It all started simply enough, as, I suppose these things usually do and then quickly and sloppily exploded into its own life force, as, I suppose, these things usually do. A subtle vibrating of my cell phone and that was it. I was lost, irrevocably, hopelessly lost. Only I didn’t know it yet. Up until then my cell phone had only been for, obtusely enough, phone calls. I stared at its tiny frame in complete confusion. Was that a missed voicemail message? Did I change my ring tone? The unfamiliar noise gently prodded me to poke around the menu of my ancient Nokia to see what else lay within its neglected screen. The icons glistened with excitement as my clumsy fingers roughly navigated over them in a desperate attempt to solve the …Read on

It’s been a dreary week for us here in South Florida. Early mornings begin soaking wet and seem to continue the same pattern for the rest of the day. This may be okay for folks in Norway or our Brit friends across the pond, but, for delegates of the Sunshine State, endless drizzle mixed with downpour doesn’t sit well. On the other hand, there is something downright comforting about rainy days (when you aren’t caught in the midst of it with a broken umbrella). Nature’s wrath begs us to seek shelter and suddenly, the confines of our home instantly becomes more inviting. Inside we are dry and safe and eating a good meal tastes even more delicious.I always crave carbs when it rains. Maybe it’s my caveman instinct of hunkering down that calls …Read on

A friend of mine recently told me that mussels are to be eaten only during the months ending in “er.” According to her undisclosed, expert French source, these cooler months are when this mollusk is in season and sampling them outside this period is simply not worth the palate’s second glance.I had never heard of this, so, upon receiving this news my taste buds froze in a panic, like a deer caught in headlights. I am not one to keep much track of time but suddenly it was of the utmost importance to me. What month was I in? After tripping over several incorrect answers, it came to me: aaah…Septemb-ER! A wave of relief washed over me as I realized I had just made it into acceptable mussel-consuming-time. Suddenly, all the frustration and animosity normally reserved for September, a …Read on

Since we are still on the carb witch hunt in this country, I will focus on a salad. Let me get it out on the record first that there is nothing more glorious than a warm slice of freshly baked baguette slathered with rich butter (yep, you read it right here, BUTTER, not I-Can’t-Believe, or, I-Promise-You-Won’t-Know-The-Difference, or You-Don’t-Value-Yourself-Enough-To-Have-It-And-Nor-Do-We butter). That said, I have been known to profess to friends and family, my inner suspicions that I was a rabbit in another life, not because of my cuddly nature (which I lack) or bounding energy (something I also lack) but rather because of my insatiable craving for greens. A good salad is definitely on my top ten list. Of course, I refuse to compromise and will tell you, this dinner is delicious with a crusty buttered …Read on

Day was slow. Rainy. Glum. Humidity promising right around the climate corner. I shouldn’t complain, I know. Flights are being cancelled left and right up north because of freezing cold weather and I get feisty when there is a trace of mugginessBut I can’t help myself. It is March and I’ve carelessly grown used to the two months when South Florida has pleasant weather: a short two months where you can actually roll down a car window, possibly walk somewhere without shvitzing. Who am I kidding. Who the hell walks in South Florida? But you get the gist. It’s the one time of the year my bra isn’t sticky, and that in itself is worth celebrating.So the crimp in the weather has put me in a bit of a fowl …Read on