Langdon Cook's Blog, page 7
March 26, 2014
Mushroom Fever
Some of you in warmer climes are already out there, scouring the woods for the favorite fungi of spring. Morel fever is back, exacting its toll once again. No doubt legions of mushroom hunters are walking around right now at this very moment with stiff necks and eyeballs ready to pop out of their heads. But for the rest of us, we can only wait in anticipation for such symptoms.
Or settle back
Or settle back
March 13, 2014
Better Life Thru Fungi
Last night I had dinner at a very cool space in Seattle called Art for Food, the creation of Maxime Bilet. Bilet is the indefatigable chef, artist, and co-author of Modernist Cuisine (with Nathan Myhrvold), the massive, multi-volume paean to innovative kitchen alchemy. Art for Food is his new 5,600-square-foot storefront on Western Avenue combining test kitchen, art gallery, performance space,
February 28, 2014
New York Area Slideshows
For all my East Coast readers, I'm bringing The Mushroom Hunters back to the New York area in the first week of March. I'll be giving slide presentations at three mycological societies in the Tri-state area: the New Jersey Mycological Association in Basking Ridge, New Jersey; the Connecticut-Westchester Mycological Association in Purchase, New York; and the New York Mycological Society in
February 24, 2014
Scallop and Wild Mushroom Marsala
You might have heard that California has declared a drought disaster. To be sure, it's been a tough mushroom season for my friends on the North Coast and up into southwestern Oregon. That's where most of the circuit pickers gather every winter to harvest the big three: black trumpets, hedgehogs, and yellowfeet. It's just about the only place in North America at this time of year with commercial
February 10, 2014
Oregon Truffle Festival #9
I've already blocked out the dates on my 2015 calendar. The last weekend in January is truffle time, which means the first few weeks of the new year are a time of belt-tightening.
I'm talking about the annual Oregon Truffle Festival, which will be celebrating its 10th anniversary next year. I hear there are big plans afoot for 2015, so in order to be ready, I might need to join my parents on
I'm talking about the annual Oregon Truffle Festival, which will be celebrating its 10th anniversary next year. I hear there are big plans afoot for 2015, so in order to be ready, I might need to join my parents on
February 2, 2014
Super Bowl Chili
On days like today, it pays to have a deep bench. I dropped back and went long for…dried pulverized chanterelles and frozen porcini.
First, I had to make a morning run to the market for some last minute provisions. The place was a mob scene at 9 a.m. Even little old ladies were decked out in Seahawks jerseys, pushing carts full of beer. This town is pumped up. The cashier had a big cutout
First, I had to make a morning run to the market for some last minute provisions. The place was a mob scene at 9 a.m. Even little old ladies were decked out in Seahawks jerseys, pushing carts full of beer. This town is pumped up. The cashier had a big cutout
January 28, 2014
2014 Pacific Northwest Book Award
I'm excited to share the news that The Mushroom Hunters has won a 2014 Pacific Northwest Book Award! Some of my favorite writers are past winners; my head is spinning...
A sincere and heartfelt thank you to all those readers and bookstores across the region for their support. I've been overwhelmed by enthusiasm for the book, and it goes without saying that this has been a dream of mine—to
A sincere and heartfelt thank you to all those readers and bookstores across the region for their support. I've been overwhelmed by enthusiasm for the book, and it goes without saying that this has been a dream of mine—to
January 13, 2014
Grouper Sandwich
One of my most favorite sammies in the world is a flaky yet succulent grouper sandwich, preferably served with fries, cole slaw, pickle spear, and cold beer. To get such a treat you should go to southwestern Florida, where you might be temped by other similar delights...a soft-shelled crab sandwich, say, or even an oyster po'boy. But the crab sandwich can be readily procured in a Maryland clam
January 6, 2014
New Classes Announced
Happy new year everyone, and may it be a year filled with wild foods and outdoor adventure. As I write in my January column for Seattle Magazine, this is the year to get outside and turn over rocks like a kid again.
To help with such resolutions, I've got new classes lined up for spring 2014.
Spring TBD: Razor Clamming Overnight – Washington Coast. Two days of razor clamming and cooking
To help with such resolutions, I've got new classes lined up for spring 2014.
Spring TBD: Razor Clamming Overnight – Washington Coast. Two days of razor clamming and cooking
December 13, 2013
Signed Gift Books
Give a signed copy of The Mushroom Hunters to the readers on your holiday gift list! I'm happy to inscribe, sign, and mail books. The cost is $25 for the book, including tax (a discount on cover price), plus $5.60 to ship each copy priority mail with 2-3 day delivery, for a total of $30.60.
Contact me at finspotcook AT gmail DOT com with mailing address and recipient name, and I'll send you
Contact me at finspotcook AT gmail DOT com with mailing address and recipient name, and I'll send you
