Vieux Carre’
As cocktails go, the Vieux Carre’ is a relative youngster compared to many of the classics. Pronounced voo-ka-RAE, the name literally translates as “old square”, which we know today as the French Quarter.
Argentinian Dulce de Leche
Argentina and Uraguay fought to claim Dulce de Leche as their own, but like penecillin, plastic or chocolate chip cookies, it was an accident.
Lavender Bubbles
Lavender bubbles are perfect for a New Year celebration. A glass of bubbly is de rigueur because it’s both traditional and elegant
Argentinian Flan
Argentinian flan differs from others in several ways, with use of sweetened condensed milk and dulce de leche topping instead of caramel.
Beef Cheeks
Beef Cheeks are tough as nails, with good reason until you cook it low and slow, then it’s fork tender and delicious.
The Monkey Bar – NYC
The Monkey Bar is one of those places that I must visit while in New York. It is still the quintessential piano bar with beautiful artwork and fine cocktails.
Mayan Lima Beans
Mayan style lima beans are my favorite way to eat them. Searing to cook them preserves all their natural flavor for the best lima beans ever.
Alinea – Chicago
Alinea in Chicago, in January. With the wind howling off lake Michigan it’s a very cold place, especially so this year. A polar vortex brought freezing temperatures far below normal. Who in their right mind would plan an excursion there in the dead of winter? Well I did, and the great salesman that I am, persuaded three friends to go with me. The lure was an opportunity to dine at Alinea. With amazing, imaginative food and theatre in equal measure, it’s a highly sought ticket.
Kitchen Skill – Timing
If you want to entertain guests with a sit down dinner you have to master timing. I quickly learned that knowing how to cook something was only half the battle.
Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut Squash Soup with its sweet, nutty flavor is a welcome sight and smell as you walk through the door on a cold winter day.
Negroni
An Italian classic, the Negroni is an aperitivo, designed to stimulate your appetite. Learn to love it one sip at a time.
Marrow Bones
Marrow Bones are wonderful. Marrow has a creamy, slightly nutty flavor and tells you it’s the “other butter”. That’s why we like them.