Author: Tony

OK – I cheated a little with this and bought a kit that had all the ingredients and equipment I’d need. I figured the whole point was to learn the process and being stepped through it and handed all the ingredients measured out still accomplished that! Besides – it was less expensive to just buy…

34,752 pages read in total this year. 66 Books17 Non-Fiction39 Fiction I didn’t write a review for all the fiction books I read this year because that would be an issue with how fast I go through them – it would cut into time I needed for other things, so I only wrote posts for…

Some books feel like an invitation to sit down with a warm cup of tea and rethink how you’re spending your days. Ikigai and Kaizen by Anthony Raymond is one of those books, blending two Japanese philosophies—one about purpose, the other about continuous improvement—into a digestible, motivating, and (at times) delightfully blunt reflection on how…

Few dishes in Malaysian cuisine are as bold, complex, and soul-satisfying as Laksa—a rich, aromatic noodle soup that embodies the multicultural heritage of Malaysia. This dish is a culinary masterpiece, blending Chinese, Malay, and Indian influences into a bowl bursting with spices, coconut milk, tamarind, and fresh herbs. Laksa is more than just a soup—it’s…

I’ve always like sketching and painting – when I was a kid my favorite class was art. I actually was good enough to get a few different scholarship offers to art school but was talked out of going and instead went into technology and the rest, they say, is history. I have a few sketch…

Embarking on a culinary journey to explore global cuisines is akin to unlocking a treasure trove of flavors, traditions, and stories from around the world—all within the confines of your own kitchen. It’s an adventure that transcends mere cooking; it’s about immersing oneself in diverse cultures, understanding their histories, and appreciating the unique ingredients that…

f the 1900s produced a single album that defined not just a moment, not just a movement, but the entire human condition, it’s What’s Going On. This isn’t just Marvin Gaye’s masterpiece—it’s the masterpiece. It’s the album that took soul, R&B, and protest music and wove them together so seamlessly, so beautifully, that you almost…

Kathryn Bigelow’s The Hurt Locker isn’t just a war movie—it’s a 131-minute stress test for your central nervous system. This isn’t one of those big, sweeping, patriotic spectacles where war is just a backdrop for heroism, camaraderie, and some dude writing sentimental letters home while soft orchestral music swells. No, this is war as pure,…

A Dish That Defines Ukrainian Heritage Borscht (борщ) is Ukraine’s national dish, a rich, deeply flavorful beet soup that has been enjoyed for centuries. Known for its brilliant red color, complex sweet-sour taste, and nourishing ingredients, borscht is more than just food—it is a symbol of Ukrainian identity, hospitality, and resilience. Though variations of borscht…

olos Lêvedos are sweet, fluffy, and lightly golden Portuguese muffins originating from the Azores, particularly the island of São Miguel. These yeast-raised, pan-cooked breads are similar in texture to English muffins but sweeter and softer, making them a beloved treat for breakfast, snacks, or as a sandwich bread. Unlike traditional baked bread, Bolos Lêvedos are…