Jude's Culinary Journey

The nectar of the gods

A jar of Golden Blossom honey, with its green and gold label, was always in a cupboard in the kitchen of my childhood. We didn’t reach for it often. In winter, I would drizzle it over a bowl of …

Summer eats

Returning from a trip to the city, my sister Janet and I decided to have lunch at an exceptional Greek seafood restaurant—Varka, in Ramsey, NJ. It was a warm, sunny and cloudless day and we …

Green thumbs turned brown

When I was a teenager in the mid-’60s, my bedroom windowsills were lined with plants (two of which were pot—full disclosure). I grew wandering Jew, spider, jade and cacti, among others.

Cooking over wood

I’ve cooked over wood maybe a dozen times. Each of these experiences took place when I was around eight or nine years old, spending the summer—along with my sister, Janet—at …

The spice of life: From tapas to meze

Unless you’re in Spain, if you mention that you have found a fantastic tapas bar, it’s likely you will be met with this response: “What were you doing in a topless …

Hit or miss

I like cooking for people. Presenting folks with food is something I have always done. I give a part of myself, an important one, something that is in my heart. At times I offer food that is a …