Gossip is not one of my favorite words—chatting about people I love (or even like) is what I like to do. Somehow to me, gossip seems catty and mean-spirited, but gossip seems to entice so, perhaps, from time to time, I might decide to tell some secrets. Until then, only nice things about nice people.

De Gustibus at Macy’s: DeGustibus at Macy’s, the much esteemed cooking school owned for over 25 years by my very good friend, Arlene Feltman Sailhac (whose 5 books I have been privileged to work on) has a new owner. Arlene, who can really keep a secret, surprised us all with the sale of the school to Salvatore Rizzo, another culinary maniac (said with affection) who ran programs and events at the Italian Culinary Institute and the James Beard Foundation. Sal’s spontaneity and culinary knowledge keep classes in the same spirit of enthusiasm that Arlene injected nightly for all those years. If you are in New York, you should treat yourself to a class or two. Four, sometimes 5 spectacular courses are demonstrated, talked about, and cooked by the world’s great chefs and served by a skilled, wonderfully nice group of food lovers who also pour at least 3 great wines from the Kobrand group. The chefs are always accessible and hands-on, no matter their import in the world of fine dining. The class is often filled with feisty knowledgeable cooks who give the chefs a run for their money.  And, it is a cheap date when you consider what you get for under $100 per class. 

Meanwhile, Arlene has expanded the travel program she has led for a number of years through DeGustibus. Through a company called Food-O-Phile, Arlene is leading culinary trips the world over. However, unlike many travel programs, Arlene is focusing on introducing American food lovers to the culinary expansiveness of their own country as well as giving them international exposure. This coming year she will offer exciting and food-and-fun-filled trips to Maine, Sonoma County, California, and Turkey. Arlene always knows the best chefs, restaurants, markets, and culinary secrets, so if you are in the mood for an excursion with other passionate food lovers, email Arlene at grtcooks@aol.com for the complete low-down.