at, as homemade cakes go, and also wonderful to eat. Over the years, I've ... continue reading...


Zahav, Philadelphia

Did you know that Israel produces very good Syrah?  I certainly didn't, until our recent dinner at Zahav, in Philly.  And honestly, I didn't know much about Israeli food, either. But now I know that I like both... a lot.  I can still taste the spectacular leftover lamb shoulder and ... continue reading...


Hop Sing Laundromat (and Penang), Philadelphia

I've developed quite an interest in cocktails thanks to my many visits to the Aviary and the Office (or is it the other way around - the old chicken-and-the-egg problem?).   I'll admit I was a little nervous about our visit to Hop Sing Laundromat.  A few minutes online will turn up plenty ... continue reading...


Federal Donuts, Philadelphia

If Homer Simpson could imagine the ideal dining experience, I think he'd come up with Federal Donuts.  Yes, as the name suggests, there are donuts.  And around midday, the little shop starts serving fried chicken. D and I are back from a whirlwind weekend in Philadelphia, filled mostly ... continue reading...


Chez Panisse Cafe, Berkeley CA

If this were Jeopardy, the answer would be: Chez Panisse.  And the question: Where am I most likely to go for lunch in Berkeley? Chez Panisse is the grande dame of local, organic California cuisine - or perhaps that title better belongs to Alice Waters, who founded the restaurant ... continue reading...