Cookin' in the 'Cuse

Debra Whiting: The world will be a lot less delightful & delicious without you.

Deb and Dave Whiting of Red Newt Cellars and Bistro helped change the view of the Finger Lakes as a place for wine only.  Thanks to their pioneering efforts our wine region became a place where you might go just for the food.  The death of Deb Whiting in yesterday's car accident is a great loss.  And I don't just mean locally--Deb was known, loved, and admired far and wide. 

I didn't know her well--but whenever I saw her at the Bistro or at dinners like last fall's harvest dinner at Creekside Meadows Farm in Tully--I found her to be as engaging, genuine, and fun as could be.  She worked hard and she leaves behind, all too soon, an incredible legacy.

Of course, Deb was also many other things and in these days I bid your prayers, good vibes and wishes for her beloved husband and partner Dave.  Recent reports say he is in stable condition and I hope his recovery is speedy.  But my heart aches for him in his personal loss.

Following Bob

This is Bob.

Bob gets the credit for attracting me to Central New York.  He co-founded the national organization for the preservation of older and historic religious properties--Partners for Sacred Places.  Once upon a time I wanted his job.  So I went to Cornell's College of Architecture, Art and Planning for my masters degree.   Just like Bob.

Bob loves great food.

He's picky.  Like me.

Whenever Bob and I get together conversation topics are usually limited to historic preservation, relationships, and food.  We never run out stuff to talk about.  Introducing each other to the next great restaurant or small, hidden away gem is a huge component of our friendship. 

Being in Philadelphia, Bob was the first to introduce me to the fine cuisine of Striped Bass and Tinto--as well as the more casual deliciousness of Capogiro, the fine gelato shop on the corner of the street I lived on 14 years ago when I spent the summer in Philly interning with Bob.

But having gone to Cornell, Bob also became familiar with the Syracuse area.  So the last time I saw Bob, last month in Philly, Bob was concerned that I had not yet eaten at a place that has held his imagination for over 20 years now.  To find out where Bob is making me eat, tune in tomorrow.

Archive Alert:  On this date in 2006 I shared the details of Everything I Ate that week.

People Behind the Blogs and ELC 2007

Phew, orientation week at Syracuse University is over and I get back to blogging.  Actually, this means that the crazy life I lead during the academic year is back in gear but this place really isn't the same without the students so it's worth it.  My work life heats up just as things are heating up around the food blog world. 

First, after more than a year of conversing via email and blog comments, I finally got a chance to meet Jill--an amazing woman who often comments on this blog.  Actually she is also a great source for new food and restaurant suggestions.  Jill has several blogs (alas, not about food--though she may want to think about that!) and knows more about the digitization and the virtual world of the internet than I ever knew existed.  We had set up a time to meet at Freedom of Espresso on Monday but as luck would have it, actually, finally, met at the Stones Throw stand at the Regional Market. 

I am more convinced than ever that the food and wine bloggers of Central New York need to get together.  There's already been a suggestion of meeting prior to the Alice Waters lecture on October 9--I like that idea, but wouldn't be able to be there (though I'll be at the lecture).  I've long thought that at meet up at the NY Wine and Culinary Center in Canadaigua would be nice, fun, and central for the folks coming from Rochester and points west.  But then again, what better way for food and wine bloggers to get together than to have a potluck?  What do you all think?

Meanwhile, the 2007 Eat Local Challenge begins on Saturday!  During the rest of this week I'll be posting about some other local producers and farmers that I have been made aware of--there are so many options available to us that this challenge should be a breeze!  Check out this post on the ELC blog site for more information on participating.