John Mariani The Virtual Gourmet: Tour BROOKLYN’s CLASSIC CUISINE

When 3 native New Yorker’s get together to talk food –even if 2 of them are on the West Coast — you gotta believe they will eventually talk about old time great restaurants in BROOKLYN! John Mariani, internationally well-known restaurant reviewer shares not only some famous eating places in the 4th largest city on the … Read more

John Mariani The Virtual Gourmet: A look at LONG ISLAND and Regional Wines

When the subject turned to explore the wineries of Long Island NY our expert food and travel contributor, John Mariani, publisher of the Virtual Gourmet Newsletter, included his wealth of knowledge about the history of regional wines in the USA. Lots of fascinating history —who knew there were native American grapes?– and great commentary about … Read more

John Mariani The Virtual Gourmet: You Got MEATBALLS!

Ubiquitous as they are, meatballs were not always considered socially acceptable for upper crust cuisine! John Mariani takes us through the culinary history of meatballs and social attitudes. It’s a delicious conversation and fascinating as well! For more on John Mariani go to www.JohnMariani.com And Listen to John’s radio show, ‘Almost Golden’ on WVOX-AM at … Read more

John Mariani The Virtual Gourmet: Hotel Dining – Trends & Quality

Just because a large hotel has a good reputation and is well known, does that somehow convince you their main restaurant is top quality? When we’re looking for fine dining and great food can we count on these large hotels who tout the best of everything? Food and Travel writer, John Mariani, publisher of The … Read more

John Mariani The Virtual Gourmet: Old School Italian

Italian food may be the most common cuisine in the US but how much of it is REAL Italian? Food and Travel expert, John Mariani, addresses the quality and recipes that comprise Old School Italian food –the original cuisine! Separating the popular chains restaurants from the restaurants who cater to the original ethnic choices of … Read more

John Mariani The Virtual Gourmet: SummerTravel Tips

While it’s the most popular time to travel, SUMMER can also be the worst time. world traveler, travel and food writer John Mariani –publisher of the VIrtual Gourmet newsletter– has lots of important advice about summer travel. There’s also information about dealing with security and long lines which you may not have heard before. …this … Read more

John Mariani The Virtual Gourmet: Suburban Dining

Are all the good restaurants to be found ONLY ‘downtown’ in the heart of a large city? Food and Travel writer John Mariani, also the publisher of The Virtual Gourmet newsletter, explains why most suburbs have their share of great restaurants including fine dining. He mostly discusses NY and LA but as he tell it, … Read more

John Mariani The Virtual Gourmet: the 10 Commandments of GRILLING

As Co-Author of the best selling “GRILLING for DUMMIES”, food and travel writer John Mariani, shares his ’10 commandments for Grilling’ –just in time for the warm weather cook-out season! You’ll find a few surprises among them, but follow them all for a successful BBQ and other outdoor fare from the grill! For more on … Read more