Strong, durable and uncomplicated. That’s how Brooklyn Slate Company’s co-founder Sean Tice describes slate, a metamorphic rock that he and Kristey Hadeka use for their sturdy cheese boards ($26-$44). Their black and red slate comes from Hadeka’s family-owned quarries in the Slate Valley, a 13-mile stretch of land running from upstate New York to Vermont. “The slate is formed [...]
After leaving the fine-dining industry, longtime chef Tim Byres spent the summer of 2009 traveling through the Mississippi Delta. “I wanted to trace the roots of American food,” Byres recalls. The trip rekindled his love for family-style eateries and old-school home cooking. When he returned to Dallas, Texas, Byres opened Smoke with a clear goal in mind. “I said [...]
We’ve been discussing whiskey an awful lot lately, so let’s switch gears for a moment…and talk about rum. Now that the summer is quickly approaching we are thinking about mojitos and pina coladas, and just because you aren’t on a beach right now doesn’t mean you can’t whip up some tropical beverages. But Mount Gay [...]
First brewed about 2,000 years ago, saké is steeped in history. When the Japanese adopted the practice of wet rice cultivation around 300 B.C., they perfected the brewing of saké and called it the ”drink of the gods.” The beverage remains an inseparable staple of Japanese food culture, and is still produced with age-old techniques by breweries around the world. [...]
Central Phoenix has grown up in recent years as a haven for foodies, so it’s no surprise that it welcomes back the Welcome Diner with a gourmet twist. The “gourmet diner” is a growing trend from London to Phoenix. Think limited menu with high-quality burgers and an intimate atmosphere. But most importantly it’s an affordable dining experience. The [...]
Portland: a city steeped in beer. With so many great breweries around, who needs anything else? Well, sometimes, only a glass of fine wine will do. Portland has a burgeoning wine bar scene, thanks to an influx of transplants who favor vino over barley and hops. These bars don’t just serve Oregon Pinot, however. You’ll [...]
There is something different about a wood-fire pizza: the thin, crunchy, smoky-flavored crust combined with the elements of melted mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, fresh basil… Mhmm. Today, you can get your fix by visiting a pizza restaurant with its own wood-fired oven. In the near future you can make your own — courtesy of Uuni. Kristian Tapaninaho, [...]
Since opening six months ago, Laurel Hardware has caused quite a commotion that refuses to simmer down. The Manual says believe the hype and book a table sharpish. Located in an ex-hardware store in West Hollywood, this ‘neighbourhood eatery’ specializes in new American cuisine (anything from yellow corn to grilled flatiron steak) with a sprinkling [...]
It’s almost February and President’s Week vacations are fast approaching, so there is still time to fit in that big winter vacation or ski trip. One of the prime destinations for true skiing aficionados is the town of Chamonix in the French Alps. Chamonix was home to the 1924 Winter Olympics, and has been a [...]
During a recent phone chat, restaurant owner Michael Krupp suddenly stops mid-conversation: “I’m sorry, hold on. There’s something very strange happening in my restaurant.” After a brief moment of muffled voices, Krupp returns to the line. “I just had a bunch of college kids walk in here carrying instruments. They were measuring the air quality.” [...]
