Author Archives: Cathy Thomas

Tweet Blake Mellgren, executive chef-owner of Craft House in Dana Point, shows off fruits and vegetables in an irresistible fish dish. If you taste this dish, you won’t be surprised to know that Mellgren was one of three finalists at … Continue reading →

Tweet Is it possible to make a treat that is scary and whimsical at the same time? Yup, Martha Stewart can with her Halloween-themed “Creep Cakes,” cupcakes adorned with monster-style marshmallow eyes and orange-wedge candy mouths. Granddaughter Coco, 3,  decorated … Continue reading →

Tweet Beets. Oranges. Apples. A few toasted walnuts. Some creamy blue cheese-blessed dressing. Quick! Hand me a knife and fork. The flavor combinations in this salad are irresistible. You can add some grilled chicken if you like. And there are … Continue reading →

Tweet Chef Ryan Adams shares fried chicken secrets from his newest eatery, Buttermilk in Old Towne Orange. Chef Adams’ culinary creativity is mind-boggling. Delectable ideas backed up with well-honed culinary skills, flow at full tilt. The acclaimed chef recently has … Continue reading →

Tweet   TERRACE opening soon! Chef Ross Pangilinan is gifted with vision, talent and guts. In late 2016, after seven years as executive chef at Leatherby’s in Costa Mesa, he opened Mix Mix Kitchen Bar in Downtown Santa Ana. The … Continue reading →

Tweet A savory tart cries out for a summer picnic. This Caramelized Shallot and Bacon Tart is a favorite, whether served at a summer outing or as a first course for a showy company dinner. The sweetness of browned onions … Continue reading →

Tweet Puesto’s fresh take on Mexican cuisine has been the O.C. buzz since the first Orange County location in Irvine’s Los Olivos Marketplace opened (near Irvine Spectrum). Now with a second location at Park Place in Irvine, the fan base … Continue reading →

Tweet Recently, I wrote a story for the OC Register (as well as other newspapers owned by the Southern California News Group) about delectable dishes suitable for camping, cabins, and the great outdoors.  BUT, I soon discovered that many of … Continue reading →

Tweet Florent Marneau, executive chef-owner of Marche Moderne in Newport Coast, prepares Poisson Cru adrift in a frothy Coconut-Lime Vinaigrette. And yes, it’s perfect dish to cook when entertaining at home. Some critics have named Newport Coast’s Marche Moderne the … Continue reading →

Tweet Happily, I’ve known Denise Vivaldo for decades. She could have been a comedian. A good one. Most of what she says and writes is funny. But no … She made her mark in food styling and food writing. She … Continue reading →