Food is my love language, and it starts at the table. This simple brunch with dear friends is a reminder that thoughtful touches and shared stories make any gathering feel special.

Some workdays stay with you. This is a reflection on storytelling at APQC Connect 2026, where simple stories helped ideas land, people connect, and a room full of participants grow as storytellers in just two hours.

Reverse-seared ribeyes and New York strips with a gorgeous crust, juicy red center, herb butter pan juices and seasoning options that make this the steak method we keep coming back to.

Houston makes the list! Food & Wine highlights America’s top dining cities, and our hometown shines for its incredible diversity. From Ethiopian to Vietnamese to Gulf Coast favorites, Houston truly lets you taste the world—no passport required.

Creamy, tangy, and full of fresh herb flavor, this avocado-yogurt sauce brings together ripe avocado, Greek yogurt, lime, cilantro, and mint. Originally created for turkey cevap, it’s a versatile, cooling sauce that elevates just about anything.

Golden, silky, and deeply aromatic with garlic and lemon, this aioli is the kind of kitchen staple that quietly transforms everything it touches. Make it by hand or in the food processor, then try one of the easy variations like chipotle, roasted garlic, or lemon-herb.

Bring on the barbecue sauce magic: sweet honey, smoky chipotle, tangy vinegar, and a little kick from my Zippy Everything Rub. It started with ribs… but now I want it on everything.

At Glover Gardens, food is how I show love. This poem, inspired by a dVerse prompt, honors my mom, the joy of cooking for others, and the shared language of abundance that brings people together around the table.

Two effortless seafood appetizer platters—shrimp and sardines one night, smoked salmon the next—prove that with a few good ingredients and a “use what you’ve got” mindset, every evening can feel like a celebration.

A spontaneous half day off leads to a peaceful walk through Kleb Woods Nature Preserve—a quiet, restorative escape filled with birdsong, wooded trails, and a touch of Texas history.

A colorful fruit grazing board created for our dear friend Dewey’s Celebration of Life, inspired by my mom’s entertaining wisdom and designed to convey abundance, hospitality, and the joy of sharing food together.

Bright and herby Mediterranean Rice Salad with lemon, olives, fresh herbs, and a gentle Southwest kick. This easy make-ahead side dish is perfect for picnics, potlucks, and simple weeknight meals.

Spicy Red Pesto made with serrano peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and toasted nuts. Ready in 10 minutes and perfect for focaccia, pasta, and grilled meats.

A pictorial celebration of the joyful and festive coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras vibe: Gulfport’s family-friendly daytime parade brought zero debauchery and maximum delight.

A warm, human conversation on the Stan Garfield Fab Five podcast about stories, memory, food, travel, grief, joy—and even a small baseball mistake—reminding me of the power of being heard and truly seen.

Twelfth night brings king cakes and Mardi Gras season, with a bonus duo of compelling and fun books.

A crunchy, spicy, and fresh-tasting salad starring black-eyed peas and broccoli—perfect as a side or light main. Quick to make, big on flavor, and even better the next day.

Perhaps our celebration of each new year is a collective symbol of hopefulness, the idea that we can change, evolve and improve.

What’s on the menu at Gumbo Cove for New Year’s Eve 2025: a shrimp boil and focaccia.

A pair of New Year’s resolution poems — one ottava rima, one tanka — reflecting on intention, gratitude, and self-forgiveness, written for Tanka Tuesday.