Food On My Lens

It's National Pizza Month

2011-10-05T07:29:00.000-04:00

It's national Pizza Month-enjoy!
Although this retro magazine ad and album cover may not inspire you.

Brandversations-Look Closely

2011-09-07T07:48:00.000-04:00

A nice twist on famous logos and brands by designer Stephan Asafti.
Click here to view more and read the story behind them.

Bile Beans-Yum

2011-08-24T08:08:00.000-04:00

A 1940's poster by an unknown artist for an unfortunately named product of the time.

De-germ Your Garlic

2011-08-19T07:51:00.001-04:00

Some Nadvice on garlic from the Bitchin' Kitchen's Nadia.

How To Make Deviled Eggs

2011-08-12T18:46:00.001-04:00

Great little video and animation.

El Bulli

2011-08-07T10:16:00.000-04:00

El Bulli, considered by some to be the world's best restaurant, intentionally closed its doors in May.
Film from nowness.com.

Hervé Morvan Posters

2011-07-29T09:55:00.000-04:00

Poster art from French illustrator Hervé Morvan.
Check out more samples and great information over at fishinkblog.com.

Rhett & Link Taco Bell Song

2011-07-25T19:28:00.000-04:00

Beautiful Joyce Chocolate Box

2011-07-19T09:43:00.000-04:00

Here is a special limited edition chocolate box to mark the collaboration between Joyce Boutique, Hong Kong and the iconic Paris tea room, Angelina. This features the illustration of the amazing David Downton.

Click here to view his website.

Click on image for a larger view.

Food On My Lens Now On Restauranteers.com

2011-07-16T09:32:00.001-04:00

I am happy to have Food On My Lens included on the restauranteers.com website as a Top Blogger!
Check it out by clicking here.

Wine Glasses- A Closer Look

2011-07-09T14:42:00.005-04:00

I photographed these wine glasses using a Nikon D80 in 'Manual' mode at the Toasted Pheasant Bistro in Tampa.
By bringing the f-stop all the way down to 1.8 most of he background and foreground blurs away, focusing the attention on small details.
There is so much going on in the glass reflections-click to enlarge the images to see what I mean.

Art by Privat Livemont-Delacre Biscuits & Chocolat

2011-07-07T14:59:00.004-04:00

Henri Privat-Livemont (1861–1936) was an artist born in Schaerbeek, Brussels, Belgium. He is best known for his Art Nouveau posters and sometimes confused with the artist Alphonse Mucha.
The Delacre company still exists! Click here for their website.

Peach Kringle

2011-07-07T14:39:00.005-04:00

Another great sample of how magazine food advertisers of the 1940's, 50's and 60's just didn't seem to care at all how their finished product looked.
Photography was replacing illustration in many of these ads, but finding anyone who knew how to make food look appetizing didn't seem to be a priority. It was in color, it was a photograph, what more do they want?
This Peach Kringle seems to have spent just a few minutes too long in the oven-but the bright orange peaches were the right color-I guess that's all that matters.

Basic Food Photography Tips

2011-05-07T19:05:00.002-04:00

Nice, basic food photography tips from Marc Masamoto for anyone interested in posting their own photos online.

Orange Plum Duck

2011-04-23T11:27:00.002-04:00

Photo I took at Thai Sweet Basil in Tampa, Florida.
BEST Thai food in town.
Click image for a larger view.

London's St John Hotel

2011-04-07T19:52:00.001-04:00

April-National Grilled Cheese Month

2011-04-04T14:07:00.004-04:00

It's officially April-that means National Grilled Cheese Month is in full swing.

Find out more than you need to know about grilled cheese by clicking here.

Advertising Versus Reality

2011-03-09T10:22:00.000-05:00

Monnet Cognac Poster

2011-03-08T10:21:00.000-05:00

Cordial Campari Poster

2011-03-07T10:19:00.000-05:00

National Peanut Butter Lovers Month

2011-03-01T21:33:00.003-05:00

In honor of National Peanut Butter Lovers Month here is a recipes from the 1950's for Peanut Butter Chiffon Pie.

David Rocco's Lazy Man's Lasagna

2011-02-17T17:51:00.007-05:00

Check out this recipe for a simple way to make lasagna-no boiling of pasta necessary.

Rocco's show "Rocco's Dolce Vita" on the Cooking Channel is always beautiful to watch as he travels around his city of Florence and other places in Italy. His recipes are simple, to the point and delicious.

See davidrocco.com by clicking here.

It's Bacon Balm

2011-02-15T07:11:00.000-05:00

Yes-another dream has come true.

Yes- it's real.

Yes- you can order it by clicking here.

Valentine's Treats

2011-02-13T08:01:00.004-05:00

Tom Wesselmann-Still Life #30

2011-02-11T09:50:00.001-05:00

Tom Wesselmann (American, 1931-2004). Still Life #30. April 1963.

Oil, enamel and synthetic polymer paint on composition board with collage of printed advertisements, plastic flowers, refrigerator door, plastic replicas of 7-Up bottles, glazed and framed color reproduction, and stamped metal, 48 1/2 x 66 x 4" (122 x 167.5 x 10 cm).

The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Gift of Philip Johnson.

Dexter Dinner

2011-01-11T07:38:00.001-05:00

Recently I had an unusual reunion with a friend I hadn't seen in over 30 years.

Her place was decorated in the style of "Dexter" since we were planning a dinner and watching Season 5 of the show.

While looking a little scary-it was done totally in the spirit of fun.

Good times...

$30,000 Wine in Tampa...Yes, Tampa

2010-12-23T08:33:00.003-05:00

A Sommelier's fantasy daydream comes true at Bern's Steakhouse.

See the story by clicking here.

Santa's Galactic Meal

2010-12-23T08:30:00.003-05:00

Santa takes a break on this 1951 cover of Galaxy magazine.

Anthony Bordain's Holiday Special

2010-12-06T12:48:00.004-05:00

Tony and Michael Ruhlman prepare a No-Reservations-style holiday dinner for a table of special guests including Mario Batali, David Chang, Duff Goldman and Marky Ramone.

See a slide show by clicking here.

Tonight at 10 PM on the Travel Channel.

Cacio e Pepe Recipe

2010-11-26T06:49:00.000-05:00

So delicious, easy and inexpensive.

It's like grown up macaroni & cheese.

If I can't get the real cheese, grated also works well.

I use Dreamfield's pasta to cut on the carbs-that of course is optional.

Drink Your Meat

2010-11-25T08:25:00.006-05:00

As far as I know Jones Soda is the only beverage company offering your favorite meat flavors in soda form.

Many questions pop into my mind. (pun intended)

Like-"Is it carbonated?"

Or- "Do I drink it cold or warm?"

Or-"Why?"

But every year around this time there is free advertising in the form of blogs like this one-so I guess I've answered my own question.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Just in Time for Thanksgiving - 15 Memorable Meals on Mad Men

2010-11-23T11:06:00.003-05:00

Check out these memorable meals at AMC's Madmen blog.

New Fresh Market In North Tampa

2010-11-08T08:13:00.004-05:00

I was excited to receive an email this morning about a new outdoor Fresh Market opening at The Shops at Wiregrass starting December 4th...

"The Shops At Wiregrass has teamed up with Tiffany Ferrecchia, Market Manager for the Tampa Downtown Market held on Friday's and the Seminole Heights Sunday Morning Market held every second Sunday of each month to develop the NEW Wiregrass Fresh Market; a true gathering place for the growing populations of the Wesley Chapel and New Tampa area. The Market will feature a vast variety of Vendors selling only fresh, local, home made, hand crafted or eco-friendly products."

I really like the idea! I have visited the other markets, but the driving distances to them has always kept me from being a regular customer. I'm really looking forward to the new venue.

Halloween- Pepsi Magazine Ad

2010-10-31T09:36:00.001-04:00

Halloween-1964 Coca Cola Ad

2010-10-31T09:33:00.001-04:00

Halloween-Giada's Italian Fruit Punch

2010-10-29T10:33:00.000-04:00

Halloween - Scary Pancakes in 3-D

2010-10-29T10:23:00.000-04:00

7-UP Commercial

2010-10-19T06:15:00.000-04:00

Robert Abel and Associates created this 1974 high tech (for the times) 7-Up commercial.

I remember actually seeing it on TV and couldn't wait for it to come on again.

Strawberries & Strawberry Crepe

2010-10-18T17:56:00.001-04:00

Photos taken at the Toasted Pheasant Bistro, Tampa, Florida.

Mirafiore Poster

2010-10-18T17:54:00.000-04:00

Anthony Bourdain in Madrid

2010-09-13T09:55:00.002-04:00

This week on "No Reservations" Anthony Bourdain visits Madrid and finds it pornographically delicious.

The Spain shows are always beautifully filmed and leave me hungry. Hopefully we will be spared another bullfighting scene.

Monday September 13 on the Travel Channel at 10PM EST.

Also check out a slideshow by clicking here.

Anthony Bourdain No Reservations 100th Episode

2010-09-05T14:01:00.001-04:00

Some out takes of 100th Episode ideas that didn't quite make it.
"Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations" celebrates their 100th episode this Monday September 5 beginning at 9PM EST with "What We're We Thinking?"- then continuing at 10 PM with "Paris". On the Travel Channel.

Jim Gaffigan On Food

2010-09-02T17:30:00.000-04:00

A Burger With Marilyn Monroe

2010-09-02T17:06:00.002-04:00

Photo by Phillipe Halsman.

Ingredients

2010-08-29T06:15:00.001-04:00

Some of the fresh ingredients ready for a cooking demo at Toasted Pheasant Bistro.
Photos by Steve McAfee.

Behind the Scenes at No Reservations-India

2010-08-28T12:13:00.000-04:00

"In the spring of 2010 Zero Point Zero productions sent a No Reservations crew to Kerala, India to make some fine television. They also sent an extra camera operator and show producer to document the entire process. The Making of India episode is a candid look into the inner workings of an Emmy Award winning travel program."

I'm looking forward to this behind the scenes look at what goes into the making of a travel show.
The variety and creative themes of this season's "No Reservations" make it one of the best seasons yet.
Look for it Monday night at 10PM on the Travel Channel.

Fresh- The Egg Movie

2010-08-27T11:09:00.004-04:00

Check out this Creative Loafing article about eggs-and how we have it all wrong.

If you haven’t seen FRESH – now is the time. It will be shown at Hillsborough Community College on Dale Mabry, September 23 at 6:30 pm. Check SlowFoodTampaBay.org or their Facebook page for more details.

Gourmet Food Trucks

2010-08-23T08:04:00.005-04:00

Gourmet food trucks are popping up everywhere and they're not just for hot dogs and fried dough anymore.
See the NPR article by clicking here.
Photos by Charla Bear.

Anthony Bourdain-Back To Beirut

2010-08-21T12:56:00.005-04:00

The "No Reservations" crew returns to Beirut on Monday's new episode at 10PM on the Travel Channel.

Hopefully no bombs this time.

Coca Cola Ad-For Extra Fun

2010-08-21T11:25:00.000-04:00

1965 Coca-Cola magazine ad.

Shrimp

2010-08-21T11:21:00.001-04:00

A tasty shrimp appetizer at Toasted Pheasant Bistro.

Restaurant Hours

2010-08-21T11:16:00.003-04:00

My photo-focusing on the small details of restaurant life.

Espresso Machine

2010-08-21T11:12:00.002-04:00

One of my behind the scenes photos at Toasted Pheasant Bistro in Tampa, Florida.

No Reservations In Rome

2010-08-15T07:28:00.002-04:00

The latest episode of "No Reservations" is largely inspired by the films of Federico Fellini which painted a very specific picture of Rome in Tony's mind. The episode is presented entirely in black and white. Should be a fun one!
This Monday night at 10 PM on Travel Channel.

Champagne and Wine Bottle Tops

2010-08-09T16:06:00.004-04:00

A few photos I took recently at the Toasted Pheasant Bistro.

Click images to enlarge.

Dom Perignon Salutes Andy Warhol

2010-08-09T07:07:00.002-04:00

Bourdain in Dubai

2010-08-07T13:03:00.001-04:00

Anthony Bourdain in Dubai-new this Monday night at 10PM on the Travel Channel.

Creative Loafing Best of The Bay

2010-08-07T10:42:00.003-04:00

Once again it's time to vote for your favorite things around the Tampa Bay area.

Especially your favorite eating spots.

Go here to cast your votes.

May I offer a few suggestions to get you started thinking? Toasted Pheasant Bistro, Thai Sweet Basil, The Chattaway, Sushi Alive, Cafe Bistro at Nordstroms, California Tacos, Lenny's and many more. Winners will be in the Sept 16 issue of Creative Loafing.

Gordon Ramsay- Easy Inexpensive Mayonnaise

2010-08-02T12:07:00.003-04:00

Why is the price of mayonnaise going up so much? I'll be trying this as an alternative -looks tasty!

Special "No Reservations" Where It All Began

2010-08-01T05:44:00.000-04:00

This Monday night at 10PM on the Travel Channel take a look back at Anthony Bourdain before "No Reservations" and his hit book “Kitchen Confidential.” Follow Tony through the kitchen of Les Halles to his newfound fame.

Rachael Ray's Cheetos Portrait

2010-07-29T10:03:00.003-04:00

A mosaic portrait of Rachael Ray created using three flavors of Cheetos. Natural White Cheddar, Flaming Hot Crunchy, and regular Crunchy Cheetos by Jason Baalman. Read more about him by clicking here.

1960's Pepsi Commercial

2010-07-29T09:58:00.002-04:00

Anthony Bourdain- Kerala India

2010-07-26T11:47:00.001-04:00

Soup For You!

2010-07-22T10:56:00.006-04:00

The Original SoupMan location at 55th Street and 8th in New York has re-opened. This was made famous by Seinfeld's "Soup Nazi" episode. If I lived anywhere near there I would be in line with these people.

Macaroni Dinner 1947 Style

2010-07-19T13:33:00.001-04:00

Here's a magazine ad from 1947. The era of the Food Photographer hadn't happened yet. Color in magazines wasn't an exact science and obviously recipes coming from the kitchens at Kraft were made up by truckers on their weekends off. Imagine coming home from your tough day at the office to this! Mmmm...a macaroni ring with spam, ketchup stuffed green pepper slices and what seems to be a radish and celery salad. At least there's pie.

Pretz Commercial-Deep Purple

2010-07-17T20:16:00.001-04:00

Bourdain: Beer Cheese Soup in Wisconsin

2010-07-11T05:27:00.004-04:00

Tony joins Bacchus owner Joe Bartollota for some beer cheese soup.
Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations is all new Monday at 10PM with "Heartland" on the Travel Channel.

Happy Island -New Season of No Reservations

2010-07-04T11:56:00.004-04:00

The new seasons of Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations begins Monday July 5 on the Travel Channel with an episode of Caribbean Island Hopping.

Marilyn's Champagne Bill

2010-07-04T11:47:00.002-04:00

From May of 1962.

Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival

2010-06-29T06:13:00.003-04:00

You gotta love last year's poster for the Attack of the Killer Tomatoes Festival.

The theme and title of the artwork come from a 1978 comedy cult film spoofing 1950's B movies. Made on a budget of less than $100,000, the story involved tomatoes becoming mobile and angry by unknown means, then revolting against humanity.

The Festival, however, seemed to have been a less violent and more tasty event in 2009.

Back by popular demand in 2010, dozens of the best chefs in the south team up with a selection of fabulous tomato farmers to produce an afternoon of tomato-inspired dishes. Who will be crowned the Tomato Queen/King? Top Tomato Ford Fry, owner and executive chef of JCT. Kitchen & Bar, is heading up the celebration and turning his restaurant into a tomato sanctuary that will also span the upstairs bar and outdoor courtyard area.

All proceeds will benefit Georgia Organics.

Click here to get more information about the Festival coming up August 8, 2010.

Esquire Andy Warhol Cover

2010-06-28T14:19:00.003-04:00

Andy Warhol and the iconic soup can is spoofed in 1969.

Cuisine Magazine Cover

2010-06-28T14:15:00.002-04:00

August 1983 cover for Cuisine magazine.

I wish I knew more about it.

The Guacamole Song

2010-06-17T18:04:00.001-04:00

French Food At Home

2010-06-13T12:24:00.002-04:00

Caught the new Cooking Channel yet?
Here's the opening song for Laura Calder's "French Food At Home".

Lindt Chocolate Ad

2010-06-01T18:25:00.004-04:00

By illustrator Rene Gruau, who is best known for his stylish fashion illustrations.

More of his fantastic images can be seen by clicking here.

American Artist in France

2010-05-31T08:46:00.005-04:00

Check out Margaret Dyer's blog as she travels to France to teach a pastel workshop.

Of course food becomes a main topic, it's France.

Click here to read, see and drool.

See more of Margaret Dyer's art by clicking here.

Dr. Pepper Commercial

2010-05-17T14:50:00.001-04:00

Vina Cousino Magul Poster

2010-05-12T22:08:00.003-04:00

Found on enjoyart.com.

French & Saunders-Gordon Ramsay Sketch

2010-05-02T08:35:00.000-04:00

Art In April-Toasted Pheasant Bistro-Tampa

2010-04-23T05:48:00.002-04:00

SUNDAY APRIL 25 11AM-3PM. The Toasted Pheasant Bistro celebrates The Arts and raises money for local art students. Auction to win a dinner prepared in your home by Chef Peter & more! Plaster sculptures created by students using recycled cream containers. Additional art by International Academy of Design & Technology students plus local artist Tony Weldon and photographer Steve McAfee. LIVE MUSIC by Misty Hall. Great Brunch Menu and specials. All are invited! 14445 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa 33618. Phone 813-265-6700.

Eric Ripert's 10 Arts

2010-04-21T08:34:00.002-04:00

Eric Ripert's restaurant in Philadelphia.
What a beautiful interior!
See their website by clicking here.

Woman in Restaurant

2010-04-21T08:23:00.000-04:00

Photographed through a wine case reflection by me.

Puff Pastry

2010-04-21T08:19:00.003-04:00

A puff pastry dessert, photographed by me at the Toasted Pheasant Bistro in Tampa, Florida.

This one was filled with apples and pears.

Click to enlarge, then drool.

No Reservations-Food Porn 2

2010-04-19T08:42:00.004-04:00

Tonight at 10PM on the Travel Channel Anthony Bourdain explores more "Food Porn", that is, the deep and lustful infatuation with good food.
Check out the sideshow by clicking here.

Ingredients

2010-04-19T08:39:00.002-04:00

Fresh ingredients ready for a cooking class at Toasted Pheasant Bistro in Tampa, Florida.

Orange Crate Art

2010-04-19T08:37:00.002-04:00

No Reservations-Maine

2010-04-11T15:13:00.002-04:00

Anthony Bourdain visits Maine-this Monday night at 10PM EST on the Travel Channel.

Sweet!

2010-03-23T14:18:00.004-04:00

The pastry case at Hellas Restaurant in Tarpon Springs, Florida.
See their website by clicking here.

No Reservations: Provence

2010-03-22T08:22:00.003-04:00

Provence- "It's the place that dreams and magazine spreads are made of. Where everything is beautiful, and soft, and smells good. Like a movie, only better", says Tony.

Check out this Travel Guide to see the places that Bourdain visits while in Provence.

Tonight at 10PM EST on the Travel Channel.

The E Z Cracker

2010-03-17T08:22:00.002-04:00

Because the edge of a bowl and your own hand are so inconvenient.
Really-have we come to this?

Wine Bottles by Bernie Fuchs

2010-03-16T08:32:00.002-04:00

Bernie Fuchs, 76, an illustrator whose influential work for magazines ranging from Cosmopolitan to Sports Illustrated seamlessly blended qualities of traditional narrative with hints of abstract composition, died of esophageal cancer Sept. 17 at a care facility in Fairfield, Conn.

See more of this inspirational artist's work by clicking here.

No Reservations: Bourdain in China (in Winter)

2010-03-15T08:28:00.003-04:00

On this week's episode of "No Reservations", Tony heads to Harbin in China’s northeastern “Dongbei” area in the cold of winter -- a season that defines the character of the Dongbei people and the nature of their cuisine. "I'd talk to you and tell you all about Harbin, but I can't move my face. It's too cold", says Tony.

I'm looking forward to the below zero karaoke/ice fishing scene.

Tonight at 10PM EST on the Travel Channel.

Anthony Bourdain in Ecuador

2010-03-01T15:37:00.002-05:00

New "No Reservations" tonight-Ecuador.

Click here to view a behind the scenes slideshow.

Tonight at 10 on the Travel Channel.

The Japanese Are Just Messing With Our Minds

2010-02-26T13:03:00.002-05:00

This snack package design has drunken lipstick wearing panda/manatee characters...???

Ketchup News-New Ketchup Packaging

2010-02-26T12:52:00.001-05:00

Ground Meat Font

2010-02-20T10:15:00.003-05:00

Value Pack- Alphabet made of raw hamburger. Each character hand-shaped, packaged, and photographed individually by Robert Bolesta. Check out his highly creative website by clicking here.

Vermouth Bianco Poster

2010-02-16T18:09:00.003-05:00

Vermouth Bianco by Marcello Dudovich.

Born in 1878, Marcello Dudovich attended school in his hometown of Trieste, Italy. Along with his father he worked as a lithographer and illustrator of advertising posters. He also became involved with the blossoming cinematographic industry. In 1900 he was awarded the gold medal at the Universal Exhibition in Paris and in 1920 and 1922 he participated in Biennale of Venice. Dudovich was one of the most acclaimed advertising poster artists of his time. He died in 1962.
From artinaclick.com

Bourdain in New Orleans

2010-02-15T06:02:00.004-05:00

Tonight's "No Reservations" is not a new episode, but worth another look. No city in America depends more on it's food industry than New Orleans. Here is a look at the rebuilding process and history of one specific restaurant, Antoine's. This was filmed nearly two years ago and I would image things are still slowly getting better.

Check out the Travel Channel tonight at 10PM EST.

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T07:32:00.001-05:00

Food On Film : Marie Antoinette

2010-02-13T12:20:00.002-05:00

From the 2006 Sofia Coppola film "Marie Antoinette".