Category Archives: Food Heroes

Inspired and inspiring cooks, bakers, producers and purveyors of food.

“Brewers Wanted” in New York craft beer industry

Posted on February 16, 2016 by Burnt My Fingers

Craft beer is thriving in New York state, and somebody has to staff all those breweries not to mention the malt houses, hop farms and other suppliers that feed them. So Schenectady County Community College is piloting a brewer training … Continue reading →

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Ribbon cutting day at Chester’s Smokehouse in Albany

Posted on February 4, 2016 by Burnt My Fingers

Chester’s Smokehouse is a throwback to the days when refrigeration was spotty and every town had a smokehouse to preserve meat. It recently opened in an ungentrified district of Albany, taking over a building that allegedly housed a pretty rough … Continue reading →

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Food for Thought: Chef Jacques La Merde unmasked!

Posted on January 29, 2016 by Burnt My Fingers

We have previously heaped praise on Chef Jacques La Merde, a wise guy who makes beautiful compositions out of junk food. Now it turns out the culprit/heroine is Toronto chef Christine Flynn. This interview on Eater explains how and why … Continue reading →

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How Cheese Traveler sells artisanal cheese in the land of mild provolone

Posted on January 26, 2016 by Burnt My Fingers

[UPDATE: in early 2018 the Cheese Traveler was sold to a long time customer who plans to keep its selection and vibe intact.] Eric Paul was one of the first food people I met when I moved to upstate New … Continue reading →

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15 Church brings big-city ramen to Saratoga

Posted on October 29, 2015 by Burnt My Fingers

Your weekend plans have just changed. You are headed to 15 Church in Saratoga Springs, where chef Brady has whipped up some world-class ramen to celebrate the seasonal closing of the patio. This is not poser ramen broth but deep, … Continue reading →

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The Italian Trade Commission comes to Price Chopper, and that’s a good thing

Posted on October 22, 2015 by Burnt My Fingers

Why are Italian delis filled with shelves of enticing jarred and canned foods, but not American or Jewish delis? Why is your supermarket stocked with box after box of Italian pasta in shapes you could never imagine? Because the Italians, … Continue reading →

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Farm-to-table pizza from Nine Miles East Farm

Posted on October 2, 2015 by Burnt My Fingers

I first tasted pizza from Nine Miles East Farm of Schuylerville, NY (which is 9 miles east of Saratoga where I live) at the home of a health-conscious friend. She raved about its natural goodness and how the two-day fermentation … Continue reading →

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Battle Mandram: A family history

Posted on June 6, 2015 by Burnt My Fingers

Judy Cromwell is a longtime friend who frequently comments on my recipes. She agreed to share her Mandram recipe and contributed this bonus description of her family’s tussles with this dish through the decades. Chef Otis’ interest in recreating southern … Continue reading →

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David Murdock, the pineapple king

Posted on May 6, 2015 by Burnt My Fingers

While writing my recipe for Carrot Pineapple Jello I experienced the following unusual economic behavior: Unlike almost other canned fruits and vegetables, there was no store-brand alternative available in my local supermarket. Only Dole. Unlike other products which offer a … Continue reading →

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A visit to the Casola Dining Room at SCCC (Schenectady County Community College)

Posted on March 26, 2015 by Burnt My Fingers

There are two things that the Casola Dining Room has in common with the legendary Chez Panisse in Berkeley. First, you have to call exactly two weeks in advance of your desired dining date and time to have any hope … Continue reading →

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