rants & raves
from providence to vancouver, the way I like to eat
I’ve been on a bit of an eating orgy for the past 10 days. First I spent Thanksgiving weekend in LA with my family… eating. (That’s what you’re supposed to do Thanksgiving weekend, after all!) Then from 80 degrees and sunshine I slapped on the winter boots to head for Vancouver to… eat! (Isn’t... »
a vineyard named bien nacido
few weeks ago, I was invited on a press trip to California’s Santa Maria Valley. The trip was organized, to a large extent, by the Miller family of Bien Nacido Vineyards. And it was the Bien Nacido name that influenced my decision to accept the invitation. As a syndicated wine columnist and EatSomethingSexy’s... »
the two food cultures of hawaii
For years, I have been drawn to the Hawaiian Islands not only for the climate and sugar-white (or volcanic black) beaches but for the food. America’s 50th state boasts as salad bowl of ingredients rarely found in the continental 48, (or, if they are available, are shipped in from foreign countries either almost unrecognizably... »
healthy, happy and hippie converge at the natural products expo
Its been a few years since I’ve had a chance to visit the natural products expo west but after the nightclub and bar convention earlier in the week-more on that in another post-I thought the expo would make for a welcome change of pace. I’d forgotten how much I enjoy this event which showcases... »
if you’re starving, is it really the happiest place on earth?
I’ve always known theme parks to be culinary wastelands on a more grand scale, even, than a turnpike rest stop. But I never stopped to question WHY? That is until I was recently invited to an event at Universal Studios to celebrate a Sante award given to the theme park’s independent dining establishment, the... »
fancy food 2011, a trade show for the gluttonous
Every January leading taste makers gather for an event called The Fancy Food Show, (insert laughter here). The show brings together gourmet food manufacturers with buyer and media in a 3-day experience that is both tasty and exhausting. But the show is always the greatest forecaster for the upcoming trends in food and wine.... »
thanksgiving with the countess (and tomme de savoie)
Thanksgiving is hands down my favorite holiday. What is not to love about an entire day centered around giving thanks for food, glorious food! Every year, I like to host an eclectic mix of friends and family for the most delicious of special days. This year, I planned a dinner for seven. But our... »
zin city
When I received the invitation to Artisan Masters, (an email, of course, nobody bothers with the elegance of letters any longer), I paused. Ordinarily, I discard invitations to events in Northern California, or pass them along to my mother, Ronie Reiley, a sometimes editor for Eat Something Sexy. But this invitation was different. It... »
ken oringer, how do I love thee?… let me count the ways
I love the for your bread and the depth of wines on Clio’s list. I love thee for Clio’s soft light and the purity of your cuisine’s flavors. I love thee for your uni and lobster cassoulet, your raw fish and your foams. I love thee for the Champagne bubbles that tickle the nose,... »
a sweet farewell
Last night I attended what would have been a bittersweet finale to a two-year love affair but when the farewell is to my favorite bakeshop in the whole world, bitter is a taste that is simply unfathomable. Sadly, baker Chrysta Wilson has decided to move her Kiss My Bundt bakery in Los Angeles to... »