Courtney

Chef Jose Salazar is Blowing Up, Plus Win a Meal at The Palace

Think you know Cincinnati chefs? Chances are you don’t know Jose Salazar – recently voted “People’s Best New Chef: Great Lakes” by way of FoodandWine.com. I spent some time with him in his award-winning kitchen at The Palace (in the Cincinnatian Hotel) where he’s carefully and methodically building his empire. Now, ready to win $50 [...]

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Not sure why

One of my favorite memories is of spilling chocolate sauce all over my chef’s coat last year. I was working at Nectar as a cook – for free – with no clue why. I guess you could say I was a little lost, though at the time I felt inspired, confident that if I kept [...]

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How to sear scallops with orange reduction [VIDEO]

If there were something like the culinary Olympics, I’d enter in the category of scallops. For whatever reason, they’re one of my favorite things to make – and so I thought I’d share with you a little scallop technique on this fine December day.

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A Different Kind of Mashed Potatoes

I have to apologize up front for the lack of lighthearted posts around here. During this time of year I’m usually singing Dolly Parton Christmas songs and looking for inconspicuous places to hang mistletoe. (Surprise! Now you have to kiss me!) With my aunt in the hospital over the last few weeks, and with her [...]

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Family Secret Recipe for Baklava

It’s one thing to offer a recipe I suppose … but it’s a far different thing to offer one that’s so deeply ingrained in the culture of a family. This recipe is sweet and crunchy, sticky and warm. Over time it’s developed a cult-like following: in the family, in the neighborhood, at places of work, [...]

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Sticky Asian Chicken Wings [VIDEO]

As it would happen, I love telling stories. Lucky for me, so does my friend, local film director Michael Holder. “What the heck,” we said one evening when we’d had a glass or two or three of wine. Why not do more of what Epi-Ventures already does … and tell stories about food through video? [...]

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Video Coming to Epiventures: A Teaser

I want to announce something exciting – something I’ve been waiting to share for a few weeks. (Imagine! A few weeks without spilling the beans!) A friend and I are teaming up to bring a new dimension to Epi-Ventures, which by now you can probably guess is video. Our hope is that through this new [...]

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Home Cooking at Amma’s Kitchen

On a street in Roselawn with little more than potholes and disjointed fast food dives comes an establishment that feels distinctly warm and neighborly. Saris draped over shoulders. Families of three and four passing plates over tall glasses of water. Waiters with big, toothy grins. And one of the most talked about all-vegetarian buffets in [...]

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Extended Stay: Enoteca Emilia

From the outside, it’s glowing. Like a hearth in some old-world Italian villa. Low lights reflect off orange and brown surfaces. Lots of wood. A little leather. It’s also humming. Low chatters cut by strings of laughter. I go through the door and confront a cluster of people waiting for a table. The mood is [...]

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This Year

It’s the first time I can remember waking up without a schedule. In celebration I light a pumpkin candle. I make coffee in my favorite mug. My roommate from college gave it to me and it says, “Do something creative every day.” She was always so smart. By the way, this is the finished book [...]

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