Gapers Block has ceased publication.

Gapers Block published from April 22, 2003 to Jan. 1, 2016. The site will remain up in archive form. Please visit Third Coast Review, a new site by several GB alumni.
 Thank you for your readership and contributions. 

TODAY

Thursday, March 28

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Chef Wed Dec 22 2010

From Bessie to Bacon

If you eat bacon, you likely think it is awesome. Because it is. But have you ever considered taking an entire pig and having it broken out into bacon cuts, lomo cuts, leaf lard, liver, shank, parts for making head cheese, etc? I have. I fully admit that I would have a hard time slicing the throat of a live pig, but provided I could muster the arm strength and stamina, I think I could happily break down at least a section of a pig into individual cuts.

But, since I recognize that these arms are better made for stirring risotto than cracking ribs on a several-hundred-pound animal, I'm happy to have the chance to read about the experience. From both perspectives.

Rob Levitt (who is supposed to be opening The Butcher & Larder any day now) recently traveled to Ellen Malloy's house with an entire pig cut in half. He butchered the first half, explaining things as he went. And then he guided her through cutting the second half, explaining her options for cuts, discussing recipes, describing curing techniques, while she cut the second half apart. And they did all this while Paul Fehribach from Big Jones, hung out trimming pieces of meat and offering up his homemade moon pies.

It's an experience this lover of all things tasty would enjoy, but reading "his" and "hers" accounts is enough to keep these non-butchering arms happy. For now.

 
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Feature Thu Dec 31 2015

The State of Food Writing

By Brandy Gonsoulin

In 2009, food blogging, social media and Yelp were gaining popularity, and America's revered gastronomic magazine Gourmet shuttered after 68 years in business. Former Cook's Illustrated editor-in-chief Chris Kimball followed with an editorial, stating that "The shuttering of Gourmet reminds...
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About Drive-Thru

Drive-Thru is the food and drink section of Gapers Block, covering the city's vibrant dining, drinking and cooking scene. More...
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Editor: Robyn Nisi, rn@gapersblock.com
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