By guest writer Axel BenjaminCoffee Roaster Andrea Spella tells me over my morning cappuccino that he developed his love for coffee when he was just a kid. [Updated: Spella Caffe now has a brick and mortar location at 520 SW 5TH Ave. You'll find a new review of Spella here.]Growing up in a second-story apartment above a bakery in Chicago, Spella's Italian-American … [Read more...] about Review: Spella Caffe
Those Annoying People with Food Allergies: A Guide
Having paid my dues in the trenches of restaurant work, I confess to more than mild irritation when faced with diners with food allergies. "I can't have soy," says the old lady. "No peanuts!" yowls the red-haired boy. Now, as karmic retribution would have it, I have my very own resume of food allergies: wheat, soy, dairy, sulfites, and eggs. It ain't easy bein' me-I feel sorry … [Read more...] about Those Annoying People with Food Allergies: A Guide
Why Are Domestic Wines So Expensive?
["PDXMan" saw the comment below, and decided to fill me in. I thought his response was so good, it deserved publishing. I appreciate the time he took crafting his response.] "Many times imports are a much better bargain then domestics. It drives me crazy that heavy bottles can be shipped half way across the world and still be cheaper then local wines." Food Dude, October 25, … [Read more...] about Why Are Domestic Wines So Expensive?
Review: Life is Meals: A Food Lover’s Book of Days by James and Kay Salter
Life is Meals: A Food Lover’s Book of Days by James and Kay Salter Knopf 2006, $27.95 ISBN 0-307-26496-3Book Review by Hungry SoulOften memorable moments in life are marked by a meal. Graduation dinners at fancy restaurants. Family recipes used only during the holidays. In my family, vacations are centered around where and what to eat. At breakfast we discuss what is … [Read more...] about Review: Life is Meals: A Food Lover’s Book of Days by James and Kay Salter
Review: Broadway Grill and Brewery – First Impressions
I *want* to like Broadway Grill and Brewery. It's clear from the packed house on Day Two that others want to do the same thing. And the hordes of staff - from bussers to waitstaff to managers - are bound and determined, in a kind of 'grit your teeth and SMILE' way, to *make* you like them.BUT - the nickel and diming starts early on, with a .95 cent charge to substitute … [Read more...] about Review: Broadway Grill and Brewery – First Impressions