A Recipe for Mexican Hot Chocolate with Rum

January 23, 2010
Thumbnail image for A Recipe for Mexican Hot Chocolate with Rum

When you miss a place that’s far away, sometimes the easiest way to go back is to eat something that reminds you of that spot. But what if the taste you long for requires ingredients that are out of season…

For the full story →

Service 101: Why Servers Don’t Get Any Respect

January 19, 2010
Thumbnail image for Service 101: Why Servers Don’t Get Any Respect

I respect restaurants. I respect people. So why is it that so many diners don’t respect me when I’m dressed in a waiter’s uniform?

The answer is simple: most customers don’t think service professionals merit their respect.

As a server and bartender,…

For the full story →

Club Med Food Blogger Camp Tips and Insights

January 15, 2010
Thumbnail image for Club Med Food Blogger Camp Tips and Insights

Thanks to a food writing scholarship and the generous support of friends, I am writing this post from Ixtapa, Mexico’s Club Med Food Blogger Camp. For one week, a small group of food bloggers gather together to enjoy the tropical…

For the full story →

Service 101: Restaurants Are Not Picnic Tables

January 11, 2010
Thumbnail image for Service 101: Restaurants Are Not Picnic Tables

Welcome to Service 101: a behind the scenes look at the food service industry. Today’s topic: restaurants as a business.

Lots of people pay for the luxury of eating out.  But how is it those very same diners don’t think of…

For the full story →

Classic Cocktails Revamped: The Ward 2010

January 4, 2010
Thumbnail image for Classic Cocktails Revamped: The Ward 2010

I got my start in the restaurant business as a bartender. I wasn’t an arm-garter wearing mixologist with killer technique. I was a girl behind the bar, the person in charge of the party, a smart ass and a fast…

For the full story →

Goodbye to the ‘Naughts

December 31, 2009
Thumbnail image for Goodbye to the ‘Naughts

This first decade of the new century has been a doozy. In just ten years, life stories have been written and re-written by time, chance, good fortune, and circumstance. These first ten years have been marked wonderful little moments, joyful…

For the full story →

New Year’s Culinary Tradition: Caviar

December 28, 2009
Thumbnail image for New Year’s Culinary Tradition: Caviar

Culinary traditions are handed down, borrowed and created.  I bake my grandmother’s Finnish Nisu (cardamom sweet bread) at Easter and Christmas. Favorite chefs and images like Norman Rockwell’s Thanksgiving influence my Thanksgiving day spread.  Now that I’m married and living…

For the full story →

Happy Holidays 2009

December 24, 2009

Thank you for such a wonderful year. Thank you for the inspiration, support, and kind words. Here’s to more great meals with loved ones, and spreading more love in the world.

All the best to you and the loved ones in…

For the full story →

Perfect Poached Eggs with Sautéed Kale and Toast

December 23, 2009
Thumbnail image for Perfect Poached Eggs with Sautéed Kale and Toast

You may not know this, but I run a very successful restaurant. Thing is, this restaurant isn’t one you’ve ever heard of, or even seen, because it doesn’t exist anywhere but in an undisclosed spot in my imagination.

My fantasy restaurant…

For the full story →

Delicata Squash with Browned Butter and Sage Recipe

December 21, 2009
Thumbnail image for Delicata Squash with Browned Butter and Sage Recipe

One of the best things about being a gastronome and a restaurant professional at an award winning restaurant is that my work environment is a constant source of inspiration. Some of the dishes we serve at the Osteria are incredibly complicated…

For the full story →

← Previous Entries

Next Entries →