Sometimes it is the simple, well-presented things that stand out. For Chef Judi, this week represents a long-standing love affair with Selva Grill and the simple tastes of crisp plantain chips with chimichurri dipping sauce.

Once a month, an acquaintance and client from work comes along and catches up with me. Sometimes we talk about her dog; other times we talk about her upcoming wedding, of which I know every detail except for the nuptial night (I have class!) and what the invite looks like, since I have not been invited. Don’t gasp, I am only an acquaintance! As this person leaves my workplace I always hear, “Don’t work too hard, Eduardo … ” Every single time I hear those four words it makes me cringe. [...]

The best compliment I’ve ever received was being mistaken as a ballet dancer.  The thing is, they are beautiful creatures. Every muscle is constantly being worked, there is not an inch of their bodies that is not beautifully sculptured – you know, this little Mary may not touch, but loves to look!   Last Friday night I arrived at the Sarasota Opera House dressed in black tuxedo pants, white shirt with Diamante cuff links and my favorite ultra fitted white jacket… Be aware I went tie-less for a little rebellious edge – [...]

The bacchanalia were rites originally held in ancient Greece to honor the god Dionysus. By the time these festivals spread to southern Italy, though banned by the Senate, they were held in secret and attended only by women. The historian Livy described the shenanigans that took place at these raucus girl-power celebrations. These wild women danced around with “hair disheveled” and reveled in such a manner that partygoers who refused to get into the spirit were “sacrificed as a victims,” as “there was no crime, no deed of shame, wanting. [...]