Judi | Scrumptious!

Flavors – from the kitchen of Judi Gallagher

November 13, 2008November 13, 2008 by Judi

The Flavors Newsletter – From the Kitchen of Judi Gallagher Somehow, I feel as though Thanksgiving has already come and …

Favorite Foods of the Month

March 26, 2011October 21, 2008 by Judi

Dear Fellow Foodies,

Can you believe the change in temperature? Just in time for the fall flavors of tart McIntosh apples and pumpkin ravioli. I dream of turning off the air-conditioner, opening the doors and windows and planting my autumn herbs. I also dream of warm apple cider and short ribs braising in a rich hearty red wine.
It is the optimum time for comfort food and in these challenging financial times, staying in your own home and cooking with fresh garden vegetables from the local farmers market seems like a warm blanket around our soul.

Why you should never eat before a Springsteen concert

March 26, 2011August 24, 2008 by Judi

Last Saturday my husband and I drove up to Jacksonville, Fl- a 5 hour drive to catch a Springsteen concert- our 5th of the summer. It is my religion in a sense, going to a Springsteen concert and at my age, I would venture to say that I have been to my “house of worship”, on E street more times than someone my age can actually recall. We have some rituals- tailgating with what we like to call Bruce juice and a buffet of sausage and pepper sandwiches as our homage to Jersey.

Well, since we had just arrived home from a 2 concert tour at Giants Stadium and Gillette stadium, and were feeling some pressures like, working for a living- we ran out the door and headed up the Thunder Road, (down pours, lighting bolts and Springsteen blasting from the cd player,) we made the fatal mistake of thinking we would just grab a bite on the way to the concert. SO, we checked in, washed up, donned our black t shirts and blue jeans and were about to head out for a bite when I noticed several people around the elevators, kept at bay by security. A hotel employee, most likely noticing my Boss” team uniform” attire, whispered that Bruce was in the building.

Can You Believe This?

March 26, 2011July 23, 2008 by Judi

So, check this out- I recently heard of a local restaurant in the town that I live in decided to only serve bottled water. Now, this is not exactly a fine dining joint- although the veal parm and lasagna is pretty great. It seems the owners decided they were sick of the diners that drank water with lemon. Apparently no one told them that being an H2o drinker at a high end pizzeria does not make someone a cheapskate or a shyster. I myself am prone to drink ice water with lemon on the odd days that I am not reviewing a restaurant or entertaining as a fine food and wine consultant. Besides, with the news of Pepsi using glorified tap water for their bottled water brand, I find it a little cruel.

As the economy continues to tank, with gas prices in line with Kobe beef

March 26, 2011July 23, 2008 by Judi

As the economy continues to tank, with gas prices in line with Kobe beef these days, I am humbled to think about the restaurant business and how leaner times are affecting so many facets of the industry I cherish. Most people do not realize that servers are paid at a much lower rate than the standard minimum wage. Think about that next time you decide to save a buck or two and under tip. How would you like to clock in at $2.31 an hour and wait three hours for a table to be seated in your section? Now, there is a flip side like most things. I have yet to meet a server in my 30 some odd years in the biz that declares 100% of their revenue and if you really, really hone your skills, you can perfect the lost art of fine dining service and bring in some serious cash. Friends of mine often boast up to $80,000 a year between over the top gratuities and high check averages at Ritz Carlton dining rooms, especially when the reserve wine list is called for and beluga is near endless.