In researching some history for the intro to this column, I came across Washington’s 1789 proclamation for the first Thanksgiving in which he mentioned the “peaceable and rational … more

Having worked as a pastry chef for many years, I thought I knew all there was to know about the inner workings of an industrial kitchen. At least I thought I did. That was before I managed to get myself on a list of just 15 passengers (aboard Royal Caribbean’s The Explorer of the Sea cruise liner) to tour the main kitchen with Executive Chef Patrick J. McCabe. With the information I learned on that tour, as well as all the information I received from sweet talking every steward, chef, head waiter, matre’d and bus boy that would speak to me, I decided to write my article aboard the cruise liner.  more

It’s been a few weeks since I’ve written my column (apologies for the reprints), but I was busy planning an aufruf, catering the Friday night dinner, working on the seating for the … more

Having returned home from a cruise to the Caribbean, I was sufficiently rested, and wasn’t thinking about another vacation till next year. That was, till my husband Jerry mentioned skiing … more

About 25 years ago, I had tickets to Jackie Mason on Broadway. We met our friends at the theater, since they still lived in Forest Hills, and we had already moved to Woodmere. By the time we parked and made it into the theater, we slipped in near our friends just as the curtain was rising. Almost in unison, my friend and I whispered, “where do you want to eat after the show?” more

Have you heard of jackfruit yet? If it hasn’t come across your Facebook feed or email inbox yet, keep your eyes open because it is the newest trend in vegetarian meat … more

I had my first cold weather cup of hot tea the other day as I stood in the kitchen and tried to will summer to stay for just a while longer. The sun blazed in my kitchen, the sky was that … more

Once upon a time, Achashverosh, the King of Persia, had his wife Vashti killed for failing to attend a banquet. Then he chose a beautiful Jewish woman named Esther to be his new Queen. He also … more

This Monday I will be flying to England to embark on a transatlantic inaugural cruise on NCL’s Breakaway, their newest ship, that will be following the path of the Titanic. Of course we got a great deal and we are being flown to England at no additional charge. Our flight probably won’t be as interesting as the last time my husband Jerry flew to Europe. more

The rainbow bagel trend, admittedly, isn’t my favorite. Neon just isn’t that appetizing to me, and I’ve always been suspicious of too much food coloring. I do love colorful foods, … more