While cooking is from the heart, it is sometimes about the equipment, too. One of my favorite pieces of kitchen equipment is my old friend the mandolin.  No, it’s not a stringed instrument but a wickedly sharp blade mounted in a heavy, stainless steel frame.  With it, I can cut perfect paper-thin slices, basket weave slices, [...]

I settled into my seat on the Eurostar after two magical days in London, ready to work during the two plus hour trip to Paris.  I’d just had a simple meal, the seat was comfortable, people around me were talking in hushed voices.  The train hurtled into the night through the southern English countryside and [...]

I know, it looks like hell, but the above dish is one of the best I’ve ever eaten.  It’s tiny little supions, or squid, cooked in ink and spiced by the genius of Parisian seafood chefs, Paul Minchilli, so that it leaves a hot tickle at the back of your throat. I am an expert [...]