Monthly Archives: July 2012

A Cuppa’ Cultural Differences – Taking English Tea and Toast

Cultural rules about drinking tea and eating toast abound in class-conscious English culture. In the informative and engaging book, Watching the English, Kate Fox reveals how adding two spoons of sugar and stirring noisily clearly broadcast (lack of) social standing. Toast, toast racks, jam and spreading strategies are also dissected. Continue reading

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Saying Yes to Marcus Samuelsson’s Memoir, “Yes, Chef”

Interview with Marcus Samuelsson, the award-winning Ethiopian/Swedish chef and cookbook author who spent two days last week in the Bay Area, being fêted at Camino and Jardinière, for his new memoir, “Yes, Chef,”….Fried Yardbird (chicken) recipe included! Continue reading

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Film “Soul Food Junkies” Provides Food for Thought on African American Cuisine and Culture

I attended premiere of Soul Food Junkies, a new film by Byron Hurt which will be featured on KQED’s Independent Lens series. The film vividly portrays the cultural struggle in which Soul Food is both a beloved part of African American culture and a leading cause behind the epidemic of diabetes, heart disease and other health issues. Continue reading

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