people to see

its not behind their back; its on the world wide web.

Dario the Butcher (and me!)

06/08/2010 | 5 Comments | Topics: people to see, places to go

Yeah, you heard me: DARIO. As in D-A-R-I-O of Panzano, Italy. Did you read HEAT? Mario Batali’s book? Its bright yellow and exposes the underbelly of restaurant kitchens—trust me, you would remember it if you read it. Anyway… ‘Dario the Butcher’ is in the book, he was a main cast member who influenced and trained Mario. And I went to see him. I saw his butcher shop and… [more]

sliding around the web.

04/14/2010 | 4 Comments | Topics: people to see

I have been spending time on a tomato peel—sliding around the web (I hope you just pictured one of those carnival slides—where you would sit on a burlap bag, and slide down rolling humps and your stomach would flop? Remember that feeling?). And while sliding around might be messy and a bit out of control—it can be a real hoot! And I usually find some great blogs, new friends… [more]

Gina and Gina

04/08/2010 | 6 Comments | Topics: kitchen tips, people to see

You may not know that my ‘Italian’ name is Gina. There is no exact translation for ‘Janelle’ so one day mio marito (my husband) slid in the name ‘Gina’ when an Italian was having difficulty pronouncing ‘Janelle.’ It stuck. It became easier to introduce myself as Gina… and really a hoot to adopt a new ‘nickname’ at this point in the game (never mind the childhood nicknames, right?). Actually, [more]

Californian Cuisine

05/12/2009 | 1 Comment | Topics: culinary school, people to see, places to go

For class, we would often do culinary summaries of various regions around the U.S. I enjoyed learning about various individuals who made significant contributions in the evolution of Californian cuisine. It is a huge, wonderfully productive state, famous for their fusion, fresh and locally farmed foods in addition to their international success in the wine industry (see the movie Bottle Shock—it’s great). Here was my summary: California produces more… [more]

Aunt Vicki's Cheese Ball Appetizer

01/16/2009 | 4 Comments | Topics: holidays, people to see, starters

If you know Aunt Vicki—or are my extended family— then you know exactly what cheese ball I am talking about. We grew up with this appetizer at holiday after holiday party. Christmas primarily. It was its own icon; Aunt Vicki would show up looking splendid, out dressing us all (some have it, some don’t…. she does), and with her came THE cheese ball appetizer. Now when I was 6 or… [more]

sledding in winter—and sipping summer

01/12/2009 | 1 Comment | Topics: libations, people to see

The holidays wouldn’t be the holidays without cocktails. And it had been awhile since I flirted with flavors and mixed up new concoctions. And to be fair, this one isn’t exactly new. Think of it as upgraded for the new year. We were fortunate enough to spend some time with great friends over the break: friends that are family. And thanks to Ericka, I had moments in these last few… [more]

for my children: cheese tasting

04/15/2008 | 11 Comments | Topics: food spotlight, food., people to see

I am a huge advocate of getting my children to try new foods. What I mean to say is, I believe our palates evolve (or so I tell my kids). When I was a kid I wasn’t a big fan of tomatoes and avocados (to name 2 of at least 300), but now I adore them. Does your child eat roasted onions or olives, goat cheese or brussel sprouts?… [more]

good soup. of the pumpkin ginger variety.

02/17/2008 | 18 Comments | Topics: food., people to see, recipes, soups

I love good soups. When a good soup meets my lips and warms my throat down to my belly, even my toes get a wiggle. This is a perfect time of year for soups; and for using my favorite kitchen tool: an immersion blender. You don’t need one for this soup, of course, but if you do then your kids will come running when you power it up: can… [more]

Green Pea Smashers

03/17/2007 | 6 Comments | Topics: food., people to see, vegetables

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! It can be fun to dress up humble smashed potatoes; the fun only increases if it is for a festive affair. To be totally Frank—or Patrick for today’s namesake—the reason I like these green smashers is because, well, they are better for you than when they aren’t green.The peas in this happy glop offer bites of freshness in the middle of creamy, homey bliss. My… [more]

Lemony Green Beans

12/20/2006 | 5 Comments | Topics: food., people to see, vegetables

Lemony Green Beans are the perfect blend of citrus, olive oil and kosher salt. When I named them Lemony Green Beans all I could think of was Lemony Snicket, a children’s series that my son read some time ago. It is actually a bit ‘dark’ and tragic—not for all kids. These beans are far from dark and tragic; I would attach adjectives like smart, fresh and magic. They smartly… [more]