http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEN4hcZutO0It is hard to watch this video without smiling. Cocoa bean farmers from M'batto on the Ivory Coast, the world's leading producer of cocoa, have never tasted the fruits of their labor. They harvest and process the cocoa beans without any idea what they are used for; most have never seen or tasted chocolate. The prevailing theory … [Read more...] about Farmers Who Grow Cocoa Beans Taste Chocolate for the First Time
Making the Perfect Gin and Tonic
Gin and tonics are pretty easy to make, but there are a few things you can do to make it better. Gin & Tonic is what my father would have called “an honest drink.” Nothing fancy; direct and to the point. However, making the perfect gin and tonic requires a few simple steps.In the 50s, my dad would get home at 5:30 every evening, the brakes of his Porsche would squeal … [Read more...] about Making the Perfect Gin and Tonic
Meet Harold, My Rescue Tomato
Everyone, meet Harold. I wasn't really looking for a tomato, but bought one at the grocery store in a weak moment when I thought a bit of color would be nice in a salad. Fortunately for Harold, he was sitting on the kitchen counter while I was cooking, and we ended up having a nice conversation. Not one for killing friends and chopping them into little pieces, I spared his life … [Read more...] about Meet Harold, My Rescue Tomato
Soapbox – I’m So Over the “Best” Lists
Have you noticed the proliferation of national "Best" lists lately? Best Burgers in the Nation, Best Tacos, Best Burrito, Best Grilled Cheese, Best Tequila Cocktail... The PR section of this site receives them almost every day, and frankly, they are little more than "click bait"; stories designed to get you to go to a website to expose you to as many ads as possible. When you … [Read more...] about Soapbox – I’m So Over the “Best” Lists
A Look Back – Menu from 1951 for The Quay on the Columbia
Many of you seem to like these old menus, so I thought I'd post more. This is the entire menu from The Quay on the Columbia, ca. 1951. It is now the Red Lion Hotel Vancouver, at the Quay - pronounced "key".I love the drink specials - Irish Coffee, "Pink Squirrel" (sounds awful), Black Russian, and "The Chinook" -.90 cents seems to be the going price. A bottle of Beaulieu … [Read more...] about A Look Back – Menu from 1951 for The Quay on the Columbia