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Category: Food – General

The Summer Garden: My Big Lie

The Summer Garden: My Big Lie

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As the weather begins to turn warmer, I am again dreaming of a beautiful summer garden.  In my mind, there are several raised beds, neatly arranged with lettuces, spinach, spring onions, and radishes.  Trellises support the young, sweet peas, cucumbers, and beans.  Ordered hoops support the peppers and tomatoes.  There’s a small section of herbs, so I can dash out and snip fresh sprigs of thyme, basil, or chives.  All that glorious bounty will be at my fingertips, just waiting…

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What Do I Look For in A Restaurant?

What Do I Look For in A Restaurant?

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My wife recently bumped into a loyal “That Food and Travel Guy” reader, and after complimenting the articles, the person then added “I know he doesn’t like to eat at local places,” coming to that conclusion based on the fact that I’m generally making fun of local establishments (both chain franchises and family owned restaurants) in my posts. Let me take a moment to clarify.  I’m a big fan of local cuisine, no matter what the price point. Make no…

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What is Up With Fast Food Lately?

What is Up With Fast Food Lately?

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In an effort to capture that all-mighty dollar and to pander to America’s ever changing appetite for food that wouldn’t be served to death-row inmates, the fast food titans have come out of their focus groups, test kitchens, and boardrooms with the latest and greatest to tease our taste-buds and empty our wallets.  I don’t know who is eating all of this garbage, but evidently someone is. McDonald’s McDonald’s has recently introduced three sizes of Big Mac.  They now offer…

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Restaurant “Do’s” and “Don’ts”: The Customer Edition

Restaurant “Do’s” and “Don’ts”: The Customer Edition

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I’d like to think that I’m a writer who will bring you both sides of the story.  Following my post Monday on the things I dislike about waiters and waitresses (click here to catch up), I thought it only fair to talk about the folks who patronize restaurants and diners all over the area.  I’ve seen some of you out there, and believe me, you’re no picnic when it comes to serving.  Trust me when I tell you that –…

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Restaurant “Do’s” and “Don’ts”: The Server Edition

Restaurant “Do’s” and “Don’ts”: The Server Edition

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I love to go out to eat.  If I won the lottery tomorrow, most of my winnings would probably be spent on fine food and drink in high-end restaurants.  I’ve seen (and known) a lot of waiters and waitresses in my day, and I can tell you that there are certain things I expect from them.  Don’t get me wrong, I understand that the “front of the house” in a restaurant is a tough job, where people spend hours on…

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Five ‘Four-State’ Locations for a Romantic Dinner

Five ‘Four-State’ Locations for a Romantic Dinner

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Valentine’s Day is just around the corner (note to self – get a card for my wife).  Although I’m convinced that it was originally conceived by the greeting card and candy industries as a way to move product in the dead of winter, it’s as good excuse as any to plan a date night with your spouse or sweetheart. I’m often asked “aren’t there any NICE places to eat around here?”  The answer to that, of course, is yes –…

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Grocery Stores: My Pet Peeves

Grocery Stores: My Pet Peeves

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Ahhh, the weekly jaunt to the grocery store.  I know it’s a necessity, but the recent busy holidays have only amplified my issues and problems with our local food warehouses.  I like to think that I’m a relatively calm person, but some of these things make my blood boil – and I’ve seen some of you in the aisles as well.  You’re one step away from a court date and anger management classes.  I get it. To protect the innocent,…

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Home Cooking: It Ain’t Rocket Science

Home Cooking: It Ain’t Rocket Science

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Not to brag, but I’m often complimented on my cooking.  My wife and kids have their favorite dishes that I make, and I warn the young ones that one day they’ll be off at college and pining for some of Dad’s chicken pasta, pork tenderloin, or maple-glaze salmon.  It’s gonna happen.  My wife (God bless her) gives me free reign in the kitchen (she’s no dummy).  Her attitude is that if I love cooking dinner every night, then by all…

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Fine Dining in Hagerstown, MD: An Endangered Species

Fine Dining in Hagerstown, MD: An Endangered Species

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What’s happened to all the “fine dining” choices in Hagerstown? “LJ’s”?  Gone. “Aqua 103”?  Being “re-launched”. “Family Meal”?  Didn’t make it 6 months. These days, it’s easier to spot a Sasquatch or an “I’m with Hillary” bumper sticker than it is to sit down to a linen tablecloth when dining out in the county seat.  Don’t get me wrong, I like a good Legion Steak Feed or hog butchering as much as the next guy, but there are times when…

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Enough Already! – A Love Letter to the American Craft Brewing Industry

Enough Already! – A Love Letter to the American Craft Brewing Industry

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Dear American Craft Brewers: Hello!  I know you don’t know me, but I’d like to think that I write this letter to you as a representative of the American beer drinking population. First of all, let me say “thank you” for giving us much better versions of Pilsners, Lagers, Porters, and Stouts than any of the “big” breweries out there.  You know which ones I’m talking about.  The ones that produce watered-down, urine-colored hops and barley that I affectionately refer…

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