A group of local restaurants (including many of my own favorites) will turn out on Thursday, October 16, to support a program with a big heart – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mercer County. Mentoring and role models are important, and doubly so for young people coming from challenged homes and neighborhoods. Think how inspiring such people were … Continue reading
Have a REAL Grape
I am always disappointed in standard-issue seedless grapes in the supermarket. Sure, I’ll admit it’s convenient that they bred the seeds out, but as is so often the case with such things, there’s a catch – no flavor! And it’s a shame, because, like bananas, grapes are a healthful, portable, and not-too-messy snack. So next time you … Continue reading
Food for Thought
An upcoming event at Labyrinth Books in Princeton will interest those who are concerned about hunger and poverty in America. Having worked with Share Our Strength’s Princeton Taste of the Nation for many years, I can attest to the importance of these issues, yes, even in our land of plenty. So consider joining Isles, Inc., … Continue reading
Risotto Rush
As soon as the weather cools, I rush to make risotto. I know there are summery versions, but to me it is a fall/winter dish, as my favorite risotto includes the rich flavors of pancetta and porcini mushrooms (and sometimes truffle oil). The one on the left also includes a scattering of other varieties of … Continue reading
“Giada’s Kitchen” comes to Barnes & Noble
Time for fans of Food Network chef Giada De Laurentiis to line up! The popular TV chef and author of Italian cookbooks visits Princeton’s Barnes & Noble (in the Marketfair mall) on October 2 at 5:00pm, to sign copies of her latest book, Giada’s Kitchen. I’ve been browsing through the book, and appreciate the updated take … Continue reading
Smokin’ Scallops
Just look at these beauties! Cooked them myself, and they were spectacular if I do say so. First, purchase the biggest freshest scallops you can find; I get mine at Whole Foods, or Shore Catch on the alternate Saturdays they’re at the West Windsor Farmers Market. New Jersey scallops are best! At home, I mixed … Continue reading
Chocolicious!
Take a good look at this photo. I know, it’s not easy to orient yourself to what’s going on there, because, silly me, I dove in with my spoon before remembering to take a picture! But that’s how good it looked; I could not restrain myself. But I quicky regained my blog consciousness and staved … Continue reading
NJ SPICE Grocery Index II
Here is a second installment of the NJ SPICE Grocery Index. This time I compared pricing on two common pantry staples, Dijon mustard and soy milk. Not surprisingly, since it is such a high volume item in their stores, Whole Foods offers good pricing on the latter, especially if you buy their store brand. But Stop … Continue reading
Dark Days Call For Dark Chocolate
Financial news got you down as low as the stock market? Dark days call for dark chocolate in my household! My current “arsenal” is pictured here. I always have a few bars stashed away, and I have to say a couple of squares of the good stuff really does seem to release some pleasurable endorphins. But be … Continue reading
Finally!
After years of anticipation and hard, hard work, Carlo and Raoul Momo’s beautiful new restaurant, Eno Terra opens this weekend in Kingston. I swung by for some opening festivities tonight, and caught this shot into their refrigerated case where their salumi (Italian for “cured meats”) are stored. Get a load of that big white slab … Continue reading
NJ SPICE 