DEAR BENICIANS AND BEYOND, I’ve been traveling the last three weeks and haven’t slowed down to send you greetings, so I apologize “globally.” Apologizing globally is a term I invented with Le Chef when I get into trouble; it’s like a pardon or forgiveness for things known and not known that I have done. Make […]
City treasurer should remain elected position
I’VE BEEN SOMEWHAT SILENT ON THE ISSUE of whether we should appoint or elect the city treasurer for Benicia, which will be decided by city voters on Tuesday. As some of you may know, I currently hold this prestigious office based on being appointed, rather than being elected, which is not the way I wanted […]
Lone Star Grilling: Bringing the heat for summer
DEAR BENICIANS AND BEYOND, It’s been a good spring so far: the weather’s been kind and temperatures are just right. But lurking around the corner is what I think will be one of the hottest and driest summers in recent years, which is why I want to give a shout-out to everyone to be safe […]
Lone Star Grilling: And the winners are …
DEAR BENICIANS AND BEYOND, What started out as a sleepy, drizzly Sunday turned out to be a day of fun-filled activities. I woke up around 4:30 with the good intentions of getting my Goat from storage and somehow getting it as well as the Beast (barbecue smoker) downtown in time for the kickoff. However, I […]
Lone Star Grilling: Let the games begin
DEAR BENICIANS AND BEYOND, It just doesn’t get much better than this weekend for sheer entertainment, fun, fellowship and food. It all starts this Saturday at the Sacramento Classic Car & Parts Swap Meet at the Sleep Train Arena just off Interstate 5 and Del Paso Road. Gates open at 6 a.m. and I plan […]
Lone Star Grilling: And the winners are …
CHILI RESULTS ARE IN AND WHAT A GREAT DAY IT WAS. Fourteen contestants entered and we had a house full of folks tasting, drinking responsibly and having a whole lot of great fun. We had the Lincoln Highway band back for the third year, and we had four square dance clubs from surrounding cities entertaining […]
Lone Star Grilling: Time to sign up for the chili cookoff!
DEAR BENICIANS AND BEYOND, We’re gonna have a great party this weekend at the Clock Tower, so dig out your cowboy boots and get ready for fun and dancing at the third annual Great Bowls of Chili, kicking off at noon this coming Saturday. We have about 14 contestants and room for at least another […]
Lone Star Grilling: Lardy Lardy
BENICIANS AND BEYOND, Growing up in West Texas in the ’50s, you had to make due with the resources at hand. This past spring, Le Chef and I visited the old homestead and she was amazed at how I grew up — especially at the ranch — after speaking with friends and relatives. On the […]
Lone Star Grilling: Beans or no beans? The great chili debate
DEAR BENICIANS AND BEYOND, It’s almost that time of the year — when 22 great cooks come together to participate in Benicia Main Street’s Great Bowls of Chili Contest. March 22 will be upon you faster than a mountain lion protecting her cubs, so you need to get down to Benicia Main Street and sign […]