#cooking-segment

#cooking-segment

A truly great steakhouse isn't just about the steak. We'd argue that the best steakhouses in the country are ones that put as much thought and effort into the drinks, cocktails, and sides as the meat, and that's one place where Prime 44 West shines.

"THE BEST pierogi me and my fiancé have tried ever in NY. Me and him are both Ukrainian and have lived in Poland, and out of all the places we have tried, these taste exactly like homemade traditional Polish pierogis."

Breakfast burritos, bowls, and wraps are becoming popular as they are portable and easy to prepare, featuring ingredients loaded with in-demand nutrients like eggs and meat.

Arthur is designed to feel more like a modern Parisian bistro than a white-tablecloth tasting menu dining room, creating a lived-in atmosphere.

At Mirra, chefs Zubair Mohajir and Rishi Kumar fuse Indian and Mexican flavors, telling a story of immigration and the Indian diaspora through culture-melding dishes like chaas aguachile, where translucent slices of hamachi are served in a pool of cumin-scented buttermilk and lime juice.

Contrast is at the center of many popular culinary trends. There's also a strong emphasis on contrasting textures within a single baked good. For example, soft milk breads and laminated doughs that have been hard-baked create exciting combinations.

Henry Harris describes his experience as the head chef and co-owner of Bouchon Racine as 'my most favourite three years of cooking and restaurant ownership.' He emphasizes the importance of creating a space where guests feel 'loved and valued'.

"The recipes that you have as a child are very powerful, they are very visceral. They stay with you, too. I remember many recipes, but certainly one of them, when my mother used to go to the garden just before we ate, and unearthed those tiny potatoes we called grenaille in France, which are like a fingerling potato."

Chef Ivy Stark began with the Korean condiment, creating a ssamjang marinade and brushing it on extra-firm tofu before roasting it in the oven.

"If you have white meats like chicken or pork you need to use lighter woods for smoking. White meats have a more subtle flavor than red meats such as beef or lamb. Choosing lighter woods, therefore, means you're not overpowering the qualities of the meat itself, but complementing it with an appropriately delicate wood-flavor."

The word 'allium' is the name of a group of vegetables including garlic, onions, chives, leeks and others that are botanically related. Because of the myriad ways they influence flavor, in states ranging from raw to cooked (even burnt), they're culinarily related too.

"The longer this halibut sits on that hot grill, the easier it will come away from the grate itself."

These leadership changes are not just about new faces; they signify a shift towards culinary creativity that prioritizes sustainability, local sourcing, and unique flavor profiles. As industry leaders, these chefs are setting the stage for a culinary renaissance that will engage diners and elevate their dining experiences.

Back in 2024, after a reporting trip for a whiskey magazine, I got tired of drinking. Perhaps it was the sluggishness I felt each morning, or maybe it was the podcast I'd heard while traveling, which shared the news that one or two glasses of red wine was not, as we had long been told, healthy. Whatever the reason, I tossed in the daily drinking towel after that trip, figuring that going forward, I might only have a drink or two every now and again.

Don't be intimidated by fresh mushrooms. They are prized for their flavor and versatility. Look for firm mushrooms that are free of soft spots or mold. Wash them just before using them but be sure to store them unwashed. Never submerge in water to wash them because mushrooms absorb like a sponge and become mushy. Wipe with moist paper towels. Some prefer to clean them with a soft-bristled mushroom brush. If extremely dirty, they can be very briefly dunked into cold water and wiped dry.