John Mariani The Virtual Gourmet: What makes a Master Bartender?

Food and travel writer, John Mariani, publisher of the weekly newsletter, The Virtual Gourmet, never holds back on his opinion about food or service. When it comes to his favorite cocktails he’s easily frustrated by bartenders who can’t make the classics –or anything other than pour beer! He acknowledges not all venues cater to the … Read more

Is there such a thing as the “A” Table?

Will slipping the maitre d a tip get you a better table? Is it myth or is there any truth to this urban legend? World traveler, restaurant critic and publisher of The Virtual Gourmet newsletter, John Mariani delves into the issue and reveals the actual facts–which you may not like! Get ready! He tells it … Read more

John Mariani The Virtual Gourmet: His Radio Show is Eclectic and Fun!

Besides running his free weekly newsletter, The Virtual Gourmet, and writing books, John Mariani also does a weekly radio show. He discusses how it has changed to become more eclectic and yet keep all the fun and intellectual inquisitiveness he has been know for. For more on John Mariani go to www.JohnMariani.com And Listen to … Read more

John Mariani The Virtual Gourmet: The state of Sustainable Seafood

With changes in the oceans, pollution, over fishing and climate change among other issues, the question arises about just how sustainable our seafood sources really are. Food and Travel writer and publisher of The Virtual Gourmet Newsletter, John Mariani, updates John and Art of Celebrating Act 2 and discusses world and industry influences including farming … Read more

John Mariani The Virtual Gourmet: Don’t Miss Charming Galway!

Food writer, author, Publisher of The Virtual Gourmet, and world traveler, John Mariani, continues his stories and advice about visiting Ireland with this video about Galway. If you’re looking for a manageable size city filled with Irish charm and great food, Galway is for you. Among other things, he discusses with Art and John of … Read more

John Mariani The Virtual Gourmet: Update 2022: The State of Air Travel

World traveler, John Mariani, discusses the state of Airline travel today–mid year 2022– and it’s not good. He goes through some of the historic mistakes airlines made as well as the unfortunate consequences of the COVID pandemic. His well-informed opinions are balanced with commentary on how the airlines can improve. For more on John Mariani … Read more

John Mariani The Virtual Gourmet: Dublin’s Best Restaurants

Our world class traveler, John Mariani, publisher of the Virtual Gourmet Newsletter, knows how to enjoy the best any city has to offer. In this video John takes us for a tour of some of Dublin’s TOP spots for fine dining–equal to any cuisine in the world. You may not be able to enjoy every … Read more