Good Taste is the Worst Vice

Schnitzel around Vienna

When I started planning our trip to Vienna, D's first (and really only) request was for wiener schnitzel. Goal: achieved. Here's a roundup of the schnitzels we had in Vienna... Cafe Mozart Our first meal in Vienna was at this cafe just around the corner from our hotel, where we sat outside ... continue reading...


Chicken chili verde

I can't believe it's taken me this long to make chili verde! Given how often I make chili - it's so easy! - and how much I love chilaquiles verdes, this was a natural next step.  It's a bit more involved than my usual tomato-based chili, but worth the effort. As in my chilaquiles recipe, the ... continue reading...


Alinea 2.0

Last fall, D and I headed to Alinea - the revamped, Alinea 2.0 - for his birthday. Am I behind the times in sharing our experience?  Most definitely.  So without further ado... We attended the Gallery experience, the more involved of the two options (the other being the Salon, served ... continue reading...


Fallen chocolate cake

Much like Cookie Monster, I believe that baked goods should be devoured straight from the oven.  And that's especially true for chocolate! This cake is a rare exception, however – it needs to sit for a bit, so that the airy center can fall and settle into a rich, dense texture.  And there's more ... continue reading...


Village BakeHouse, Anguilla

There's a newish spot on the island for breakfast - the charming Village BakeHouse. It's located in the historic Koal Keel building, which has always been a favorite of mine.  The beautiful antique furniture is still there in the breezy sitting room upstairs - it's a lovely spot to relax. And ... continue reading...


Falcon Nest, Anguilla

I had been hearing a lot about Falcon Next before our trip - rum punch, special Falcon sauce, and fresh lobster!  So after a morning at Shoal Bay East, we drove the short distance to Island Harbor to check it out. It's a great setting, with picnic tables at the water's edge.  Masses of ... continue reading...


Rum tasting at the Malliouhana, Anguilla

Mondays at the Malliouhana are for rum tasting!  D and I arrived at the Sunset Bar at 530pm to learn more about rum... and a little more about Anguilla, too. The sommelier (or "rummelier", for this evening), Albert, had four rums to share with us.  He also gave us some tips on tasting - quick, ... continue reading...


The Place, Anguilla

We're back from Anguilla, and the less said about the single-digit temperatures here in Chicago, the better! *** This year we added The Place back into our beach rotation, because this view is just too good to miss. Finding The Place is a bit tricky - you need to drive through metal gates and ... continue reading...


Next: French Laundry

Recently, D and I had dinner in Yountville without leaving home - at Next: French Laundry. Next has done homage menus before - like El Bulli and Trio 2004 - but this is the first one where we've been to the real restaurant in question.  In fact, during my first visit to the French Laundry in the ... continue reading...