My microwave died and it was replaced with another used one. The person who installed it thoughtfully wiped the inside clean. But he used Pinesol. I did not realize anything was wrong for a few zaps. Everything looked so… (more)

The trip between the United States and SE Asia is long no matter how the flights are booked and the best airfares are usually ones that begin and end in Bangkok. We spend a fair amount of time in SE… (more)

Until recently, I thought all pancake houses were pretty much the same. But then, a recent visit to the Original House of Pancakes in Irving/Las Colinas showed how badly mistaken I was. The Original House of Pancakes (founded in Portland,… (more)

Sweet Dreams Mini Donuts founded by Todd Jones, better known as “the Donutologist,” is a luxury catering company whose aim is to give their customers a one of a kind product that they can’t get anywhere else. Now they are… (more)

I love James Beard. I have all his cookbooks, although I read them more for inspiration than use them for recipes. In general, I would rather read about and taste food than cook it. I have attended the New York… (more)

While the rest of the shoppers were waking up in the middle of the nigh to line up with other shopaholics, braving cold weather, almost non-stop rain, crowded parking lots and store aisles, I woke up in mid-morning When I… (more)

If you like tofu and are concerned about getting it fresh, you have a chance to make your own now. Morinaga Nutritional Foods has the answer with its new Make-Your-Own Tofu Kit. I have tried it and I found the… (more)

Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin is a small village of less than 1,000 people, but don’t be fooled by the size. This town proves the maxim that good things come in small packages.  Taking a deep breath in Elkhart Lake recently,… (more)

Lazy Sunday afternoon potluck is a Meetup that has created a community of friends. A recent dinner was focused on Spanish food. Since the group has several chefs and members from different cultures and countries, the potluck is for serious… (more)

Thai Trade Centre: Floating Market In Thailand, local life seems to revolve around its many markets. Most locals shop for their groceries once or twice daily as freshness of ingredients is important in Thai cooking. A visit to Damnoen Saduak… (more)

All things Italian: Passport Italy I  love Italy. I love the food, the wine, the people, and the landscape. I have been to Tuscany, Umbria, Sicily and Rome. I love different things about each of those destinations because their… (more)

Imagine walking down aisles and having people on all sides thrust samples of exquisite chocolates your way. If this is your idea of a dream come true, you’ll love Portland’s annual Chocolate Fest. Chocolatiers from around the Northwest – and… (more)

Shoppers snacked on pickles and chocolates and sipped vinegar and whiskey at Portland’s fourth annual Season’s Eatings event last Saturday. The get together in New Deal Distillery hooks up local producers with local consumers—and traveling consumers if they’re lucky enough… (more)

At age 20, most adolescents would be just getting into the workforce, but not for Canadian Chef, Tadd Chapman. Armed with a fiery entrepreneurial spirit, a culinary education and some restaurant experience, Chapman boldly ventured into the resort city of… (more)

Recently, a hot new neighborhood in Dallas was a wonderland of food and drink. It was an evening designed to tantalize taste buds and introduce people to the new restaurants located in the Trinity Groves development. The exicing new culinary… (more)

The new Trinity Groves development at the foot of the landmark Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge in Dallas, Texas, will be the site of a tasting event that is sure to amaze all who attend. Called “Pairings”, the event is being… (more)

Fastidious foodies already know New York City, New Orleans and San Francisco are food meccas. But thanks to the Food Network, Travel Channel and websites such as livability.com, smaller cities, including Wichita and Omaha, are getting their fair… (more)

Picture this: You find yourself at the enormous L.A. Convention Center. You don’t know your way around the city. You’re hungry. And a vegetarian. What do you do?  It’s true the convention center is not the most veg-friendly area… (more)

My imaginations of Italy and food are of this: a stolid, determined woman toiling away in her kitchen, pinching out pasta shells with her thumb, gathering tomatoes from scraggly vines hanging off her balcony railing, basil from the spice pots… (more)

It’s gotten a lot easier to buy Dad’s day presents. There are so many specialized products no matter what his interests and desires. And if your Dad is like my Dad, he will appreciate whatever you get him. Make a… (more)

The small island country of Sri Lanka is the new “gotta-go-to” destination. It is ranked Number One on Lonely Planet’s Places to visit in 2013. The country has a plethora of beaches, beautiful scenery, amazing wildlife and friendly people… (more)

The concepts “vegetarian” and “fine dining” are not exactly synonymous. So I joined a three-night group visit to Quebec City with a certain amount of trepidation. I’ve been vegetarian since childhood and nowadays I’m pretty much vegan, though I try… (more)

As the world celebrates Earth Day, sustainable food and agriculture systems can play a big role in preserving the environment by helping to improve soil health, protecting biodiversity, and mitigating climate change. Earth Day is a great opportunity for eaters,… (more)

Ignite your own sparks with an all-American summer wedding on 100 acres in Charlottesville, Virginia this July.   With timeless sophistication and casual grace, bridal couples find the chic, classic Americana style an enduring backdrop for their big day. … (more)

New Zealand, a country synonymous with award-winning wines and renowned lamb, has also developed a discerning palate for wild grown, authentic “bush food”.  Experience this cuisine at the Hokitika Wildfoods Festival, an iconic gourmet extravaganza showcasing novel “bush tucker”… (more)

Istanbul is one of the most richly layered, fascinating cities in the world. Uniquely, it is both European and Asian, a mecca for fellow travelers from the Middle East, Russia, China and Japan, from Europe and the west. This great… (more)

Although the ideal romantic Valentine’s Day meal often conjures up images of lavish tasting menus, enchanting small plates, and prix fixe menus,  surprising insights into how diners want to celebrate the most romantic holiday of the year are revealed… (more)

Have you ever wanted to travel to Europe? Do you wish you were in France right now eating a crepe or drinking some delicious French champagne? If you enjoy almost there adventures and a real hands… (more)

With spectacular scenery, sun-drenched beaches, world-class restaurants and luxury resorts, San Diego calls to all lovebirds looking for a romantic getaway. This February, special Valentine’s Day offerings from San Diego hotels and resorts make it the perfect time to treat… (more)

The “Big Game” has become much more than a football game: It’s the second biggest day for food consumption in the United States after Thanksgiving. So, to choose the most splurgeworthy foods, here are the exercise equivalents* for some of… (more)

Give your Valentine the gustatory gift of love this year: a ‘Supper Club’ Valentine’s weekend at Hotel Matilda, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico showcases the culinary brilliance of three of Mexico’s top chefs. Hotel Matilda is setting the table… (more)

Celebrating Valentine’s Day has come a long way from the flowers & chocolate routine—especially for foodies. In that vein, I wanted to share some great gift ideas that will delight any sweetheart that loves to eat or cook. · No-burn… (more)

Seeking holiday desserts in the pumpkin family for the holiday season?  From Spice Islands are these recommendations beyond (or in addition to) traditional pumpkin pie. These delicious desserts could become a new tradition in your family. Pumpkin… (more)