Pasta Grannies

Vicky Bennison takes us into the kitchens across Italy to meet the beloved “Pasta Grannies” who share their time-treasured techniques and secrets to pasta making.  From her home in Italy, Vicky started exploring the food of the area and discovered that only the Italian grandmothers were preserving the tradition of making pasta by hand. She…

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Four Roses Bourbon Legend: Al Young

“For a long time, the American public was kind of fickle. They fell in love with gin, vodka and wine.  Those are all good beverages, but they kind of kicked bourbon to the bottom shelf … Now drinkers are taking another look at it. There’s more interest in the category and people are becoming more…

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The Tastes of Canada

Oh, Canada!  The flavors of Canadian cuisine will make your palate sing! In June, I was in Toronto with dear friends Jennifer Ettinger and Tommy Geraci to cover CTV Upfront. Some of the foodie favorites after the Red Carpet included miniature tacos. I enjoyed a kitchen chat with Chef Geoff Webb of the popular restaurant Sassafraz  This is…

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Tour of Time Inc Food Studios

  Birmingham, Alabama has always been the home of my heart, and Southern Living has always been the heart of my home. Recently, I traveled back to the place of my childhood to tour the Time Inc Food Studios in Birmingham, Alabama.  Nestled on a wooded hilltop, the studios are spacious and gracious. The Alabama white…

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Tasting the World (Part Two): New York Times Travel Show

The Taste of the World Stage at The New York Times Travel Show featured great chefs such as Art Smith, Roy Yamaguchi, and Bill Yosses.  My friend Doug Duda from IACP was the culinary director and host.  Chef Bill Yosses, former White House pastry chef for Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, shared his…

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L.A.'s Legendary Restaurants with Chef George Geary

Chef George Geary shares the secrets and signature dishes of L.A.’s legendary restaurants in his new book. Who created the iconic Cobb Salad? What did the stars of Old Hollywood eat and drink? Where did the Hot Fudge Sundae begin?  Which restaurant was a favorite place of Mae West? What are the secret phone numbers?…

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Chef Eric Lanlard and Bridge of Spies

  Bridge of Spies is one of Steven Spielberg’s best movies ever!  Based on a true story, Bridge of Spies depicts the tension of the Cold War and highlights the strategic hostage negotiations led by James B. Donovan, portrayed by Tom Hanks.  After Hanks’ character defends Rudolf Abel, a Soviet KGB spy, he successfully convinces…

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Chicago Travel and Adventure Show: An Exciting Destination

When I received my complimentary ticket to attend Chicago’s Travel and Adventure Show, I didn’t realize it would actually be a passport to experience the world at the Donald E Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont.  It was truly an exciting opportunity to meet people from different countries and ask them about their homeland’s culinary specialities.…

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National Coffee Day

Did you celebrate National Coffee Day?  I actually did — Twice! Of course I had to enjoy coffee clinks with friends at Eataly Chicago with a delicious Lavazza.  Then, I sipped iced Vietnamese Coffee at Pasteur. Personally, I think every day should be National Coffee Day!  So with that in mind, here are some delicious…

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