During a recent stay in Palm Springs, we were introduced to an unusual ice water add-in: fiery jalapeño peppers! MoreRead More...

Now that Downton Abbey season 2 is over, we're all waiting with bated (pun intended) breath to see what will happen in season 3. Until then, enjoy a little break from the action...and enjoy one of these cocktails inspired by characters from your favorite British drama. MoreRead More...

For my wife's 30th birthday bash we wanted to do an unconventional themed party —something fun, eclectic, yet personal. Her love of books and food is what inspired our Wordy Thirty dinner party. Read on for details on this novel-themed party about food, drink, and great conversation. MoreRead More...

A dash here, a dash there....Bartenders' recent fascination with bitters — the mysterious potions sold in little apothecary bottles — has created a market for all sorts of variations. There are citrus bitters, maple bitters, cherry bitters, celery bitters, bitters aged in whiskey barrels, chocolate bitters, etc., etc. There are a lot, is what I'm saying. But do bitters — often added in doses so small that they verge on homeop...

Drink up!In an effort to lubricate its patrons as well as educate them, the New-York Historical Society will put on a summer exhibit that sets out to "survey the social, economic, political, and technological history of the production and consumption of beer, ale, and porter in the city over the past three hundred and fifty years." So, that sounds like it could be interesting. Also in the cards: the Historical Society will reward visitors to t...

My cast-iron skillet gets a lot of play in the kitchen. In fact, I have two: an 8" and a 10", and I use them for everything from chicken to scrambled eggs. Now, I can add desserts to that long list. MoreRead More...

We all know that cheeses can come in various shades of colors. It's actually kind of interesting to understand where these hues come from.And what you might not realize is that knowing a bit about a cheese's color can inform your palate, as well. Herein, a cheat sheet divulging the why's behind those oranges, whites, blues, and yellows. MoreRead More...

Kind of blue.Until recently, 7-Eleven was only known within the confines of Manhattan for its annual Free Slurpee Day, even if New Yorkers were left to wonder where, exactly, they could go to get their free Slurpee. But now the chain is expanding like crazy in New York, and it has no plans to stop until the city is blanketed with taquitos. According to Crain's, we can expect the opening of "20 locations — ranging in size from 1,500 squar...

When it comes to wedding cakes, there's a right amount of flowers...[Note: this is not the right amount] ...and a WRONG amount of flowers:If you listen verrry closely, you can actually hear the cake screaming.  Bakers know a hefty blanket of fake blooms can cover a multitude of cakey sins:...including the fact that the groom forgot to pick up the cake.[Fun fact: this was actually the mother-of-the-bride's hat.] However, at some ...