Vegetarian traditions are found in cultures around the world, with India being the most prominent. As a young man, I journeyed there four times and experienced the marvelous cuisine first-hand in homes, temples restaurants and street cafes. I learned the value of treating every meal and each morsel with respect and appreciation. I also discovered… Continue reading Alu Methi Tikki
My first experience with a pesto-style dish was in my Greek grandmother’s house. Yia Yia prepared every family member’s favorite dish and my father’s was skordalia, the traditional Greek garlic sauce. As a child in Crete, where almonds are plentiful and full of flavor, her mother taught her the art of the dish; she learned… Continue reading Pepita and Fire Roasted Poblano Pesto
Across the country, top chefs have adopted serving a series of small bites to their discerning customers in order to present food at its purest and freshest state. In those culinary emporiums of the celebrity chef, the goal is to immerse the senses in the wonders of gastronomy. Through visual presentation, tactile sensation, aromatic teases… Continue reading The Yoga of Small Bites
Ferndale, Michigan… I stepped into my favorite coffee oasis Chazzano Coffee for an afternoon cappuccino. Julie Marcos, barista extraordinaire, discussed the weather and specific attributes of the latest roasting of Brazilian Santos. Because of my food “interests” she told me about a wonderful childhood memory. While living in Nice, France, her father made a dish called… Continue reading Socca and Poodla–Cross Continental Traditions
Thursday Night: I was full of anticipation as my evening flight from San Diego landed in Detroit. A week of touring and catching up with old friends and family lay ahead. As the plane taxied, I was thinking of the many ways one can benefit from my cookbook, Vegetarian Traditions, and the best way… Continue reading Michigan Book Tour, The First Part
Few culinary ingredients evoke more passion or have the sensual complexity of vanilla. In its direct, pure state, it is like heavenly ambrosia. More often, it is the secret ingredient which compliments other spices and flavors, putting the final balancing touch to a dessert, pastry or the occasional savory dish. Most of us have experienced… Continue reading Heavenly Vanilla
As the seasons change, the Hillcrest market transforms to accommodate the wares of the moment and the people who provide them. The throngs who frequent the bazaar style market are participants in this grand and timeless exercise of humanity. This visit did not disappoint. Jenny, visiting from British Columbia, joined me exploring booths I tend… Continue reading At the Market
In the shared pursuit of culinary perfection one memorable friend was Gordon W. Over the years since first meeting in India, our paths would cross periodically either with my visits to Toronto, or his to Detroit. During a stint in Washington D.C. I had acquired a stainless steel food cart to cater events with. Detroit’s inclement weather… Continue reading Gordon W, Chapati Meister
