Articles
Fresh perspectives, timeless techniques, and global food culture—explore the stories, insights, and inspirations shaping how we cook, eat, and think about food. From everyday rituals to culinary revolutions, this is where tradition meets innovation, and local flavors spark global conversations.
The Evolution of Elegance: How Service à la Russe Revolutionized Western Dining
Posted: | Updated:
Discover the life and culinary legacy of Chef Eric Ripert, renowned for his mastery of French cuisine and leadership at New York’s acclaimed Le Bernardin. This biography explores Ripert’s early influences, rise through elite kitchens, and commitment to sustainable seafood and refined technique. Ideal for food lovers, culinary professionals, and anyone inspired by one of the world’s most respected chefs.
🍚 Everyday Eating Customs in China
Posted: | Updated:
Explore the authentic daily dining traditions of Chinese families—from the central role of fan (grain) and communal ts’ai dishes to etiquette around seating, serving, and seniority. This cultural guide reveals how everyday meals differ from restaurant banquets, highlighting regional variations, utensil use, and the absence of beverages and desserts. Ideal for readers interested in Chinese food culture, family rituals, and traditional eating habits across China.
🔥 And So, the Wok: How Fuel Scarcity Forged a Culinary Icon
Posted: | Updated:
Discover how the invention of the wok revolutionized cooking in southern China—maximizing fuel efficiency while supporting rice-based diets for dense populations. A story of culinary ingenuity shaped by ecological necessity
The History of Western Eating Utensils : A Timeline
Posted: | Updated:
Trace the evolution of Western eating utensils—from ancient knives and spoons to modern forks—in this historical timeline. Explore key innovations, cultural shifts, and design milestones that shaped how we dine today. Ideal for culinary historians, educators, and curious readers.
Tea, Anyone?
Posted: | Updated:
Uncover the rich history of tea—from its ancient origins in China to its global rise as a cultural and culinary staple. Explore key milestones, trade routes, and traditions that shaped tea’s journey across continents. Perfect for tea lovers, historians, and curious readers.
To Barbeque
Posted: | Updated:
Explore the rich history, regional styles, and cultural significance of barbecue—from slow-smoked traditions in the American South to global grilling techniques. Learn about key ingredients, cooking methods, and the stories behind this beloved culinary art. Ideal for grill enthusiasts.
Front of House Restaurant Staff
Posted: | Updated:
Discover the essential roles, skills, and responsibilities of front of house restaurant staff—from hosts and servers to bartenders and maître D’s. This comprehensive guide explores customer service best practices, team dynamics, and how FOH staff shape the dining experience. Perfect for and aspiring service staff
How to Use A Napkin
Posted: | Updated:
Discover the subtle art of napkin etiquette—from placement to practical use. This guide covers dining norms, cultural variations, and tips to stay polished at any table.
James Beard Foundation/Perrier-Jouët Restaurant Awards 1997
Posted: | Updated:
Discover the 1997 James Beard Foundation/Perrier-Jouët Restaurant Award winners, including top chefs and standout restaurants like The French Laundry and Union Square Cafe. Full list of honorees announced May 5, 1997.
How to Use a Knife, Fork, and Spoon
Posted: | Updated:
Master the basics of Western table etiquette with this guide to using a knife, fork, and spoon. Learn practical tips, cultural context, and the subtle rules that shape how we dine.
Beyond Rangoon: Burmese Cuisine
Posted: | Updated:
Explore the rich flavors of Burmese cuisine, now known as Myanmar food—where bold spices, fermented ingredients, and multicultural influences create a vibrant culinary tradition. Discover iconic dishes like mohinga, tea leaf salad, and Shan noodles in this deep dive into Myanmar’s food culture
Chinese New Year: 1997 A Tale of the Ox
Posted: | Updated:
Celebrate the Chinese Year of the Ox with a look at its cultural symbolism, personality traits, and influence on food, tradition, and zodiac compatibility. Discover how this steadfast sign shapes Lunar New Year festivities and culinary customs across Asia.
The History of Chocolate
Posted: | Updated:
Trace the fascinating history of chocolate—from its ancient origins with the Olmecs and Maya to its transformation into a global indulgence. Explore how cacao evolved from sacred ceremonial drink to mass-produced confection, shaped by trade, colonization, and culinary innovation. Ideal for food historians, chocolate lovers, and anyone curious about the cultural journey behind the world’s favorite sweet.
The Champagne Exchange and The Bubble Lounge
Posted: | Updated:
Explore two iconic champagne escapes: San Francisco’s quietly elegant Champagne Exchange at Nordstrom, beloved by loyal locals and lunching ladies, and New York City’s lively Bubble Lounge in TriBeCa, where bubbly meets buzz in a velvet-clad celebration of excess and charm.
The History of Restaurants: A Timeline
Posted: | Updated:
Explore the history of restaurants through a detailed timeline—from ancient communal dining to modern fine dining establishments. Discover key milestones, cultural shifts, and innovations that shaped how we eat out today. Ideal for food historians, hospitality professionals, and curious diners.
A Glossary of French Dishes
Posted: | Updated:
Uncover the rich vocabulary of French cuisine with this comprehensive glossary of classic dishes—from bistro staples to haute cuisine icons. Learn the meaning, origins, and ingredients behind beloved French recipes like cassoulet, bouillabaisse, and tarte Tatin. Perfect for food lovers, culinary students, and travelers exploring French gastronomy.
What is the Michelin Guide and What Do the Stars Mean?
Posted: | Updated:
Our guide to the Michelin Guide. This annual guidebook rates the best restaurants and hotels worldwide, using a rigorous evaluation process and anonymous inspectors. From one-star gems to three-star culinary masterpieces, the Michelin Guide is a must-read for any food lover looking for their next dining adventure. So, whether you're a seasoned food critic or just looking for a new restaurant to try, the Michelin Guide has got you covered.
A Short List of Menu Terms
Posted: | Updated:
Decode common menu terms with this concise glossary of culinary language—perfect for diners, food writers, and hospitality professionals. Learn the meaning behind phrases like à la carte, prix fixe, amuse-bouche, and more to navigate restaurant menus with confidence
Chef Hierarchy
Posted: | Updated:
Explore the full chef hierarchy—from executive chef to commis—in this clear guide to kitchen roles and responsibilities. Ideal for culinary students, hospitality professionals, and food enthusiasts seeking insight into brigade structure, career paths, and kitchen leadership.
Rediscovering the Lost Art of Hot Chocolate With Maury Rubin
Posted: | Updated:
Join pastry visionary Maury Rubin as he explores the rich history and revival of artisanal hot chocolate. In this exclusive interview, discover traditional techniques, premium ingredients, and the cultural significance behind crafting the perfect cup. A must-read for chocolate lovers, culinary professionals, and winter drink enthusiasts.
Hot Chocolate Epiphanies
Posted: | Updated:
Discover the rich cultural history and personal awakening behind hot chocolate in this evocative essay by Melissa Clark. From Parisian truffles to Angelina’s legendary chocolat chaud, explore the difference between cocoa and true hot chocolate, its European roots, and America’s evolving taste for this decadent drink—plus two classic recipes from John Thorne.
American Table Manners
Posted: | Updated:
Formal table etiquette may be fading in everyday American life, but its cultural roots still shape how we gather, eat, and connect. As family dinners become less frequent, this article explores the evolving role of manners at the table—from tradition to modern-day relevance.
Dining Etiquette Tips and Pitfalls
Posted: | Updated:
Master the art of dining etiquette with this comprehensive guide to table manners, mealtime behavior, and social dining norms. Whether you're attending a formal dinner, hosting guests, or navigating business meals, learn the essential do’s and don’ts that ensure confidence and grace at any table. Discover common etiquette mistakes, expert tips for polished presentation, and stress-free strategies for eating with elegance in any setting.
Foods You Can Eat with Your Fingers
Posted: | Updated:
Explore the delicious world of finger foods with this guide to meals and snacks you can enjoy utensil-free. From elegant hors d’oeuvres and global street eats to casual comfort dishes and party favorites, discover culturally diverse, mess-free foods perfect for entertaining, picnics, or everyday indulgence. Learn the etiquette, origins, and practical tips behind eating with your hands—no fork required.
The Basics of French Regional Cooking
Posted: | Updated:
Discover the fundamentals of French regional cooking with this guide to classic culinary traditions from Provence, Burgundy, Alsace, and beyond. Learn how local ingredients, techniques, and cultural influences shape iconic dishes—from cassoulet and bouillabaisse to coq au vin and tarte flambée. Perfect for home cooks, food lovers, and anyone exploring the rich diversity of French cuisine.
The Importance of Poise at the Table
Posted: | Updated:
A quote from Moby Dick, first published 1851 by Herman Melville that emphasises the importance of poise at the table.
The Secret of the Formal Place Setting
Posted: | Updated:
Unlock the hidden logic behind the formal place setting—from fork placement to glass alignment—and discover how centuries of etiquette, dining rituals, and cultural refinement shaped today’s table layout. This guide reveals the purpose behind each element, offering insights for hosts, food historians, and anyone seeking to master elegant dining with confidence and style
The Very Basics of French Sauces
Posted: | Updated:
Explore the essential foundations of French sauce-making—from mother sauces like béchamel and velouté to the techniques that define classic French cuisine. This beginner-friendly guide breaks down key ingredients, methods, and culinary principles, perfect for home cooks, culinary students, and anyone curious about mastering the art of sauce with confidence and tradition
Candy Corn: Your Friend and Mine
Posted: | Updated:
Celebrate the nostalgic charm of candy corn in this playful tribute to America’s most iconic tri-colored treat. Explore its origins, seasonal popularity, and enduring appeal across generations—from Halloween traditions to year-round sweet tooth indulgence. Perfect for candy lovers, pop culture enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the history and quirks of this polarizing confection
Breakfast Cereal Beginnings
Posted: | Updated:
Discover the fascinating origins of breakfast cereal in this deep dive into its historical evolution—from 19th-century health movements to global pantry staple. Explore how brands like Kellogg’s and Post shaped modern eating habits, marketing trends, and morning rituals. Ideal for food historians, culture buffs, and anyone curious about the legacy behind their favorite bowl.
The Ritual of Dim Sum, or, Why I Love Chicken Feet
Posted: | Updated:
Melissa Clark explores the cultural ritual of dim sum through a personal lens, tracing her lifelong love of chicken feet from childhood dinners to bustling Chinatown mornings. This evocative essay blends food memory, family tradition, and the communal joy of sampling diverse Cantonese dishes—highlighting how dim sum becomes a bridge between generations, identities, and flavors