This month marks 10 years since I moved to Charlotte. I love it here more and more with each passing year. I am always exploring what is new, continuing my patronage at my favorite places, and really, expansion of all kinds has taken place over the last decade. I try not to think of the [...]

I was late to the cast iron cooking game. I think I thought it was too heavy, not necessary, and required a lot of maintenance with tasks like seasoning and hand washing. My impression was wrong and it turned out to be a game changer! Yes, it is heavy. But that weight allows for more even [...]

(Polenta cakes served with goat cheese, roasted veggies and hot sauce.) Polenta, which originated in Europe, is similar to grits as both are made from stoneground corn. The type of corn for each varies as does the coarser texture of the cornmeal used to make polenta. I consider polenta to be a great vessel for [...]