Welcome to My Culinary Journey: Exploring Food, History, and More

I hope we may all become friends as I share my explorations of food, history, tall tales, and interesting tidbits. Many of my commentaries and observations will focus on my hometown, New York City, particularly Manhattan. I will also venture into neighboring boroughs and cities like Boston and Washington D.C.

The Journey to Starting a Blog

Life has thrown some topsy-turvy changes my way. These changes led me to discover how to survive in a small kitchen while still producing good, healthy food on a budget. This may seem diametrically opposed to my explorations of new food and beverage bars and restaurants. However, I appreciate a good deal and sticking to a plan, both in terms of ingredients and cost, regardless of kitchen size. Like many other cooks and writers, I want to share my ideas, creations, and methods to help others.

My inspiration came from two significant sources. The first was through in-person demonstrations and the eponymous TV series, Julia Child (1974-1975). I attended a recurring series of demonstrations in Seattle, benefiting St. Mark's Cathedral, which my father gifted to me. The second source was a book by noted food editor and critic, Arthur Schwartz, titled "Cooking in a Small Kitchen." Back in 1979-80, when I started classes at a culinary school in Seattle, both of these influences sparked my curiosity. This curiosity carried forward after my move to NYC, where I experienced kitchens that were both large and well-equipped, as well as sparse and small.

Eventually, my first tiny studio apartment in Chelsea, with its minuscule and vertical kitchen, produced surprisingly good food. This experience influenced my cooking style for many years.

What to Expect from This Blog

I plan to publish posts every other Sunday. Expect a mix of places visited, things read, food and drink enjoyed, and new tools and techniques I have learned during my explorations. As we go along, I'll share recipes for some of the dishes I love and whip up a drink or three to keep us inspired. You can also look forward to personal travel experiences and reminiscences from both the present and the past.

Culinary Adventures Await

Join me as I embark on this culinary adventure. I will explore various cuisines, share cooking tips, and highlight unique dining experiences. Each post will be an opportunity to discover something new and exciting in the world of food.

Recipes to Try

In addition to my explorations, I will share recipes that reflect my journey. These recipes will be simple yet delicious, perfect for anyone cooking in a small kitchen. Whether you are a novice or an experienced cook, there will be something for everyone.

Engaging with the Community

I encourage you to engage with me through comments and suggestions. Your feedback will help shape this blog into a vibrant community of food lovers. Let’s share our experiences and learn from one another.

Thanks for joining me on this journey! I hope you find my posts entertaining and enlightening. There will be links to some of the best resources each week, so stay tuned for more delicious content!

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