The 2014 food writing winner is... Caroline, who had 74 votes!"Two pound bars of Hersey’s’ special dark chocolate tucked in the back of the pantry. “Mom!” I yell out. “You shouldn’t eat this. I’ll buy you something better.” My mom, in bed after a hysterectomy, says nothing. Next visit, I find more bars of Hersey’s in the pantry. “Mom, I’ll buy you something else. It doesn’t … [Read more...] about 2014 Food Writing Winner Announced!
Italy part II: This Tastes Like Spring Reggiano
You'll find part I of my Italy trip journal here.Ancient stones beckon. After a much shorter thrill ride into the Parma countryside, we arrived safely at their agriturismo. For those unfamiliar with the term, the Italian government encourages farmers to open their homes to tourists as hotels while continuing their farming operations (they must keep working the land to … [Read more...] about Italy part II: This Tastes Like Spring Reggiano
Does Paying for Food via Tablet Increase Tips?
According to an article in Marketwatch, paying for food or beverages via an iPad or other tablet payment system increases tips. I haven't seen these at Portland restaurants yet, but they are in many coffeehouses - I paid using one this morning. Researchers say larger tips are left mostly because of the mental calculations necessary to figure the amount: Calculating a tip takes … [Read more...] about Does Paying for Food via Tablet Increase Tips?
Italy Part I: My Stupor
I found God somewhere on the twelfth turn. I am seeking shelter from a stinging wind, sitting against the wall across from the cathedral in Parma, Italy. My feet ache from walking over rough cobblestones, and my muscles ache from sleeping stretched across two seats on the train from Firenze. It has been a chilly afternoon, only about 40 degrees, but therein lies the benefit: … [Read more...] about Italy Part I: My Stupor
Time to Vote for the 2014 Food Writing Contest – With a Twist!
Looking back, I could have set up the way I posted the food writing entries better. I should have made the entries shorter, and should have combined them all in one page. Posting them again would not be appreciated by Google. What to do, what to do! Then it struck me. As some of you know, I've been busy writing an entirely new format for PortlandFoodandDrink.com. It is still … [Read more...] about Time to Vote for the 2014 Food Writing Contest – With a Twist!