I have a good friend in Honolulu. Let’s call him Steve. Steve’s a great guy; met him in the mid-90’s when I was writing restaurant reviews for The Honolulu Advertiser (the biggest paper in the state of Hawaii at that time; now long gone as many papers are in the

Little chewy bundles of treasure.  A lifetime of memories, wrapped, crimped, shaped, fried, steamed, and boiled, whatever your method it’s gonna be good. I’m reminded of my grandmother’s kreplach when I was ten years old.  Nothing better, anywhere.  Or the “dumplings” I had recently; baked crispy-crunchy pâte brisée with apple

Beginning in Honolulu, a 4-day stopover in New York City seemed the perfect place to prepare for our 5-week European adventure about to come. Traveling lighter than ever before, barely more than a carry-on and laptop (yes, for 5 weeks!) we were on our way. New York satisfies on so

Recently I was asked to be the third judge at a chili cook-off because no one else wanted to do it. The original third judge called in sick at the last moment and I happened to be standing there at the judge’s table asking directions to the beer wagon when

A long time ago, when I was living in Los Angeles, a very funny thing happened, something I’d wager never happened to you. My mom had a sore throat and a bad cold, and was eating Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup. We’ve all had it a million times. It’s soothing to

We all hate the way staffers hover near our tables.  It’s as if they’re being paid by the plate – or by the irritant value associated with removing one’s plate when there’s still a bite or two…or some sauce, still remaining.  Not only that, they hardly ever ask if you