American is the worlds’ Biggest Importer of Wine

America is the worlds’ Biggest Importer of Wine. Not China. Not Thailand. Not Brussels. Not Russia. This just out from the CIA.  Not the feds. The Culinary Institute of America. Here’s what they say: “The U.S. is the world’s biggest consumer of still and sparkling wine by both volume and value – and it is set to … Read more

Native Foods – Restaurant Review Update

Two years ago this month, I reviewed Native Foods in Encinitas on ChefMarian.com and Yelp. I thought I would run an update for you. I have spent a lifetime trying to help, not hurt chefs. So while I still do restaurant reviews, my goal is to bring you ‘the best’. Rarely in all my years of blogging … Read more

Chemicals in Food – The Details

Everyone talks about the movies that came out in the last couple of years addressing Chemicals in Food and Eating Healthy to change the global footprint. But I don’t expect you to see every film. So here’s some important facts told to me in Forks over Knives, (and the extended interviews), Hungry for Change, Vegucated, Defying … Read more

Happy Holidays and have an abundant New Year!

While we’re still in the season, while we still have time to drive around with Christmas music potted all the way up and look at lights, while we still are smiling when someone cuts us off, let me just say this: Happy Holidays and have an abundant New Year! I really love this time of year…. … Read more

Restaurant Review: Lobster West, Encinitas

There’s a Restaurant I’ve passed by over and over again and thought: “Geez. I ought to try that”. It’s called Lobster West, Encinitas on South Coast Hwy 101 in Encinitas. Just a very small place with an nice extended front and side porch seating. It’s either part of the lumberyard or right next to the lumberyard. You … Read more

Tis the season to shop and eat: Shimbashi Izakaya Review

It seems that I have been hitting a string of exceptional Fusion and Sushi places lately. Last review was Roy’s in La Jolla. Incredibly good. Worth the money spent. And now here’s a second recommendation in the world of sushi: Next time you are in Del Mar and not sure where to go to eat? … Read more

Chef Marian Restaurant Review – Roy’s La Jolla

I booked a table for two at Roy’s La Jolla Friday night. We arrived at the restaurant early, to have a quick Happy Hour. I remember years and years ago when this restaurant needed to be updated and actually I had not been in since then. What a pleasant surprise! A great bar area and … Read more

Leftovers – Thanksgiving Pizza Recipe

Well, we all know about leftovers. But my leftover were pretty bizarre this year. So here’s a Pizza Recipe you can do any day of the week, leftovers or not! This is a variation of a brilliant pizza I ate at Whole Foods in La Jolla last week. If it suits you feel free to … Read more

Vegan Dilemma for Thanksgiving

We all go through mistakes. A mistake is an opportunity to learn or create, right? YES CHEF!  Well, here’s my latest Vegan Dilemma! I had bought vegan marshmallows at Whole Foods days before going to this past Sunday’s Vegan Event. I did my happy dance, since last year we were stuck with marshmallow creme that did … Read more