“We’d put some zip to it, add some character, some identity.” – Roy Rogers, actor, singer, “King of the Cowboys” I was tempted to add Roy to our pantheon of centenarians given that this last weekend would have been his 100th (he only made it to 86), but once I got past some sort of… Read More Edging up the Spice

“A diplomat who says yes means maybe”, a diplomat who says maybe” means no, and a diplomat who says no is no diplomat.” – Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, French diplomat Although I’ve gone away from using themes for the dinners on a regular basis, and definitely not posting them in advance, I’m still going to… Read More Don’t Say Οχι, Say Ναι

“The old days were slower. People buttered their bread without guilt and sat down to dinner en famille.” – Laurie Colwin, author It’s rare that Henry and I will take on an outside catering job. We’re just not setup to transport anything in quantity. We’ve also found that people almost always think that their kitchens… Read More Stovetop in San Telmo

“It wasn’t the Beatles or Elvis Presley who first caused young women to lose their marbles. That honour belongs to Franz Liszt, a dashing Hungarian pianist with long, flowing hair who could make his audiences swoon before he had played a single note. Liszt was the Justin Bieber of 1830s Europe; the Elvis Presley of… Read More Rhapsody

“Memory is a net; one finds it full of fish when he takes it from the brook; but a dozen miles of water have run through it without sticking.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr., physician, writer, poet I’m really starting to enjoy this new approach to the dinners, so, I’m going to jump right into… Read More A Fish to Remember

“My years of cuisine have structured me, given me an appetite for a job well done and an enthusiasm for other people, too. My attempts at excellence have led me into much turbulence, doubt, and anxiety; but they have also brought me peace. They have taught me how to speak out, how to love and… Read More Waiting for Gagnaire

“This is a moment to seize. The kaleidoscope has been shaken, the pieces are in flux, soon they will settle again. Before they do, let us re-order this world around us.” – Tony Blair, UK Prime Minister If you’re not connected to me via our Facebook page or Twitter feed, it’s quite possible you didn’t… Read More The New Order of Things

“Man who waits for roast duck to fly into mouth must wait very, very long time.” – Jules Renard, 19th century French dramatist A completely fun weekend with some totally fascinating people in attendance between the nights. I now know more about beekeeping and sting-less bees than I ever thought I would – there was… Read More The Early Years VII