Tastes of the Town

Fondue a fun to-do for anniversaries

Fifty years ago, on Valentine’s Day, my husband Bill and I got married. Ironically, the No. 1 song at that time was “50 Ways To Leave Your Lover,” by Paul Simon! Anniversaries continue to crop up my columns. Sun City celebrates 30 years and the Palace has been part of Georgetown for 100 years.
Frankie’s Pizza and Pasta Manager Jeff Metalia holds a fresh pie in his renovated restaurant.

Frankie’s Pizza and Pasta Manager Jeff Metalia holds a fresh pie in his renovated restaurant.

Beloved Georgetown pizza joint Frankie's reopens after fire

Frankie’s Pizza and Pasta — specializing in New York style pasta and pizza — was a popular Georgetown restaurant off of Williams Drive at Interstate 35. For 10 years, Frankie’s built its reputation with delicious food and good service at a fair price.
Jason and Sonja Flanagan own German Roots Bakery and sell at the farmers market. Photos by Linda Dwyer

Jason and Sonja Flanagan own German Roots Bakery and sell at the farmers market. Photos by Linda Dwyer

Tastes of the Town: European flavors at Georgetown farmers markets

Farmers markets are valued for fresh, locally-grown produce. At the Sun City Farmers Market, I recently found vendors selling prepared goods that reflect  their home countries.German Roots Bakery — owned by Jason and Sonja Flanagan — was inspired by Sonja's childhood in Germany.
The Joy of Table Scaping shows off their teacup charcuterie.

The Joy of Table Scaping shows off their teacup charcuterie.

Tastes of the Town: Putting the cute in charcuterie

Not too long ago, I was struggling with how to pronounce this trendy word for cold cuts. Charcuterie is all about aesthetics and taste. The basics are easy to learn and there’s plenty of room for creativity.I recently presented “Charcuterie in a Teacup” to 22 Sun City residents.
Robert Siller is the owner of Texas  Honey Ham in Georgetown.  Photo by Linda Dwyer

Robert Siller is the owner of Texas Honey Ham in Georgetown. Photo by Linda Dwyer

Tastes of the Town: Soup makes everything better

It’s time to “fall back.” Daylight Savings ends November 2, and cooler weather invites outdoor activities. Fortunately, we can also come home to hearty homemade tasty soups without spending hours in the kitchen.
Milana Shydler speaks while she demonstrates how to cook fried rice.

Milana Shydler speaks while she demonstrates how to cook fried rice.

Tastes of the Town: How to cook up authentic fried rice

I recently attended a demonstration given by Milana Shydler on the secrets to making authentic fried rice.“I’m from a Chinese family. My parents immigrated from rural China in the 1950s after the Communist takeover” she said.Her parents set new roots while keeping certain food traditions alive.
Archived from the Hoover Institution Digital Collections.

Archived from the Hoover Institution Digital Collections.

Tastes of the Town: Looking at the Clean Plate Campaign

I recently learned a clean plate is sometimes seen as an insult to the cook. In China, leaving a bit of food shows that enough was served to satisfy one’s appetite.I was brought up to believe food left on my plate was wasteful and wrong.
New York pizza aficionado Tom McCabe tries a slice from Niki’s Pizza & Pasta.

New York pizza aficionado Tom McCabe tries a slice from Niki’s Pizza & Pasta.

Taste: Niki’s Pizza & Pasta put to the New York test

Positive online reviews influenced my decision to try Niki’s Pizza & Pasta, a fairly new restaurant near Randalls at 5731 Williams Drive.It’s a small establishment with only a few tables. Our extended family was celebrating Bill’s birthday and we decided take out would be best.