In March, my husband and I spent two days in Charleston, South Carolina. We explored the streets of the Charleston Historic District where we admired the architecture, chatted with the friendly locals, and indulged in traditional Southern food and drink. The second night of our visit we dined… Read More
One of the first vegetables I purchased at the farmers market this week was miniature summer squash with the blossoms. I thinly shaved the tender squash and combined it with arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and Parmesan to make a light and refreshing salad. This salad is… Read More
My husband and I recently spent the weekend in Brooklyn. We enjoyed a memorable evening at Maison Premiere, an oyster house and cocktail bar specializing in Absinthe reminiscent of establishments in New Orleans and Paris. The oyster list is extensive and changes frequently due to market… Read More
Last week, I found an unglazed ceramic Pigeon Toe Mod Mortar + Pestle at a modern home and lifestyle shop called Gather Home + Lifestyle, and I could not resist purchasing it. When I arrived home with my new treasure, I decided to use the mortar and… Read More
Sunday night my husband and I attended a master class at Publican Quality Bread taught by head baker Greg Wade. We enjoyed an outstanding dinner prepared to complement the bread by Missy Corey, Chef de Cuisine at Publican Quality Meats. We ate cheese and charcuterie with seeded… Read More
Preserving goat cheese in extra-virgin olive oil with peppercorns, thyme, and lemon zest enhances the flavor. The combination of herbs, spices, and aromatics can be varied according to taste and availability; you can substitute oregano for the thyme or orange zest for the lemon zest.… Read More
I love to make homemade strawberry jam each summer when the first strawberries arrive at the farmers market. This summer I combined the homemade strawberry jam with fresh cheese and artisan sourdough miche for a lovely summer breakfast. Although delicious fresh cheeses like Prairie Fruits Farm Farmstead… Read More
One of my favorite specialty shops in Chicago is Paul Kahan’s Publican Quality Meats. A butcher shop specializing in hand-crafted charcuterie and locally sourced meats, Publican Quality Meats also offers a selection of artisanal cheeses and breads. During the day, Publican Quality Meats serves soups,… Read More
On our first visit to Amsterdam, my husband and I shared a delicious three-course dinner at De Kas. The restaurant inhabits a repurposed greenhouse on the outskirts of the city in Frankendael Park. What does a restaurant in Amsterdam have to do with a soft-ripened cheese… Read More
alice and waldo 