The last Thursday in July is always National Chili Dog Day and for me that means a Cheese Coney from a Cincinnati Chili parlor. Whether that is Skyline, Gold Star, Empress, or my favorite Camp Washington Chili it is the best introduction for newbies into the wonderful unique flavor profile that is Cincinnati Chili. You … Continue reading National Chili Dog Day
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First Day of Spring 2025
As the world turns it turns out that today is the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere. We could sure use a little extra sunshine this year and the seasonal blooms and hay fever will be welcome. But this blog also tries to provide something useful for our readers. On today, Thursday, March … Continue reading First Day of Spring 2025
National Cincinnati Chili Week starts today
For only the second year we have arrived at National Cincinnati Chili Week! Everyone in the Queen City knows exactly what I am talking about whereas the rest of you are going, uh, huh? That is because the Cincinnati region has a very specialized dish we call Chili but the rest of the world goes … Continue reading National Cincinnati Chili Week starts today
Happy Chinese (Lunar) New Year
The traditional Chinese New Year happens later than usual this year because it is based on a lunar calendar so I wondered if the timing had any insight into the winner of tomorrow's Super Bowl. Hmmmm, would a Dragon prefer a win by the 49's or the Chiefs? Not sure there is angle here. Okay, time for a … Continue reading Happy Chinese (Lunar) New Year
Look Locally for National Pizza Week
Today is the start of National Pizza Week and you can find one of America's favorite meals in just about any combination you can imagine. To celebrate I strongly recommend you skip the big national chains and find a local family parlor of distinction. I'll start with a hyper-local recommendation. Mamma Mia Pizzeria advertises and faithfully provides … Continue reading Look Locally for National Pizza Week
In Memoriam – Jimmy Buffett
Woke up this morning to read that Jimmy Buffett had passed away. While I was never a Parrothead, I certainly enjoyed his music. It was so easy going and so evocative of the lifestyle he had built. And he had built an empire on his albums, restaurants, hotels, and even a Florida retirement village dedicated … Continue reading In Memoriam – Jimmy Buffett
Time again for my favorite food – Chili Cheese Coneys
The last Thursday in July is National Chili Dog Day and there are many regional variations here in the United States. In Washington D.C. they serve up Half-Smokes, in Michigan they call it a Coney Island Dog, in Rhode Island it is known as a Hot Weiner, in North Carolina they add slaw (really?) and … Continue reading Time again for my favorite food – Chili Cheese Coneys
Bon Appétit Magazine chooses their five best Barbecue Sauces and guess what?
The eminent magazine of culinary good taste polled their editors for the very best recommendations for barbecue sauce and guess what? Cincinnati's very own Montgomery Inn was one of the top five! The taste I have loved my whole life was selected and the entire Queen City can feel vindicated and rightly proud. Here's how … Continue reading Bon Appétit Magazine chooses their five best Barbecue Sauces and guess what?
National Escargot Day sampled in NYC
I've spoken before about how much I enjoy the French dish of Escargot. Some people simply can't wrap their head around the fact that it is based on snails as food. But I can assure you that it is actually a handy platform on which to serve butter and garlic. As luck would have it … Continue reading National Escargot Day sampled in NYC
Happy Cinco de Mayo!
I checked back to see how often I have celebrated Cinco de Mayo in my blog. The answer is zero because I have always known it is a false American holiday. It celebrates a successful Mexican battle over the French back in 1862. But despite what many Americans think, it is not the Mexican Independence … Continue reading Happy Cinco de Mayo!
National Margarita Day
I've celebrated National Margarita Day previously on this blog but always combined it with some other event. Today I am only celebrating this wonderful day. Well, sorta. As far as I am concerned they are specifically designed for Mexican restaurants. There is nothing that goes so well with a Margarita as a Mexican menu. I … Continue reading National Margarita Day
National Cherry Pie Day and where I get mine free!
I've said it before and I will say it again. I love pie and my favorite is Cherry Pie! Today the National Cherry Pie Day comes on Monday and that is appropriate. Whenever possible I get mine free on Mondays. Here in Florida (and I assume nationwide) you get a free slice of pie on … Continue reading National Cherry Pie Day and where I get mine free!
Ocala Spyder Ryders Cruise to the Yalaha Bakery
What a beautiful day for a ryde. What a great destination (I've recently posted about the great German Bakery here in Central Florida). What a nice group of people. There were a dozen Can-Am Spyders, from RT's to F3s. And, of course, there sits my Josephine in the far right of the group. And of … Continue reading Ocala Spyder Ryders Cruise to the Yalaha Bakery
I found a new location to celebrate National Croissant Day
When I moved from New York City about 18 months ago I seriously missed the many ethnic food shops that Central Florida simply does not have in abundance. Sure, after a few months here I came across an authentic French Bakery that I adored. However they soon closed after the landlord booted them out to … Continue reading I found a new location to celebrate National Croissant Day
Luckily National Pie Day falls on a Monday
There are many Pies that are celebrating with their own National Days throughout the year, but today is a generic National Pie Day. You can bet I will be celebrating them throughout the calendar but today, let us celebrate all types and flavors of pie. And the fact it falls on a Monday is luck … Continue reading Luckily National Pie Day falls on a Monday
A Tour of the “Ma” Barker House
Tucked away in a clearing of the forest at the Carney Island Recreation & Conservation Area is a local Marion County gem that is hard to find and not very well known. It is known as the Bradford-Barker House and was the center of the longest shootout in FBI history. Want to know more? So … Continue reading A Tour of the “Ma” Barker House
Happy International Sushi Day
I really like sushi so am happy to celebrate this day. But not all sushi. Those restaurants who insist on having the sushi chef choose your selection don't suit me. For instance, I'm sorry but I don't like eel. Yet that seems to be one of the sushi chef's favorites. So I'm not a sushi … Continue reading Happy International Sushi Day
Celebrating Cincinnati Cuisine #6 – Cincinnati Style Chili (with a call out to National Peppermint Patty Day)
In celebration of the Cincinnati Bengals returning to the Super Bowl after an absence of more than three decades, I will post a unique Queen City Flavor Experience each day until the big day. Many regions of this country developed food or drink preferences that have withstood the national big brands swamping America with their … Continue reading Celebrating Cincinnati Cuisine #6 – Cincinnati Style Chili (with a call out to National Peppermint Patty Day)
Celebrating Cincinnati Cuisine #5 – Montgomery Inn Ribs
In celebration of the Cincinnati Bengals returning to the Super Bowl after an absence of more than three decades, I will post a unique Queen City Flavor Experience each day until the big day. Many regions of this country developed food or drink preferences that have withstood the national big brands swamping America with their … Continue reading Celebrating Cincinnati Cuisine #5 – Montgomery Inn Ribs
Celebrating Cincinnati Cuisine #4 and a tie in to National Pizza Day! – La Rosa’s Pizza
In celebration of the Cincinnati Bengals returning to the Super Bowl after an absence of more than three decades, I will post a unique Queen City Flavor Experience each day until the big day. Many regions of this country developed food or drink preferences that have withstood the national big brands swamping America with their … Continue reading Celebrating Cincinnati Cuisine #4 and a tie in to National Pizza Day! – La Rosa’s Pizza
National Banana Split Day
When I was growing up in Ohio, our parents would take us to Dairy Queen from time to time for a special treat. When we were very young we were only allowed a Dilly Bar (vanilla ice cream in a chocolate shell). As we grew older we could move up the menu and the Peanut … Continue reading National Banana Split Day
Celebrating National Waffle Day in the land of Waffle House!
I am still learning my way around the neighborhoods of Central Florida but one thing I know is that we are well within the bounds of Waffle House Nation. When I lived in New York City the closest Waffle House was in Pennsylvania, not far from the New Jersey border. But here in Florida they … Continue reading Celebrating National Waffle Day in the land of Waffle House!
Dual Citizenship, here I come Florida, ready or not
You may or may not have heard but I am pulling up roots and moving to the state of Florida. I have lived in New York City for more than 23 glorious years and first fell in love with it when I visited when I was just 17 years old. As I was originally born … Continue reading Dual Citizenship, here I come Florida, ready or not
National Fried Chicken Day and my NYC recommendation
Today is National Fried Chicken Day and I truly love this delicious treat. I have made various tasty versions but the best was when I used a sous vide device to first make the meat creamy and perfectly cooked. But if I want to eat this treat out on the town in New York, I … Continue reading National Fried Chicken Day and my NYC recommendation
Welcome Krispy Kreme to Times Square
I love standing under a waterfall and letting it stream over me. The doughnut chain Krispy Kreme is scheduled to open a flagship store in Times Square here in New York City today. The shop will feature the world's largest "Hot Now" sign and a giant glaze waterfall in the window. If you see a … Continue reading Welcome Krispy Kreme to Times Square
Walter Thinnes 
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