CMN - ReMARKable Palate #113

ReMARKable Palate #115: The Wines of Alto Adige

We learn about the wines of the Alto Adige region of Northern Italy from wine expert Thomas Augschöll, who leads us through a wine luncheon prepared by Chef Hannes Pignater of the Ansitz zum Steinbock Restaurant in Villanders. We're joined by Franz Mitterrutzner, President of the Speck Alto Adige Consortium, and Lou Di Palo, owner of Di Palo’s in New York.

Co-Sponsors: Hamilton Beach

Partida Tequila
On The Tequila Trail Video Series

www.godaddy.com
Use these codes for special discounts at checkout:

palate1 for 10% off any order
palate2 for $5 off any order of $30 or more
palate3 to get a .COM domain name for just $6.95 a year


Music: "Go Fish" by Big Money Grip, from the Podsafe Music Network. music.podshow.com

The ReMARKable Palate Podcast is a production of The Culinary Media Network. www.culinarymedianetwork.com



food, food podcast, ReMARKable Palate, Culinary Media Network, Gilded Fork, Chef Mark, tequila, Partida Tequila, Hamilton Beach

ReMarkable Palate #114

ReMARKable Palate #114: A Mexican Lunch

Jennifer and I have lunch on the terraza with Vinicio Estrada and Juan Pable Diz of Partida Tequila, in Amatitan, Mexico. We discuss pairing tequilas with food. Then I go into the kitchen with my new Hamilton Beach stand mixer and show you how to make a simple crepe batter.

Co-Sponsors: Hamilton Beach

Partida Tequila

www.godaddy.com
Use these codes for special discounts at checkout:

palate1 for 10% off any order
palate2 for $5 off any order of $30 or more
palate3 to get a .COM domain name for just $6.95 a year


Music: "Go Fish" by Big Money Grip, from the Podsafe Music Network. music.podshow.com

"El Testament d'Amelia", by Terry Muska, from Talking Taco Music. www.talkingtaco.com

The ReMARKable Palate Podcast is a production of The Culinary Media Network. www.culinarymedianetwork.com




food, food podcast, ReMARKable Palate, Culinary Media Network, Gilded Fork, Chef Mark, tequila, Partida Tequila, Hamilton Beach

Gastronomic Meditations: All Greek to Me

They were all staring at me -- the first American-born descendant of my mother's family to visit her village in Greece. It was a warm summer evening in 1963, and I was seated at a rustic, round wooden table surrounded by relatives: my aged, black-clad grandmother, several plump aunts and white-haired uncles, numerous ruddy-cheeked cousins, and a swarm of curious children who came to scrutinize this visitor from America. I was nervous, excited, and overwhelmingly self-conscious.

It was dinnertime on an earthen, tree-shaded patio, and the table was topped with a kaleidoscope of small plates of food. Stuffed grape leaves. Grilled octopus. Black olives. Golden cheese filled filo triangles. Crimson tomatoes. Cucumbers, celery and carrots. Grilled eggplant. Chunks of feta cheese. There was also a large bottle of ouzo, the crystal clear liquor of choice, and a carafe of water.



Culinary Media Network, Gilded Fork, food, food writing, Greece, Greek culture, family, eating, mezethes

Food Philosophy #62: Authentic Mexican Cuisine

Food Philosophy #62: Authentic Mexican Cuisine

Drop the chalupa! At least the one you think you know is an actual chalupa. When Chef Mark and I wrapped up shooting of our new On the Tequila Trail series, we headed to La Tequila restaurant in Guadalajara with our friends from Partida -- and got a taste of the real thing.

From fried cheese to fried ice cream and every taste in between (including a bevy of adult beverages), we savored the spicy, smoky and rich flavors for which Mexican cuisine is legendary. We also had a chance to explore some of Mexico's myths and legends, of which there are many.

When it came to the drinks -- particularly my new favorite, the Partida Margarita -- I took matters into my own hands and starting mixing right at the table, so this meal definitely had some interesting moments! I think Chef Mark might have even gotten a little tipsy...

Psst...We have some new sponsors on Food Philosophy, including the Hamilton Beach Eclectrics line of kitchen appliances in cool colors. Find out exactly what I'm going to do with my new stand mixer -- and whom I'm challenging to a cookie bake-off!

Sponsors:

Partida Tequila (www.partidatequila.com)

Don't miss our video podcast series with Partida, On the Tequila Trail!
(onthetequilatrail.podshow.com)

Hamilton Beach (http://www.hamiltonbeach.com/)

Go Daddy (www.godaddy.com)
Use code food1 for 10% off your order
Use code food2 for $5 off orders of $35 or more
Use code food3 for $6.95 domain names

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

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






food, food podcast, sensuality, Food Philosophy, Culinary Podcast Network, Culinary Media Network, Gilded Fork, Jennifer Iannolo, PodShow, Hamilton Beach, Eclectrics, Partida Tequila, Mexico

On the Tequila Trail #3: Sip It, Don't Slam It - How to Taste Tequila

On The Tequila Trail #3: Sip It, Don't Slam It - How to Taste Tequila

Join Chef Mark at Tommy's Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco with proprietor Julio Bermejo, the foremost tequila expert in the US, as he shows Mark how to taste fine 100% agave tequila. We learn about the taste characteristics which distinguish the Amatitan Valley from the Highlands, and the differences in flavor, aroma, and mouth feel between Partida Blanco, Reposado and Añejo.


On The Tequila Trail is a production of the Culinary Media Network (http://www.culinarymedianetwork.com/).

Music: Courtesy of Talking Taco Music

Enchiladas Rojas by Frank Corrales and Ben Tavera King from Burning Desires, available as a CD and download at http://www.talkingtaco.com/ or http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/103-2665933-6662233?initialSearch=1&url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=talking+taco+music+&x=0&y=0.


food, food podcast , tequila, On The Tequila Trail, Culinary Podcast Network, Culinary Media Network, Gilded Fork, Jennifer Iannolo, Chef Mark, Mexico, Partida

Monthly Meditation: A Season of Changes

It’s apt that I write this from the floor of an airport gate –- JFK this time. If you’ve been following along with our blogs and podcasts, you know that Chef Mark and I have become veritable road warriors as of late. Since August we’ve seen Miami, Mexico (Guadalajara and Tequila), San Francisco, Italy (Bolzano, Asiago and Venezia), and we’ve just gotten back from Las Vegas.

Why so much travel? Well, I’m giddy to say that we’ve got some announcements to share with you, and it’s been very difficult to keep ourselves quiet, though we have dropped a few hints here and there! At last, however, we can unveil two of the big ones:

Firstly, we are proud and ecstatic to announce the launch of our first video mini-series, On the Tequila Trail, which we’ve done in partnership with our friends at Partida Tequila. We’ve spent the past few months shooting a 5-episode series in Mexico and the U.S. -- I have the blue agave “stab scar” to show for it -- and Las Vegas was our last stop on the trail. If you think Tequila is just for slamming with some lime and salt, think again: This libation is for sipping – and for making what I consider, hands down, to be the best margarita on earth (and I’m quite a connoisseur of those babies, so trust me on this one). The first two episodes are now live, and the rest will appear weekly on the Culinary Podcast Network.


gilded fork, food, food writing, Jennifer Iannolo, Culinary Media Network, Culinary Podcast Network, On the Tequila Trail

On the Tequila Trail #2: Rocks, No Salt - Luscious Tequila Cocktails

On The Tequila Trail #2: Rocks, No Salt - Luscious Tequila Cocktails

Join Jennifer in San Francisco as she mixes it up a little with Master Mixologist Jacques Bezuidenhout, who shows us just how versatile tequila can be as a cocktail base.

Jacques goes to the market with Chef Mark to shop for the freshest ingredients, then they head back to Tommy's Mexican Restaurant where he demonstrates several drinks with using Partida Tequila.

On The Tequila Trail is a production of the Culinary Media Network (www.culinarymedianetwork.com).

Music: Courtesy of Talking Taco Music

Enchiladas Rojas by Frank Corrales and Ben Tavera King from Burning Desires, available as a CD and download at www.talkingtaco.com or www.amazon.com.


food, food podcast , tequila, On The Tequila Trail, Culinary Podcast Network, Culinary Media Network, Gilded Fork, Jennifer Iannolo, Chef Mark, Mexico, Partida

Recipe: Spiced Cranberry & Orange Relish

Autumn rarely goes by without at least one meal that contains a freshly prepared cranberry relish. Chicken, turkey, or chops adore being dressed with this relish, and the spices will add a wonderful scent to your home as the cranberries simmer.


gilded fork, food, food writing, recipes, cranberry, orange, relish, Culinary Media Network

On the Tequila Trail #1: The Soul of Tequila

On The Tequila Trail #1: The Soul of Tequila

Join Chef Mark and Jennifer as they explore the Amitatan Valley of Jalisco, Mexico to discover the true soul of tequila.

Don Enrique Partida, who has spent his life growing blue agave, shares his poetic expression and passion for the plant. His estate-grown agave is cultivated, roasted and distilled to make Partida Tequila -- and you'll get to see every step of the fascinating process. But you won't find any worms!


On The Tequila Trail is a production of the Culinary Media Network (www.culinarymedianetwork.com/).

Music: Courtesy of Talking Taco Music

Enchiladas Rojas by Frank Corrales and Ben Tavera King from Burning Desires, available as a CD and download at www.talkingtaco.com or www.amazon.com.

food, food podcast, tequila, On The Tequila Trail, Culinary Podcast Network, Culinary Media Network, Gilded Fork, Jennifer Iannolo, Chef Mark, Mexico, Partida

Chef Mark in USA Today

The AP published an article today on the growing popularity of personal chefs -- starring our very own Chef Mark. Congratulations!

It appears in the business section of USA Today, but you can see the AP version here:
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5g4aOK0HuId1Q6oWOGzIM5h9Rtf_QD8S5SKFG1

Excerpt below:

Mark Tafoya, who owns the New York-based ReMARKable Palate personal chef service, cooks for regular weekly clients and also offers one-time meal services, such as romantic dinners for two.

Tafoya prepares the meals in the client's home, with the dishes ranging from chicken enchiladas with a green tomatillo sauce to crab lasagna with bechamel sauce.

For regular clients, the week's meals are discussed in advance and are created in accordance with their dietary needs and personal tastes. Organic, vegetarian and kosher options are available and nothing is repeated for six months unless requested, he said.

Tafoya said that by cooking for the same clients over a long time, he's able to develop a kind of intimacy and customization that restaurant chefs just aren't able to.

"I think that when I do hit it off and when they like my food and I understand them and what they like to eat, I can suggest new dishes that they might not have tried before, but I think might be right for them," Tafoya said.

Tafoya said he was drawn to the profession after careers in acting and teaching. He saw it as a way to turn his love of food and cooking into a viable business.

Along with the ReMARKable Palate, Tafoya also is the co-owner and executive chef of The Gilded Fork, an online media company featuring recipes, podcasts and articles and blogs about food.

Tafoya said his typical weekly clients are incredibly busy, career-oriented people who don't have time to cook, but still appreciate a quality meal.



gilded fork, food, food writing, personal chefs, Chef Mark Tafoya

CMN - ReMARKable Palate #112

ReMARKable Palate #112: Talkin' Tequila!

We finally unveil the "Super Secret Project" that we've been working on for the past couple of months, it's a video series dedicated to Tequila! We follow our friends at Partida Tequila "On The Tequila Trail", learning about agave, the process of fermenting and distilling tequila, and much more. This audio podcast is an interview with Jose Valdez Reinoso, Production manager for Partida Tequila in Amatitan, Mexico. Jose leads us through the process.

Links:
On The Tequila Trail Video Podcast
Partida Tequila


Co-Sponsor: www.godaddy.comUse these codes for special discounts at checkout:

palate1 for 10% off any order
palate2 for $5 off any order of $30 or more
palate3 to get a .COM domain name for just $6.95 a year

Music: "Go Fish" by Big Money Grip, from the Podsafe Music Network. music.podshow.com

The ReMARKable Palate Podcast is a production of The Culinary Media Network. www.culinarymedianetwork.com




food, food podcast, ReMARKable Palate, Culinary Media Network, Gilded Fork, Chef Mark, tequila, Partida Tequila, On The Tequila Trail

Food Philosophy #61: Super Secret Project Revealed!

Food Philosophy #61: Super Secret Project Revealed!

Ah, you have been so patient with my hints about our Super Secret Project, and today you'll find out just what it is! Chef Mark and I have spent the past few months "On the Tequila Trail", which is also the name of our new video series sponsored by Partida Tequila. Join us on the road as we show you everything from the agave plants in Amatitan to cocktails and tastings around the U.S. -- not to mention that tequila should be sipped, not slammed.

Episode 1: The Soul of Tequila
http://onthetequilatrail.podshow.com/

I also share my thoughts about our recent travels, and some musings on the fantasy land that is Las Vegas -- where I discovered the *best* Thai food I've ever tasted. We also had a chance to sit down with Ariane Daguin to talk about our other favorite taste: foie gras.

Lotus of Siam
http://www.saipinchutima.com/

D'Artagnan
http://www.dartagnan.com/


Sponsor: Go Daddy (www.godaddy.com)
Use code food1 for 10% off your order
Use code food2 for $5 off orders of $35 or more
Use code food3 for $6.95 domain names

Music: Beau Hall (www.beaurocks.com)

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





food, food podcast, sensuality, Food Philosophy, Culinary Podcast Network, Gilded Fork, Jennifer Iannolo, PodShow, On the Tequila Trail, Partida Tequila, Las Vegas, Lotus of Siam

Fork in The Road Venice

Fork in The Road Venice

Jennifer and Mark stroll through the canals and sidepaths of Venice and recall their final day in Italy, including their trip to 2 Asiago DOP producers in the AltoPiano, and a final farewell to la Bella Italia from the plane.

A Fork in the Road is a production of the Culinary Podcast Network. www.culinarypodcastnetwork.com




www.culinarypodcastnetwork.com
food, food podcast, Italy, Venice, Fork in the Road, Culinary Podcast Network, Gilded Fork

Recipe: Apple & Blue Cheese Tartine

With bites of tangy blue cheese between little nibbles of tart apples, and a sweetly scented orange honey to round out the palate, bread elevates from standard to sensational. A little sweet, a little savory and full of delicate, yet rich flavor and textures. This simple, unfussy tartine is perfect for a light lunch, hearty snack or even an alternative to a cheese course.

gilded fork, food, food writing, apple, blue cheese, tartine, appetizers, orange honey

Fork in the Road SudTirol

A Fork in The Road SudTirol

Jennifer and Mark report from the back of the bus while driving through the winding roads of SudTirol. Learn about the production of Speck.

A Fork in the Road is a production of the Culinary Podcast Network. www.culinarypodcastnetwork.com




www.culinarypodcastnetwork.com
food, food podcast, Italy, Fork in the Road, Culinary Podcast Network, Gilded Fork

Photos from Speck Fest

We attended Speckfest, a festival dedicated to Speck, the unique ham from the Alto Adige region, which is a fusion of northern European smoking and Mediterranean air curing. It's the perfect culinary metaphor for the unique blend of Italian and Germanic culture here in the Sudtirol. More writing, audio and video to come from this trip, but for now, some photos!

















food, food podcast, cooking, recipe, food, ReMARKable Palate, Culinary Podcast Network, Gilded Fork

Photos from Bolzano, Alto Adige

Bolzano/Bozen is the main city in the Alto Adige region of Northern Italy, and is home to a large German speaking population. Nestled in the mountains, with views of the Dolomites, this charming city is filled with medieval galleries, 19th Century Squares, and beautiful churches.











food, food podcast, cooking, recipe, food, ReMARKable Palate, Culinary Podcast Network, Gilded Fork

Food Philosophy Video #11: Lower East Side Eating Tour

Food Philosophy Video #11: Lower East Side Eating Tour

Join Chef Mark, Don Genova and me as we meander through Manhattan's Lower East Side for a tour of culinary delights. First stop: The Dumpling House. Look for Part II on ReMARKable Palate and Part III on All You Can Eat, as we delve into Gus's Pickles.

Sponsor: Go Daddy (www.godaddy.com)
Use code food1 for 10% off your order
Use code food2 for $5 off orders of $35 or more
Use code food3 for $6.95 domain names

Music: Beau Hall (www.beaurocks.com)

Food Philosophy is a production of the Culinary Podcast Network (www.culinarypodcastnetwork.com).





food, food podcast, sensuality, Food Philosophy, Culinary Podcast Network, Gilded Fork, Jennifer Iannolo, PodShow, New York, Lower East Side