Despite having been published in newspapers and top magazines internationally for decades, as well as his own popular online newsletter, “The VIrtual Gourmet,” and appearing as a regular expert in streaming video for Celebrating Act 2™, John Mariani recently started his own radio show! It airs weekly on a local Westchester County, NY station and … Read more
Whether it’s a holiday get together, a dinner among friends or a special occasion, It’s always a good idea to bring a gift for the host or hostess. John Mariani knows some of the social pitfalls awaiting those guests who may be unaware or uncaring and offers many excellent ideas in this video. You don’t … Read more
No one appreciates the legendary excellent taste in food and adult beverages of 007 than the Virtual Gourmet, John Mariani. Not only a fan of the original books by Ian Fleming but of the long running movie series, At the urging of John Coleman and Art Kirsch of Celebrating Act 2™, John analyses both the … Read more
OK, Sure, Buffalo wings originated in Buffalo–but Which restaurant? And what’s the story behind them? The Virtual Gourmet, John Mariani, takes us for a culinary tour of the USA to all the original places responsible for classic American fare such as CheeseSteak, the PoBoy; Irish Coffee; Bananas Foster; Boston Cream Pie and more. Filled with … Read more
World Traveler John Mariani recommends visiting France again–COVID restrictions have lessened and tourism is low. Watch as John explains all the reasons to see France now and why he exhorts travelers to not get bogged down in Paris when the country is so large and inviting! While THe Louvre and Notre Dame may be Must-See, … Read more
Looking for some scenic fall travel in the Northeast? Travel and Food writer John Mariani tells Celebrating Act 2™ about the joys and wonders of the Mystic CT area. It’s quaint, historic and bucolic –all while offering lots of great inns and hotels and wonderful food! For specific tips and places to go watch this … Read more
Fall seems to bring more holidays that are celebrated as FEASTS than any other time of the year! Celebrating Act 2™ asked John Mariani for some ideas on great wine to go with holiday meals and seasonal cuisine. Of course he did not disappoint. You’ll get some great ideas about food and wine from John’s … Read more
It’s controversial, and it’s unique to the U.S.! So Why do we do it? What’s a ‘fair’ tip and does it really stand for “To Insure Promptness? These and many other aspects of tipping are explored in this free ranging discussion about the practice of tipping our servers in restaurants! It’s the kind of talk … Read more
It’s more than about good manners–it’s a discussion about just how demanding and critical a customer should be, really at any time, but certainly in the wake of the COVID Pandemic. As an expert food writer and restaurant critic, John Mariani, publisher of The Virtual Gourmet newsletter, certainly knows the boundaries of fair critique. He … Read more
Art Kirsch and John Coleman of Celebrating Act 2™ get special contributor, John Mariani of the Virtual Gourmet, to discuss the favorite foods of Autumn. He touches on many of the most favorites but did he include yours? And did he mention a dish you haven’t tried yet? This is a fun discussion about seasonal … Read more