How ironic, or iconic to learn that Gourmet magazine preceded the film
"Casablanca" by a year. A fact sadly noted after the announcement this week that
Gourmet would cease publishing. Although the influence of "Casablanca" on my life
has been more intense, spanning a little over a decade, Gourmet has been my guide
and inspiration for almost 40 years. As a young woman who liked to cook, and was
starting a career in the travel business I loved reading the travel articles and
trying the recipes that accompanied them. In our travel agency, my partner Sue
and I used Gourmet as a reference in planning trips for our clients and friends.
And I know she'll agree, planning special, tailor-made trips for clients, complete
with restaurant suggestions introduced us to many wonderful friends who initially
came as simply clients. If I had to name one article that made the biggest
impression, I believe in 1974 there was a piece on the north of Spain, including
Santiago de Compostella. I used this article as a basis for several of my
independent, curious clients' holidays, who raved over the hotels and restaurants.
I never had the chance to take the trip, but I've been preparing the Gaspacho
recipe for 35 years, the last 5 of which have been at Rick's Cafe. Gourmet...the
Legend Continues... |
