A few Easters ago, my family and I were lucky enough to spend the holiday at my mother-in-law’s home in Ireland (and yes, I do say “lucky”, because yes, I do think my mother-in-law is pretty darn great).
I love the excitement this holiday brings to children. It’s also the only time of year where everyone collectively gets together to wear pastel colours. And well, that’s just pretty funny if you ask me. Continue reading
A Japanese friend of mine once told me that in her house “Gyoza Night” was family night. The evening had one very strict rule. Every single member of the family who wanted to eat these amazingly flavourful dumplings, from the grandparents down to the small kids, had to take part in the “gyozo chain”. Continue reading
During his adolescent years my father lived with his grandfather, a chef who worked at the historic Drake Hotel atop Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. He learned the tricks of the cooking trade largely from him; the 101 basics, plus all the trimmings. Continue reading
Dear Chicago,
For the last few years I’ve been visiting you in February. I know what you’re thinking, Chicago. Why in the world would anyone visit you during this time of year?
I am fully aware that I am likely to encounter door-jamming snow drifts, frost-bitten cheeks, and as my son called it several times during the course of our visit — “very dirty snow.” Continue reading
There are some foods you were born to love. For some, it’s chocolate. For others, it’s a freshly baked baguette.
For me, it’s Thai food. No question about it. Continue reading
This post is written in honour of good neighbours. May you all have some. And if you don’t, may you find some quickly. Or may you consider moving.
The neighbourhood I grew up in on the south side of Chicago was a busy one. West 89th Place and its adjoining streets was rarely quiet. There were kids. Lots and lots of them. And boy did we have fun. Continue reading
Japan is a very special place for me. Not only is it where my mother grew up, but it’s where the rest of her family, including my cousins, aunts and uncles, still live.
When I was in graduate school, I spent one semester studying in Niigata Prefecture on Japan’s main island of Honshu. It was an amazing experience. Not only did it provide insight into my mother and her culture, but it also marked the beginning of an expat life that eventually brought me to Basel. Continue reading
There is nothing more motivating than a close-up shot of a fresh salad to keep your diet resolutions alive in January.
Despite my greatest urge not to make get-fit vows for the New Year, this holiday season found me staring, in disdain, at the extra bulge that found its way into what I call my “second stomach” — aka, my THIGHS. Continue reading
Oh Christmas. How you make thee smile. Your holiday lights illuminate the way home on darkened, somber evenings. Your crimson & sage bring to life the season’s otherwise bleak and static streets. Your promises of hope and wonder bring a sense of calmness and resolve to the end of each year.
And your food. Oh your lovely food…
Your food carries with it flavours of nostalgic youth, and a reminder that the love nestled within the confines of our dining table holds stronger than the plates they are served on. Continue reading
Today I found myself thinking of Hong Kong. I lived in this city longer than any other place in my adult life. It was where I called home for most of my roaring 20s. It was where I grew into an adult, blossomed as a writer, and found real, make-you-smile-when-no-you-think-no-one-is-looking, love.
But before all of that happened, life in Hong Kong was very different for me. Equally enchanting. But oh so very different. Continue reading
chasing thyme 