by The Chef And The Writer | May 14, 2018 | The Chef, Uncategorized
What is Barbecue? Is that one of the most loaded questions in the South? I must admit, I was born in the North. And while my heart is Southern now, I am still one of those uncommitted barbecue enthusiasts. I have a confession to make, and I will apologize now, but...
by The Chef And The Writer | May 6, 2018 | The Writer, Uncategorized
Do I want to really say I have been pondering my next blog post for a year? No. But well, I have. And I have had great thoughts and major subversions. And finally, I am here. Computer keyboard and a blank slate. And babbling words. The past year has been a whirlwind....
by The Chef And The Writer | Jan 8, 2017 | #BestofBlueRidge, #ChefDannyMellman, #MasseriaKitchen, #SustainableFarming
This New Year brings us exciting news. We worked to create a vision for the next 10 years for our company and part of that was building our restaurant properties to a place where we could own the land beneath our business. Along with that goal, comes many other...
by The Chef And The Writer | Jan 7, 2017 | Uncategorized
There is such a sense of place for me in Portugal. I have never been able to explain why – it’s just a comfortable feeling like going home. I recognize the people as they pass by me as if I have met them in some other life. I somehow was raised on their cuisine. I...
by The Chef And The Writer | Mar 14, 2015 | #BestofBlueRidge, #ChefDannyMellman, #Homestead, #MasseriaKitchen, #SustainableFarming
I sit, watching the sky darken, and contemplate the task of mucking out our sow’s stall. I need to dispose of the straw she’s kept so warm for her litter this winter, the lice have not died off despite bone-chilling weather. I’ve finished my basic daily chores. I...
by The Chef And The Writer | Apr 28, 2013 | Uncategorized
Farming is a new aspect of my life. Our passion for food and ingredients has always brought us to the doorstep of farmers and markets around the world. From the hawker food stalls in Singapore and Taiwanese night markets to Seattle’s Pike Place, Barcelona’s Mercat de...
by The Chef And The Writer | Apr 14, 2013 | Uncategorized
So it’s been a year now since I quit my full-time writing gig. I don’t know what I thought when I quit. That I was going to write the Great American novel in twelve months? Great books have been written in less time. Great books have been written in more time. And...
by The Chef And The Writer | Aug 19, 2012 | Uncategorized
I was drenched in physics today. And chemistry. And a bit of mathematics. All subjects that normally make my head spin, but today it was delicious learning. No, I was not reliving the drudgery I experienced with college science classes, instead I baked my way through...
by The Chef And The Writer | Jul 13, 2012 | Uncategorized
We recently took a drive down to Madison, Georgia for a little R&R. Our pal Bo Chance said we should check out the town for some ideas we might want to introduce to Blue Ridge. What a charming place. And while I have some great ideas for some new online ventures...
by The Chef And The Writer | Jul 5, 2012 | Uncategorized
One of the newly launched items we’ve liked very much in the past few years was actually just recalled. The recall includes the Twist ‘n Sparkle Starter Set (models 1005, 1005-12, 1005-BJ, 1005-QVC) and the Twist ‘n Sparkle Bottle Set (models...
