As I reflect on my youth, I never realized how food played such an important role in my family's livelihood. A diner, restaurant, ice cream parlor and a couple of grocery stores were all owned and operated by family members. It's no wonder I decided to start blogging about something very near and dear to my heart (and stomach for that matter), food!

My Mom's Dad was proud owner of Ed's Highway Diner - a place where silver dollar flapjacks were served hot off the griddle - all you can eat for just thirty-five cents! My Mom, in partnership with her older brother and sister, helped manage the Kimberly Inn Restaurant. This Trumbull, Connecticut landmark was know for it's fine continental cuisine. I can still taste the rich sherry scented lobster bisque and the creamy cinnamon dusted rice pudding. In the next town over, my father was the sole proprietor of "The Sugar Cone", an old fashion style ice cream parlor. If you want to be popular with your elementary classmates have your Dad open an ice cream joint. Finally, let's not forget "Grandpa Nick" who owned the Crown Budget Market. I can still see him standing behind the meat counter in his white apron and hat as he sliced cold cuts.

I earned my "foodie" status very innocently as I was surrounded by culinary entrepreneurs all through my childhood. To this day I continue to encircle myself with those who have a love for those things delicious. It is with great pleasure I will be sharing heartwarming life stories and precious memories all centred around food as it relates to family and friends. Sandwiched between these weekly entries will be restaurant reviews, culinary quotes, favorite foodie web-sites, and various special recipes used by those dear to heart. So pull up a chair, grab your fork and knife and dig in!! I hope you enjoy your "Thyme with Nick"!