le meilleur thé est en France

Most people would think go to England to get the best tea. But, believe it or not - France actually had tea nearly 25 years before the English. I am talking 17th century, in the 1630s. Tea became popular in French aristocratic circles and its rumored that the French actually initiated the addition of milk to tea. Well, that doesn't surprise me one bit, they put cream in everything. Today, I am touting that the best tea is in France, and you can get it at Mariage Frères (Mariage Brothers) tea company in Paris; which today the oldest tea house in France, founded in 1854. The Mariages have family roots in the tea import biz, since late 1700s.

Catskill Comfort

Maples trees are a dime a dozen in Upstate New York. Maple syrup requires 10 gallons of sap to yield one quart of syrup. That is about what the average tree will tap in one year. It really should be called liquid gold! It is wonderful to see the resurgence of the popularity of cottage industry goods, like local maple syrup. Catskill Comfort, besides having a catchy name has a stellar medium amber syrup that is going to make my good stuff picks. I found it at my local coffee shop, Jacks. Catskill Comfort will guild the lily on my Stack of Homemade Pancakes this weekend.

Catskill Comfort - Neversink, NY (845) 985-2996

image, Hirsch Media

A Winner

I have great news, my George Burger won in the top 3 by Judges at Burger Bash hosted by Rachel Ray; the kick off event by the Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival. This outstanding evening of chefs coming together grilling up burgers for 3000 attendees benefitted The Food Bank for NYC and SOS—No Kid Goes Hungry Campaign. It was the largest turnout in five years of this event.

 If I can do it, You can do it!

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Unordinary Condiment

I'll be using Sir Kensington at #NYWFF Burger Bash! Get the Secret "George Burger" Recipe @6PM Friday

This is the opposite of standard choice in ketchup with a colorful story and efforts above and beyond in each and every jar of Sir Kensington's Scooping Ketchup. I might add the word gourmet to the description; with attention to making a difference in the ketchup experience with vine-ripened per tomato puree, agave nectar and raw brown sugar as its ingredients. Sir Kensington serving suggestions, two servings per jar. It's that good. I say more than just ketchup. 

Available at fine specialty food shops like Dean and Deluca.


Classic Flavor: modeled to be a highly-evolved natural variant of the ketchup taste you know. The magnum opus of sauce – a classic reborn with a perfect balance of sweet and salty.

Spiced Flavor: infused with chipotle peppers, cilantro, lime juice, agave nectar, honey, and coriander. Spicy enough to entertain your taste buds without overpowering, it packs a pleasant punch.