Book of the Month: Food Lover's Companion

Ok, seriously, this is a book no food lover or food gourmand should be without. I have yet to find a food that is not described in this book...and believe me, I have tested its bounds.

In here you will learn that:

"The vanilla bean was once considered an aphrodisiac, and was so rare that it was reserved for royalty...."

...tomatoes were once called "love apples" and tomatoes are actually a fruit.

...a pomelo is the largest type of citrus.

Think of this book as a comprehensive encyclopedia on nearly 6,000 culinary terms complete with pronunciation guides (ridiculously handy) and a first rate index.

I am showing a picture of the 3rd printing which I have. The New Food Lover's Companion is now in print, and though I haven't checked it out, it is by the same brilliant authors. I bring mine with me everywhere...which explains why I can't currently find it. Perhaps I will be reading the newer version sooner than I thought!

Eversharp is open again!!

Those of you who live in the cities have the rare treat of having a Wusthof Reseller in the area. Eversharp is a professional knife sharpener ($3-$4 a knife) and sharpen while you wait. They also sell refurbished Wusthof knifes for half of their retail value (even cheaper if you buy a boxed set). Check Eversharp out at 344 Taft Street NE Mineapolis or 612-379-1300.

I love my knives and have let them go unsharpened way too long. We (my knives and I) took a visit to the newly re-opened Eversharp yesterday and were surprised to see that they have expanded their inventory. You can find refurbished Epicurian cutting boards now along with other brands.

But back to sharpening.

Why sharpen? Not only is chopping faster with a sharp knife, it is much easier to cut yourself on a dull knife. A half-decent video that can walk you through putting an edge back on your knife is...




Aside from truing your knife with a steel, you should have them professionally sharpened at least once a year. And while there are free places that will sharpen for you, a word of caution, you do get what you pay for.



My knives of choice are the Wusthof Culinar. With knives you also get what you pay for and if you cook even a few times a week, this will be money well spent.

Simon Delivers to Deliver Last Order

What a tragedy!! I received an email this morning notifying me that Simon Delivers will be going out of business in two weeks. I have really enjoyed ordering product from this company and will very much miss their yellow vans in the Twin Cities. Simon, we will miss you!!

The Letter I received:

After almost 9 years of striving to provide you an exceptional online grocery experience, I am sorry to inform you that we will be delivering our last orders over the next two weeks. Today's economic conditions, including the spike in food and fuel costs, have forced us to make this very difficult decision.

Over the years we have valued your business and appreciated the relationship we have developed with you. We have an incredible team behind the scenes responsible for our nationally-recognized website and the processes necessary to fulfill your orders. Our team members have done an exceptional job selecting, picking and packing your orders to your satisfaction. Our friendly Neighborhood Service Representatives have come to know you, your families and your businesses well.

We have heard many stories over the years about how our service made a difference in your lives, and those stories fueled us to work hard for our business and you. You made a significant difference to our 300 team members by continuing to support our service.

We made a promise to provide you with a great website, great products, and most importantly, great service. We are sad that we cannot continue to fulfill that promise.

On behalf of all of us at SimonDelivers, thank you most sincerely for nine years of support.