Can we talk cutting boards? Great. Because I see so many houses that seem to think if you have one nice butcher block cutting board, or even a cheap wood board from Wal-Mart, you’re all set. The truth is those boards are perfect for cutting vegetables. They are faster than the plastic boards and you don’t have to worry about bacteria if they’re properly kept and cleaned. more…

Sideways came out and surprised a few people with how good it was. Mostly me, I guess. I resisted seeing the film when it released in theaters despite my enjoyment of Paul Giamatti in most things he’s done. Even for a foodie like me I have trouble being drawn to a film just because it involves that thing I love so much. more…

Ingredients

Brine

¼ cup salt
¼ cup brown sugar
1 Tbsp black pepper corn
1 Tbsp Old Bay seasoning
5 whole cloves
¼ cup orange juice
Ice and water more…

With the advent and popularity of food programming on television the average consumer is aware of the history and reality of foods they eat. Most know now that in America we don’t actually get real cantaloupe, instead it’s a subspecies of those found in Europe and that originally came from India and Africa. more…

Sunday night was Taco night. Well, I had tacos. Steve had beef fajitas.
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I recently purchased my first piece of lighting equipment in the hopes that a more controlled lighting set-up will help improve my food photography skills. Here are a few pictures I took, using the new light:
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There was a time in my professional working life when I came up out of the subway right next to the Starbucks in Union Square. What that means for a coffee drinker running late for work because of train and subway delays is a near daily routine of overpriced beverages. During the summer one of my favorite things to get, and only on Fridays as a treat, is the mocha frappuccino with whipped cream. more…

When I was younger, I’m thinking around the age of 17 although at 28 my memory really isn’t what it used to be, I decided to throw together dinner for myself and the family. Now, this wasn’t all that unusual as dinner at the West household often consisted of the “fend for yourself” recipe that it seems so many families have adopted. I’ll take the time to defend my family and their poor dining habits in another article, for now let’s continue onward. more…

It’s troubling to note that both the CDC and FDA, organizations that are designed to protect and help us eat food not contaminated with disease, are simply unable to get a grasp on the current salmonella problem. In early June I walked into the restaurant I worked at confused as to why all of our dishes with chopped tomato were going out bare. more…

Who doesn’t love to drool over delicious looking food? Here are a few pictures I took recently of various foods and meals. Cherries, pork, rice, banana and steak. Mmmm… more…