I like a good story well told. That is the reason I am sometimes forced to tell the myself.
– Mark Twain –
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Pruning the Olive Tree
Everyone needs a haircut once in a while. Olive Trees Need Their’s Once a year. There is an ancient Tuscan proverb: “Un ulivo si pota bene solo se una rondine può volare tra i suoi rami.”Translated:“An olive tree is pruned well only if a swallow can fly between its branches. Practical agricultural wisdom emphasizes the…
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The History of Knives
The first “knives” were flint and obsidian with sharp edges and used about 2.6 million years ago. There is evidence of even earlier stone tools around 3.3 million years ago. They were wrapped in leather so the people (well, hominids, but hominids were people, too!) could hold them without slicing their hands. They were…
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La Baldigara
This Guest Chef entry includes a short interview with Chef Tania and her husband, front man and waiter, Ivan, owners of La Baldigara in the heart of Senigallia, Italy … and a long lunch. A 2½-hour lunch, as it should be—with excellent company, conversation, and food. Senigallia is by the sea. They say the…
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Grilled Artichokes
This short note on artichokes is from my very dear friend, Timothy Gast. Tim recently retired from a long career in the produce industry, and he knows his veggies. Now, he and his husband, Paul Angleheart, spend time taking care of their beautiful yard in San Francisco, California, and their sweet rescue kids, Maya and…
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Eggplant Caviar
Silky and nutty with walnuts, lemon and garlic, is a simple dip, spread, or side to grilled and roasted dishes. Way back in the 70s I worked my way through college as a sous chef at Chico Cheese and Charcuterie. It was a small place owned by Bill and Tom. I was their only…
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Trattoria Della Fortuna
A long lunch is a welcome tradition in Italy. Outside the crowded tourist areas, shops tend to close for lunch between 1:00 and 3:00 pm (13:00-15:00). Restaurants remain open to serve everyone, and a few offer a prix fixe meal along with the regular menu. Many restaurants are family-owned and operated, like Trattoria Della…
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French Fries in Italy
Much to my delight, I found a store in Italy dedicated to the French Fry. There is an art to making the perfect fry, and these folks are artists. Potatoes! Whoever discovered the potato should be given an award. And whoever cut this delightful tuber into batonnets and fried them in oil should be…
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Fig Ice Cream
My Recipe Fig trees are magnificent, beautiful masterpieces of nature. They provide glorious shade, and some branches are perfect for sitting or climbing. Much like the olive tree, the fig tree has been around for a very long time and has played a significant role in human civilization. And, of course, there are the figs.…
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The History of Kew Gardens
The US friend I mentioned in the introduction to my Travel Page was here for her annual visit to Italy, and we took our traditional short trip. This time it was to London (with a quick peek at Oxford, too). One of the things we did was visit Kew Gardens and have high tea. I…
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The King’s Arms in Oxford
After walking around Oxford, we finished the day in the King’s Arms, known locally as the KM. Another high-energy atmosphere, happy people, great vibe. I dearly miss my university years. Wadham College now owns the building, and Young & Co.’s Brewery operates the King’s Arms. Founded in Wandsworth, London in 1831, the Brewery, known simply…
I like a good story well told. That is the reason I am sometimes forced to tell the myself.
– Mark Twain –
