Entertaining

They began by arguing the merits (or rather, the lack of merits) of sweet side dishes that had marzipan in them. “That was a lot of WORK,” my sous-chef growled. “Eat it and shut up.”“This rice is hard and funny,” said another son, “and the chestnuts look like little brains.” “I made it exactly the way the recipe said to,” said his brother.“Eeeew!” said the third as he poked at the slaw. I looked down the table in an effort to enlist their father’s support in quashing the rebellion. John was sitting hunched over, eyelids at half mast, face quite green. He hadn’t touched his food. more »

The first episode takes Ms. Reichl to Blackberry Farm in Tennessee, the "cradle of American food." Making cheese, preserving jam and vegetables, spending time with the butcher and fishing for trout with Frances McDormand (the star of Fargo)are ingredients of the segment. more »

“Our goal,” according to Georgetta Dane, “is to trumpet the many underappreciated Mediterranean varieties that express such a rich and varied array of aromas and flavors.” more »

Montes is also distinguished by its attention to detail: Maturing vines are serenaded with monastic chants; grapes for Montes Alpha “M” are selected one at a time; feng shui principles were incorporated in its $6.5 million Apalta winery. Look for the angels on the labels, there because founding partner Douglas Murray has a grand faith in and fondness for them. So far, his faith in them has been amply rewarded. more »