Category Archives: Something Else

It’s pretty lame to name a category Something Else. But tell us what is your better idea. Here be random thoughts on Yelping, writing about food, deceptive restaurant discount programs and whatnot.

Are you baking Taylor Swift sourdough?

So does Taylor Swift really bake sourdough bread and is it legit? I am one of those who admires her as a role model and for her social stances without actually listening to her music, but when it comes to … Continue reading

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Mid-century musings, or ruminating about rumaki.

There is nostalgia in America for “mid century” culture evoking a time when suburban moderns congregated in verdant back yards to get seriously drunk, flirt with their neighbors’ spouses, and eat rumaki. Those times are not coming back. Reason one: … Continue reading

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Offbeat Saratoga Springs during the Belmont

The Belmont Festival is back in Saratoga Springs for a second year, with five days of racing from Wednesday June 4 through Sunday June 8. We worked as a host at a private picnic area last year and the attendees … Continue reading

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Walla! Kenji Lopez-Alt exposed.

A kind reader corrected our use of “walla” to convey “there you have it” when executing a culinary tour de force. The correct spelling/usage is “voila” and of course we know that. We use walla in solidarity with all the … Continue reading

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Yelp vs Google

I am a Yelper. This comes as a surprise to chefs I meet, who typically hate Yelp because they see it as the source of sour grapes write-ups by amateur reviewers who want to bring a restaurant down. But for … Continue reading

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Why do refrigerators have freezers on the top?

Every time I have had the option to purchase a home refrigerator in my life, I have chosen a refrigerator with the freezer on the bottom. It’s only logical since you will access the refrigerator many more times in a … Continue reading

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The Divisive Herb: Unraveling the Curious Case of Cilantro Detestation

Introduction: In the culinary world, one cannot underestimate the power of herbs to ignite passion and divide opinions. Among these, cilantro, a verdant and pungent herb, has emerged as a perennial lightning rod, evoking intense love from some and vehement … Continue reading

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Taste test: How to keep bean sprouts fresh

In the frozen tundra where I live, it’s a half hour drive to the nearest Asian market selling fresh bean sprouts. Consequently, I always buy more than I need. And the unused portion slowly turns into a sad puddle in … Continue reading

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Is an electric stove in your future?

We have been cooking on a four-burner Hotpoint range, and it’s not bad. The coils heat up quickly and cool down almost as fast, and the dials to control temperature are accurate and consistent. As a result, we’re abandoning our … Continue reading

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The Hmong Aunties of Angel Cruz Park

Angel Cruz Park is a public park in Stockton, CA where a number of Hmong vendors set up each afternoon to sell traditional foods. Some offer pickled veggies and tropical fruits, others set up grills and cook meats over charcoal, … Continue reading

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