FP76: The Edge Brownie Pan

Food Philosophy #76: The Edge Brownie Pan

Inventor and old friend Matt Griffin joins me to talk about his culinary wonder, the Edge Brownie Pan, which is taking the food world by storm -- even getting a nod from Martha Stewart herself.

http://www.bakersedge.com

You can also find the Edge Brownie Pan in our Gilded Fork online boutique!


Music: Beau Hall (http://www.beaurocks.com/) and George Fletcher's Bourbon Renewal (http://www.georgefletcher.com)

Food Philosophy is a production of the Culinary Media Network (http://www.culinarymedianetwork.com/).

FP75: Restaurateur Sirio Maccioni

Food Philosophy #75: Restaurateur Sirio Maccioni

Chef Mark and I sit down with Sirio Maccioni, owner of Le Cirque and Osteria del Circo, to talk about his family empire, his thoughts on modern restaurants -- and what he told the Pope about his wife.

www.lecirque.com

Music: Beau Hall (http://www.beaurocks.com/) and George Fletcher's Bourbon Renewal (http://www.georgefletcher.com)

Food Philosophy is a production of the Culinary Media Network (http://www.culinarymedianetwork.com/).

FPV26: Lillie Belle Farms Chocolates

Food Philosophy Video #26: Lillie Belle Farms Chocolates

My favorite chocolatier Jeff Shepherd joins the Pastry Princess and me for a tasting of Lillie Belle Farms' newest, spiciest, creamiest chocolates, including cayenne caramels and blue cheese truffles. I luvs me some Lillie Belle.

http://www.lilliebellefarms.com


Music: Beau Hall (http://www.beaurocks.com/)

Food Philosophy is a production of the Culinary Media Network (http://www.culinarymedianetwork.com/).

FPV25: Tondo Flavored Balsamics

Food Philosophy Video #25: Tondo Flavored Balsamic Vinegars

Any product that can make my face do that is one worth trying. The new Tondo fruit-flavored balsamic vinegars are to die for -- gorgeous flavors of lemon, citrus, pomegranate and fig. Join me for a taste with artisan purveyor Alessandro Calveri.

And...you can buy them in the Gilded Fork Boutique! (https://shop.gildedfork.com)



Music: Beau Hall (http://www.beaurocks.com/)

Food Philosophy is a production of the Culinary Media Network (http://www.culinarymedianetwork.com/).

FPV24: James Beard House Tour

Food Philosophy Video #24: James Beard House Tour

Take a tour with me through James Beard's former home in NYC. Suffice it to say that anyone with a mirrored ceiling in the bedroom is a hero in my book.

Music: Beau Hall (http://www.beaurocks.com/)

Food Philosophy is a production of the Culinary Media Network (http://www.culinarymedianetwork.com/).

FPV23: Denver Chefs at the James Beard House

Food Philosophy Video #23: Denver Chefs at the James Beard House

Jennifer and Chef Mark take a peek behind the scenes at the Gems of Denver dinner at the James Beard House in NYC -- and Jennifer offers a sneak preview of some very sassy quirks in the house itself.

Music: Beau Hall (http://www.beaurocks.com/)

Food Philosophy is a production of the Culinary Media Network (http://www.culinarymedianetwork.com/).





food, food podcast, Reggie Jackson, Food Philosophy, Culinary Podcast Network, Culinary Media Network, Gilded Fork, Jennifer Iannolo

Good People Day

Gary Vaynerchuk from Wine Library TV declared today "Good People Day" on the web, and it seems to be spreading everywhere. My turn!

I am blessed to have many great people in my life, not the least of whom include my family and close friends, but there is one person who clearly stands a head above the rest. Many of you know him as Chef Mark, but I know him as my business partner, confidante, and a constant source of inspiration.

Mark Tafoya is the hardest working, most energetic person I've ever met. When there have been moments in the three years of our business partnership that I've experienced doubt or frustration, Mark has been ever-present with words or actions that can turn things around for me; and when there are moments of joy and success, he is the first person to raise a glass in celebration.

Best of all, whether we are in the throes of a redesign, crafting a strategy or on location trying to get the perfect shot, Mark is ready to do whatever it takes to bring those ideas to reality. On our trip to Sicily, almost every single person marveled at the energy and dedication Mark has to his craft -- even at times when the rest of the group was ready to drop with fatigue, Mark was running around with camera in-hand. And when the day was done he had energy left over to chat with everyone on the bus, so if you've never experienced it first-hand, his dynamism is truly a sight to behold.

It has been such a pleasure for me to watch him blossom not only as a chef, but as a dear friend -- I can't think of anyone else I'd rather have in the trenches with me.

Views from Sicily

The weather has been almost perfect here in Sicily, with the exception of one cold, rainy day. I'm sorry I haven't been able to blog as much as I'd planned, but the internet connection in Ortigia was spotty, so keeping in touch was not as easy as I had hoped.

However, we have moved along from Ortigia to Palermo, where it is not only sunny, warm and bright as can be, but the WiFi connection rocks. Score!

Hopefully you've been watching the videos on our home page to keep up with this week's adventures, but I also wanted to show you some still images from our activities this week.

Yesterday we toured the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, where the ancient architecture still stands proudly on the hilltops overlooking the sea:



Well, of course I had to get in the picture! Here is the same hilltop from another view:



Speaking of views, we are staying at the Villa Igiea in Palermo, from which I have a swoon-inducing seaside view. I took this photo at sunrise, but will try to capture the view in brighter light later today.



One thing I am compelled to share is that the fruit and vegetables here (not to mention cheeses and sausage meats) have incredible flavor -- not like anything you will ever taste in America, anywhere. When I arrived in my room there was a little taste of Italy waiting for me, and even the strawberries were bursting with sweetness:



Another tidbit I'm compelled to share is that we are with a FANTASTIC group of people. Some are restaurateurs from around the US, including a few of New York's best restaurants, others are journalists, and a happy few are simply food enthusiasts who could not resist the pull of traveling throughout Sicily with the group.

We are making some wonderful new friends (and hearty eating/drinking comrades), and this trip is one of the best I've had in the past few years. I'll share more later, but right now I have to hop in the shower and get down to the group! Have a great day!