Our love for Parmesan crackers is no secret. Our fresh fig appetizer is slowly becoming legend. Alas, fresh figs aren't always in season so we needed to create a winter alternative. Nahid suggested using gorganzola as the main ingredient. It being winter, pears jumped into my brain. We both agreed that we needed crunch and a bit of sweetness, so candied walnuts were … [Read more...]
Jicama triangles with mango salsa: Make a vegan happy this holiday
To state that the 2BA have been busy is to dive head first into understatement. In a short two weeks we have moved on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, unpacked, decorated, (to be totally honest had an argument or two) cooked an incredible Thanksgiving for 15. And if that wasn't enough, on Saturday we threw a housewarming party for 60 or so people. And you ask why no new … [Read more...]
Porcini Mushrooms–Forage first then eat.
Sometimes I have the best job in the world. When working on food shows I get to travel around the world meeting great people and eating unusual and delicious food. Yesterday was a perfect example. We drove through an Ojai wrapped in a morning mist. When we turned on to Signal Street, Osteria Monte Grappa wore the unnatural stillness of a closed restaurant. Tammy and … [Read more...]
Forage for Porcini mushrooms
It’s great to live in California…especially if you know someone who knows where to find porcini mushrooms. I met Tammy and Stefano, owners of Osteria Monte Grappa in Ojai while working. One of the joys of working on a television show about food (besides the obvious, food) is the chance to meet like minded, passionate food people, and more importantly, discover their unique … [Read more...]
Chantrelle mushrooms, corn and linguine: Hello Autumn!
Hollywood Farmers' Market October 30th Fall is in the air...sort of...it is if you go to the farmers' market and notice that stone fruit has been replaced by a variety of apples, while squash of all types and beets reign supreme. I walked along the food stands on Ivar looking for inspiration. Finally a pile of corn caught my attention. How long will this quintessential … [Read more...]
