Bagna Cauda

A very special recipe from a very special man named Geno.  In his own words:

"Here is a little bit of the history of Bagna Cauda, which means hot bath, or hot sauce.
Bagna Cauda is a ancient community meal that originated in the Piemonte region of northern Italy, where my folks were both and raised.  Originally, it was classified as a meal for poor people that could easily, and inexpensively be put together during the cold months of winter. As time went by, it developed into a traditional festive dish served on New Year's eve to a large group of people, all standing around a table, and dipping vegetables into the hot sauce.  In recent times Bagna Cauda can be found listed as an appetizer, or antipasto on the menus of fashionable restaurants in Italy and also here in the U.S."

I am taking off for Southeast Asia for the next few weeks.  Will be back at the end of November with a new post.  Until then.................

Say Cheese | Vacherin Mont D'Or

I have heard about Mont D'Or cheese and have been dying to try it.  It comes from Switzerland on the border of France and near the mountain D'Or.  This cheese is seasonal, only available from October through April.  It is a rich cows milk cheese wrapped in wood barb and eaten almost like fondue.  Spread it on a crusty baguette or sliced apples or pears.  So good.  So with the season just opening I went on the hunt.  Wasn't an easy find but thank you Sapphire Pantry in Laguna for making my day.

Chicago | Chapter 2

The trip to Chicago was great.  I was so impressed with how beautiful and clean the city was.  The neighborhoods and botanical displays were gorgeous, the views magnificent, the food, delicious.  And oh, those jazz clubs.  Here are just a few more shots of the city for the final chapter.

The Art Institute

The view from the top of the Willis Tower

Chicago | Chapter One

One of the highlights of the trip to Chicago was the architectural boat tour on the Chicago River.  The night before we went on the tour, our taxi drove right by the river with the skyscrapers all lit up.  What a beautiful sight.  Great tour, great history.

Scenes From A Restaurant: Le Colonial, Chicago

I just got back from a weekend in Chicago and on our last day we had lunch at Le Colonial on Rush Street.  What a gorgeous restaurant.  And the food.........French-Vietnamese.  Really incredible.  I would go back in a second.  There are Le Colonial's in San Francisco and New York also.  More on Chicago in the next post.  Stay tuned..................