In the cookbook, Beach Blanket Bistro, I wrap (dorado) Mahi-Mahi in a banana leaf and use it to prepare the fish in manner similar to the French technique called en papillote. Several people have contacted me asking on important question, “Where do you find banana leaves?” My initial response, unfortunately also sounds sarcastic…on a banana tree. Ornamental banana trees grow in many climates. Christa and I live in the middle of the Continental U.S. and she grows a winter

The avocado, in one form or another, is now found on menus in every suburban fern bar, burger joint and taco stand. The history of this popular fruit is more complicated and interesting than most people know. The avocado, or at least the original species of avocado, traces its roots back to the Cenozoic Era. It spread across the Western Hemisphere in the digestive tracks of giant sloths, and other huge mammals of the day. (Yes, I’m deliberately being vague about how they w

We all want the beach lifestyle. Beach Blanket Bistro, the cookbook, as well as the website, are about bringing the sensations of being on a tropical beach into your home. We have started by bringing the flavors of the tropics to you with interesting but simple recipes that will make everyday feel like a beach day. To enhance the beach feel, we also included in the cookbook photos of idyllic beaches. But we are going to do so much more. This blog will give you tips on tropi