With our return trip to Italy mere months away, visions of the lemon-scented, sun-drenched Amalfi Coast have begun to permeate my daydreams, as well as history and pasta, and naturally, coffee.  Why is the coffee in Italy so damn good? Inspired by every cup of coffee I...

This weekend our friends Eloy and Matilde treated us to lunch at South Philly Barbacoa, where the food is so remarkable it made Bon Appetit’s hot 10 lists of America’s best new restaurants and owner, Christina Martinez, is featured in an episode of the Netflix series C...

Thanks to our friends Tim and Amy who introduced us to Alison Roman, we’re fast becoming an All Alison Roman All The Time household. Last night we roasted some tomatoes for her Bucatini recipe. The result was deeply satisfying—rib-sticking and loaded with umami flavor...

Of course “Yacht Rock” appeals to me and my friends. It’s the perfect soundtrack for someone born in the last throes of the Baby Boom generation and on the cusp of Gen X.  Characterized by clean vocals and stylistically polished production, it’s easy on the ears, gentl...

If you’re a fan of earning gold stars, and really who isn’t, then you just missed a golden opportunity at yesterday’s Holiday Open House at Zanya Spa & Salon. What’s not to love about being greeted at the door with a flute of bubbly, handed a checklist to experience su...

Rodger Marsh and Kate Short, the brother and sister team behind Meadowlark, are not in Kansas anymore.  They did, however, name their restaurant after the state bird--a tribute to their hometown.  The Meadowlark is considered to be a harbinger of good news and abundanc...

There’s a new baby foeder at our favorite Buck's County orchard, and her name is Mela (that’s Italian for apple). “Foeder” is a Dutch word to describe a large wooden barrel, which is exactly what it is. In this case, a barrel used to age hard cider, imbuing it with the...

In 1975 I had a mood ring on my finger and was bursting with pride over my roles as the first lieutenant of the safety patrol and editor of our 3 room schoolhouse newspaper, The Stockton Stinger. But by far, the most important thing to happen to me that year was the in...

 Thomas Cole 1837

Driving to the Hudson Valley in October is exactly the way you should spend time reconnecting with an old college friend. Stay at the new Mirbeau Spa and Resort in Rhinebeck, add a day in neighboring Kingston for the fabulous Field & Supply, and you’ve...

The Farm Cooking School is one of the treasures we locals are blessed with.  Located on Gravity Hill Farm, the rustic charm here is almost palpable, and the passion for food is tangible.

Last night we had the great fortune to attend an evening with Ruth Reichl...