Four Seasons Resort Hualalai always goes the extra mile for making its guests comfortable. And so it was that our trip to this dream destination came to an end. We had an extraordinary Thai dinner our last evening, prepared just for us by Executive Chef James Babian.  You’re probably wondering what was so special about […]

Executive Chef Nick Mastrascusa is Chef de Cuisine at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai’s Beach Tree. This casual beach restaurant is a long way from the more urban Four Season’s 57 Restaurant in New York City, where Chef Nick worked before moving to Hawaii. His knack of knowing what people like for both casual and elegant […]

Ever wondered about the proper etiquette for opening a champagne bottle? No one knows the answer to this better than Wolfgang Puck. He’s the master at creating the perfect mood for any special occasion. Make sure you remember these tips to look like a pro. If you’re popping the question this Valentine’s Day or raising […]

Executive Chef David Walzog makes the art of overseeing the kitchen at SW Restaurant at Wynn Resort in Las Vegas look like child’s play. He exudes passion for his craft. You can feel it in the kitchen and see it on every plate before leaving the kitchen. Chef David was kind enough to give my […]

At Villa d’Este, it’s  natural to wonder what the favorite risotto is of the executive chef, affectionately known as the “King of Risotto.” I loved reading about the Risotto With Spring Vegetables that is also one of the hotel favorites,  and evidently that of Pope Paul II as well. Chef Parolari and Jean Salvadore share […]

  When Elton John requests that his personal chef take cooking lessons from the “King of Risotto,” Chef Luciano Parolari, it probably means that Villa d’Este’s chef  of more than 30 years has created an utterly fabulous risotto.I love the stories from Tales of Risotto about the Risotto con Pesce Persico (perch fillets) served at […]

Chef Luciano Parolari, otherwise known as “The King of Risotto” throughout  Italy, is a master of risotto – seafood, shellfish, fresh vegetable, seasonal and even poultry and meat risottos. So much so that he has written a book, “Tales of Risotto,” that answers every question you might ever ask about risotto, from tips for the […]

  Executive Chef Luciano Parolari, otherwise known as the “King of Risotto,” has an endless supply of great stories from his experiences at  Villa d’Este on beautiful Lake Como. There are so many tales to tell (check out “Tales of Risotto”),  from favorites of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor to Madonna and Gianni Versace. […]

 Frank Sinatra and Ava Garnder’s first visit to Villa d’Este was in the 1950’s.  I love the story about a favorite new dish enjoyed during their stay.  “The (artichoke risotto)  is a risotto that for many years could only be made during the artichoke season, which is the month of March. That was true in […]

An interview with Wolfgang Puck is always fascinating, simply because Puck is the quintessential chef, entrepreneur and culinary genius. Usually I like to conduct my own interviews, but I thought John Mitsewich captured some interesting facets of Puck’s personality for  American Food Guide. John’s interview is a fun read.   What is a typical workday […]