The new Acme Herb Slab

Since Acme was out of their cheese rolls, I was forced to make a split decision and go with the Herb Slab. The old slab used to be quite unctuous- overly slathered in olive-oil. The new slab has regular crust and makes an excellent tomato sandwich.

Berkely Bowl West

I have been waiting years for the new Berkeley Bowl opening so when I finally shuffled in, I was strangely underwhelmed. Perhaps the massive store size led me to fantasize that there would be yet even more kinds of fruits and vegetables. BBW had made a decision to segregate organic from conventional in a severe way to make it very difficult to do comparison shopping.

I haven't been back as it's just too much confusion. I just couldn't make good decisions as to what my basket needed- I was endlessly roaming around a bit dumbfounded.

Coriander Honey

I first heard about coriander honey on the BBC Food Programme. The host visited a british honey hunter and was most surprised when tasting his coriander honey from Romania- almost greenish hue. After giving up on trying to find coriander honey, a fluke search on ebay brought me to Flying Bee Ranch who I recommend highly. I used to get my blueberry and pumpkin honeys from them.

The taste of coriander honey is uniquely savory unlike any of the other honeys in my pantry. Had I been asked to guess the source in a blind tasting, I would not know it's origin. Slightly minty with a very very long tail, now I must get down to the serious business of pairing this lovely honey with a cheese partner.

Waiting for citrus

I've chewed through too many dry wedges of pomelo this year, watery Cara Caras, and just so-so Satsuma. Winter is height of citrus so I don't think I am too early.

What gives?

Maple Syrup Shortage

Maple syrup prices gave me sticker stock last fall rising 70% or $14 a bottle due to severe shortages caused by double whammy of bad wather/crop and rising demand. I was waiting until this year to replenish my stocks. Height of sugaring season is from mid-February to mid-April so I will cross my fingers until then because agave syrup is not the same on pancakes. Sadly maple syrup is going the way of luxury.

http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20090111/NEWS04/901120299/1050