I have a theory that people generally tend to like the holidays nearest their birthdays better than most. And since my birthday just passed on Sunday, I have to admit that the Fourth of July is one of my very favorites. What could be better than a day off in the warm summer heat to
Photos from Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto is a bullet-train ride away from Tokyo. It was the capital of Japan for over a thousand years, until the capital moved to Tokyo in the 1800’s. Despite their relative proximity, the two cities have very different feels. Tokyo is hyper-urban, modern, neon and frenetic. Kyoto has some very modern areas, but it’s overall
Tuna Tartare and Wonton Chips
I brought this appetizer to a party that we attended recently. As the night progressed, I thought it would be best to remove it from the table. After all, you don’t want raw fish sitting out unrefrigerated, right? So I moved it to the kitchen and put the bowl in the sink, thinking that I
Friday Favorites
Homemade popsicles: Popsicles are a fun and delicious way for adults and kids alike to beat the summer heat, but most of the store-bought ones are full of sugar and preservatives. Making your own lets you control what goes into them and also lets you get creative! Some of our favorite flavors are zesty chili lime
Roasted Broccoli with Shrimp
If you’ve been on the hunt for an easy weeknight meal full of flavor, look no further. It’s my personal opinion that there is no better way to cook a vegetable than to roast it- both for easy preparation and for the unique crispy and flavorful outcome. Broccoli has always been a stand-alone
Cheeseboard in Berkeley, CA
In the early 2000’s, I was working in a small office just a few blocks away from the UC Berkeley campus. Berkeley is a unique town in general, offering lots of awesome hippie energy and political drama and friendly faces. Thanks to the institution of Chez Panisse and Alice Waters, Berkeley is also a fascinating
DIY Serving Dishes
Every time I entertain, I wish I had more ways to add dimension to my tablescapes. I love footed dishes and anything on a pedestal, but the store-bought ones are usually either too expensive or too boring. So a lightbulb went off when I saw an amazing Martha Stewart project on Pinterest last week.
Sweet Corn Puree with Seared Scallops
I designed this dish because I was craving sweet scallops. But honestly, once it was done this dish was not about the scallops. In fact, I would go so far as to call them optional. It’s all about the corn puree. Sweet corn, spicy chipotle, and rich coconut milk come together to create a silky, smoky base