Learn the history of the deliciously tender Florentine steak, and how to cook it at home. Grab some friends and dig in. The Florentine T-bone steak (called Bistecca alla Fiorentina or simply La Bistecca) is a serious matter in Florence. Tuscan cuisine boasts many delicious dishes, but if you must choose only one, make it la Bistecca! Florence, Tuscany; The night of San Lorenzo, August 10, sometime in the 16th Century. That is the night of the shooting stars, symbolizing the hot coals on which Saint Lawrence was martyred. Large braziers are placed around the Church of San Lorenzo. Huge quarters ..read more

Let this North Indian okra stir fry become your next go to vegetable appetizer, garnish for soups, or side dish for roti.  Chola Coastal Indian Cuisine has been a staple of the Indian food scene in New York City since its opening back in 1998. Still in their original (but upgraded) space on Manhattan’s East Side, it is as popular as ever – with a focus on dishes originating along the 8,000 mile long coastline of India. Chola’s founder Shiva Natarajan has agreed to share one of his favorite side-dishes with us. In India, the dish is called “Bhindi Maa Ki,” which translates to “mother’s okr ..read more

These espresso chip madeleines are an elegant little treat, packing the goodness of both coffee, chocolate and cake into a pretty, scallop-shaped vessel. I made these Espresso Chip Madeleines to feed my coffee and mocha latte addiction. It was the perfect choice. They’ve got a rich espresso flavor and they’re studded with chocolate chips for an added boost. They’re absolutely delightful. How to Make Espresso Chocolate Chip Madeleines Prepare for Baking: Oven Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and position the rack in the middle. Spray your madeleine pan with nonstick cooking spr ..read more

A classic pide – Turkish boat-shaped flatbread – is filled with cheese, topped with flavorful meat and baked egg. It’s a brunch dish to die for. Pide is a boat-shaped flatbread made from a simple yeast dough, rolled or stretched into an elongated or round shape and then topped with a variety of ingredients before baking. Common toppings include minced meat (often lamb or beef), sausage, cheese, vegetables, and egg, which are seasoned with spices like sumac, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Pide is deeply integrated into Turkish culinary traditions. It’s not only a popular everyday meal but also ..read more

Scallops are delicious to eat, pretty to look at, and relatively easy to cook if you just follow a few simple rules. Chef RJ Yoakum weighs in on the most important steps to scallop success. What are the secrets to cooking scallops like you are a seasoned restaurant pro? Executive Chef RJ Yoakum of Georgie, an eclectic french restaurant in Dallas, shares a few simple tips on how to prep and cook scallops for a restaurant-worthy meal in the comfort of your home.  First, what are scallops? Scallops, similar to other bivalves like mussels, clams, and oysters, are filter feeders. They have the ..read more

In the heart of Mexico City’s chicest district, Las Alcobas stands as a beacon of warm hospitality for any luxury destination traveler. Tree-lined boulevards, Gucci storefronts, and an endless sprinkling of world-class dining are just a few of the details you should expect from Polanco, better known as Mexico City’s Rodeo Drive. And placed well within walking distance is Las Alcobas, one of the city’s most expensive, yet coziest hotels. Las Alcobas The city’s bustling streets seem to quickly disappear as soon as you step foot into Las Alcobas’ calming lobby. Complete with earthy hues and rotat ..read more

Chef Lisa Dahl teaches you how to impress your friends and family with one of her signature burger recipes. If you love roasted mushrooms and tangy, delicious truffle aioli, then this one’s for you.  Culinary powerhouse Lisa Dahl has pioneered the restaurant scene in Sedona for over twenty-five years. She is a true force of nature, with five restaurants under her chef’s coat. Chef Lisa passionately runs (with the help of many people) Dahl & Di Luca Ristorante Italiano, Cucina Rustica, Pisa Lisa, Mariposa, and Butterfly Burger, which we’ll highlight today with a recipe below.  The ..read more

Peperonata Pugliese con Capperi is a fabulous traditional Italian dish from Puglia – but versions of it exist across Italy – starring a sautéed mix of bell peppers, onions, capers and celery. And even as a side dish, it’s so colorful it easily becomes the main attraction at almost any dinner table. The peppers are first cleaned and chopped, then cooked slowly with onions and garlic to soften them up and bring out their natural sweetness. The capers add a some tang, and the celery contributes a subtle crunch. This almost stew-like dish is simmered gently to allow the flavors of the vegetables t ..read more

In the heart of London’s most regal district, lies the Mayfair Townhouse – a hotel that personifies the celebration of old style British luxury, and combines it with modern aesthetics and top class service. The Mayfair Townhouse consists of a series of 15 interconnected Georgian buildings on Half Moon Street – in the center of Mayfair – that have been renovated to house a most charming, quirky and welcoming little luxury hotel. Located near Green Park, it is conveniently positioned for those wanting to explore central London. Piccadilly is around the corner, and you’ll be able to stroll to Hyd ..read more

Acadia, a culinary destination where you can try Levantine cuisine; well-spiced shakshuka, a big pull-apart flat bread made for dipping, thick labne and much more.  Located minutes away from Lincoln Center, Acadia is a place to impress out-of-towners not only because of its interior and central location, but also because the dishes are good. Highlights include the house-baked Kubaneh, Yemeni pull-apart bread with za’atar and feta, Calsonehs, a Syrian-inspired baked pasta with kashkaval cheese, and Lamb Kofta Terra Cotta with tahini and Levantine vegetables. It also pays tribute to the bui ..read more