Credit: (C) Carnival Film & Television Limited 2011 for MASTERPIECE
Food - General

Life and Dining at Downton Abbey

Credit: (C) Carnival Film & Television Limited 2011 for MASTERPIECELike millions of others around the world, I am addicted to the hit drama, “Downton Abbey,” shown on PBS here in the States and ITV across the pond. It centers around the luxurious estate led by Lord Grantham, his wife Cora, their three daughters, grandma (played by the wonderfully delightful Maggie Smith), a new heir apparent (the handsome Dan Stevens) and all of the servants who tend to their every need.

Addicted is probably an understatement when I talk about my love for “Downton.” Since I began watching the show, shortly before Christmas, I have read the companion book authored by Jessica Fellowes (the niece of show creator Julian Fellowes) entitled “The World of Downton Abbey.” I’ve scoured the internet for information about the tours at Highclere Castle in England where the series is filmed. I’ve Tweeted, Facebooked and otherwise badgered anyone (dear hubby especially) who would listen about this spectacular show. Now, I’m taking my love about ‘DA’ to my blog, where I want to talk about Edwardian era food and how it’s portrayed on ‘Downton.’

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Celebrity chefs, Cuisine - Mexican, Places - Chicago

Prez stops at Rick Bayless restaurant in Chicago

I have this huge fascination with Rick Bayless. I LOVE LOVE LOVE his PBS show “Mexico: One Plate At A Time.” I haven’t yet had the chance to dine at his Chicago restaurants Frontera Grill or Topolobampo, so I do the next best thing. I follow him on Twitter.

And Saturday night, he had the biggest diner of all come to Topolo. President Obama and the Secret Service stopped at the Clark Street restaurant for a bite to eat. They even stopped for photos with the kitchen staff.

So what did the Commander-in-Chief order? Lobster and scallops in a roasted tomatillo-corn sauce with sweet corn tamales.

According to a Tweet from Bayless:

When the President arrived, they closed off our block on Clark Street. I counted 13 vehicles filling the 3 lanes.

Want more from Rick Bayless? Follow him on Twitter @Rick_Bayless. Check out his PBS show, too. You’ll LOVE it!

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