The Best Cheese in the World – from Oregon?

 (from newslincolncounty.com) Rivers Edge Chevre Wins “Best American Cheese” for the second time in 2013 in international competition Rivers Edge Chevre’s Up in Smoke was chosen as the “Best American Cheese” at the 25th annual Guild of Fine Foods World Cheese Awards on Wednesday, November 27th 2013. The competition was held at the BBC Good Food… Continue reading The Best Cheese in the World – from Oregon?

Remembering Thanksgiving – The Good, the Bad, The Ugly

Like most people, I have my share of Thanksgiving memories, encompassing the whole range of emotions – joyful, painful, embarrassing, curious, mildly amusing. The years that I have spent the holiday “alone” have usually fallen into the “interesting” category;  one year I went to Waffle House in the middle of the night for my ‘feast,… Continue reading Remembering Thanksgiving – The Good, the Bad, The Ugly

Duluth, MN – Clearwater Grille Review

Amble up the North Shore of Lake Superior, you’ll be treated to some gorgeous scenery as well as a choice of hot spots for haute. The Clearwater Grille strives to serve ultra tasty food in a casual atmosphere; it’s located in the building locals know as the former “Lakeview Castle.” Boasting a large area for… Continue reading Duluth, MN – Clearwater Grille Review

Chicago, IL – Czech Plaza Review

When I was younger, I used to make my restaurant selection by noting whether or not five words emblazoned their front door: “Most major credit cards accepted.”  These days my criteria tends more to noting their longevity in business, and I am especially happy to sample most restaurants that have been around fifty years or… Continue reading Chicago, IL – Czech Plaza Review

Scanlon, MN – Rendezvous Bar Review

Preliminary visit in advance of Todd Eckart show this Friday nite.  The Rendezvous has a new chef, new menu, and might be the perfect night out for out-of-towners hitting Spirit Mountain, or visiting Duluth for the Beargrease Sled Dog race. Sampled the Vous Dous wings, (their hottest!), excellent, with house-made blue cheese dipping sauce.  Lots… Continue reading Scanlon, MN – Rendezvous Bar Review

Duluth, MN – Taste of Saigon Review

A popular street food in Vietnam, Pho (which can be pronounced a number of ways, don’t let anybody tell you different!) is a soup consisting of broth, linguine-shaped noodles, herbs, and a variety of meat choices, primarily beef, chicken, or shellfish. The geographical origin and timing of its origin is subject to debate. When i… Continue reading Duluth, MN – Taste of Saigon Review

French River, MN – New Scenic Cafe Reviews

Food so fresh you’ll want to slap it. Revisit old Highway 61, and you might not feel like Bob Dylan, but you’ll be in for a culinary treat or two along this scenic road which runs from Duluth, MN to Canada. Just past French River, you’ll notice the New Scenic Cafe, a plain and simple… Continue reading French River, MN – New Scenic Cafe Reviews

Reuben Chowder Recipe

My brother was telling me about some reuben chowder he had the other day at a restaurant featuring “Octoberfest” dishes, and it sounded pretty good. By coincidence, the Food and Wine newsletter this morning included a recipe, which is reprinted below.  I’m not sure about the andouille in this, it would add some unattractive fat… Continue reading Reuben Chowder Recipe