Beautiful bitters from Bittered Sling Vancouver, BC – In the midst of a dine around last night during the annual Dine Out Vancouver Festival, I had a preview of the next phase in bitters. As you probably know, the cocktail culture in 2014 is all about fresh juices, esoteric (some would say terroir) spirits and … Continued
The perfect soup dumpling at SuHang in Richmond, BC Richmond, BC – Say all you want about the San Gabriel Valley outside of L.A. and Flushing, Queens; for my money, I’m heading back to Vancouver (well, the suburb of Richmond, actually) the next time I’m jones-ing for some xiao long bao. These prized soup dumplings, … Continued
I’m very pleased to announce the launch of a new project. In addition to my work as the Food Reporter (a.k.a. “The Hungry Hound”) at ABC 7, The Chicago Tribune and The Globe and Mail, I’ll now be involved in co-producing, writing and hosting a new podcast, called “The Feed.” It’s a unique collaboration with … Continued
The 20th Century cocktail from Scofflaw That cocktail in the picture serves a purpose. Yes, we have something to toast today. We’re just one day away from the launch of “The Feed,” a new podcast I’m launching with Chicago chef Rick Bayless. Rick and I have been talking for months, if not years, lamenting the … Continued
Pickled or fresh…tons of mushrooms at River Valley to choose from You’ve probably seen the River Valley Ranch stand at a number of Farmer’s Markets in the area. You might have even seen their main store and growing facility, if you ever take Highway 50 west toward Lake Geneva. What I had thought to be … Continued
You may have heard about this New Orleans trip I’m organizing in the spring. 22 people are coming, but two of those people haven’t been chosen yet. That’s because we’re holding a contest to give those two tickets away. Here’s how you can win:
Liu Chang Ming back in action at Sing’s Walking out of Ming Hin a few weeks ago in the Chinatown Square mall, I caught sight of him. I hadn’t seen Liu Chang Ming in over a year, when he was smiling broadly for passersby at Hing Kee, just a few doors away. There, he could … Continued
Win this book, become a better cook. We’re giving away some more cookbooks, as we kick off 2014 with a commitment to learning how to cook. I’m in the midst of Michael Pollan’s Cooking right now, which I highly recommend, even if you haven’t read Omnivore’s Dilemma. It has me yearning to spend more time … Continued
Cubano from Enriqueta’s Sandwich Shop Miami, FL – Beware of staff members asking questions. That is, unless you’re ready to open up your wallet. This was the lesson my family and I learned the hard way after a frustrating, weeklong stay at the gloriously refurbished Fontainebleau Miami Beach Hotel. The 60 year-old landmark underwent a … Continued
So much of what makes chefs successful today is their approach to dealing with the press. Just look at Graham Elliot. If you have a big personality, your own restaurant and a unique offering, chances are pretty good the media – and by that I mean TV, radio, print and online food blogs – will … Continued
Pecking Order’s Pinoy Eggs for Christmas Eve. If you haven’t already made your reservations in Chinatown this Christmas Eve, or you’re just in the mood for something a little different next Tuesday night, may I suggest Christine Subido’s family tradition from the Philippines: nochebuena. Traditionally celebrated in Latin America, Spain and the Philippines, this Christmas … Continued