Fall has finally arrived, bringing with it a plethora of yummy foods and excuse to cook like I’m in New England (even though temperatures are still hovering in the 80s in Southwest Florida). And anyone who knows me knows that I love pumpkin. So October, needless to say, is a great time for me: Not only is it my birthday month, but all things pumpkin-related make their way onto supermarket shelves and produce stands. My pumpkin streak began with a trip to Sarasota’s Fresh Market recently, where I picked up pumpkin butter (which I spooned over cheese blintzes, yum), pumpkin pie, pumpkin waffle mix...

Today is a sad day for foodies: Gourmet Magazine is closing. For one who was professionally nurtured and creatively developed by this standard bearer of culinary periodicals, it is indeed a loss! And, I do not know where to begin. ‘Gourmet Mag’ was an integral part of my life since my graduation from Johnson and Wales, back twenty-five+ spring-times ago. I lived for their eclectic, monthly covers and the editors’ incisive food commentary. The additional information on travel and life, in general, was just a welcomed added dimension. Yes, I digest culinary magazines – page by page, picture by...

Who doesn’t love a cupcake? There’s something so satisfying about these sweet treats: They’re made of cake, they’re topped with frosting and, best of all, they’re individually sized for personal perfection. Cupcakes are experiencing a surge in popularity, and bakeries—and cupcakeries—are popping up all over the U.S., taking a page from the book of the famed Magnolia Bakery in New York City. In Sarasota, Cupcakes-a-Go-Go has taken flight, offering a delectable array of confections in traditional flavors and frostings, as well as more exotic icings, including lime. Sprinkles, the well-loved...

These days, we’re all about budget dining. And with the economy being what it is, a great dining deal is an even bigger cause for celebration. So I’ve come up with a couple of ways to help you scrimp on cash–but not on flavor. Happy hours. Everyone loves happy hour–it’s a great way to unwind after work. But it’s also a fantastic way to grab great-quality food and drinks at a low price. Many restaurants offer happy hour; one I’m loving right now is Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar’s new “5 for 6 ‘till 7” promotion. You can choose from 5 mixed drinks, 5 glasses of...

Grilled Jumbo Prawns with cucumber mint salad and yogurt dressing 1 yellow bell pepper 1 red bell pepper ½ red onion sliced very thin 1 large English cucumber, skin on 4 large fresh tomatoes, diced 1 yellow tomato diced 1 bunch scallions, chopped 2 Tablespoons minced flat leaf parsley 2 Tablespoons fresh cilantro, minced plus 1 teaspoon 3 cloves garlic smashed 6 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Juice of 2 lemons Kosher salt Fresh ground white pepper 8 jumbo shrimp, cleaned and deveined, tail on Olive oil 3 Tablespoons plain Greek yogurt 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice or lemon juice Salt and pepper as...

The flavors of May always inspire me—from Cinco de Mayo I see the bright red colors of tomatoes tossed with deep green fresh cilantro and the orange hue of grilled papaya wedges, all married together with sliced marinated hanger steak (and that is just the first part of May!). Mother’s Day is a time for Sunday brunch and cheese blintzes with almond and pecan- peach sauce or in my case, a grilled porterhouse steak with a spicy arugula and roasted red pepper salad with a dot of creamy goat cheese followed by fresh strawberry shortcake. As it continues to warm, I search for lighter sauces and...