Specialty Foods
Thai Steak Salad with chili lemongrass dressing
I enjoy main course salads at the end of summertime when fresh produce from the local fields comes to market. One of my favorite Thai-inspired salads includes grilled steak that has been marinated with Southeast Asian spices for a day or two. I like to use skirt steak for this recipe, but you can also use flank steak, which may be easier to source at the local market. Start by marinating the steak for a day or two…the longer the better. You could also marinate and grill the steak in...
Bach by Beltrami
I was so thrilled to talk with Marco Beltrami to discuss his newest project Bach by Beltrami. Bach is one of my passions, as well as horror movie soundtracks, which drew me to this fascinating project by one of my heroes about another musical hero. Bach is an inspiration to many and I was interested in Marco's own fascination with contrapuntal genius. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grDBxfAUXKc On March 3 at The Soraya, two-time Academy Award nominee, composer Marco Beltrami —known for his...
Homemade Potato Chips and Le Gruyère AOP Dip
The Super Bowl is all about snacks, long-lasting, flavorful, and when you live life deliciously, gourmet. Make your own chips with a powerful cheese dip beyond comparison, something your friends and family will talk about and ask for again. Gruyère, white wine, melted and fused together for your own homemade potato chips to dip! Delicious! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0ChzuCI35I Homemade Potato Chips Ingredients: Russet potatoes Oil for frying Truffle Salt – I am using truffle salt from...
New England Lobster Rolls For The Super Bowl
Here in New England, we’re fans of the Super Bowl and for a special treat, I decided to make Lobster Rolls for a snack. Something simple to make for your party not only special but also gourmet!
Authentic Paella
I think Paella is the perfect dish for large gatherings with friends and family because everyone can choose from the variety of ingredients according to their taste. Since recipes such as this use so much chicken stock, the quality of your stock will have an impact on the finished dish. I usually make homemade chicken stock (see my recipe), but you could also try adding some spices to store-bought stock if you prefer. I serve this dish with Sangria (see recipe) or a nice...
Opera Joe Interviews Hit and Run History Creator and Producer Andrew Giles Buckley
Two-time Emmy nominee Andrew Giles Buckley took time from the California shore, where his newest documentary is having its West Coast Premiere, Stephano: The True Story of #Shakespeare's Shipwreck. Film, producer Andrew Giles Buckley, and his crew follow the story of Stephen Hopkins, the only passenger who had previously been to North America before traveling on the Mayflower. A decade earlier, in 1609, Hopkins had been aboard a Jamestown-bound ship called the Sea Venture. Hopkins traveled...
Our 2021 Holiday Gift Guide
Throughout the year, as we walk a number of trade shows, and communicate with public relations specialists, we always keep a watchful eye for gourmet products that we think will make a compelling gift statement. We specifically try to identify products that are unique, distinctive, trendy, and that are grouped and packaged attractively. In our annual gift guide, we highlight these special finds in hopes of helping buyers uncover some interesting product alternatives to spruce up their...
Spanish Cava Sparkling Wine
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6gGjcl22eY Anna Codorniu Cava Blanc de Blanc Brut Reserva Made With: 70%, parellada 15%, xarel·lo and macabeo 15%. Aging: Aged 30 Months on Lees MSRP: $18.99 Taste: Medium dryness with a hint of white peaches on the palate and a clean finish. Pair With: This wine would pair well with cheese, chicken, and seafood dishes. If you're looking for a great sparkling wine to celebrate the holidays that is also affordable in price, you may want...
Italian-Style Pot Roast
I consider myself very fortunate to work with Mary Ann Esposito, the founder and host of the popular PBS Television series Ciao Italia, and an expert on Italian regional cooking. The inspiration for this dish comes from Mary Ann Esposito’s cookbook Ciao Italia Family Classics, though my preparation technique differs slightly. My family is part Irish and part Italian, so Italian-inspired meals are always welcomed by my family. I use a Cotes Du Rhone wine from France, which is one of my...
Songs To Make You Laugh!
It comes to mind that we could use some laughs this winter. Some good belly laughs at the absurdity of mankind. Genius is taking life in hand and having a good time. Not at anyone's expense but rather laughing at ourselves… which is what we generally laugh at. Peace in Laughter. Our prescription for 2022 is to laugh, love, and live, bring peace to your soul and help others to laugh. At times when we are surrounded by misery, it's good to just have a laugh, embrace farce, and just let it go....
