Phil – Page 22 – WTF with Phil Roberts

PRONTO

October 13, 2016October 12, 2016Phil

It all started in 1980 in New York City.

It All Started Here

Tiki Time

October 6, 2016November 6, 2017Phil

With the days getting shorter and the temperature crisper, I start thinking about winter getaways – especially Hawaii.

I read that in the Maori culture in the South Pacific, Tiki was the first man, created by the deity Tumatauenga or Tane. Reflecting that mythology, tiki (lower case) is a wooden or stone carving in humanoid form.

Tiki Statuary
Tiki Mugs

THE BEST PART OF WAKING UP (IN NYC)

September 30, 2016November 6, 2017Phil

Joanne and I are taking our grandkids to New York next month. As it’ll be their first visit there, we’ll take them to the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Ground Zero…

As time allows – because we have a lot of restaurants to visit.
Read more →

WHO’S DOWN FOR CAPE TOWN?

September 22, 2016November 6, 2017Phil

Cape Town may not be the first place you think about for a fall or winter getaway. But with the colder weather approaching here and summer approaching there, it more than warrants consideration.
Read more →

The Best of the Wurst

September 15, 2016November 6, 2017Phil

“Why don’t you open a deli like the ones in New York?”

I get asked this question all the time. And it’s a good one. I LOVE New York delis.

New York Deli... Lox
New York Deli
New York Deli

ITALY, SICILIAN STYLE

September 8, 2016November 6, 2017Phil

My partner, Pete, just got back from visiting in-laws in Sicily and I was reminded of my visits to the island and how I enjoyed being there. I write this now because if any of you are contemplating a trip to Italy, this is an ideal time to take in Sicily: The tourists are gone and the weather is perfect.
Read more →

Spiking Isn’t Just for Drinks

September 1, 2016August 31, 2016Phil

I have a lot of respect for chain restaurants. I also have a lot of envy, too – because they have such a big advantage over us independents, particularly in advertising.

You can’t get through the day without being bombarded on TV with countless commercials. And some are pretty good. “Crabfest” at Red Lobster, Olive Garden’s “When you’re here, you’re family,” even the “Grand Slam” ads from Denny’s.
Read more →

The Piece of Cod that Passes All Understanding

August 25, 2016November 6, 2017Phil

It’s said that fish and chips originated in northern England during the mid-1800s, when Spanish Jews first brought fried fish to the British Isles and, coincidentally, deep-fried potato became an established food item.

Fish and Chips

PARMIGIANO REGGIANO… CUT THE CHEESE

August 18, 2016November 6, 2017Phil

Back in the early 1980s when Pete and I were preparing to open Pronto Ristorante, we figured it would be a good idea to learn more about Italian cuisine. So we signed up for an “Italian immersion cooking school” taught by the legendary Marcella Hazan in Bologna, Italy.

Phil with Marcella Hazan in Bologna, Italy

Every day, we would start out bright and early by going to the central market, where under Marcella’s guidance we would select the best seasonal produce, cheese and meats for the daily meal, and finally head off to the pasta maker.
Read more →