It’s a little gem of a museum, one worth visiting even if it weren’t just a short drive away. And it’s currently featuring an exhibit that explores the evolution of foods, cooking me]]> It was our dining Bible when my husband was in dental school in Chicago: The Good But Cheap Chicago Restaurant Guide. Because of TGBCCRG, we ate out frequently, even with little money and a baby-then-]]> It’s almost impossible to comprehend the devastation in Haiti after the Jan. 12 earthquake. But then, unless you’ve been there, it’s almost impossible to conceive conditions in Haiti]]> Is drinking soda a sin? More to the point: Is soda a sin in the same league as tobacco and alcohol, two things that are highly taxed specifically because they’re deemed sinful? In light of curre]]> Scenario No. 1: It’s 4 p.m. on Saturday. You’re standing in an incredibly long checkout line with your Secret Santa gift for the exchange at tonight’s Christmas party, and you’]]> Recipes that call for lots of garlic are always best when they’re made with new crop garlic, which is making its first appearance at farm stands and local farmers markets. New crop garlic’]]> “Mrs. Obama … do you realize that when your husband becomes the next president of the United States, it will be historical?” “Why yes, I understand that. What does that mean t]]> “As American as apple pie.” How often is that saying heard? The problem is, apple pie isn’t really all that American — or at least not exclusively American. Apple pi]]> Mention starch in Italian food, and most people’s thoughts will turn towards pizza, and pasta. But in northern Italy, rice is as much a staple as pasta; pizza’s an import. ]]> True, the name is a little off-putting. And their exterior, mottled with vermilion and/or brownish purple, sometimes looks more like a nasty bruise rather than something good to eat. But the first sig]]> Eating home-cooked, healthy meals that require minimal preparation and cleanup during the week doesn’t have to be difficult, but it does take some planning and advance preparation. Slow cookers ]]> Untitled Document I was dubious when my husband, Peter, brought it up last spring: "We should enter the Blackpot cook-off!" he said. I'd been lookingforward to Blackpot for a year &md]]> Tita’s blood [which got into the sauce when she pricked herself on the roses] and Pedro’s roses proved quite an explosive combination. …when Pedro tasted his first mouth]]> In the world of restaurant ratings, Michelin guides have long been at the top. Partially that’s because they’re the oldest. Begun in France in 1900, the first red Michelin Restaurant bookl]]> Untitled Document At last week’s Old Capitol Farmers’ Market, one question was on everyone’s lips: “Isn’t this weather great?” Everyone w]]> Untitled Document I have to admit, I was nervous. For me, having a private interview with Anthony Bourdain was the equivalent of a diehard Republican’s going quai]]> It's time we had a little talk. Warning: It's about something that has negative connotations and that some folks think is disgusting, but we're all adults here, right? We need ]]> Untitled Document Do you have any suggestions for making barbecued ribs? Every time I’ve tried, they end up tough, dry, or both. — Ted It’s all t]]> Whether it’s spring when they’re carpeted with wildflowers, the fall when maples form a golden canopy overhead, or winter when snow blankets the ground and frosts the trees; whenever I tak]]>