Cooking with Karen Crouse

Cooking with Karen Crouse

Maque Choux, pronounced “mock shoe,” is believed to have originated with Canadian settlers in the Louisiana bayous. This dish beautifully combines Native American and Cajun/Creole culinary traditions. The essence of Maque Choux lies in using fresh, seasonal...
Ignite and Unwind at Ember Steak

Ignite and Unwind at Ember Steak

Flickering candles; flame-enhanced tableside preparations; a kindling of connections. Ember casts a warm glow within the reimagined Meritage Resort and Spa. The recently opened premier steakhouse is the grand resort’s newest restaurant concept. Intimate, with a mere...
The Lincoln + Ace & Vine

The Lincoln + Ace & Vine

Visitors to Napa Valley are often surprised to find that most businesses close relatively early. After a day filled with wine tasting, guests typically enjoy a leisurely dinner, only to realize that most local restaurants close soon after dinner service ends. This...
Cooking with Karen Crouse

Cooking with Karen Crouse

Sauteed mushrooms elevate a meal to gourmet status with their golden color, savory flavors, and meaty texture. Serve them as a side dish, add them to pasta or risotto, or use them as a decadent topping for steak and poultry. My method involves a couple of tips that...
The French Fry Diaries

The French Fry Diaries

The history of French fries is long and convoluted, with many countries claiming to be the birthplace of this delicious and popular snack. According to one legend, French fries were first created in Belgium in the winter of 1680. The story goes that the Meuse River...