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Daughter of two professional chefs provides a young adult's perspective on food, restaurants, and eating!! follow us on facebook @Francis Xavier

Author: Chef Francis Xavier

Notes from the Garden. Brussels Sprouts on the Stalk: A Letter to the Roasting Season

Notes from the Garden. Brussels Sprouts on the Stalk: A Letter to the Roasting Season

There is something deeply grounding about roasting vegetables, espically Brussel sprouts. Not bagged, trimmed, pre-halved. The Stalk- full, hearty, awkward and in its natural form. Roasting Sprouts on the stalk is a favortie ritual when the weather cools. The Foil wrapped is a gift from […]

Winter in Stonehaven Scotland: A Gem Worth the Journey

Winter in Stonehaven Scotland: A Gem Worth the Journey

Tucked into Scotland’s rugged northeast coast, Stonehaven is a destination that captivates with its charm, history and breathtaking scenery. Whether arriving by train or taking the scenic drive from Aberdeen, visitors are greeted by a picturesque harbor, a warm sense of community, and bracing sea […]

Travelers Culinary Pilgrimage: St.Louis BBQ @ Salt + Smoke

Travelers Culinary Pilgrimage: St.Louis BBQ @ Salt + Smoke

Every culinary journey is, at its core, a search for the elusive holy grail – perfection, innovation and great service. Its about finding those places where tradition meets creativity, where local flavors are elevated with out loosing their soul. In St Louis that journey led me to Salt + Smoke, a standout in the city’s ball park village district and a must. Another xcellent recommendation from Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.

When in St. Louis, barbecue isn’t just a meal – its a culture and rite of passage. My order: half rack of ribs slathered in Salt + Smoke spicy sauce, side of vinegar based coleslaw, pickles, and deep flavored brisket chili. Each bite a kin to a jazz melody – listening and playing off each other. Each morsel a testament to the craft of slow-smoked meats, but the revelation of the meal was something unexpected- the popover.

A perfect popover is the mark of culinary basics done well. Get is right, and it signals a kitchen that understands the fundamentals of great cooking. This one is golden and crisp on the outside, impossibly airy on the inside, and a perfect companion to taste all the house sauces offered.

Salt + Smoke didn’t just serve up excellent barbecue – it captured the spirit of the city that takes its food seriously. A meal here is more than just a stop on culinary adventure; its a moment of discovery, proving once again the best adventures are the ones that suprise and delight.

Travelers Culinary Adventure; Westward bound

Travelers Culinary Adventure; Westward bound

Our journey west begins in Kaintuk, heading toward St. Louis, where culinary exploration meets proper boondoggle. While scouting for pools in preparation for the upcoming water polo tournament, mindful eating remains a not only a priority but an ethos – though my team, ever light […]

Travelers Culinary Adventure, the Coffee Shop; Stonehaven Scotland.

Travelers Culinary Adventure, the Coffee Shop; Stonehaven Scotland.

tea at Stone havens coffee shop is proper for any event.

Product

Product

For Some, tinned sardines are a humble pantry staple. For others, they are a nostalgic nod to a bygone era- one where characters like Belker from Hill Street Blues unapologetically devoured sardine and onion sandwiches. Inspired – i set to try the world of tinned sardines, testing different varieties to find my preference.

Garden

Garden

Recipe from Chef G Sun Ripened Tomatoes with shallot and basil Vinaigrette

Travelers Culinary Adventure: Johnshaven Scotland

Travelers Culinary Adventure: Johnshaven Scotland

The Anchor hotel is one of the many must stops in Johnshaven when in Scotland.

Travelers Culinary Adventure: the search for Cullen Skink

Travelers Culinary Adventure: the search for Cullen Skink

The Anchor Hotel in Johnshaven was a treasure to behold. the menu reads like a letter to the Scotland’s coastal bounty. We start with the classic Cullen Skink. It is on the Cullen Skink tour and although our waitress would not divulge the high rating by the Cullen Skink Society Tour. A bowl of creamy, smoked haddock soup that feels like a warm hug. Each spoonful is balanced with the earthiness of potato and the sweetness of leek.

Travelers Culinary Adventure, the Marina Hotel, 6^n; Stonehaven Scotland.

Travelers Culinary Adventure, the Marina Hotel, 6^n; Stonehaven Scotland.

The north sea whispers against the harbor sea walls. Its rhythmic cadence a story teller of ages past. The tide pulls back revealing the rocky shore and leaving the harbor boats high, Eowyn steps onto the worn cobble stones, the scent of salt and sea […]