Glen Bell Jr., the founder of Taco Bell, died yesterday. I thought it appropriate to re-run this post from 2005.When I first left home for college, I ended up living in student housing directly next to a Taco Bell. My residence was on the third floor, and early every morning when they started cooking for the day, the smell of simmering beef and refried beans would waft … [Read more...] about Ode to Mr. Glen Bell
Food Fraud: Fake Sushi, Cheese and More
We are seeing stories like this often: one type of food being passed off as another. In the past I've written about inorganic produce being sold as organic, foreign produce as local, farmed fish sold as wild, fish being completely mislabeled... the list goes on. After reading the following article, I'm starting to wonder about everything I see in the stores. Is there any truth … [Read more...] about Food Fraud: Fake Sushi, Cheese and More
Out-Of-Season Produce – Ok in a Restaurant?
Should restaurants serve produce that has to be shipped in from other countries because it is not available locally? I just got an email from a reader asking how I felt about the use of out-of-season produce by restaurants: Speaking of local fresh ingredients .... on Nov. 24th Castagna refused to have tomatoes for their hamburgers, saying there weren’t any available. I … [Read more...] about Out-Of-Season Produce – Ok in a Restaurant?
You’re Old If… Vanished Restaurant Traditions
I was having dinner with friends a few nights ago when we started talking about things we remembered from restaurants when we were growing up. I thought it might be a fun topic of conversation.I'll start:You're old if...You remember when you had to wear a jacket (and sometimes a tie) to many upscale restaurants. Most of them kept a few really "loud" sport-coats … [Read more...] about You’re Old If… Vanished Restaurant Traditions
Review: Bistro Maison
Review of Bistro Maison in McMinnville OregonBistro Maison opened over seven years ago and is now a McMinnville institution. It sits at the end of NE 3rd street in the picturesque old downtown area next to an even older train station. Parking is easy. The restaurant is casual and cozy. On a nice day, you’ll have a choice of dining inside or out, especially if you have … [Read more...] about Review: Bistro Maison