A dispatch from Mina, Nevada and reflections on breaking bread with strangers on the third anniversary of Anthony Bourdain’s death.
Category Archives: Food and wine
Three days in Chicago
“Make no little plans,” or so they say. This is your guide to spending three days in Chicago, featuring pizza, blues and architecture.
The epicurean’s gift
Giving the gift of flavor in Burgundy
Back to Burgundy – Three Days of Glory
Heading back to Burgundy to make a film about a tough year and a great wine celebration.
Zester Daily – Burgundians dig deep to face climate change
I returned to Burgundy for the first time since writing my novel Vintage.
From disaster cassoulet to La Belle Époque
Within the span of a single day, I recently experienced the best and worst French meals of my life.
Small wine clubs
How and why to join a small wine club or two.
Home for the holidays
Some food, travel and social notes from holidays in Central Europe.
Eating Poisson Cru in the tropics
Poisson Cru is French for raw fish. But as the local Mo’orean who told us about the best restaurant that serves it says, “the only thing French about it is the name.” It’s the traditional dish of the Society Islands, and much of Polynesia. We tried it in a restaurant run by a woman named Irene who, weContinue reading “Eating Poisson Cru in the tropics”
Three books to read in celebration of Véraison
You’ve heard about summer reading lists, but what about books to celebrate véraison? Here’s my take on them.
Stewed Rabbits, Guinea Pigs and the Eye of Mordor
What hobbits can teach us about the miracle of cooking, and why carrying two pans in your backpack is the ultimate symbol of hope.
Saadeddin: Saudi Pastries
When you think of Saudi Arabia, pastries might not be the first thing that come to mind. But maybe they should be.
Arabian Food Adventures
On the road producing a film about Red Sea corals in Saudi Arabia, we stumbled into some amazing meals.
A Cook’s Tour of Phoenix
Wendell Crow of Crow’s Dairy supplies fresh goats milk and cheese to some of the best restaurants in Phoenix.
Lila & Dobby make clam fritters
On the shores of Willopa Bay, I found my newest grandparents.
A legacy
Ten years ago today, Oregon lost a visionary winemaker.
Sunset Beers
I spent a few days on Lizard Island working on a series of stories and videos for Oregon State, as well as shooting a trailer for our next documentary: the very sad and sobering story of the decline of our coral reefs around the world. There are only a few moments when you can stepContinue reading “Sunset Beers”
Bounty under the sun
“The temperature is hovering around 100 degrees right now in Phoenix,” the pilot announced. Then, dryly, “We expect it to climb steadily to two or three hundred by the time we land.” I have to admit to a little bit of dread over my trip to the Valley of the Sun. The temperate nature ofContinue reading “Bounty under the sun”
Cooking for a sense of place
Our cousin Eric recently graced us with a visit on his way to Okinawa for his first deployment as a Marine attorney. When someone visits you, it’s both an honor and a gift, and it leaves the host with a certain measure of responsibility. As this was Eric’s first visit to the Pacific Northwest, andContinue reading “Cooking for a sense of place”
The Dilettante's Field Manual 