Back to School Sushi Lunchbox

By Marilyn Hunter

As back-to-school time approached, I found myself feeling contradicted. It’s a wonderful time for the boys, but frankly packing lunches and snacks every day can be an overwhelming task.

I’m always on the lookout for lunchbox inspiration to expand the repertoire. As a mom, I’m interested in healthy choices that are also quick and easy; but as the wife of a chef, I can feel a little self-conscious about the contents of my boys’ lunchboxes. Truth is, Ben and Nick are as finicky as the next kid but I still feel the need to go the extra mile to make their lunches special.

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On the Road

By Lori Powell

Road trips are the best – especially when you take the slow route in and out of town. There’s nothing more boring to me than hitting the highway/Interstate.

Yes, it can be quicker on the highway, but not always. There are those moments, especially at this time of the year, when the highway department realizes that they have tons of roads to repair before winter beckons.

So I say, take the slow road! You get so much more out of your trip by winding through the small towns and usually the route is prettier.

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A Barbarian Feast

By Katie Barreira

Last Saturday, armed with yellow rain ponchos (which doubled conveniently as full body drop cloths) my sweetie and I attempted to sample a Taste of Danbury at the town’s annual food festival. Unfortunately, tornados were the only thing taking a bite out of Connecticut that day and the foodies were sent packing. But one booth braved the storm- The Barbarian Grill would not go quietly into the night and we were there to reap the spoils.

While regaling us with tales of his Mongolian war sword, Hungarian chef Steve Lang doused a full rack of his meltingly tender rotisserie smoked pork ribs with Louisiana hot sauce before wrapping them in a foil to-go pouch, which we tore into as soon as we reached the shelter of our vehicle. It was a delightfully uncivilized meal. Good thing my man’s the type who keeps wet naps stashed in the glove compartment.

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Zorba’s Dinner

Traditional moussaka at the Greek Fest.

By Marilyn Hunter

Last week, we celebrated another year at the annual LA Greek Fest, a three-day festival of culture, music, dancing and great food.

We splurged on gyros, souvlaki, spanakopita and moussaka. The boys got their fill of games and rides and Nick took home the grand prize for the Zorba Night Dance Contest which was quite a feat as he competed against dancers of all ages and skills. We think it was his enthusiasm and two missing teeth that hooked the judges. It didn’t hurt that his name is Nicholas. I had to accept the grand prize of “very old Metaxa Greek brandy” since he’s only six.

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Too Many Tomatoes (and Other Produce)

By Sandy Hu

The start and end of a season always brings out the greed in me. At the start of the season, I overbuy produce because I’m so happy to see all the new offerings. At the end of the season, I tend to buy more than I need because I know that what’s in the market today will be gone tomorrow.

So it was in this state of mind that Steve and I bought too much of everything at the Alemany Farmers’ Market last week – figs, white nectarines, tomatoes, basil and more.

I always inventory everything before I put my produce away. I hate waste and I feel I can manage my inventory better if I make a list. But having overbought, I was beginning to lose control and it was time for triage.

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