Paper Palate

Released just days ago, Heat: An Amateur’s Adventures as Kitchen Slave, Line Cook, Pasta-Maker, and Apprentice to a Dante-Quoting Butcher in Tuscany, by Bill Buford, is sure to be one of summer’s most talked about food books.
Heat has been compared to Anthony Bourdain’s sensational account of his experiences while in the “culinary […]

There was a time not too long ago when I was among the fast food obsessed, eagerly gobbling up tacos, cheeseburgers, and other flash fried pseudo-meat creations, but when I watched Morgan Spurlock’s Supersize Me, I abandoned my obsession like a bad crush.
The New York Times this week published a story where a food critic […]

It was an early Saturday evening in the midst of summer and I was at a gas station somewhere in North Carolina, filling up my car. However, as it was dinner time, my car wasn’t the only one running on empty, and I felt a great hunger coming on. I was in an […]

Summertime is filled with all kinds of food festivals, county fairs, and don’t forget the many July 4th fireworks shows. This summer, you may want to consider adding some healthier snacks when loading ice coolers, filling Tupperware, and packing picnic baskets. In the food section of May 24’s Chicago Sun-Times, Phyllis Glazer explores […]

If you’re having houseguests staying over for the Memorial Day weekend, you may be inclined to host a more quiet and relaxed brunch, prior to the later, more festive, evening backyard barbecue or poolside party. For this more sophisticated table, consider presenting Martha Stewart’s Île Flottante with Pistachio Crème Anglaise and a Spun-Sugar Crown, […]

If the bountiful crop of grilling books out this spring is any indication, it’s going to be a great summer for grilling. Check out these 6 gotta have cookbooks for the grillmaster in you.
The Big Book Of Outdoor Cooking & Entertaining, By Cheryl and Bill Jamison (Morrow, $24.95).
If it’s cooked outside it’s covered in […]

The Indianapolis Star Living Section reports that Food Network personality Rachael Ray will participate in the parade celebrating the Indy 500 race on Saturday. The 500 Festival, which organizes the race weekend events, confirms that Rachael will actually be the Grand Marshal of that parade.
To commemorate the occasion, the Indianapolis Star’s Jolene […]

The In Season section of Sunset Magazine is always one of my favorite parts of the magazine. Even though we don’t really have seasons here in California, I like to at least pretend that we do by moving from one food inspiration to another throughout the year. Those of you who actually participate […]

Need a grill? Let’s go shopping! The June issue of Good Housekeeping magazine can help you sort through the dizzying array of available choices. They bestowed the Best Value on the Char-Broil 4634533306 ($329), and loved the side griddle, which is perfect for sauteing onions (heck, I love that too!).
Not long on […]

Memorial Day weekend is the official start of the summer entertaining season, as plans are being finalized for festive barbecues, picnics, and parties. With so much emphasis on grilling selections and side dish options, dessert can become an afterthought. Dessert choices are often hastily purchased grocery store cakes, ice cream, or assorted fruit.

In […]