I love the fourth of July! I say this even though I live at the beach where the crowds overwhelm our small island. I say this even though I own a restaurant and will be working on the fourth. I say this because it seems to be another occasion when Americans really celebrate with food. (more…)

I am a southern girl down to core. As most of you know, I love pimento cheese, summertime tomatoes, and buttermilk fried chicken. And I admit that I even love the dog days of summer. Sure, I’ll banter about the heat index of 115 with the best of them, but that should not be confused with complaining. (more…)

As the languid days of summer slip up on us, I like to imagine that everyone is spending their free time participating in classic summertime activities. I just love that Rockwellian image of families gathered around the grill or enjoying a picnic on the beach. (more…)

As I head south for a couple of days to enjoy a bit of time on Florida’s coast, I think it only appropriate that I repost the recipe for Ruth’s Key Lime Pie along with Ruth’s story. I can hardly wait to see her and her key lime pie! (more…)

For those of you outside the South, pimento cheese might be a foreign concept. I’ve heard tales of sightings above the Mason-Dixon Line, but I think these must be random at best. I believe only Southerners consider this mayonnaise-bound cheese and pepper spread to be a staple (more…)