Rustic Fig Crostata

HI there! After a rather long hiatus from adding any new entries to my blog (I have had lots of story ideas but my inspirational juices were simply not flowing), I have decided to start again with a recipe. Start easy and then progress onto more challenging stories I say…

I have chosen a rather simple baking recipe because throughout my childhood it was one of my favorite desserts.

Anthony and Me….

Several years ago I wrote a brief article for my then new blog. www.dinewithjb.com, about Anthony Bourdain. I felt an instant kinship with this man after reading his iconic book Kitchen Confidential, and with whom, under different circumstances I may have become very good friends with if I had just turned the right corner at the right time.

In the Company of Chefs.

Introduction
My interest in food started early in life. I would sit in our kitchen in Rome and watch my mother prepare our family dinner, which was served almost every day of the week upon my father’s return from the office. Since we lived in Rome for the better part of 20 years, the menu consisted mainly of Italian inspired dishes with an occasional splash of my Mom’s German upbringing.

The Best Pasta in L.A.

THE BEST PASTA IN L.A.
Italian restaurants are ubiquitous throughout L.A. However there are only a handful of places that can be considered as the best in the city. I grew up in a culture where pasta was the main staple of the family meal. The ingredients and techniques that once made up these delicious recipes have changed dramatically over the years.

EMILIA ROMAGNA CULINARY TRIP – UPDATE

Massimo Bottura’s Osteria Francescana was just named Best Restaurant in the world at the Top 50 World Restaurants awards. This is the first time an Italian restaurant has been awarded this prestigious recognition and it provides all Italians with a  great deal of joy and pride.