Scott's Best and Worst Films of 2008

Scott's Best and Worst Films of 2008

My college buddy Scott sees movies. LOTS of movies. He’s seen more movies in the last 15-20 minutes than you will see all year. He also writes up an annual best-and-worst report of the movies he’s seen each year, and kindly gave me permission to…

1/20/2009 Wine Dinner at Midwest Culinary Institute

1/20/2009 Wine Dinner at Midwest Culinary Institute

Below are photos from the January 20, 2009 Wine Dinner at Midwest Culinary Institute. Menu is below! Amuse Bouche Trevisiol Extra Brut Prosecco, NV Seared Scallops with Celeriac Slaw and Blood Orange Beurre Blanc Les Deux Tours Sauvignon Blanc 2005 and Mosel River Riesling 2007…

Jean-Robert at Pigall's closes, 2-28-2009

Jean-Robert at Pigall's closes, 2-28-2009

Still processing my thoughts from working at the restaurant last night (February 28, 2009) — the last night of Jean-Robert at Pigall’s — and helping the restaurant to close forever. It was an emotional night — from the overwhelming gravity of the situation that this…

2/18/2009 Wine Dinner at Midwest Culinary Institute

2/18/2009 Wine Dinner at Midwest Culinary Institute

Sensational Wine Dinners Wines hosted by Rodney Strong Vineyards Amuse Gueule Sea Scallop, grapefruit, brown butter, crème fraiche Charlotte’s Home Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Jonah Crab, cauliflower, black garlic, saffron & lemon Chalk Hill Chardonnay 2006 Atlantic Salmon, rapini, lentils, vanilla & red wine Russian River…

American Culinary Federation Competition, February 15, 2009

American Culinary Federation Competition, February 15, 2009

On Sunday, February 15, 2009, I competed in my first solo culinary competition as a member of the American Culinary Federation (“ACF”). I’ve been a member of the ACF for a while now, but have not competed. You may remember that I participated in the…

3/11/2009 Wine Dinner at Midwest Culinary Institute

3/11/2009 Wine Dinner at Midwest Culinary Institute

Hosted by Greg Graziano, owner and winemaker of Granziano Winery, Mendocino, California. Amuse Gueule Trout Roe, salsify, Meyer lemon & tarragon Chenin Blanc Rock Shrimp, avocado, jicama, scallion & yuzu Dolcetto Rosato “Paella” Pinot Noir Roasted Squab, mole, parsnip, white beans & red onion Zinfandel…

Ten on Tuesday: 10 Things On Your To-Do List

Ten on Tuesday: 10 Things On Your To-Do List

From this site comes this week’s Ten on Tuesday: 10 Things On Your To-Do List. In no particular order, mine are (this doesn’t include work-related stuff): Plan and cost-out a menu for a friend Drop off this non-disclosure agreement and check out the facility Reinvigorate…