While Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer, today is official, at least in the Northern Hemisphere. In New York City we have had a gentle, cool end of spring. But we are now experiencing a hot spell like much of the rest of the country. Still, happy to be here for a nice … Continue reading Welcome Summer Solstice
Holidays/National Days
National Martini Day
Let's be very clear. Martinis should be made from gin only. I agree with Winston Churchill when he said that the closest he wants Vermouth to his Martini is to look at it longingly across the room. Also it should also be served with olives, preferably stuffed with anchovies to give it that salty pungency. … Continue reading National Martini Day
National Corn on the Cob Day
Today is National Corn on the Cob Day, the way God intended you to eat it, not creamed or mixed in succotash. One of my favorite memories is our family visits to the Ohio State Fair when I was young. Demolition Derby is a really cool concept when your age is in single digits. I … Continue reading National Corn on the Cob Day
National Cognac Day
Ok, I admit it. I like a number of different alcohol beverages. But my very favorite is cognac. The perfect post meal sip, cradled by my hand in a snifter, I get a special warm feeling as I close my eyes, the fire in the hearth crackling, resting from reading a book of French poetry, … Continue reading National Cognac Day
Two decades in the Big Apple
On June 1, 1998 I started a new job in Manhattan and have stuck around ever since. I loved this city from my first visit in 1975 (during the bad old rough and glorious days of this place) but always held out hope to be invited here. That happened 20 years ago and I have … Continue reading Two decades in the Big Apple
National Macaroon Day
Today is National Macaroon Day. You may think of the coconut cookie but I think of the French confections made of egg whites and delicious magic. It was a terrible burden but we decided to taste test several versions from Chelsea shops here in Manhattan to decide which was best. You're welcome. There was a … Continue reading National Macaroon Day
Happy Memorial Day
Happy Memorial Day. Today is many things, the artificial start of summer, a long three day weekend, a traditional grilling out holiday, and a day to celebrate troops serving our country. Being an old hippie pacifist I still respect those who choose to protect our nation in uniform and under arms. But we are all … Continue reading Happy Memorial Day
Manhattanhenge, Manhattan Henge or Henge o’ Manhattan is back!
In January I alerted you to a sunrise Manhattanhenge and gave you advance notice of the next occurrence of the sunset version. The orientation of Manhattan is generally north-south and the Commissioners Plan of 1811 created a grid system of streets north of 14th Street. As the earth tilts to create our seasons, the sun … Continue reading Manhattanhenge, Manhattan Henge or Henge o’ Manhattan is back!
National Escargot Day
I love all kinds of cuisines, including French. One of their signature dishes is escargot and is one of my favorites. Some people can't get around the base of the dish, delicious snails. But they now send positively tame compared to some of the adventurist food programs on cable TV. Essentially escargot is a delivery … Continue reading National Escargot Day
National Cherry Cobbler Day
Today is National Cherry Cobbler Day. I have always marveled at these craftsmen and worry that automation will make them obsolete. You have heard the stories of the cobbler's kid who have no cherries? That's the pits. Okay, I know when I've worn out my welcome and driven this topic into the ground. Have a … Continue reading National Cherry Cobbler Day
National Buttermilk Biscuit Day
Nothing beats a nice buttermilk biscuit. Perfect for honey or jam. Lovely for a breakfast sandwich with an egg and sausage. Absolutely necessary for a base with sausage gravy. Or heavenly just as a platform for butter. There is little else that I make that requires buttermilk so I seldom bought it. Until I discovered … Continue reading National Buttermilk Biscuit Day
National Eat What You Want Day
This may be one of my favorite National Days and one that basically includes all the other ones listed on this blog. It was founded to be an excuse to break your diet for one day, to indulge so that you are ready to go back to your dreary food life tomorrow having sated yourself … Continue reading National Eat What You Want Day
Happy Birthday, Pamela
It is a very special National Day today - Happy Birthday, Pamela! As always you can find more on http://www.walterthinnes.com and on Twitter @walterthinnes TOMORROW: another classic script revived and reviewed
National Pigs in a Blanket Day
Today is National Pigs in a Blanket Day, when we celebrate flaky crust surrounding a meat product of vaguely mysterious origins. I don't want to ruin your enjoyment of these tasty snacks, but remind you to always eat kosher hot dogs. Trust me, you do not want to hear the stories of my younger days … Continue reading National Pigs in a Blanket Day
National Garlic Day
Today is National Garlic Day. Boy do I love garlic. Two hints, one I learned in the last year, the other a long time ago. This year I learned to make garlic chips. Thinly slice (there is a great device for this, much like a mini mandolin) the garlic cloves. Heat a shallow layer (but … Continue reading National Garlic Day
Taxes due today
Yep, due to the weekend date of April 15 and yesterday's Patriots Day in Massachusetts, today is actually the day your federal and state taxes are due. Many people complain about paying their taxes but I hold to the principle played out by Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. His famous quote is "Taxes are the price … Continue reading Taxes due today
National Cheese Fondue Day
Today is National Cheese Fondue Day and I am supposing that pretty much everyone here knows what fondue is. But when I was growing up in the sixties and seventies it was exotic and very special. My parents had an electric fondue kit and when it was on the dinner table it was a special … Continue reading National Cheese Fondue Day
National Chocolate Mousse Day
Today is National Chocolate Mousse Day, a serious effort in the kitchen and a seriously delicious dessert. I learned how to do it in cooking school but have not made it for quite some time. Maybe I should try again. Strap in tight, not for beginners. In a medium saucepan bring 2 inches of water … Continue reading National Chocolate Mousse Day
National Sourdough Bread Day
Yesterday was not only April Fools Day and Easter Sunday but also National Sourdough Bread Day. I have kept a sourdough starter since I first visited San Francisco two decades ago. To be clear a sourdough starter takes on the flavor of the local yeast particles (which is less scary than Yeats particles and unlikely … Continue reading National Sourdough Bread Day
OPENING DAY!
Today is Opening Day of the Baseball Season. For fans like me it represents the most hopeful day of the year. The Cincinnati Reds have the opportunity to go all the way this morning, not having been tested in the real 162 day cauldron. It could happen. Never mind that we haven't won a World … Continue reading OPENING DAY!
National Black Forest Cake Day
I have made no secret on this blog that I, as a class, prefer pie to cake. With one notable exception. Black Forest Cake. The combination of cherries, chocolate and delicious cream changes the equation. Happy National Black Forest Cake Day. I'll be back later. I have to gain 12 pounds at one sitting. Yum. … Continue reading National Black Forest Cake Day
World Theatre Day
Today is World Theatre Day, an opportunity to celebrate every facet of this very human storytelling medium. Theatre has defined my life since I caught the bug in high school and so I am featuring a photo of my high school auditorium below. Or at least it feels that long ago. With the inspiration of … Continue reading World Theatre Day
National Ravioli Day!
Happy National Ravioli Day - one of my favorite foods. While these delicious dough pillows can be filled with exotic flavors they are just as fine with grated cheese and ground meet. I have only tried making ravioli from scratch a few times with notably mixed success, but then there are plenty of places to … Continue reading National Ravioli Day!
National Pi Day
Today is known as National Pi Day based on the first three digits of the apparently endless stream of numbers that define the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter and also coincidentally echoes today's date 3.14 (March 14th). There are endless puns comparing the circular nature of pie and the mathematical constant that … Continue reading National Pi Day
National Napping Day
The day after we begin Daylight Savings Day, when we "spring forward" and lose an hour of sleep because the clocks are adjusted, is known as National Napping Day. Not surprising because we lose an hour of sleep when we already run ourselves ragged. I endorse a siesta this afternoon. So go ahead, zone out … Continue reading National Napping Day
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