Farm to Recipes

Julian Dubois

Columnist, 'On the Table'

Raised in New Orleans, Julian Dubois understands that a meal is more than sustenance; it's a performance. After training as a sommelier in France, he returned to the States and spent fifteen years as a celebrated restaurant critic for the 'Chronicle'. He now focuses exclusively on the home experience, guiding readers on how to create restaurant-quality ambiance and flavor. Julian's writing is aspirational yet achievable, covering everything from the architecture of a cheese board to the perfect wine pairing for a Tuesday night roast chicken.

Expertise

Wine and spirit pairingsRecipe developmentMenu planning and curationTablescaping and presentationClassic French and Creole cuisineHistory of cocktailsThe art of hospitality

Coverage Areas

On the Table
Sips & Spirits
Entertaining Guides

Latest Articles

Close-up of a perfectly grilled ribeye steak being tested for doneness with a meat thermometer in a warm kitchen setting.
On the Table

Mastering the Art of Cooking Steak

Despite advanced mathematical models studying heat transfer in meat, celebrity chef Bobby Flay still emphasizes using instinct and touch to gauge steak doneness, according to Aspen Times .

Jun 23, 2026 · 3 min read

A modern Mexican winery with vineyard rows at sunset, symbolizing the country's evolving wine industry and global appeal.
Sips & Spirits

Mexican wineries reimagine traditional blends, sparking global interest

At the Four Seasons Tamarindo, Coyul restaurant presents a tasting menu exclusively featuring Mexican wines, according to the Observer.

Jun 23, 2026 · 3 min read

A futuristic dinner party setting with glowing place settings and sophisticated guests, highlighting the 'Sensory Overload' theme.
On the Table

Top 5 Niche Dinner Party Themes & Hosting Tips for 2026

The 'Sensory Overload' dinner party theme, with its custom scent diffusers and haptic feedback placemats, surged by 300% in social media mentions during Q4 2025.

Jun 23, 2026 · 5 min read

International tourists enjoying a vibrant ranch vacation experience during the World Cup 2026, embracing rural charm and local culture.
On the Table

World Cup 2026: Ranch vacations an emerging tourist trend

During the recent World Cup in Argentina, 15% of international visitors bypassed city hotels entirely, instead booking stays at rural ranches.

Jun 20, 2026 · 3 min read

Golden-brown, crispy tuna patties freshly cooked in a skillet, showcasing their delicious texture and appetizing appeal.
On the Table

Crispy tuna patties: 15 minutes active cooking, easy recipe

Forget elaborate meal prep: a genuinely crispy, flavorful tuna patty dinner can be on your table in just 15 minutes of active cooking, according to Bon Appétit .

Jun 20, 2026 · 2 min read

A diverse group of friends enjoying a relaxed dinner party, sharing food and laughter, emphasizing authentic connection over curated aesthetics.
On the Table

The Resurgence of Dinner Parties: Why Americans Are Craving Real Connection

Forget the perfectly curated tablescapes: summer hosts are now actively encouraging guests to 'leave their mark' on the dinner table, a stark departure from the 'Instagram-ready' ideal.

Jun 19, 2026 · 4 min read

A gourmet hot dog creation with artisanal toppings, presented elegantly on a wooden board, with author Farideh Sadeghin in the background.
On the Table

Farideh Sadeghin Introduces Recipes in 'The Hot Dog Cookbook'

Farideh Sadeghin, the acclaimed author of 'The Hot Dog Cookbook' (2026 edition), introduces 50 distinct hot dog recipes, including inventive hot dog flautas.

Jun 19, 2026 · 3 min read

A modern dinner party where guests bring their own cool bags, reflecting new etiquette trends in social gatherings.
On the Table

Modern Dinner Party Etiquette for Unconventional Guests

Forget arriving fashionably late; modern dinner party etiquette now suggests guests bring their own cool bag with ice, rather than expecting fridge space.

Jun 17, 2026 · 2 min read

An opened bottle of red wine stored upright in a refrigerator, ready for future enjoyment after a party.
Sips & Spirits

Preserve leftover party wine with this simple storage tip

Millions of dollars worth of perfectly good wine are poured down drains annually after parties, a staggering waste a simple, often-overlooked kitchen appliance could prevent.

Jun 15, 2026 · 2 min read

A refreshing michelada cocktail made with fresh tomato juice, garnished with shrimp, pickles, jalapeños, and a lime wedge.
On the Table

How to Make a Fresh Tomato Michelada Recipe

Forget the standard Clamato: a truly exceptional michelada can be crafted in just 10 minutes, using fresh tomato juice and an array of surprising garnishes—from succulent shrimp to piquant pickles.

Jun 15, 2026 · 2 min read

A close-up of a beautifully presented craft cocktail at a Seattle bar, with a blurred background of elegant decor and soft lighting.
Sips & Spirits

Seattle's Best Bars: Craft Cocktails and Local Spirits Shine

Russell's, the 'under-the-radar' Stone Way bar, just landed on Esquire's prestigious list of best bars, according to The Seattle Times .

Jun 11, 2026 · 2 min read

A stylish new cocktail bar in Houston, featuring unique drinks and a sophisticated, house-party-like atmosphere.
Sips & Spirits

Houston's Expanding Cocktail Scene Unveils Exciting New Bar Openings

At Donna's, a new Houston bar, co-owner Jacki Schromm, a veteran of Anvil and Reserve 101, crafts unexpected drinks.

Jun 6, 2026 · 2 min read

A bustling restaurant interior filled with satisfied customers enjoying a meal, highlighting excellent service and a welcoming atmosphere.
Sips & Spirits

New Restaurant Owners: Prioritize Customer Retention

Wingstop's new Roanoke location captured nearly a quarter of a million dollars in its first two weeks, a stark illustration of rapid initial success in the restaurant industry, according to WSLS .

Jun 5, 2026 · 2 min read

A lively Philadelphia street at dusk, showcasing a variety of new restaurant storefronts and patrons, symbolizing the city's expanding and diverse dining scene.
On the Table

Philadelphia's Dining Scene Sees Surge of New Restaurants

James Beard finalist Jesse Ito has unveiled Dancerobot in Rittenhouse, a new Japanese restaurant promising comfort food with an inventive twist.

Jun 5, 2026 · 3 min read

Perfectly grilled zucchini slices with char marks, glistening with olive oil and herbs, ready to serve as a quick side dish.
Sips & Spirits

Quick Zucchini Recipes: Grill This Side Dish in 10 Minutes

In just 10 minutes, a grilled zucchini side dish can be ready, according to Loveandlemons .

Jun 5, 2026 · 2 min read

Aerial view of an on-site oyster farm at a luxury Hawaiian resort, showcasing fresh oysters in clear water with lush surroundings.
On the Table

Hawaii resort grows oysters on-site for fresh guest dining

Every week, the Four Seasons Hualalai resort harvests over 700 oysters from its on-site pond, offering guests a unique pond-to-table experience.

Jun 2, 2026 · 2 min read

A delicious bowl of creamy corn pasta, a quick and easy weeknight dinner option, ready in 30 minutes.
On the Table

Whip Up Easy Weeknight Dinners To Make Right Now

Forget the hour-long prep and endless dishes: a new recipe for Creamy Corn Pasta can grace your table in just 30 minutes, fundamentally reshaping how busy households approach dinner.

Jun 2, 2026 · 3 min read

A selection of high-quality, editor-recommended coffee mugs displayed on a wooden surface, with a steaming cup of coffee ready for a daily brew.
Sips & Spirits

Editor-Recommended Coffee Mugs for Your Daily Brew

Forget the generic ceramic cup: a new wave of editor-approved coffee mugs features hidden parabolic slopes for perfect latte art and designs so hefty they keep coffee warm for hours.

May 30, 2026 · 2 min read

A bottle of Aubert & Mathieu's Boogie Woogie blouge wine rests on a table in a sunlit vineyard, ready for a summer gathering.
Sips & Spirits

Blouge Summer Wine Crush Arrives

Aubert & Mathieu's blouge wine, Boogie Woogie, recorded a staggering 40% sales surge in 2023, selling 20,000 bottles, according to Bon Appétit .

May 28, 2026 · 3 min read

Elegant dining room at The Weston hotel featuring farm-fresh ingredients and a view of Vermont's countryside.
On the Table

Vermont Hotel Offers Farm to Table Dining Experience

Four hours north of Manhattan, The Weston hotel now harvests daily produce directly from its farm for its Left Bank restaurant, creating an unparalleled farm-to-table experience.

May 28, 2026 · 2 min read