From prosciutto wrapped fresh figs to a warm vinaigrette drizzled over green beans, chick peas and peppers, I welcome you to the world of antipasti It’s no secret that Italians love their food. A common misconception is that Italian food is simple to make. I guess the simplicity stems from the uncomplicated recipes. Fresh, quality [...]

Practically any deli in the world is usually divided into two halves.  One half of course being the deli meats and cheeses, in flavors depending on the ethnic origin of the delicatessen.  The other half are the prepared foods, and amongst this cornucopia of delicacies has been the mainstay of the deli salad. Most of [...]

Around the world this week, it’s a celebration of all things Irish. Gallons of green beer will be consumed, pub songs will be sang, and of course there will be plenty of sick calls to work the next day. Irish food will be in full Celtic swing in every pub all over the world, and [...]

Since the early days of the Southern French US colonies, Mardi Gras has been a yearly tradition that even a hurricane could not stop. It’s the historic time of Carnival, the celebration of indulgence and what many might call “sin” before taking on the 40 day fasting from such things we know as Lent. The [...]

Here in Chicago, I look out my window right now and see the streets, sidewalks, and trees covered in a light dusting of snow. Not my favorite time of the year as my mind soars to visions of the warm sun, the smell of the Mediterranean, and the feeling that time has stopped…even for a [...]

Spanish cuisine has always fascinated me, mainly because of how much it differs from the many flavors of Mexican, Central, and South American cuisine one finds here in the US. While the languages are similar, the food certainly isn’t. Spanish cuisine has its own distinct flavor and culture that one can see relationships with its [...]