Kitchen Witch | Thursday, January 27,2005

Persian diversion offers healthy fare

When Habib Hosseinali moved to the United States from his native Iran a year ago, he gained weight and quickly tired of the culprit — fast food. He was surprised at the abundance of fried food a

Kitchen Witch | Thursday, January 20,2005

Springfield favorites for soup and chili

By Penny Zimmerman-Wills

Nothing warms the soul -- and stomach -- like a hot bowl of soup on a cold winter day. Many local restaurants serve at least one kind of soup, in addition to chili, year-round. Here are a few

Kitchen Witch | Thursday, January 13,2005

The sporting life

By Penny Zimmerman-Wills

I must admit, when Tom Kelty Jr., owner of Sammy's Sports Bar and Grill, told me last summer that he was planning to serve food at his downtown bar, I didn't have high expectations. He describe

Kitchen Witch | Thursday, December 30,2004

A year in (food) review

By Penny Zimmerman-Wills

At the health club recently, I heard a woman complaining about the lack of good restaurants and chefs in Springfield. But as we talked, I started suggesting some of my favorites and some of the

Kitchen Witch | Thursday, December 16,2004

Giving the gift of food

By Penny Zimmerman-Wills

Celebrating the holiday season means twinkling lights and fresh evergreens, parties, and spending time with family and friends. It also usually means presents. This year, why not give the gift

Kitchen Witch | Thursday, December 9,2004

Like it hot or not, Cook’s is the place

By Penny Zimmerman-Wills

The folks at Cook's Spice Rack & Chili believe in adding spice to your life. Not only does this small eatery offer some of the hottest chili in town, it also sells 99 varieties of hot sauce

Kitchen Witch | Thursday, December 2,2004

Get fired up about food

By Penny Zimmerman-Wills

Food just tastes better when it's eaten outside in the fresh air and warm sunshine. Even a lackluster lunch is enhanced by al fresco dining. But what to do during the dreary winter months? Try

Kitchen Witch | Wednesday, November 24,2004

The day after

By Penny Zimmerman-Wills

Travis Schutte and Dave Linn, co-owners of Secret Recipes Inc. of Chatham, were up to their elbows in turkeys in the days leading up to Thanksgiving. They prepared more than 85 complete turkey

Kitchen Witch | Thursday, November 18,2004

Red or white with the holiday bird?

By Penny Zimmerman-Wills

Thanksgiving dinner wouldn't be complete without turkey, yams, and cranberry relish. But in addition to the standard holiday fare, how about a bottle of red or white? People are more likely t

Kitchen Witch | Wednesday, November 10,2004

Turning over a new leaf

By Penny Zimmerman-Wills

It's not every day that a new ethnic restaurant covers as much ground as Banana Leaf Asian Cuisine and Noodles does. The eatery, which opened in the Town and Country Shopping Center in early Oc