Mozzarella Coma

I'm drunk on fresh, still warm, mozzarella from Massimo and Sergio's deli on 150th Street. Like Frank the Tank in ecstasy at the keg, "Once it hits your lips, it's so good!"

Ricette per Vita

My mother-in-law and her sister, Zia, cook some dishes that still set the bar after 15 years as the most mind blowingly delicious things I have ever eaten.

Natural Treasures

You can take the girl out of Cali, but you can't take the Cali out of the girl.

Linguini alle Vongole

Given the choice of anything on the menu at an Italian restaurant, our six-year-old always orders Linguini alle Vongole which means linguini with sautéed clams. The self-congratulatory pats on the back that I used to give myself for cultivating her young palate turned to slaps on the face when she started throwing colossal tantrums if they didn't have it.

He's Eaten Worse

Our youngest child loves to dip his food in his drink. It started last summer when he made an unfortunate habit of dipping his snacks, pretzels usually, into the water sitting in the water play table on the deck of our old house. A few months ago next door at Zia's house, my niece peed in her training potty. Our little guy walked by a minute later and dipped his half-grape in it and ate it.

Caffeine Free Diet Pepsi

In preparation for my parents visit from California, I asked my Mom if there was anything she wanted me to get for her at the grocery store. She asked for caffeine-free diet pepsi. Now I'm addicted to it.