Barbecue PitMavens
While the stereotype in this country is that most household meals are prepared by women, the world of competitive and professional barbecue pitmasters (and barbecue in general) is definitely dominated...
View ArticleOperation BBQ Relief
BBQ teams are known to be fiercely competitive. They also strive to share good food. Recently I discovered a whole realm of barbecue teams and individuals that have come together to provide solid meals...
View ArticleRobyn Lindars, Girl on the Grill
A few months ago I was researching female pitmasters for a blog post I was writing (“Barbecue Pitmavens”). My primary focus for that piece was women who have been significant participants on the...
View ArticleDog Tag Brewing….Toasting Heros
It’s no secret the craft beer movement is really exploding in this country (woohoo!), but this week I discovered a brewery with a mission that isn’t necessarily focused on the typical microbrewery...
View ArticleLegendary Buddy Guy
I’ll admit it right from the start: I have a crush on Buddy Guy. I have for years. Besides his mad guitar skills—which have inspired so many musicians and fans for decades—I admire his background and...
View ArticleCaptain Lawrence Brewing Co.
My husband, John, and I made a quick trip to the Tarrytown, NY, area last weekend, which is just outside of New York City along the Hudson River…beautiful area, I might add. We specifically went up...
View ArticleNation of Patriots
Nov. 11 is Veterans Day—a day dedicated to those who have fought for our freedoms and liberties, both past and present. I thought it appropriate to highlight an organization that was founded only about...
View ArticleAcala Farms Cottonseed Oil
ManGrate is proud to announce a partnership with an established and impressive American company, Acala Farms. After careful research as to the best type of oil for seasoning ManGrate’s cast iron...
View ArticleMoreland & Arbuckle to Release Album in May
I have been a fan of this band for the past few years. It started when I heard the track “The Legend of John Henry,” but then I really got hooked when I heard “Pergutory,” “White Lightning,” and “The...
View ArticleSuper Chikan—One of a Kind Delta Artist
When it comes to the blues, there are musicians referred to as trailblazers and legends. Anybody who knows something about the blues has heard the story of Robert Johnson selling his soul to the devil...
View ArticleMaking a Difference
It’s no secret there is a lot of serious, stressful and ridiculous information being thrown at us from every media outlet on the planet over the past several weeks. Drama stemming from the upcoming...
View ArticleThirty Years of Thunder
I don’t often write about my personal thoughts in this blog. Sure, a lot of bloggers tend to share their opinions, their latest recipe triumph (or failure), a recent how-to project or the trials and...
View ArticleEffingham Manor Winery
New Chapter for Established Vintner and Property There has been much talk here in Virginia about a new winery opening on a centuries-old property in Prince William County. Much of the discussion is...
View ArticleEffingham Manor Winery: Open!
In July I was fortunate to have met with established Virginia vintner Chris Pearmund, and we discussed his latest wine venture in Virginia for a “Grate Bites” feature. At the time they were months and...
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