eating my words

"48 hours in barbecue heaven," were the last words I said to my wife as I rolled out of Birmingham headed for Lynchburg, TN on a perfect fall day.  I was on my way to judge the 18th Annual Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue.  I'd judged last year's contest, so I knew what I was getting into.  But the thrill was just the same.

The cool thing is that you don’t have to spend a ton to get a great bottle of sparkling wine -- the market's loaded with high-quality, value-priced sparklers that’re perfect for any occasion! But there are a couple ground rules...
 

Chef John Currence does it right at this Oxford hot spot.  If you're looking for a special night out while in town, then this James Beard Award nominee (for Best Chef in the South) is the man to see.

This is the spot for fresh fish and locally-grown vegetables.

The fish is fresh and oh-so-good at this Magic City gem, but there's so much more.

I love cookbooks.  In fact, much to my wife's chagrin, my nightstand is really nothing more than a fancy book holder looking to steal even more space from my alarm clock.

I’m not one to follow recipes – I cook by feel, taste, and, most of the time, by what inspires me in restaurants and in the kitchens of my friends.

Every once in a while, the Food staff is called upon to conduct culinary “field study” that’s truly specialized.  Such was the day we taste tested seven – that’s right! – seven different mayonnaises (and, yes, there’s a plural form of mayonnaise).