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Chowder House Mushroom Tart
Doesn't this mushroom tart look tasty?
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Jim MacQueen
Jim MacQueen
What about "Flavor"? Or, more properly, what is "Flavor" about?
"Flavor" is our magazine's blog about food and drink in northeast Ohio. Now, that's a big territory, so mostly we will concentrate on the Akron-Canton area that is the focus of Akron Life & Leisure Magazine. Even then, the subjects of food and drink are large and ever changing, and for that reason, lend themselves to a certain amount of frequency in posting. I am hoping to be able add a minimum of three posts per week to this blog, and when possible, as many as five. In other words, you're going to have to come back often to keep up.
If you get a minute, you might want to read the entry about me, which is more or less a mini-biography. It isn't posted for my own ego gratification, but just to let you know I'm qualified for this job. However, and this is important, I don't want this to be Jim's private place to discuss the restaurant and wine scene in Summit and Stark Counties. I would love to have your feedback, and the blogging format on this online web site is perfectly set up so you can participate with me in this adventure. You will also find contributions from time to time written by other staff members from the print version of the magazine.
What are we writing about? I suppose the largest number of entries are going to be smaller restaurant reviews and comments. They're not intended to replace the longer reviews and features about food and wine you'll also find on the site (some of which will even be written by yours truly), but they will let us keep up with trends and changes while covering a lot of ground efficiently. Since I like to eat, and I am not overly particular, we'll jump around from fine dining and five-star service to the neighborhood grilles and hamburger stands. I'll stop in at hotel dining rooms, and I'll have some meals at both local and national chains. So whether you want to get dressed up for dinner or wear your cut-off jeans, I'll try to have some recommendations for you every month.
As for wine, well that's a favorite topic. I've collected wine, studied wine and tasted wine since 1968. I was fortunate enough to live in Germany and France in the late '60s, and in California for 10 years. When I moved my family back to Ohio, the moving van contained 35 cases of wine from the 1973 through 1978 vintages, sadly all consumed by now. But those bottles are fond memories. Since moving here, I've explored the wine scene pretty carefully, and I think I know where to send you for a bottle, or that ultimate luxury, a wine tasting dinner. Yes, every so often, we'll cover wine buying and tasting in the blog. I also like the occasional craft beer, or a good Blue Sapphire Martini with a cocktail onion, so we won't omit the bar scene.
Please come back often, and in lieu of tips, leave your comments and suggestions. If you have a favorite place, leave your own review, and maybe I'll check it out to see if I agree. Let's have fun with this blog and share it.
