Serious Eats - seriouseats.com

I don't like when people make adjectives by adding "--y". For example, porky, bacon-y....I know it's a way to make an adjective. It just bothers me. Also, in blogs when people write like this: Most. delicious. thing. ever. I really can't put my finger on why it bothers me, though.

I don't get ruffled about what happens when words from other languages get adapted into English. You should see what the English language goes through in Japan. Or in Brazil for that matter. I know about those two countries because I have lived in both and I have heard what happens to, for example, the word "hamburger" in both languages....but then again, didn't hamburger come from German to begin with. Who cares?

I had a serious case of culture shock when I move to the Japanese countryside to teach English. But learning how to make miso soup and ochazuke and, indeed, hot pots, was my way-in to the culture, at least a small part of it. I feel such a sense of comfort whenever I make the traditional dashi. I know I am taking care of myself. I know I am surviving.

I know you say that you disappear into a fog when you do your paperwork--but shouldn't you try NOT to disappear into that fog when you are still on the job, when you are supposed to be helping the other waitress? I know people are different, but I just wouldn't let myself go in the fog when a co-worker is running around....especially if he/she is working the floor alone. Maybe you should be drinking a cup of coffee, not wine. I'm sorry, I love your column and your writing but what you did was totally unprofessional. (Frankly, I think your boss drinking with his friend while business is going on was ALSO unprofessional). You have customers/guests in the house. When the room is empty--after business hours--do your paperwork and drink a glass of wine. I was a waiter for years so I have a tiny bit of room to talk. I once worked at a restaurant/bar where the manager allowed staff who were off the clock to drink at the bar. I NEVER did that. I just couldn't enjoy myself seeing my co-workers busy, running around. Again, I know everyone is different....

In Japan, raw horse meat (basashi) is eaten in some places (usually mountainous areas). Of course it is impeccably fresh, but that is the one food I will risk offending my host by refusing (I tried the grasshoppers, though!). It is grilled in Japan, too. But it seems to have a strange smell when cooked.

I'm using a 70's crockpot. I love the cake and bread insert that came with it. It makes the most deliciously moist cakes. My crockpot's liner isn't removable so cleaning is a pain, but crockpot disposable liners are available.