Questions that MIGHT get asked frequently
Why did you make this site?
Multiple reasons! I love food first and foremost. I tend to share information about places I visit, recipes I make etc. I enjoy sharing with people who are genuinely interested in my opinions. I figured this would be a fun way to not only keep track of everywhere I eat and all of the things I try to cook but to also have a place to send people when they ask me, “Where should I go eat in______” or have you tried “______”. This site seems easier than all the emails with a billion links to places etc. I wanted an easy place to refer back to so that I could remember what I liked and disliked about places, products, and things.
Why don’t you review meats? Will you ever?
Easy! I stopped eating beef, pork, and lamb in 1995. A Doctor I was seeing for some “issues” recommended I try to stop eating meat to see if I’d feel better. I laughed because, hello, I was raised eating ALL meat. We had a meat market for pug’s sake. I felt better and was so sad to say goodbye to some of my favorites like corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes đ But I felt 1000% better. I then focused on poultry and fish. At some point, I was getting so sick of poultry and frankly, it was kind of grossing me out. So I stopped eating poultry about four years ago. Voila! I’m a “pescatarian” or so I was told. ** UPDATE: As of December 2017 I stopped eating fish and am now about 98% Plant-Based!! I LOVE IT!!!
I plan on having a few trusted squirrel friends give me their thoughts on meat dishes as we visit places together.
Can I request for you to review a restaurant, cafe, bar, recipe or product?
YES!!! I would love to! Just go to the Contact Us tab and choose from the drop-down menu. I enjoy trying new places and things. I am happy to review places, alcoholic beverages, food products or gadgets. I will be completely honest whether itâs good, bad or average. I frequent several cities up here in Northern California, Seattle and places in between and outside.
What makes YOU an expert on food and stuff?!?!
I am not an expert! I am very particular; some say picky. Whatever. All content on this site is 100% my opinion based on my tastes, what I like and what I expect. If your ideas are in line with mine, you will find this site very useful and fun. I like simple and also complicated dishes. I love certain gadgets and detest others. All just my opinion. I like common sense, but I do overthink things (sometimes).  I worked in the restaurant industry for years, so I have certain expectations when it comes to service and cleanliness. I love variety and enjoy learning about cooking and techniques via CIA in St. Helena, other cooking schools, friends and of course, the Internet.
** Alcohol note:Â I do love the drink. I am not a fan of sweet drinks or wine but will try pretty much anything once. My go toâs are Red Wines, Gin, Tequilas (Blanco, Reposado, and Anejo), Whiskeys/Bourbons, and Sake (not too sweet).
Where do you find recipes to try?
EVERYWHERE! I use numerous cookbooks, magazines and many food websites and blogs. If it sounds and looks good I try it.
Are you professionally trained in cooking? Â
Nope, itâs just a hobby and necessity. I do enjoy taking cooking classes, boot camps and learning online, though.
How do you choose which restaurants/bars to go to and/or review?
Itâs all about my mood. Itâs that simple really. Unless the husband squirrel or squirrel friends disagree with my food mood (which is barely never). I over research everything, especially food. I know exactly what I am getting into before I go. Also, if I see that someone went to a particular place and enjoyed it, I put it on my long list of âplaces I need to check outâ
Will you review a place or recipe more than once? What if it wasnât a good review?
Yes! Of course, I have many favorite places that I frequent. I will update those places as I visit and try new items off the menu. I could potentially revisit a place if the experience was sub-par but I feel it has potential :). The exception here would be if the place was an overall 1 Nut rating. At that point, I would have to be convinced. I wonât ever badmouth an establishment but instead try to be informative and helpful. I believe a lot of places donât even realize some of the mistakes they are making or they are totally unaware of issues. I have no problem speaking up and will talk to management if there are any issues and will share the resolution if there is one.