Every so often a publisher sends me a book I’m sure will be lousy, but it turns out to be an enjoyable read. Such is the case with “Restaurant Man” by Joe Bastianich, longtime business partner of Mario Batali. It is a combination of homage to food and wine, and tutelage on owning and managing restaurants.Bastianich grew up in a restaurant family in Queens, back in the days … [Read more...] about Book Review: Restaurant Man
Menu Collections Provide Interesting Window to the Past
I've always liked looking at menus, but it had never occurred to me that there might be collections online. Then I heard about the New York Public Library menu archives on KCRW's Good Food last week. The menu collection originated through the energetic efforts of Miss Frank E. Buttolph (1850-1924), a somewhat mysterious and passionate figure, whose mission in life was to … [Read more...] about Menu Collections Provide Interesting Window to the Past
The 2012 Food Haiku Contest Results!
THE VOTING HAS CLOSED. Thanks to everyone who participated! The winner is Dave for: to err is human and to forgive is divine I served red with fish Honorable mention to Amber: Wine filled our glasses, Lingered on your lips, so I Drank too much of both. Dave - please email me your contact information so that we can arrange to get the tickets to you.1. Wine filled … [Read more...] about The 2012 Food Haiku Contest Results!
Kobe Beef? It’s a Scam
Every time I see "Kobe Beef" on a Portland menu, it makes me cringe. It seems to occur more and more often, so I thought I'd throw in my .02.Forbes.com just wrote a long expose of the Kobe beef issue pointing out that you cannot buy Kobe beef in this country. Period. Like Champagne - only the wine from a specific region in France should use that name - real Kobe beef must … [Read more...] about Kobe Beef? It’s a Scam
Coffee Guide: Stumptown Coffee Roasters
Some companies are game-changers. Not just in their cities or industries, but in changing the overall culture. In the coffee industry, Starbucks is the obvious one. But so is Stumptown, and as Portland’s most powerful, “world-dominating” roaster of all time, it brings out more heated debate, love, disdain and yes, admiration than any other “artisan” coffee business I can think … [Read more...] about Coffee Guide: Stumptown Coffee Roasters