Cape Ann Seacuterie

04/27/2026

Although I didn’t get to watch the Monte Carlo Professional Tournament, I did get to realize another dream by attending the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy weekend adult camp in Biot, France. One of my favorite lines from a song by a little known 80’s band called the Lightning Seeds is: “Don’t sell the dreams you should be keeping”. I have always had a lot of dreams or “hair brained schemes” as one of my former partners called them;-) Sometimes it’s hard to know which ones to hold on to and which ones to let go. I held on to this one and so glad I did. The instructor was the best I ever had mixing his expertise with humor and still making room for individual freedom. Challenging, inspiring and incredibly motivating! And they included great, high quality schwag!

04/03/2026

Nice, Day 3. I am really enjoying my apt in Vieux Nice. Just on the edge of the old town and far enough from the fray that it is quiet at night but still close to everything. The 75 step ascent to my place was unexpected but it will keep me in shape. Nice is known for its cuisine and art. Took a stroll today and art is everywhere outside.

01/26/2025

Homemade tortillas anyone? This tortilla press has been in my family ever since I can remember, passed on to me by my mother. Made in Monterey, Mexico. My paternal grandfather, James Bartley (Bart) Rice, was a foreman in a silver mine in Mexico. He moved the whole family there to live which resulted in them all becoming fluent in Spanish and embracing Mexican food and culture. When my father married my mother, she then learned how to cook some of the dishes he loved from my grandmother, Adelia (Dee) Rice. I grew up enjoying and loving things like homemade tortillas, carnitas, tamales, enchiladas and pinto beans. Which I then learned how to cook. I thought about buying one of those new fancy tortilla presses but decided this one means SO much to me and does just fine. Think of how different our culinary landscape would look in this country without the influence of immigrants. I used Heirloom White Corn Masa Harina from a company called Masienda. And always, always, always cook them on cast iron. I am out of practice so they aren't pretty but if you have never had a homemade tortilla hot off the griddle slathered in butter with salt or wrapped around your favorite taco filling.....you are missing out! Shout out to my aunts, uncles and cousins who still live in Texas, Kansas and Colorado.

01/13/2025

Here are some dishes I made and ate once I departed Gloucester for Charleston. Great sushi quality tuna from Cape Ann Lobsterman turned in to tataki with Shichimi Togarashi (Japanese seven spice rub). Made this “Coquito”, a coconut cheesecake. Then a French Classic, “Pommes Anna” which I mauled when I plated it on Christmas so I had to make it again for NYE! Delicious both times but better looking the second time;-) Lasty, I stopped in at Middle Child in Philly for this amazing rib eye corned beef, egg and cheddar breakfast sammy on Rye which was so tasty!

12/29/2024

04/05/2023

I spent a few very tranquil nights in a cabin in the mountains of Tinamaste.

03/09/2023

Camarones jumbo with garlic sauce! One of the better meals I have had here. Chocolate cake with an Oreo crumble. Casado pescado which also included a cerveza!

01/22/2023

Arenal volcano from a distance and then closer. Hanging bridges. Ferry from Punteranas to Paquera. Island off Cabuya.

01/22/2023

Incredibly fresh fish here at great prices. These two Whole Red Snappers were $7! Fresh fruit juice drinks and smoothies sooooo good here. 🥭 🍉 I love all the small eateries serving out of the local’s houses, it feels very personal. They cook out of the same kitchen for their families. Or serve ice cream and sundaes. Pura vida 🙏 🌴

01/14/2023

I bow down to the almighty Costa Rican “Casado”. For about $8 a plate, it really gets the job done. Lizano salsa is the country’s salsa, super savory but not hot. Lots of pure honey here and this Eucalyptus and Mint version really elevates my daily Yerba Mate. Last plate I made here: pinto beans w/ham, tortillas, egg, sliced pineapple and Lizano salsa. Pura vida 🙏

01/11/2023

Cool vibe at this place I ate at last night.