Richard Auffrey

Food November 19, 2021 0

Vermont Wagyu: Pure Breed, Pure Deliciousness

Many people in the U.S. primarily know of Wagyu beef as an expensive cut originating in Japan. They may also believe some of the myths about Wagyu, such as that the cows must be fed beer or sake, and get regular massages. Although that might happen in some isolated cases, there are actually no regulations that mandate such matters. The vast majority of Wagyu cows are simply specific breeds with unique fat networks that create the rich, smooth flavor we associate […]

History November 5, 2021 0

A Chinese Restaurant in Mayberry

The Andy Griffith Show, which aired from 1960-1968, is a beloved and iconic comedy series. The core of the story centered on Sheriff Andy Taylor, a widower who is raising his son, Opie, with the assistance of his Aunt Bee, all in the small town of Mayberry, North Carolina. The show pulled in high ratings throughout its run, and is commonly listed as one of the best series in television. Today though, the series receives some criticism on the basis that there was very little in […]

Food October 22, 2021 0

For the love of lard

Generations of cooks, prior to 1960, cooked with lard, which is basically pork fat that has been rendered down to a liquid. It used to be a common ingredient in many households until it was demonized, labeled as unhealthy. Nowadays, it is starting to make a comeback, albeit slowly and more education is still necessary. Science has helped to rehabilitate lard in the United States, having shown that lard contains less saturated fat than butter, and thus, when used in […]

Food October 8, 2021 0

Ganbei! Baijiu Cocktails are Here

As I’ve said often, Baijiu, the famed Chinese spirit, is the Durian fruit of the spirits world — both having a reputation, primarily with non-Asians, of possessing a foul aroma and taste. However, both are misunderstood, and Baijiu itself comes in a variety of flavor profiles, including plenty which would appeal to almost any American consumer. It is the most popular spirit in the world, with the top five most valuable spirit brands in the world all being Baijiu distilleries. The sixth spot […]

Food September 17, 2021 0

Balut brings business to Cavendish Game Birds

On a recent journey to southern Vermont, I visited Cavendish Game Birds to tour the facility and learn more about their captivating success story during this pandemic. Cavendish was established in 1988 by Bill Thompson, a chef who initially started raising pheasants, selling them to local restaurants. His brother, Rick, was convinced to join his brother’s endeavor, and in 1998, they purchased a 75-acre farm in Springfield, Vermont. They started selling other game birds as well, from quail to ducks. Over the […]

Food September 3, 2021 0

The first Chinese restaurants in Cambridge

The first Chinese restaurants in Boston’s Chinatown appeared during the 1880s, but when did the first Chinese restaurant appear across the river, in Cambridge? It appears their first Chinese restaurant was not established until June 1902, with the opening of the Harvard Chinese Restaurant. It was located at 527 Massachusetts Avenue, on the second floor of the building, and employed only three people: a Chinese cook and two Chinese waiters. The Cambridge Chronicle, June 28, 1902, noted that it possessed two dining […]

Front Page August 20, 2021 0

The first August Moon Festival in Chinatown

In 1885, Boston’s Chinatown celebrated their first public celebration of Chinese New Year, their most important holiday. Curiously though, their second most important holiday, the August Moon Festival, wasn’t celebrated publicly in Chinatown until 1970. It is unclear why it took so long for this festival to be celebrated, but it would continue to be celebrated nearly every year afterwards. The history of the August Moon Festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Moon Festival, and the Mooncake Festival, […]

History August 6, 2021 1

The origins of American chop suey

For those growing up in New England, especially during the 1960s-1980s, American chop suey was ubiquitous, at restaurants, functions, school cafeterias, and at home. The basics of this casserole dish included ground beef, macaroni and tomato sauce, with some variation of other ingredients, such as the addition of onions, peppers, or even Worcestershire sauce. I ate and enjoyed plenty of this hearty dish, which was considered inexpensive and easy to prepare. Many people believe that it is primarily a New England dish, largely […]

Health July 23, 2021 0

An Early History of Chinese Herbalists in Boston

Within two years of the establishment of Boston’s Chinatown, there was a Chinese herbal doctor in the community. In the early newspapers, the importance of such herbalists was very evident, and they’re still vital in Chinatown today. One of the first detailed references to a Chinese herbalist, who wasn’t named, was in the Boston Post, April 26, 1896. The writer sought treatment for a severe cold in his chest and the herbalist felt his pulse. He then wrote a prescription which […]

History June 25, 2021 0

Dr. Ensang Cheng: Boston’s first Chinese licensed physician

The first Chinese doctors in the U.S. were herbalists, following an ancient tradition, and there are still Chinese herbalists today, including in Boston’s Chinatown. In the late 19th century, a handful of Chinese residents chose to attend American medical schools to receive a degree as a Medical Doctor, or M.D. In New England, Ensang Waniella Cheng became the first male Chinese student to graduate from Harvard Medical school, and was the only licensed Chinese doctor in New England for nearly […]

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