Archive for the ‘Food’ Category

Fishing Lesson 1: Casting The Line

Saturday, November 21st, 2009

Casting my line...

“When the fish are in the area you can smell the pungent sweetness of their oil on the water surface.”

Every once in a while I catch myself daydreaming about fishing, and it goes something like this: I’m on a big sports fishing boat, seated in one of those “fighting” chairs that swivel, belt-buckled in tight while reeling in the big tuna. So when the chance to go fishing came up recently, I jumped on the occasion, thinking that some experience would be helpful if Tuna and I were to fight it out someday.

It’s a beautiful clear day, the sky a vibrant afternoon blue. Excited and relaxed, I feel the calm of the water, the Autumn chill, the exhilarating boat ride, and visualize catching my first fish while contemplating the perfect recipe for it the whole time. My senses fully engaged, I am on a boat in Connecticut fishing on the Long Island Sound with my friend Frank, an avid fisherman by hobby, who tells me “when the fish are in the area you can smell the pungent sweetness of their oil on the water surface” as we go from spot to spot casting our lines to catch bass or bluefish.

the wake...

“There are some fish out there now. Mostly deep and holding near the bottom, in the reefs of mid sound, grouping and preparing for the massive feeding to carry them for their migration south and east,” he continues, explaining that this is something he learned long ago from an old fisherman. (more…)

Judging BBQ at The Jack for My Own Braggin’ Rights!

Monday, November 16th, 2009

MILLS1

Starstruck...here with "The Legend" Mike Mills, author of Peace, Love & Barbecue (2005)

I’ve infiltrated the world of competitive barbecue. I’m in with the big boys…

Barbecue is like a sport. I never thought about this until Saturday, October 24th, 2009, pulled up at a table preparing to judge my very first competition and most prestigious of them all, the 2009 Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue, simply and most often referred to as “The Jack.” I am as excited to be here as a kid in a candy or toy store.

I’ve infiltrated the world of competitive barbecue. I’m in with the big boys—Paul Kirk, Mike Mills, Adam Perry Lang (this year’s honorary pitmaster), and Ray Lampe to name a few. Collectively responsible for putting barbecue on the culinary map, they are celebrity pitmasters and renowned cookbook authors who have competed on the circuit from the Eastern to Western, and Northern to Southern United States. I’ve prepared for this moment. I’ve trained my palate over many years, seeking out the best ribs, brisket, pork, chicken, and BBQ sauce

judges autographing aprons...great tradition!

judges autographing aprons...great tradition! (photo by Karen Walker)

this country has to offer. I’ve stood in front of my own cooker for hours, maintaining a low-and-slow temperature to render all sorts of seasoned meats tender to the bone. I’ve learned techniques from one of the greats, Chris Lilly of the legendary Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q in Decatur, AL. I’ve taken a 4-hour judging course with master judge Ron Harwell, Ph. B. (no I’m not making this up, it’s a doctorate in barbecue!) and am now a Certified Barbecue Judge, according to the Kansas City Barbecue Society and own a monogrammed maroon KCBS T-shirt and “CBJ” pin to prove it. I’ve recently started to read The Bull Sheet and the National Barbecue News at the breakfast table, in lieu of The New York Times. I’ve come a long way, and now, here in Lynchburg TN (pop. 400+/-, but during event 25,000+), I am ready to taste multiple entries of sauce, choice meat, chicken, ribs, pork, and brisket, with dessert thrown in the mix. It’s a tough job, but I’m ready to handle it like the trained pro that I am. (more…)

Texas Barbecue: The Top Side of Brisket!

Tuesday, September 8th, 2009

Entering Smitty's

Entering Smitty's

What I got was a crash course in brisket and BBQ lingo

Friends say that I’m obsessed with barbecue. I’ve always preferred the word “passionate,” myself.  It is an ongoing curiosity with me, and the art—because it is an art—of barbecuing fascinates me to no end. It’s also the people I’ve met while exploring this great culinary tradition that keeps me coming back for more. My Southern friends are like my European friends and family in many ways. They love to take their time to live, enjoying their meals over several hours while eating, drinking, and telling stories. Having lived in New York City for twenty or more years where everyone always seems to be in a rush is something I’ve never gotten used to. So naturally, I look forward to my trips to Austin, TX, where I get to take it all in at a slow and steady pace from the minute I land at the airport and imagine a distinct, enticing smoky aroma tickling my nose. (more…)

CT’s California Book Tour…ABC’s The View From the Bay, Sonoma, Sustainable LA 2009, and more…

Monday, August 17th, 2009

I’ve watched Spencer Christian on television since I was a kid. He was the weather man, remember? Well on August 17 I got to cook with him on The View From the Bay (ABC 7), which he co-hosted with Audrey Mansfield. Fun segment, even if it got a little sticky! Just watch the video below…

(more…)

Wonton Garden: A Childhood Favorite

Sunday, July 5th, 2009

wonton noodle soup with choy sum and scallions

wonton noodle soup with choy sum and scallions

A Steaming Bowl of Wonton Noodle Soup with Choy Sum and Scallions…

I’ve been going to Wonton Garden, a small noodle shop in Manhattan’s Chinatown, since I moved to New York City from my quaint little hometown of Blois, France over 30 years ago.  Located on Mott, the neighborhood’s busiest street, the shop has always had a window glass façade where the cook can be seen turning out wonton soup after wonton soup for hours on any given day. So enticing is watching this man cooking that I’ve gone in for a serving of these delightful morsels more times than I can count…and every time I go back, sit down at a table, and order a steaming bowl of wontons in broth, I am instantly reminded of my first encounter with the place. (more…)

Corinne Trang is an award-winning cookbook author, expert on Asian cuisines and cultures, beverage and food consultant, lecturer, spokesperson, chef, recipe developer, and lifestyle writer. A frequent radio and television guest, she is the chief east coast correspondent for America’s Dining and Travel Guide (Business Talk Radio).

(Text and photography © by Corinne Trang unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved. No part of this website including blog may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the author.)

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