In Search of the Finer Things

Photo from The Pioneer WomanIn the Midwest, a layered salad like this is a potluck staple, probably because it’s a hearty dish that can feed a crowd. While the ingredients vary from cook to cook, I like the idea that everyone can make it their own. ...

I recently heard about a new trend called a Cookbook Club. A group of friends picks an interesting cookbook and each person chooses one recipe they want to make from that book. They all get together and have a party and try a sampling of great food...

I rarely expect both a view and good food when I dine. It's almost asking too much, isn't it? We found both at Altitudes restaurant on Grouse Mountain during our recent trip to Vancouver. It's perched at the top of the mountain with a view of the whole...

We saw King Lear at Linden Park this weekend. A picnic dinner to share-A free performance under the shady trees-And a classic Shakespeare tale of parents and children, dementia, greed, pride, elder care, death, distributing estates... It was actually j...

I have been an avid Jamie Oliver fan since I began watching "The Naked Chef" in high school, charmed by this quirky, charismatic chef with an irresistible accent. I admire him now as a person who has not been content with professional success, but has ...

In a word, Vancouver was:PicturesqueStunningUniquePeacefulChallengingEducationalRelaxingAnd of course, delicious!Italian Panini from La GrottaMemphis Blues BBQMorel pizza - great mushrooms!Vancouver, British Colombia was beautiful (when it wasn't rioti...

It's summer, and for many families, that means vacation time. Can you believe I convinced my family to go to a totally cool place like Vancouver BC?Well, Vancouver is pretty awesome, so maybe I should rephrase that - can you believe I convinced them th...

The author with a Fat Face Strawberry-Coconut popsicleAt the Sacramento Mobile Food Festival in April, we waited in forever long lines and the only thing we successfully tasted was a popsicle from Fat Face. I loved the bold, creative flavor combination...

So this is the USDA's latest re-created food guide. Gone is the beloved pyramid of my youth. In addition to the divided plate, they have a slogan for each food category.Grains - Make at least half your grains wholeFruit - Focus on FruitVegetables - Va...

A good friend hosted a fabulous Moroccan-themed dinner party this weekend, and while there was no belly dancing, the menu was to die for. The appetizer was a Bastilla, the sweet and savory chicken pie of Morocco, made with phyllo dough, braised chicken...