As the holiday season approaches and we think about expressing appreciation to all the people who do nice things for us throughout the year, it seems like a good time to review some of the rules of tipping etiquette. As is the case with all things mannerly, the rules should be based in common sense. If you’ve received especially good service, it’s nice to show your appreciation by tipping well. Conversely, if the service you’ve received is surly or unpleasant, […]
Serves: 6 Prep time: 50 minutes
I learned a lot about hospitality from Laura Bush. She understood and exemplified the desire to give every White House guest a memory of a lifetime, and beyond, because each guest’s visit becomes a part of their personal family history. She thought carefully about every event she hosted: how it could be exceptional, how the food and flowers could in some way reflect the occasion, how the calligraphy honored the attendees – it was a package of small but important […]
Lamb and Barley Stew Serves: 6 Prep time: 1 ½ hours
There are few things more satisfying on a wet, bone-chilling evening than a hearty pot of soup. This lamb and barley stew is the kind of one-dish meal that is even better the next day as leftovers.; all it needs is a slice of rustic bread, a green salad, and a glass of burgundy to round out the meal. We’ve been eating this stew for so long that I don’t know where the original recipe came from. During our recent […]
