Grits Are Not Just A Side At Breakfast (& More About Grits)

[1] Yellow grits from Anson Mills—the best grits we’ve ever had (photos #1, #2 and #4 © Anson Mills). [2] White grits are milder-tasting. The yellow variety has a stronger taste and a gentle hint of sweetness. [3] Cheese grits (also called cheesy grits) with spinach and a fried egg. Here’s the recipe from The…
Continue reading “Grits Are Not Just A Side At Breakfast (& More About Grits)”

FOOD 101: The Difference Between Coffee & Espresso

We keep these stackable espresso cups right next to our espresso machine. Photo courtesy Harold Imports | AMZ.   The flavors of espresso are very concentrated, intense and dark. Espresso is drunk black; sugar is permissible but milk is not. If you want milk in your coffee, choose another dark roast bean: Italian Roast and…
Continue reading “FOOD 101: The Difference Between Coffee & Espresso”

TIP OF THE DAY: Gnudi, Naked Ravioli

[1] Gnocchi in tomato sauce, garnished with parmesan and microgreens (photo © Scarpetta Restaurant | NYC). [2] Getting fancy with smoked ricotta gnudi and chives, at L’Amico restaurant in New York City (photo © L’Amico). [3] Gnocchi, like the simple preparation in photo #1, were once inexpensive peasant food. Now, let’s get even fancier: gnudi…
Continue reading “TIP OF THE DAY: Gnudi, Naked Ravioli”

TIP OF THE DAY: Fake Versus Real Balsamic Vinegar

Spoiler alert: The majority of balsamic vinegar on the market is fake balsamic. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying fake balsamic. It’s just nowhere as glorious as the real thing, but it is a heck of a lot more affordable. The production of authentic balsamic vinegar is governed by two consortiums of producers in…
Continue reading “TIP OF THE DAY: Fake Versus Real Balsamic Vinegar”

TIP OF THE DAY: Key Up Some Key Limes

In addition to a new year, this season heralds the return of that delicious little citrus, Key lime. While the peak season for Key limes is June through August, they’re in stores now. There are two principal lime types in American supermarkets: the Persian or Tahitian lime, which is what Americans think of as “lime”…
Continue reading “TIP OF THE DAY: Key Up Some Key Limes”