The complimentary bread is arguably the most important component of a dining-out experience. It’s the part of the meal that sets the tone for the rest. But what makes the perfect piece of bread? To me...

“Hot plate!” someone screams, flawlessly maneuvering past me in a choking cloud of smoke. I wipe a trickle of sweat from the back of my neck and instantly regret having worn a wool turtleneck on this...