Some of the most incredible food experiences happen unexpectedly. Reflecting upon this enforces how important of the element of surprise is in dining. An unexpected flavor, like the time Jacques Pepin had me taste a mustard he had prepared for an event in Royal Oak, Michigan is an example that comes to mind. Mustards can… Continue reading Culinary Discoveries
“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” Pericles, 5th century B.C.E.
Effective healers share a common trait of kindness, whether they practice folk, alternative or modern medicine. It is directly connected to nurturing and self healing mechanisms in the body. Kindness is a key element of stress removal which has been proven to have powerful influence in curing illnesses and a potent catalyst for medicinal therapies… Continue reading Kindness
The Hillcrest market is chock-full of bright red pomegranates this season. As I walk through the colorful market, these provocative fruits stand out like jewels and attract the eye. They are believed to be one of mankind’s first cultivated crops and were prized throughout history. Native to the Mediterranean, Anatolia and Himalayan region of India,… Continue reading Pomegranates
“Crusty, sinewy, nappy, brittle , soft, flaky, smooth—textures of the foods reflect the landscape, the earth, sea, marble, leaves, bark, stone. The prismatic colors of flowers, tomatoes, fruits, and herbs blend with the quiet tones of eggplant, grapevine, leaves, lamb, artichokes and soups. Sparkling dashes of white feta cheese, bread, and yogurt contrast with the… Continue reading The Food of Greece
This year, the peak of the corn harvest has passed. Still, just before frost, there are still fresh ears available that are a little tougher, but retain some of the sweetness. This recipe is ideal with peak harvest corn, but is also a good way to use any fresh corn. The level of spiciness may… Continue reading Spicy Almond Creamed Corn
From the August 2008 issue of Hour Detroit: “These guys get up in the morning, drive two hours to get to the stalls and work through all sorts of conditions.” Vutetakis says “These are some of the hardest working people I know. I find that by becoming a regular you’ll get… Continue reading Our Friends at the Royal Oak Farmers Market
“Smell is a potent wizard that transports you across thousands of miles and all the years you have lived” Helen Keller Aromas enchant us, molding images into the cerebral cortex which can be recalled at any moment with a familiar whiff. With food, an attractive scent can trigger the desire to eat and cause a… Continue reading The Sense of Smell
The great cuisines of the world have a common thread—-an expression of life confirming connections to the region they originate from. Centuries of trade and immigration have created sub-cuisines and dialects of culinary wizardry which romantically enamor us today. Hand crafted traditional cuisine elevates the sensual experience to levels unattainable through mass production and volume… Continue reading A Common Thread