Monthly Archives: December 2008
Italian Caviar, top taste & sustainable farming
Not many people know (at least we didn’t) that Italian farmed caviar has made it to the top places of the worldwide caviar league. If you have an ethical issue with eating Russian or Iranian caviar like I have, because … Continue reading
Veal Scaloppini with Artichokes and Tarragon
Here is a variation on the sage and prosciutto Saltimbocca recipe with a bit more flavour to it, due to the addition of artichokes and tarragon. It’s very quick and easy to prepare and looks and tastes great. Ingredients: (for … Continue reading
Filed under Food, Italian, World Cuisine
Endive salad with anchovies & thyme vinaigrette
This is a very easy to make salad that remains delicious and fresh. Ideal as a starter in winter or summer (anchovies based dishes are traditional in Southern Italy for Christmas day). Great with a fish based meal but also … Continue reading
Filed under Food, World Cuisine
Eco Friendly Fish & Seafood
Balancing the benefits of Omega 3 fatty acids against concern of both the environmental impact of over fishing and of heightened mercury levels is not an easy one. Here’s some great links that we like from Environmental Defense Fund (www.edf.org) … Continue reading
Filed under Ethics
Pho Ga (Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup)
To refer to this just as Chicken Noodle Soup, is to not understand Pho. This one is the lighter alternative (and easier) to the traditional vietnamese beef Pho (Pho Bo), chosen partly as i have no idea where to get … Continue reading
Mulderbosch – Chenin Blanc
Another old time affordable favourite. Although this vineyard produces a number of wines, this is the one that i find most interesting. Very light and easily drinkable it can pare well with more spicy foods such as Asian cuisine as … Continue reading
Filed under Wines
Jok Bal (Korean braised pigs feet)
Here’s one I wasn’t expecting. We were taken to Baden Baden (BBNY) on W32st New York for supposedly some great Korean style fried chicken. The place is hidden away upstairs and doesn’t seem like much from first impressions – especially … Continue reading
Filed under Asia
The Chocolate Block
Amazing South African red produced by Boekenhoutskloof. Made in small quantities (81 barrels in 2003) and hard to find, but if you can get your hands on it, it’s well worth the effort. Rich smooth and “chocolatey” taste. Great with … Continue reading
Filed under Wines
Ravenswood – Cabernet Sauvignon (Vintners Blend)
Good, steady and dependable year after year is the way I would think about the Ravenswood’s Vintners Blends. This may not be the most complex Cab Sav on the market, but for around $12 a bottle you are not really … Continue reading
Filed under Wines
Pasta al Pomodoro
NO FRILLS. Straight to the point. This is the dish that supported Italy throughout the reconstruction. It’s basic and yet (for the non Italians) still easy to get wrong. The tomato sauce for this dish is the foundation of most … Continue reading
Filed under Italian
Pride Mountain – Viognier (2006)
Recommended by the Sommelier at French Laundry, this is probably the first American Viognier that (to me) actually tastes like a Viognier should. Typically the North American ones I had tried to date were rather dull and bland however this … Continue reading
Filed under Wines
