“Behold Laos – a vivid world awash with monks in saffron robes, violet sunsets, & golden Buddhas.” A year ago, even six months ago, had it been Independence Day in Laos I’d have had out cookbooks and been delving into internet research to come up with traditional Lao recipes that I could prepare. And the… Read More The Kingdom of a Million Elephants

“Don’t be dismayed by good-byes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends.” – Richard Bach, author Don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere. ‘Twas a private dinner for a young couple, he from the U.S., she from Argentina, just married… Read More Post Wedding, Farewell Dinner

“I have strong doubts that the first Thanksgiving even remotely resembled the “history” I was told in second grade. But considering that (when it comes to holidays) mainstream America’s traditions tend to be over-eating, shopping, or getting drunk, I suppose it’s a miracle that the concept of giving thanks even surfaces at all.” – Ellen… Read More Post Thanksgiving Dinners

“Do not overcook this dish. Most seafoods…should be simply threatened with heat and then celebrated with joy.” – Jeff Smith, The Frugal Gourmet And, one more private dinner. Seafood on the menu, not too spicy. A couple of dishes selected by the guests from past menus. I’ve been playing around with some new whole grain… Read More Fish, Not too much spice

“There are no loose ends. There is a systematic proposal to expand Peruvian cuisine, and I am willing to bet that in 10 years, we will have created a market that rivals Mexican food.” – Ernesto Cabellos, Director, Cooking Up Dreams Another private dinner this week and a bit of spice was on order…. Shellfish… Read More A Taste of Peru

“Look at me and tell me if I don’t have Brazil in every curve of my body.” – Carmen Miranda Just a little touch of Brazilian flavoring in some of the dishes this weekend – no particular reason other than I was perusing through some of my Brazilian cooking class recipes and got a little… Read More A Hint of Brazil

“Do what you love. Know your own bone; gnaw at it, bury it, unearth it, and gnaw it still.” – Henry David Thoreau, author One of the things that I regularly deal with at Casa SaltShaker are special requests due to allergies or dietary considerations. Most of the time it’s pretty simple – the most… Read More Gnawing on the Bone

“Route 66 has held a special place in the American consciousness from its beginning. The road is uniquely American. There are a thousand stories of hope, heartbreak, love, hate, starting over, and new dreams found along the next bend of the highway we call the Mother Road. The story of Route 66 is our story;… Read More Route 66