Confessions and Truths. You May Be Surprised.

Posted on by LeAnne Notabartolo

Lately I have been doing a lot of “interviews” rather than reviews, recipes or commentary. Las Vegas is teeming with great bloggers and food writers that cover all manner of topics. Brunches, Bloody Marys, Tapas, Cheap Eats, etc. My focus recently has been on the people who make all of that happen.

I figure if James Beard can have Delights and Prejudices, I can have Confessions and Truths. Many of you think I ONLY eat at fabulous places. Some may even think that I eat ANYTHING. A few of you know my very short “will not eat” list. All of these things will color the way you view me from now on…I promise.

  • I have never drunk a cup of coffee – love the smell, can’t stand the taste. I do, however, love coffee when used to amp up chocolate in baked goods and a coffee rubbed ribeye.
  • I hate the word “congealed” and I don’t like food that is congealed – like aspic or that funky gelled layer on some terrines and patés. It’s a texture thing. I don’t even really like Jello.
  • I am a junk food junky – I consider it a personal victory if I drive past Popeye’s and don’t stop and potato chips call my name from the snack aisle. Those chips have even been known to CHANT my name – especially the Salt & Vinegar variety…
  • I haven’t eaten McDonald’s in over 15 years.
  • The only bad fried chicken is NO fried chicken (except Chick Fil A).
  • I can skip dessert if you give me potato chips.
  • MOST of the time if I am going to eat dessert, it had better be chocolate.
Bourbon Barrel Chocolate Mousse served with Bourbon Barrel Russian Imperial Stout

Bourbon Barrel Chocolate Mousse served with Bourbon Barrel Russian Imperial Stout

  • I despise baking unless it is cookies.
  • French Macarons are my favorite cookie of all time and I’ve never made them because I don’t have the patience.
  • I have not baked a batch of cookies in more than 2 years.
  • Just say no to Béarnaise. I really dislike tarragon and I can taste it even if it is just a smidge.
  • Salad is one of the most boring things on a menu. I would rather eat hot vegetables. If I order a salad as my entree, I have been kidnapped and I am trying to signal you.
  • Canning tomatoes makes me happy – I like the plinking sound when the jars seal.
I love the PLINK! sound when the jar seals.

I love the PLINK! sound when the jar seals.

  • I love anchovies and sardines.
  • I WILL NOT eat peanuts or melon – it’s a smell thing. (Exception – I don’t mind peanuts in Thai food because I can’t smell them with all the other great fragrances).
  • I really like fennel as a veggie, but I can’t stand black licorice…go figure?!
  • I will try almost anything once, especially if I don’t know what it is.
  • I draw the line at insects – I tried them once…I’ll pass in the future.
  • I am allergic to pineapple and MSG.
  • Charcuterie Whore is a label I’ve given myself – sad but true.
  • Poor service is a bigger crime than mediocre food.
  • I like to cook with my friends and would make a TV show out of it if I could.
  • There are only two things from NY that I still miss food wise – a fucking hard roll and a decent goddamned bagel.
  • Properly cooked offal is a dream for me, as is game meat, but so far I haven’t tried brains or eye balls.
  • I used to hate lamb and pork until I had it cooked properly. That was 5 years ago.
  • I am the asshole that orders fish at a steakhouse.
  • I would rather have a burger or tartare than a steak.
  • If I have to fight with my food, I probably won’t enjoy it (i.e. crab legs, shrimp I have to peel, lobster in the shell, etc.).
  • When Chefs eat in my house I freak out a little and don’t sleep the night before they arrive. Yes, really. Even if they are good friends.
  • Joe Bastianich scares the shit out of me and I have never met him.
  • Gordon Ramsay doesn’t scare me and I’ve never met him.
  • Expect me to go full blown fan girl when I meet a Chef – I truly admire them.
  • I like it when Chefs let me cook with them. I always learn something new.
  • I salt everything. I have a collection of different salts in my kitchen and have been known to carry a little tin of Maldon salt in my purse.
This was a while back and the collection has grown. Yes. I really do use them.

This was a while back and the collection has grown. Yes. I really do use them.

I’d love to hear your Confessions & Truths! Share in the comment section of the blog.