It’s no secret that I love oysters–fresh and cold, raw on the half shell with just a squeeze of lemon. The more they taste of the ocean the better. I grew up eating Gulf oysters–raw, in stews, fried and piled high onto French bread, or charbroiled. Ten years in France had me favoring Belons and [...]

I just got back from a quick 24-hour trip to speak at Berkeley College at Yale (more on that in the next post) and now, 5 airplane and 2 shuttle rides later, it’s time for a relaxing Sunday supper with friends. We’re cooking up a perfect simple menu to celebrate the season: leg of lamb [...]

Photographer Colleen Duffley has a plan b. After lots of hard work and many 2-a.m. emails, she has created Studio b, a playground for the imagination. Studio b is now and up and running. Seminars, classes and workshops with artists and designers and chefs, including India Hicks, Donna Hay, Jonathan Adler, Emeril Lagasse, Tyson Cole, [...]

I’ve been lucky enough to work with photographer Thayer Gowdy for several years now. Together we have crushed berries in Oregon, tasted wines in Paso Robles, as well as Buddha’s Hand citrus eggs, marionberry pie, roast duck, field greens, more wine, ricotta, chevre, pecorino, chocolate, donuts, tacos…Here are some images from a recent trip to [...]

I’ve been craving this Spanish-style potato omelette for weeks now. You’ll find smaller versions sitting out in Tapas bars all over Spain. I visited a friend in San Sebastian once whose mother always had one of these ready and waiting in her oven to offer up to unexpected guests. The trick is to not overcook [...]

A note from a friend of mine on the closing of Cottage Living. Dear Little Sweet Pea: I heard the bad news early on: The Old Girl fell over and died. Let me say that I was sorry to hear it…You were there from the start…so I can only guess that it is a watershed [...]

Someone sent me this link to Urban Grace Interiors. And I’ve received many emails about the closing of Cottage Living magazine. Yes, it’s sad. Yes, it seems to be true. We are closing our pages. It’s been a remarkable journey. I have been fortunate to work with a talented and passionate group of people who [...]

Something sweet to savor in San Francisco at Miette…