The Old Oregon Smoke House in Rockaway Beach is exactly that kind of culinary secret—the type of unassuming coastal shack that makes you question whether you should even be writing about it at all.

I recently left a members-only business network group to which I belonged for half of my professional life. I was always a very active member of the group.

Rick Stein's poached pear recipe is easy to follow, the finished dessert is tasty and colourful - and light enough to enjoy ...