1. The Lazy Roaster
(EAT/DRINK/Foodie Research)

It's true. I was sooo lazy this weekend that i didn't want to roast my last 1.5 lbs of green coffee beans separately (1/2lb each of Rwanda Butare Bourbon, Classic Italian Espresso Blend, and Puro Scur

2. I am a junkie
(EAT/DRINK/Foodie Research)

This weekend has been a highly caffeinated experience since roasting a blend of Zimbabwe Dandoni Estate and Sulawesi Toraja. I couldn't' stop drinking it! It's a caramelly, deep toned syrupy coffee wh

3. The first rule of "Dinner at Itsy's" is we don't talk about "Dinner at Itsy's."
(EAT/DRINK/Today's Menu)

...s inviting the fabulous G over for dinner, well, because someone needs to make the dough. I also had her roast her own coffee to show her how easy it was... short of complaining about the smell of cof...

4. Well at least one thing is going right...
(EAT/DRINK/Foodie Research)

This Sunday - my latest and greatest roast of coffee beans, Guatemala Fraijanes - Finca Aqua Tibia. Sweet baby jesus - this bean is wonderful! Tangy chocolate notes with an intriguing finish of cider

5. Puro Scuro Blend
(EAT/DRINK/Foodie Research)

So i'm getting better. My last roast was a 1/2 lb of Sweet Maria's Puro Scuro Blend. Here are the results!

6. Chez Itsy's Smoked Pork Tacos
(EAT/DRINK/Today's Menu)

I smoked a small pork roast for an unbelievable 11 hours on Sunday in my Stella and - WOW - what came out was sublime pork heavenly-goodness. Even though my (spur-of-the-moment) decision to take a din

7. When Pigs Fly
(EAT/DRINK/Foodie Research)

...? Why do you do it? What is the point?" And yes, that's understandable, i mean, i can buy perfectly roasted beans from my absolutely favorite roaster (fyi: this is always a much appreciated gift ...

8. Cold Brewed Coffee
(EAT/DRINK/Foodie Research)

In an effort to make use of the beans rendered almost undrinkable due to my poor coffee roasting skills, i took the advice of a friend and created some cold brew coffee goodness. After soaking 1/5lb

9. Coffee Roasting, Part II
(EAT/DRINK/Foodie Research)

Well i found something i am not good at and it's coffee roasting. I have eight pounds of assorted green coffee beans from Sweet Maria's to burn through (literally) and hopefuly by then i shall have a

10. Curry!
(EAT/DRINK/Today's Menu)

Well i didn't make it to yoga on Sunday but i did do something worthwhile with my time. I decided to cook up a batch of Jamie Oliver's East Indian Curry and it was the bomb. Last time i prepared this

11. So ya wanna cook a Zuni Chicken?
(EAT/DRINK/Beyond Words)

...dry brining in my fridge, i introduced him to "Stella" (my fabulous Grill Dome smoker/bbq) and roasted him for 40 minutes at 425 degrees. What else did i have? Nothing! No bread salad o...

12. Coffee Roasting
(EAT/DRINK/Foodie Research)

Yesterday at lunch i was inspired to roast my first batch of green beans from Sweet Marias. Anyone who knows me knows that i live to learn and love to try new things all in the name of research and