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Gnocchi Faceoff

It all began one night over a glass of prosecco, a few travel and food writers talking gnocchi. I don’t know who’s idea it was first — how about we all get together… Read More →

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A Taste of Virginia

How does an oyster find its way to your plate? These briny bivalves have been a favorite of mine for years, but until recently, I didn’t ask too many questions about them. As… Read More →

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Long Live the Greeks

Managing to take my eyes off piles of produce in a bustling Greek market, I noticed something. Despite the deep fried pastries smothered in honey I had just eaten with a frothy little… Read More →

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Writer in the Kitchen: Dublin’s San Lorenzos

“In Italian cooking, there’s nowhere to hide.” I had just asked Temple Garner — chef/owner of a new Dublin restaurant called San Lorenzos – why Italian food? “The Italians have a generosity of spirit, a… Read More →

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Big Ben

Crossing the Pond

Tomorrow, I’ll be on the red eye to London. This city was the first place my Dad took me to Europe as a pre-double digit child. Where my plane landed when I studied… Read More →

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Flowers in Hudson River Park

Stretching for the Sun

There’s a small patch of grass in Hudson River Park where all the flowers are stretching for the sun. I have been nibbling on picnics in this spot since early spring, and watched… Read More →

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mountain village in Campania

Lessons from Angelina

I once lived in a little mountain village in Italy and my closest neighbor was Angelina, a woman in her 80s. On a particularly cold March evening when the wind began to howl,… Read More →

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L'Auberge del Mar

Pleasures Along the Pacific

Traveling is full of unexpected surprises. Sometimes, a meal we are anticipating is a complete disappointment. Sometimes, a simple breakfast can be elevated to something truly memorable. During my trip to San Diego… Read More →

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Positano

Positano Bites Deep

In 1953, John Steinbeck wrote about Positano in Harper’s Bazaar: ‘Positano bites deep. It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have… Read More →

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Sunny June day in Dublin

Planning a Picnic in Dublin

We might already be complaining about the heat, but I’ll take sunshine over snow any day. When the sun comes out there can be an infectious atmosphere of craving time spent outdoors. I… Read More →

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Flower boxes in Florence

Florence Snapshots

Two very special people to me are currently on the ground in Florence. Eating the gelato. Lingering over long lunches. Laying eyes on the statue of David for the first time. These thoughts… Read More →

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Eiffel Tower

Not Vertical in Paris

Every article you read about Paris is magical. This is not one of those stories. While I have had my fair share of wonderful Paris moments (leisurely lunches at sunny sidewalk cafes, decadent… Read More →

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Freshly-shucked oysters

Meet Me at the Oyster Bar

It’s so civilized, sitting down to a hearty meal before departing on a long train journey. Since 1913, friends have been meeting for a meal at the Oyster Bar. This restaurant opened the… Read More →

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Grafton Street, in Dublin's City Centre

The Affordable Side of Dublin

Things have changed in the city that used to be called one of  ’the most expensive capitals in Europe’. It’s affordable again. During the boom years of the Celtic Tiger, you had to… Read More →

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Channing Daughters Winery

A Sense of Place

Does the food we eat deliver a sense of place? One of the pleasures of traveling is sitting down to a meal that so distinctly represents the place we are visiting that those… Read More →

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Blooming flowers in Zagreb, Croatia.

Springtime Snapshots

The first signs of spring arrived in New York this week. Blossoms on the trees. Sunny daffodils. Tables returned to sunny street corners. These signals that winter might be taking its final bow… Read More →

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Wine and Cheese 101 at City Winery

Wine and Cheese 101

Sometimes, wine and cheese can be intimidating. We all have our go-to favorites that we depend on – but what if you want to branch out from safe and maybe slightly-boring choices? When… Read More →

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Island of Trees, west of Ireland

All Eyes on Ireland

Last week for St Patrick’s Day, all eyes were on Ireland. Now that the green beer is a distant memory, you might have a leftover curiosity about the Emerald Isle. I write frequently… Read More →

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The Living Room Restaurant

The Soul of Slow Food

There are some meals you just don’t want to end. I knew this immediately walking into the Living Room restaurant in c/o The Maidstone, a boutique hotel in East Hampton. Traveling on assignment… Read More →

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The village of Bacharach, Germany and the Rhine River

Grapes, Goulash, and a Glass of Wine

Would you get your hands dirty in the name of goulash and a good glass of wine? One October day in a village along the Rhine River in Germany, this question was presented… Read More →

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Six Months of Brunch – Part II

Were you craving a leisurely brunch after last week’s post? If the descriptions of spicy, decadent, and gooey brunch dishes from last week weren’t enough – here’s the final three to round out… Read More →

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Five Points Restaurant

Six Months of Brunch

Six months later, it’s time to reflect. Reflect on brunch. Now that I’ve been living in Manhattan for 6 months, I decided to write about 6 of my favorite brunch spots. These are… Read More →

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Positano - Italy's Amalfi Coast

Armchair Travel

Some readers may not have been convinced by my recent post about the pleasures of winter travel. If you’re waiting for the spring thaw to board a plane (despite all my advice on… Read More →

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Florence in February

An Experiment in the Italian Unknown

I had vowed to spend 1 week only ordering food with names I did not recognize. This simple vow spiced up a trip to Florence in February 2008 as I ate my way… Read More →

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