Guide to coffee table books as holiday gifts

Even people without coffee tables enjoy coffee table books as gifts, especially if they're thoughtfully chosen rather than hastily snatched from a store shelf at the last minute.

Green Notes: Artisan chocolates, American-grown, affordable and authentic

Growing up, Katrina Markoff really didn’t like chocolate that much.

Small plates at the Heritage and Millar scores in James Beard

Incredible food lineup for Saturday night at the Heritage Center in St. Joe includes chocolate-covered bacon mousse and Reserve Chef Matt Millar is in James Beard semifinals. --Pat Colander, Associate Publisher and Editor, Shore magazine

True comfort of corned beef hash and eggs

A few years have gone by since I was in the right place--six.one.six in Grand Rapids in winter--at the right time to have corned beef hash and eggs. --Pat Colander, Associate Publisher and Editor, Shore magazine

Eating in the woods in winter

By not spacing out on the time zone and other mishaps of previous years, we managed to arrive at Bev's Second Season Ball in LaPorte Saturday almost an hour early. --Pat Colander, Associate Publisher and Editor, Shore magazine

The first of many Titanic centennial dinners

I have officially received the first announcement of 2012 for a Titanic dinner, a memorial for the centennial year of the disaster. The last dinner for first class passengers was 11 courses. --Pat Colander, Associate Publisher and Editor, Shore magazine.

Chef Jean Joho and Everest awarded Michelin star

Chef Jean Joho and Everest are awarded 3 Michelin stars and Wyncroft Winemaker Jim Lester reaches out with news about what happened in 2011, vintages on last call and an invitation to stop by. --Pat Colander, Associate Publisher and Editor, Shore magazine.

The Year of the Dragon Starts Monday

The Chinese New Year begins Monday, January 23rd and, for those who keep track of baroque personality quirks and tendencies, it is the Year of the Dragon. Count on plenty of drama, especially if you have friends and family turning 24-36-48, etc. in 2012 ---- Pat Colander, Associate Publisher…

A Fine Cava for 2012 and Outstanding Breakfasts

Raventos 1 Blanc, Sant Sadurni d'Anoia, Barcelona, Reserva Brut 2008 Cava was recommended to me for New Year's Eve and I thought it was better than many champagnes I've had. --Pat Colander, Associate Publisher and Editor, Shore magazine.

Countdown to the end of 25 years for Charlie Trotter's

Big national food news this week was the announcement by Charlie Trotter that he would close his iconic, landmark Lincoln Park restaurant on August 17 after 25 years, to pursue a master's degree in philosophy and political science. Chef Trotter surprised both staff and clients.