Kitchen Chat
Trends at The International Home and Housewares Show
What are the latest trends in housewares? The 2017 International Home + Housewares Show featured more than 2,200 exhibitors including over 400 new companies and 62,000 total attendees from around the globe. Although I couldn’t visit every exhibit, I noticed some trends that resonated. Copper Cookware continues to be hot. Consumers have a variety of options…
Read MoreA Taste of Specialty Food Association
Whether you are a foodie or a food entrepreneur, it is always good to know about trends and products. In 2016, almost $130 billion in sales were recorded in the specialty food industry. Recently I attended the Specialty Food Business Summit and interviewed Phil Kafarakis, the new president of Specialty Food Association. He discusses the latest…
Read MoreTour 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…
Read MoreThe Foodie and The Fashionista: An Afternoon with Alison Bruhn
Friendship is like comfort food. During a recent trip to my childhood home of Birmingham, Alabama, I reconnected with my friend, Alison Bruhn. We had met in junior high and performed on the Dorians dance team during high school football and basketball games. Alison was always a fashionista and had a keen sense of style…
Read MoreNathalie Dupree: The Queen of Southern Cuisine
Nathalie Dupree is The Queen of Southern Cuisine. This award winning chef, cookbook author, restaurateur, television and radio host has done it all. During the Les Dames d’Escoffier conference in Washington, DC, Nathalie shared her thoughts, tips and recipes. But first Nathalie shares her Pork Chop Theory and the importance of women helping each other.…
Read MoreThe Chew's Chef Carla Hall
“Do what you love and everything else will follow.” Chef Carla Hall The award-winning Chef Carla Hall is an exuberant example of pursuing dreams with authentic heartfelt enthusiasm. We have all cheered for her on Bravo’s Top Chef and watched her on The Chew. Her love of cooking and sharing a meal now includes the role…
Read MoreTasting New Orleans: R'evolution with Chef John Folse
“My joy in life is to bring the story of Louisiana to the world.” Chef John Folse Chef John Folse exudes and exemplifies the hospitality of New Orleans. Growing up in a Cajun cabin in the swamplands of Louisiana, Chef Folse learned how to cook and appreciate the importance of sustainable sourcing through the “swamp…
Read MoreTasting New Orleans: Dooky Chase's
“Food can make you happy. You can solve all kinds of problems over a plate of food. And that is a wonderful thing.” Chef Leah Chase History and hospitality are hallmarks of New Orleans, especially at Dooky Chase’s with Chef Leah Chase, “The Queen of Creole Cuisine” and recipient of the James Beard Foundation’s…
Read MoreTasting New Orleans: Shaya
Mardi Gras is almost here. Let’s continue tasting New Orleans! What a delightful honor to interview the highly acclaimed Chef Alon Shaya at his modern Israeli restaurant, Shaya, which was awarded the 2016 James Beard Best New Restaurant of the Year. Shaya’s menu features favorite dishes such as Lutenitsa, a Bulgarian puree of roasted…
Read MoreTasting 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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