The kitchen is a comfort zone that I find myself in daily, regardless of the place or time. For example, last night I visited the home of a neighbor— the house is historic— on a bluff over looking the ocean. The guests were all attractive and interesting people to be with.

I went to the kitchen as soon as the introductions were completed. It’s a truly spectacular wing of the house with large cabinets fronted in glass, filled with plates and glasses of every shape, color and size dating back to a time when this house may have been built (early 20th century). The house has at least 8 bedrooms by my count. As I walked through the pantry/ staging room it brought images of ocean front parties for 20 or 30 people with five and six course dinners to the front of my imagination. The chef was busy and paid little attention to my interest, a staff of four stood to his side preparing sushi rolls and wonton’s for passing on the patio outside. I continued to paint the picture in my minds eye of the meal that I would like to orchestrate in this room with the talented people who surrounded me. Those brief moments will be my favorite memory of a night that may otherwise have been a fog of quick conversation and little more. Read More »