CHEWING THE FAT

Chef Anthony Mauboussin in action aboard the Viking Sea. By Land and by Sea: Viking’s New ‘Kitchen Table’ Culinary Arts Program By Monte Mathews Staff Writer We set the scene for Viking Cruise’s new ‘Kitchen Table’ chef experience Since last year’s launch of its first…

Our first glimpse of Viking Sea docked in Lisbon            But first, about last night…it was our second and final night in Lisbon and my good friend Bruce highly recommended Cervejaria Ramiro (1 Avenida Almirante Reis, Lisbon, Tel: +351 218 851 024) Since Bruce seems…

Sintra’s Palaces, Lisbon by Beetle and us. The Rossio Restaurant atop Altis Avenida          Day Two dawned with a blue sky and Spring temperatures.  Breakfast at the Altis Avenida takes place in a stylish roost on the 7th floor of the hotel.   Considering that it’s…

         I was thrilled to be invited to participate in the Maiden Voyage of Viking Sea, sister ship to Viking Star, Viking Cruises ocean-going liners that have set a new standard in affordable luxury since their inception last year.   I was even more delighted when…

         Granted, “Canard et Champagne”  (Duck and Champagne) are arguably two of France’s greatest gifts to cuisine but it took some nerve to open a restaurant which sells nothing else.   But that is precisely what Jean-Francois Montfort and partners Jean Valfort and Pierre Dutaret did…

         A braise may not strike you as a Spring preparation at all.  Aren’t braises hearty affairs that build flavor by the hours they spend in the oven?  Aren’t they winter warmers and not something you’d expect to see any time after May 1st?  Well…

       As some of you know, Andrew and I have embarked on what we have named “Andrew and Monte’s 130th Birthday Trip”.  That’s our combined birthday this year and we’re celebrating with a trip to Europe.  Believe me, you will hear all about it.  But in…

Napolean III of France       Ah Cinco de Mayo, a chance for Americans to celebrate their neighbor to the south, Mexico.  And this year, given all the campaign rhetoric, those of us who love that country, really should go out of our way…

The creamy rich Burrata Cheese is completely hidden under the Asparagus The Bounty of the Comfort Family Farm on Lumber Lane in Bridgehampton starts with their first Asparagus crop of the season.          The first Asparagus of the season is about to make its appearance…

I have expressed my affection for Jacques Pépin and his cookbook “Heart and Soul in the Kitchen” (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt 2015). Click here and you can order your copy. https://amzn.to/3vSbP3N This book is filled with recipes that are more “at home ” than they are in…

Tyler Florence         Friday night has been Steak night at our house for a long time. New York Strip is right up there with our favorites.  It’s easy to cook on the stove top and the chewier texture of the steak appeals to…

     A great bowl of pasta is one of my favorite comfort dishes.  I must admit that this particular variation hits the mark. The fresh asparagus and mushrooms seem made for each other and for the Italian hot sausage I combined them with. There’s cheese…

         A funny thing happened on my way to making this great salad. Two funny things actually, both of them involving Kale.  (But you’ll have to wait a few words to hear them.)  The basis for this wonderfully lemon-y salad recipe came Anna Stockwell from…

Melissa Clark, Creator of great, simple recipes          For a quick dinner with a little bit of panache, a lamb chop is just the ticket.  I’m particularly fond of Costco’s loin lamb chops that have been perfectly trimmed. Two or three of these at a…