Monday, December 30, 2013

2013 – A Year of Culinary Types

Another year of culinary adventures draws to a close. Among the characters and plots to grace our little stage were entrepreneurs, food adventurers, a new magazine, the seasonal rhythms of a farm, and a heaping spoonful of sugar. And, it seemed that I was constantly in a jam.

We met food entrepreneurs who are turning their culinary visions into reality. Nick Trastelis brought us his luscious Kalypso Greek Yogurt, inspired by his homeland.
Nick Trastelis and His Extraordinary Kalypso Greek Yogurt in Terra Cotta Pots
Paul Crosby saw potential in the elderberries that grew on his property, and created Crosby’s Elderberry Vinegar. Still ahead is Crosby’s Vermont Acorn Vinegar, made from a local staple, the White Oak acorn.
Paul Crosby Creates Craft Vinegar Products from Elderberries and Acorns
Mike Selberg turned degrees in chemistry and biology into a spirited career as Master Distiller at the Cannon Beach Distillery in Oregon.
Mike Selberg of Cannon Beach Distillery
I became a contributor for Edible Long Island, a new magazine that chronicles the food culture of Nassau and Suffolk County. 
Edible Long Island Tells the Story of Food in Nassau and Suffolk County

Traumatized by the near demise of the Twinkie, I set out to recreate the iconic snack cake in my own kitchen, and expanded my repertoire to include Hostess Cupcakes and Drakes Cakes.  
The Artisanal Twinkie
Food trucks continued to be my restaurant of choice – ranging from the terror-inducing Toast Monster, to Portland, Oregon’s comforting Grilled Cheese Grill that offers fine dining in a converted double decker bus. 
The Toast Monster Mac and Cheese Sandwich
Grilled Cheese Like Mom Used to Make
I learned the art of home preserving at Restoration Farm, and quickly became a canning fanatic, holding regular jam sessions in my kitchen. 
Caroline Fanning of Restoration Farm Teaches Home Preserving
Homemade Jam from Fresh Picked North Fork Blueberries
We followed the seasonal rhythms of the land at Restoration Farm, from the slumber of winter to the beauty of spring to the bounty of autumn.  
Spring Blossoms at Restoration Farm
And, then there were the food adventurers who by their sheer pluck, determination, and insatiable appetites, expose me to some of the finer experiences in life.

My road warrior colleague Splint McCullough made his triumphant return clucking it up at Price’s Chicken Coop in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Price's Chicken Coop - A Charlotte Institution
Dining with Splint McCullough at Price's Chicken Coop

My college roommate Ford McKenzie joined me on the food truck circuit, adding his own unique interpretation, pairing street food with exquisite attire and fine hotel dining.
Ford McKenzie Dressed for Street Food Success
And, my BFF Amanda joined the ranks of Culinary Types luminaries.  Whether it’s a business trip, a baking class, a lunch break or a vodka-infused latke marathon, the Amazing Amanda reminds me how important it is to laugh and that – first and foremost – food should be fun.  
My BFF Amanda
Good advice as we conclude 2013 and begin a fresh start.
Wishing You a Bright 2014!
Happy New Year, and delicious discoveries to all for 2014! We’ll visit again in mid-January. 


©2013 T.W. Barritt All Rights Reserved

10 comments:

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

I believe you have had a very fine year TW and given us many great stories and fine food.

Happy New Year,
Sam

Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) said...

Thanks for introducing us to so many fine culinary types, and for once again sharing the experience of Restoration Farm. Wishing you a happy and food-filled new year!

Gloria Baker said...

a great and interesting post like always! T.W
Happy new year!!

Kalyn Denny said...

What a fun post, and what a great year of culinary discoveries you've had! Hope 2014 will be another great year for you!

Catherine said...

Dear T.W., You certainly had a delicious and exciting year.
May the year ahead be filled with the same.
Wishing you a Happy and Blessed New Year. Catherine

Karen (Back Road Journal) said...

I've enjoyed following along this past year through all your food adventures. I hope this coming year will bring you lots of fun and good food. Can't wait to see where your next food truck picnic will end up…somewhere posh, I'm sure. Remember lots of napkins. :)

Anonymous said...

My dear foodie friend,

It was indeed a lovely blogging year from your cool blog! I enjoyed it so much & loved the foodie trips too! :) A Happy 2014 to you & your loved ones too! May the New Year bring tons of inspiration for your blog too! xxx

~~louise~~ said...

Another year of delicious culinary adventures, T.W. The anticipation of more scrumptious goodness is just around the corner.

Sending Happy New Year wishes to You and Yours!!! It's going to be a GREAT New Year!!!

Velva said...

Happy New Year! May 2014 be everything you hope for-

I have enjoyed your blog for a few years and I look forward to a lot more years.

Velva

Deana Sidney said...

Happy New Year to you too... I was on hiatus and missed this... a fun run down of what looks like a great year... so wonderful you are writing for the magazine..