Comments for DM Blog

Comment on Michelle Cooking by DM

DM — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 01:02:59 +0000

Yes, we should have rapini again soon, but I'll show you a much better way to make it. It's much better when it's fresh (not frozen) and not so overcooked... Same basic idea, just a gentler cooking process with more finesse. When you overcook rapini, it tends to get very bitter and gets a sharp bite to it, instead of tasting earthy and green... ;-)

Oh, and by the way, all the photos except the last one are actually from the day before when you were making lamb. Michelle cooking two days in a row!? Unbelievable! haha

Comment on Michelle Cooking by Michelle Bazán

Michelle Bazán — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:09:10 +0000

My mom taught me to cook rapini (apparently it has high iron content) and I enjoyed cooking and eating it. I will make it again... maybe this weekend!

Comment on Diet and Exercise by Michelle Bazán

Michelle Bazán — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:00:18 +0000

Great post! The video was interesting and I am going to go for a walk now...

Comment on En El Cielo No Hay Hospital by Michelle Bazán

Michelle Bazán — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 02:28:29 +0000

I really enjoyed listening to Juan Luis Guerra as always, and I had fun watching the video! Juan Luis Guerra for the win!

Comment on 13 Essential Table Manners by DM

DM — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:48:22 +0000

Well, there's different schools of thought on this, but the proper way is to rest your cutlery side by side on the plate when you're done, angled at about five/eleven o'clock. The fork should lay face-up to the left of the knife and the sharp edge of the knife should be facing inwards towards the fork.

In some countries/cultures/schools of thought, crossing the knife and fork on the plate means you're just resting and not quite finished yet. Others prefer laying the cutlery on the plate in an upside-down "V" shape when resting. Remember that your cutlery should always be placed on the plate when resting/drinking and should never touch the table again once you've started eating.

All of these things have a purpose – they're visual cues that help your fellow diners (and/or server) know when you're done (and not just resting) so that they don't have to continually ask you over and over again, "Are you done yet?" I personally wouldn't go as far as saying that crossing your knife and fork are rude, but it does send the opposite message than you're intending, if you are in fact finished.

In any event, don't forget to keep in mind what I said above:

When talking about table manners, so many people focus on the tiny details rather than the big picture – Which fork do I use? Why is it rude to open your dinner roll with a knife? How much should you fill a glass? Why do I serve to the left and pick-up to the right? etc. I could go on for days about these details and why they exist (and I might in the future if I do decide to create a series of blog posts about table manners) but in the end, they're just small details – the big picture is far more important. Good table manners are there to make everyone feel comfortable – that's the whole point.

The sad truth is that table manners and proper etiquette, (actually manners in general), are nearly dead – most people don't even know basic table manners anymore, so expecting people to grasp the finer details is just asking too much...

I hope this helps. If you're interested in knowing more, I found this article: "Where to Place Your Cutlery When You’re Done Eating" but make sure to read through the many comments too.

Comment on 13 Essential Table Manners by Michelle Bazán

Michelle Bazán — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 02:30:39 +0000

I have seen people rest their knife on top of a fork – why is this rude? I'm just curious to know.

Comment on Lai Wah Heen by Michelle Bazán

Michelle Bazán — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 02:17:47 +0000

Those crab and lobster dumplings look cute! They reminded me of a news report on mothers in Japan who are making their kids' lunches shaped like Hello Kitty or Batman. Nice presentation.

Comment on Epic Drum Solo Fail by Michelle Bazán

Michelle Bazán — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 01:56:58 +0000

Poor kid. That was just gross.

Comment on House Fire in East York by Michelle Bazán

Michelle Bazán — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 01:55:31 +0000

BBQing should be enjoyed all year long, not just in summer... Good on the neighbor for BBQing in January and, of course, for calling 911.

Daniel, I like the pictures in black and white – nice choice.

Comment on Lee Garden Restaurant by Michelle Bazán

Michelle Bazán — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 01:09:21 +0000

Everything we have had at Lee Garden has been really delicious; the trip there is worth it.