“Those who make desserts possess a different temperament, are set apart. The pastry chef, the maker of desserts, is regularly referred to as an “artist.” The patissier must create like the painter, sculptor or even the musician; requirements that are rarely expected of those who deal in savory.” – from Sweet Everything, by Edward Bottone… Read More Pastry Class 2
Dr. Melik: This morning for breakfast he requested something called “wheat germ, organic honey and tiger’s milk.” Dr. Aragon: [chuckling] Oh, yes. Those are the charmed substances that some years ago were thought to contain life-preserving properties. Dr. Melik: You mean there was no deep fat? No steak or cream pies or… hot fudge? Dr.… Read More Tiger’s Milk – Glass I
“The traditional Mediterranean diet is firmly rooted in the earth. The warm, sunny climate, the long growing season, mild winter, and fertile soil of this region have long provided its inhabitants with delicious, fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, and nuts. It is, and has always been, a plant-based cuisine, one that never depended on animal… Read More Mediterranean Veggies
“Men are always pushed into group situations … like group sports with a leader. In the kitchen the chef is your captain, but in pastry there is more autonomy, more independence. Women relish that. you are permitted to be creative sooner than on the hot line.” – Claudia Fleming, NYC pastry chef I’ve worked a… Read More Pastry Class 1
Our recent visitors from Canada for a private dinner apparently enjoyed themselves quite a bit and recommended us to a group of their friends from Chicago, who dined with us this last weekend, also for a private evening. Much of this comes out of some favorites, and one dish, new to the dinners, comes out… Read More Cena Privada
Last week’s tasting notes: Quilmes Patagonia Amber Lager, Buenos Aires – Gorgeous burnt orange color. Medium bodied beer with good acidity, refreshing. A touch of hops, but not overly noticeable. Slight fruitiness, somewhat like peach and apple skins. Hint of bitterness towards the finish. Antares Kölsch, Mar del Plata – Dark brown, sort of root… Read More More Drinks in the House
“The man who trusts men will make fewer mistakes than he who distrusts them.” – Camillo di Cavour, prime minister, Kingdom of Sardinia I’m getting a bit behind on dinner posts, so I may throw these at you rapidly over the next couple of days. You’ll live. Let’s start back at the beginning of the… Read More Sardinia, Without Sardines
So, we reach the end of the Supreme Directors with a short walk dedicated to Juan Pedro Julián Aguirre y López de Anaya, more commonly just referred to as Julián Aguirre. There’s not a huge amount to tell about him, and in fact I was able to find out little overall. He was a revolutionary… Read More The Supremes – Track 8