I had a dish a few years ago at Pierre Gagnaire’s restaurant in Hong Kong which consisted of a layer of smooth cauliflower mousseline with a jellified beet consommé and thinly sliced marinaded scallop, not only the contrasting colors were visually striking but I still remember vividly the perfect harmony of the dish. It had […]

There’s a bottle of rendered lard in my refrigerator and every time i open the door I’m reminded that I have a world of delicious flaky pastries right there at my fingertips. Empanadas are the first thing that came to mind but I knew I didn’t want the doughy, insipid kind that leaves you feeling […]

My refrigerator can be a place of great discoveries when i gather enough strength to clean it. It’s a dangerous business, though. On bad refrigerator days I’ve scared myself to death with vegetable bin monsters but on good days pulling things out is a bit like watching a dish create itself in front of my […]

Here’s for you, little lovebirds. A chocolate soufflé for two, served in a pot. How about that to impress your Valentine? Of course, I would avoid grandma’s rusted old pot and invest in a nice little copper saucepan but look around in your kitchen cabinets, you may already have something perfect for the occasion. I […]

My last stop in Paris was the kitchen of L’Ambroisie located in the very chic Place des Vosges in the 4th arrondissement. Bernard Pacaud is one of France’s most talented and respected chefs who drew attention early-on with his classic skills and intense flavor combinations. L’Ambroisie saw a meteoric rise to success in the 80’s and […]