Between 1852 and 1870 France experienced an economic boom called the Second Empire, a time in which new companies prospered, especially the wine culture in Bordeaux. As techniques improved in viticulture and vintaging, Bordeaux confirmed its place in the world as a leader in wine.
It was during this time that fine wine and spirits distillers/merchants, [...]

[Read more →]

Let me preface this by saying I mean no disrespect, but Barnaby has this hilarious cookbook called White Trash Cooking. While I have been known to eat Little Smokies and SPAM, I had never heard of some of the ‘delicacies’ listed in this fine publication.
Let me share one with you: Cooter Pie. I’m unclear as [...]

[Read more →]

Doesn’t that sound wonderfully pretentious?!? Well that is what I was offered at a restaurant in Sausalito, which got me thinking I want to be able to do that at home. After a bit of research, I discovered the Soda Club machine. Unlike old home soda siphons that made a single bottle with a small [...]

[Read more →]

When we heard that drastic cuts in wild chinook salmon fishing were being taken I admit I freaked out a bit. I live in the Pacific Northwest. Salmon is a staple food up here! We need it like we need fresh air to breathe (well, that’s a bit of a stretch, but I will miss [...]

[Read more →]

This year several U.S. states and Canada suspended salmon fishing and are having major trade talks over fishing quotas. There is generally a wild salmon crisis in the Pacific Northwest, the world’s richest salmon fishery. For more, read the Seattle PI story: “U.S., Canada agree to cuts in 2 major salmon fisheries: Pact hopes to [...]

[Read more →]

If you love sushi as much as we do, but have never tried making it at home, you should. It’s easier than you think. The other day we found some nice little precooked soft-shelled crabs and decided to make some spider rolls. Here’s the skinny on how to make your own rolls. If you are [...]

[Read more →]

As part of our ongoing mission to share interesting facts, knowledge and people from the world of food, I recently interviewed Sam Spencer of Spencer Roloson Winery. Sam is an old friend who built his label from scratch over the past 10 years in California’s Napa Valley. We love his wines and celebrate his success [...]

[Read more →]

I’m not a scientist. By any means. But today I’m quite confident that I’ve discovered something Nobel Prize-worthy: a new gene prevalent in (mostly) men. I would say only men, but I’m certain there are a few unfortunate women out there who are also afflicted with this genetic trait.
I’ve named it the Microwavius Fitlhius Explosivus. [...]

[Read more →]

I don’t like chicken liver. Not at all. But when cooked up with sinful ingredients such as Cognac and heavy cream that artery clogging offal is a whole other thing. Oh, oui, oiu!

Last night I stuffed myself on Le Pichet’s house gateau au foie de folaille like a foie gras goose. It’s my duty, really, [...]

[Read more →]

Our regular readers have gotten used to a steady stream of photos and commentary on cooking, dining, and generally all things food. However, until now we’ve been pretty quiet about exactly what Foodista.com will be at launch. Though I’m not quite ready to share everything we’re cooking up, I thought I’d give you a taste…ok, [...]

[Read more →]