J – This year we went non-traditional! Whole roasted turkeys are way overrated. They take much too long to roast. And, no matter what most people do, the breast meat is usually overcooked. So, we broke down the bird and got three great turkey dishes for dinner, an amazing stock … Continue reading
J – There’s nothing like a favorite restaurant. Especially in Paris. You just feel comfortable. They get to know you. Service seems better. I ate at several random restaurants in Paris. This one, Chez Ginette, became my favorite. It was close. The food was incredible. They wanted you to have … Continue reading
J – Everyone eats dinner late in Paris. At least you think so, when you first arrive. But, after 48 hours, you realize that it’s completely relative and adapt. On the first night in Paris, I went to eat as late as I could stay awake … 7:30pm. There weren’t … Continue reading
J – Shopping for ingredients with a French chef in Paris in just about the best market district you can find, Les Halles de Montmartre. A chef who works at Michelin-starred restaurants. How cool is that? There was a menu plan. Ambitious. Likely to be tasty. I didn’t want to … Continue reading
J – I had been lusting after Paris for far too long. So, finally, I shoved everything aside and made arrangements. On previous trips, I stayed down in the center of things … I guess thinking I would miss something. Turns out to be exactly the opposite. If you want … Continue reading
C – Tiramisu is one of my favorite Italian desserts. I have had really good ones and really bad ones. It’s one of those desserts that is usually a sure thing. So, when you get a bad one, you are very surprised. How could someone mess up something so simple? … Continue reading
C – Sometimes, even simple recipes can be a challenge to get the perfect flavor balance. This was the case with this Chicken Piccata dish. A simple dish of chicken, lemon, capers and wine can go wrong quickly, if you put too much of any of these things together. The … Continue reading
C – I think I make a good bolognese sauce. And, I know it can be better. There just seems to be something missing. Something seems to be off about my sauce. I just can’t put my finger on it. I did my research. Most bolognese sauces are similar. Meat, … Continue reading
C – Meatballs are my favorite. I always try to make my meatballs differently each time. It’s one of those recipes where I know how to make the base, and then I just keep on adding things until I feel it’s right. For some reason it always turns out well. … Continue reading
J – We certainly are bold, biting off Italian Week as a theme. … so to speak. But, I think we might be able to handle it. At Be Mindful. Be Human. we are on a quest for flavor. What else is Italian cuisine, if not a quest for bold … Continue reading