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Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, May 25, 2005 Rib-stickers, Tara Duggan Fire up the grill – from Korean short ribs to Southern favorites, it’s time for barbecue Recipes: Mattie Bivens Dennis’ Hattiesburg Mississippi Ribs Savory Grilled Country-Style Pork Ribs Kalbi Kui (Grilled Korean Shortribs) Cook’s Books, Karola Saekel “Vegetarian Suppers” by Deborah Madison Recipe: Onion Frittata Glazed with Sherry Vinegar “New Glorious American Food” by Christopher Idone Recipe: Double-Dusted Fried Chicken “La Cocina de Mama” by Penelope Casas Recipe: Pork in Almond Sauce (Carne en Salsa Meson Poqueira) “Molto Italiano” by Mario Batali Recipe: Bread Dumpling Soup (Zuppa di Polpettine di Pane) Seasonal Cook, Karola Saekel Fresh garbanzo beans Recipes: Fresh Chickpea Hummus Late Spring Vegetable Ragout with Fresh Garbanzos What’s New: Marinated mussels Grill gadgets, a better skewer New restaurants: Olivia in Berkeley, Bungalow 44 in Mill Valley, Impala in SF Taster’s Choice, Carol Ness Mole paste in a jar: Rogelio Bueno is the winner. The Baker, Flo Braker Recipe: Biscuits with a Twist The Chronicle Cooking School, Thy Tran Slow and low is the way to go for grilling large cuts of meat. East to West, Linda Furiya Recipe: Lion Cub’s Head Meatballs with Vegetable & Pasta “Mane” Capsule Restaurant Reviews Banyan Garden in Union City Taste of the Himalayas in Berkeley Cinecitta in San Rafael Nino’s in San Carlos New Kapadokia in Redwood City Sweet Sisters in Pleasant Hill Letters to Food

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Section for Thursday, May 19, 2005 Back to the Roots, Burke Owens A quest for exotic wines from ancient regions Welcome the best of the wines from back East, W. Blake Gray The Cocktailian, Gary Regan Featured cocktail: Debonnaire and the Debutante using Dubonnet and Germain-Robin Fine Alambic Brandy Wine Business Insider, Cyril Penn High-end buyers like their wines “bold and ultraripe” . . . new ways to prevent cork taint . . . new tasting room for San Luis Obispo area wineries . . . and more. Pairings, Lynne Char Bennett Zinfandel and Santa Maria-style barbecue Recipe: Santa Maria-Style Tri Tip The Chronicle’s Wine Selections: South Central Coast Zinfandel, price from $10 to $44. The Cheese Course, Janet Fletcher Petit Agour is a Basque sheep’s milk cheese. It pairs well with amontillado or oloroso sherry. Bargain Wines, W. Blake Gray Sauvignon Blanc from around the world. 10 selections all $10 or less.

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, May 18, 2005 The Chill Factor, Beth Budra The guide to what freezes, what doesn’t and why Recipes: Cauliflower Gratin with Mornay Sauce Basic Freezer Sauce with Mochiko Fruit Crisp Crisp Topping Freezing Helps Some Wines, Hurts Others, W. Blake Gray Dining Survey Taps Likes, Dislikes, Carol Ness The Roving Feast, Marlena Spieler Marlena’s love for beets started in France. Recipes: Roasted Beets Goat Cheese Crostini with Beet “Caviar” What’s New: New Thai restaurants, Citizen Thai and the Monkey Noodle Bar, in SF Blupointe Raw Bar Bistro opens in SF New Boudin Bistro at the Whart Monte Cristo Café opens in Embarcadero Center The Working Cook, Tara Duggan Recipes: Beef Stroganoff Turkey Sausage Red Beans & Rice Cook’s Books, Carol Ness “Pie Pie Pie: Easy Homemade Favorites” by John Phillip Carroll Recipes: Butter Brickle Banana Cream Pie Shaker Lemon Pie The Inside Scoop, GraceAnn Walden Restaurant changes in Sonoma . . . Fior d’Italia has a new location . . . report on Carmel restaurants . . . and more. Dining Out, Amanda Berne Country Station Sushi, quirky spot in the Mission

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Section for Thursday, May 12, 2005 The fog chasers, Stephen Yafa Sonoma County’s Green Valley AVA has a micro-climate defined by fog. World View, Jancis Robinson Pinot Noir from New Zealand’s Central Otago region. Pairings, Lynne Char Bennett Pairings for Chianti Classico Recipe: Rigatoni with Cinnamon-Scented Meat Sauce The Chronicle’s Wine Selections: Chianti Classico The Cheese Course, Janet Fletcher Lincolnshire Poacher, a cheddar-like artisan cheese, pairs with Madeira. Bargain Wines, Leslie Sbrocco Wines for dining outdoors, $10 and under. Wine Business Insider, Cyril Penn Wines sales are up in the US . . . Texas opens to direct shipping . . . and more. Spirits, A. E. Ball Flavored Vodka Recipes: Cortez Cucumber Vodka Cortez Cucumber Gimlet Chez Spencer Blood Orange Lillet Letters to Wine

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, May 11, 2005 Against the Grain, Carol Ness Achieving a gluten-free diet can be very difficult. Recipes: Flax Bread Teff Gingerbread with Dates Almond & Lemon Cake (Torta di Noce) The Inside Scoop, GraceAnn Walden New BBQ in the East Bay . . . Rue Saint Jacques . . . Marvin’s Gardens in Larkspur . . . SPCA benefit . . . and more. Seasonal Cook, Tara Duggan Baby artichokes Recipes: Grilled Baby Artichoke Skewers Carciofi alla Romana (Artichokes with Garlic & Mint) What’s New: Charles Chocolates All Star Tamales, available at Bay Area farmers’ markets A trend for Peruvian restaurants Taster’s Choice, Carol Ness Gluten-free pasta: Tinkyada Pasta Joy, made from rice, scores an 83 and enters the Hall of Fame. The Chronicle Cooking School, Thy Tran A Cooking Basic: Cutting Onions Cook’s Books, Karola Saekel “John Ash Cooking One on One”, by John Ash Recipe: Grilled Thin Pork Chops with Xnipec & Avocado Sauce Listing of farmers’ markets for San Mateo and Santa Clara counties Letters to Food

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Section for Thursday, May 5, 2005 A Hand in Time, Angela Frucci Campania is southern Italy balances ancient grapes with modern techniques Some California wines cost less back East , W. Blake Gray Pennsylvania official uses buying power for discounts Pairings, Lynne Char Bennett Chicken salad pairs with Pinot Grigio Recipe: Chicken Salad with Avocado & Green Olives The Chronicle’s Wine Selections: Eleven Italian Pinot Grigios, priced from $7 to $20. The Cheese Course, Janet Fletcher Queso de la Serena is a sheep’s milk cheese from Spain pairs with Tempranillo. Wine Business Insider, Cyril Penn Direct shipping legislation in Texas . . . La Famiglia brand purchased . . . and more. The Cocktailian, Gary Regan Featured cocktail: Margarita Jelly Shot Bargain Wines, W. Blake Gray Two Viognier and a range of Syrah all priced $12 or less. Letters to Wine

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, May 4, 2005 Laughing with Lola, Olivia Wu Another “Rent-a-Grandma” feature. This article profiles Benita Advincula who mentors Terri Goehner on traditional Filipino dishes. Recipes: Beef Machado Chicken & Pork Adobo Pinakbet Banana-Mango Spring Roll Fish & Shrimp Sinigang French cheeses fall victim to import rules, Janet Fletcher Seafood of the Season, Olivia Wu Local salmon may be scarce this season. Recipes: Monger Hot-Smoked Salmon Saigon Salmon Sandwich Salmon & Cucumber Spread Deviled Smoked Salmon From South to North, Jacqueline Higuera McMahan Celebrating Cinco de Mayo. Recipes: Meyer Lemon Guacamole Turkey Chipotle Fajitas Grilled Peppers with Balsamic Dressing Study touts power of plant-based diet, Tara Duggan Listing of East Bay and Contra Costa framers’ markets Dining Out, Amanda Berne The Sea Breeze Café in the outer Sunset is a friendly neighborhood place that is great for brunch. Northern Californians win Beard awards Special from the Chronicle’s Datebook section: Recipe for Scandal. First article in a 3-part series on the financial investigation of the James Beard Foundation in New York City.

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Section for Thursday, April 28, 2005 Take my wine . . . S’il vous plait, W. Blake Gray Can France continue to rely on its past glory to sell wine? Pairings, Lynne Char Bennett Asparagus and Sauvignon Blanc Recipe: Asparagus Soup with Garlic-Parmesan Crostini The Chronicle’s Wine Selections: Eleven New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs from outside of the Marlborough region, priced from $24 to $14. The Cheese Course, Janet Fletcher Pecorino Pepato, a bold cheese with black peppercorns can make spaghetti cacao e pepe and pairs well with dry white wines like Frascati. Spirits, Amanda Gold A review of “Mambo Mixers” by Arlen Gargagliano, a book on Latin cocktails. Recipes: Chilean Strawberry Pisco Punch Pineapple Caipirinha Wine Business Insider, Cyril Penn Allied Domecq is a takeover candidate . . . TTB fees opposed . . . Robert Mondavi awarded honor by France . . . and more. As others master Pinot Noir, Burgundy’s mystique evaporates, W. Blake Gray Bargain Wines, Leslie Sbrocco 10 wines to drink right now, $10 or less. Letters to Wine

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, April 27, 2005 Secret Ingredient, Janet Fletcher Fish sauce adds distinction to cuisines far beyond Southeast Asia Recipes: Mahi Mahi Ceviche with Coconut Milk Gary Danko’s Seafood Salad Mustard Greens with Garlic & Fish Sauce Terra’s Grilled Hanger Steak ‘Tagliata’ Vietnamese-Style Five-Spice Chicken Shortcut Ceasar Salad The Inside Scoop, GraceAnn Walden Lots of new restaurant openings. Seasonal Cook, Jeremy Adelson Farmers’ markets back in force. Includes a listing of markets in San Francisco and the north bay. Best cup of chai this side of Bombay, Tara Duggan Recipes: Raman Bechar’s Chai Chai Masala What’s New: Ramps (wild leeks) are in season San Francisco company Divinely D’lish makes wheat free granola Where to get great hot dogs around the Bay Area Taster’s Choice, Carol Ness Chai tea bags were tasted the winners were Good Earth and Zhena’s Gypsy Tea The Working Cook, Tara Duggan Shortcut dinner using rotisserie chicken Recipes: Unagi with Sauteed Kale & Seaweed Mediterranean Chicken Salad Sandwiches The Chronicle Cooking School, Thy Tran Shells, bones heads constitute a fine kettle of fish stock. The Exchange, Karola Saekel A request is filled for an old restaurant favorite. New requests are for English toffee pudding, Peking spareribs, carrot bread, and ginger-orange-pumpkin cheesecake. Recipe: Pam Pam East Steak Soup Cook’s Books, Raina Fletcher “Not Your Mother’s Slow Cooker Cookbook”, Beth Hensperger and Julie Kaufmann Recipe: Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake with Walnuts

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Section for Thursday, April 21, 2005 Happily above par, Linda Murphy Profile of Arnold Palmer who has recently released wines with his own label, made at Luna Vineyards in Napa. Sidebar: Athletes and wine Wine Business Insider, Cyril Penn Wine sales and prices are increasing . . . Symington declares 2003 vintage port . . . and more. Bargain Wines, W. Blake Gray A few Pinot Noirs, Reisling, Rioja and "Jest Pink", all $10 or less. Pairings, Lynne Char Bennett Italian sausage and peppers are a good match for simple blended reds. Recipe: Sausage Sandwich The Chronicle’s Wine Selections: Miscellaneous California red blends, tasting notes on 15 wines priced from $9 to $43. The Cocktailian, Gary Regan Featured cocktail: The Rembrandt using genever gin and Drambuie. The Cheese Course, Janet Fletcher Spanish Murcia cheese pairs well with Amontillado sherry. Letters to Wine

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, April 20, 2005 A Taste of Spring, Amanda Berne Second installment of the Sunday Dinner series: a meal inspired by a trip to the farmers' market. Recipes: Braised Artichokes Cumin Carrot Soup with Cilantro Cream Chickpea & Dill Sauce Harissa-Marinated Lamb Kebobs Spring Salad with Roasted Asparagus Tarragon-Macerated Strawberries with Vanilla Ice Cream The Roving Feast, Marlena Spieler Specialities for Passover. Recipe: Exotic Fruit & Spice Charoset Cook’s Books, Karola Saekel "Jewish Food: The World at Table", by Matthew Goodman Recipe: Pan di Spagna (Sponge Cake) Finding Marcona Almonds, Janet Fletcher Recipe: Slow-Roasted Almonds What’s New: New restaurant Zare in Napa New restaurant Boca in Novato Fresh Fava beans are in the market Taster’s Choice, Carol Ness Sour cream: Horizon Organic and Berkeley Farms are winners. The Inside Scoop, GraceAnn Walden Fior d'Italia to get new location . . . new retaurant Olivia to open in Berkeley . . . be careful when shopping for kosher foods, not all stores label items correctly . . . and more. Dining Out, Amanda Berne Maroc restaurant on Haight Street. Special from the Chronicle's front page: New food pyramid difficult to digest Abstract update requires Web access for personal plan, Carol Ness

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Section for Thursday, April 14, 2005 Kosher Keepers, W. Blake Gray Wines for Passover. Bargain Wines, Leslie Sbrocco California bargains, $10 or less. Wine Business Insider, Cyril Penn California Agricultural Statistics Service on varietal trends . . . grape prices . . . and more. Spirits, Sonia Fuentes St. George Spirits, a distillery with tasting room in Alameda that creates eau-de-vie, grappa and flavored vodka. Pairings, Lynne Char Bennett Recipe: Roasted Halibut with Warm Citrus Herb Vinaigrette & Roasted Mixed Vegetables The Chronicle’s Wine Selections: Kosher wines, tasting notes on 23 wines, priced from $8 to $45. The Cheese Course, Janet Fletcher Marin French Cheese Co. wins a gold at the World Cheese Awards for Brie. Beer of the Month, Linda Murphy German dunkelweizen Letters to Wine

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, April 13, 2005 Sizing Up Shrimp, Olivia Wu Part of the Seasonal Seafood series: Shrimp is America’s favorite seafood, but at what cost to the environment? Recipes: Bay Shrimp Salad with Tarragon Dressing Steamed Spot Prawns with Ginger & Scallions Fritto Misto Spot prawns are heads above the rest in shrimp tasting, Olivia Wu Dairy guideline draws dissent, Carol Ness Seasonal Cook, Karola Saekel Rhubarb shows off its savory side. Recipes: Duck Breasts with Lentil Ragout, Glazed Turnips, Watercress & Rhubarb Salad Orange Bay Salt What’s New: Bay Area shops offering Passover items Homebaked Pizza, offers specialty take-and-bake pies in Burlingame ”Mini-Mart a la Carte”, by Christopher Rouser and Victoria Taig Parfaits are trendy on Bay Area menus Taster’s Choice, Carol Ness Frozen raw shrimp, Andronico’s is a clear winner. The Inside Scoop, GraceAnn Walden Nominees for this year’s James Beard awards . . . changes in the Marin restaurant scene . . . Café Marimba has closed . . . and more. The Working Cook, Tara Duggan Recipes: Roasted Halibut & Asparagus with Melted Leeks Spicy Curry Fried Rice with Shrimp Letters to Food Readers’ feedback on favorite pizza places.

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Section for Thursday, April 7, 2005 Lovable Rogue, Thom Elkjer Profile of Carl Doumani, a Napa Valley fixture for 35 years. The Cocktailian, Gary Regan Featured cocktail: Summertime Cocktail using blackberry liqueur Wine Business Insider, Cyril Penn Napa Valley Grapegrowers released recommended grape pricing for 2005 . . . and more. Pairings, Lynne Char Bennett German food pairs with German Riesling Recipe: Rhineland-Style Sauerbraten The Chronicle’s Wine Selections: 2003 German Riesling: Spatlese, Auslese & Beerenauslese Tasting notes on 36 wines priced from $13 to $75. The Cheese Course, Janet Fletcher Harley Farms Monet, fresh goat cheese from Pescadero pairs well with Sauvignon Blanc. Bargain Wines, W. Blake Gray A mix of varietals, all $10 or less. Letters to Wine

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, April 6, 2005 Pizza Wars, Amanda Berne Amanda takes New York author Ed Levine on a Bay Area pizza marathon to prove once and for all that there is good pizza to be had in California. The Roving Feast, Marlena Spieler Marlena shares memories of a trip to Cyprus and recipes for meze. Recipes: Cypriot Village Salad Cypriot Lemon-Coriander Olives Bulgur Pilaf with Orzo & Toasted Hazelnuts The Inside Scoop, GraceAnn Walden Tartine to open another location in the Mission . . . San Mateo Kingfish to open another location near SBC Park . . . Changes in Mill Valley . . . and more. What’s New: Canteen restaurant in the Commodore Hotel now open Marin French Cheese Co. wins at the World Cheese Awards Café del Soul does smoothies in Mill Valley New labeling law for fresh seafood goes into effect this week, Carol Ness Taster’s Choice, Carol Ness Unmarinated artichoke hearts, the winner with only 65 points is Whole Foods 365. The Baker, Flo Braker Recipe: Lemon Custard Tart The Chronicle Cooking School, Thy Tran Simple tricks for making light and luscious biscuits

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Section for Thursday, March 31, 2005 Alsatian Sensation, Steve Pitcher Pairings, Lynne Char Bennett Recipes: Grapefruit & Jicama Salad Candied Pecans The Chronicle’s Wine Selections: 2003 German Riesling: Trocken, Halbtrocken & Kabinett priced from $13 - $28. The Cheese Course, Janet Fletcher Harvest Moon washed rind cheese from Colorado pairs well with high-acid Alsatian wines. Bargain Wines, Leslie Sbrocco Wine documentary that excited France is out of balance 'Mondovino' plays on anti-globalization fears, W. Blake Gray Letters to Wine

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, March 30, 2005 Dim Sum Dynasty, Carol Ness A profile of the Chan family who have been running Yank Sing restaurant since 1958. Recipes: Mandarin Dumplings with Chives Snow Pea Shoot Dumplings Dumpling Skins Seasonal Cook, Tara Duggan Parsley is more than just a garnish. Recipes: Burmese-Style Parsley Salad Parsley Ravioli Fried Parsley The Roving Feast, Marlena Spieler Marlena shares some favorite Russian snacks. Recipes: Beet & Potato Salad with Pickle & Dill Buckwheat Groats with Mushrooms & Onions Pickled Mushrooms What’s New: New Chocolate Factory mural on 12th Street Sweet Adeline Bakeshop opens in Berkeley Dreyer’s has Girl Scout Cookie ice cream flavors New restaurant Winterland opens on Sutter. Taster’s Choice, Carol Ness Dark Amber maple Syrup, the winner is Trader Joe’s. The Working Cook, Tara Duggan Recipes: Chicken Breast with Braised Endive and Potatoes Pasta Salad with Tuna, Chickpeas & Lemon-Mint Dressing Cook’s Books, Beth Budra “Get Saucy”, by Grace Parisi Recipe: Sweet Chile-Garlic Stir-Fry Sauce Dining Around the Bay Area: Capsule reviews CreoLa, New Orleans style bistro in San Carlos Hamilton Café in Novato Tacubaya, taqueria in Berkeley Letters to Food Beard Foundation names S.F. sommelier to board Correction to last week’s recipe for Sour Cream Waffles

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Section for Thursday, March 24, 2005 Here, kitty kitty, Linda Murphy A discussion of the terms used to describe the aromas in wine. Pairings, Lynne Char Bennett Anchovies add a deep “umami” flavor to dishes, this pairs well with a Sauvignon Blanc. Recipe: Kale & Lentils The Chronicle’s Wine Selections: Sauvignon Blanc (2003 & 2004) from Marlborough, New Zealand, priced from $10 - $23. The Cheese Course, Janet Fletcher Tomme de Savoie pairs well with light wines like Riesling or Beaujolais. Bargain Wines, Leslie Sbrocco Lots of choices from California and Australia, priced $6 - $10. The Cocktailian, Gary Regan Featured cocktail: Romanza using Campari with grapefruit and orange flavors.

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, March 23, 2005 Sweet Sensations, Olivia Wu Fresh desserts for Spring Recipes: Chocolate Fruit Cups with Chocolate Mousse Coconut Cake with Pineapple Bavarian Filling Lemon Meringues with Balsamic Strawberries Bread Pudding with Creamy Topping Chocolate Tiramisu Strawberry Almond Shortcake Easter eggs of a different flavor, Renate Valencia Recipes: Tea Eggs Spicy Pineapple Eggs Onion-Skin Eggs (Huevos Haminados) The Inside Scoop, GraceAnn Walden Long empty restaurant spaces are being revived . . . and more. What’s New: Maldon sea salt from England Crepe & Brioche, French bakery, opens in North Beach Halibut is in season Seasonal Bistro, ready to cook meals Taster’s Choice, Carol Ness Frozen blueberry waffles are tasted, Van’s Organic and Ralph’s are the leaders. From South to North, Jacqueline Higuera McMahan Recipe: Enchiladas Suizas / Enchiladas Verdes Cook’s Books, Karola Saekel “A Swedish Kitchen, Recipes and Reminiscences”, by Judith Pierce Rosenberg Recipe: Sour Cream Waffles

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Section for Thursday, March 17, 2005 Paradise by Design, Lynne Char Bennett Profile of restaurateur Pat Kuleto’s Kuleto Estate Family Vineyards and the winery’s executive chef Janelle Weaver. Kuleto makes wines to fit the foods he likes, by Linda Murphy Bargain Wines, Leslie Sbrocco Unusual varietals that go well with food, all $10 or less. Wine Business Insider, Cyril Penn Wine & Spirits magazine list the most popular restaurant wine brands . . . and more. Pairings, Lynne Char Bennett Beef marinated in coffee and red wine pairs with Cabernet Sauvignon. Recipe: Kuleto Rib-Eye The Chronicle's Wine Selections: More Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon in the $30 - $50 price range. The Cheese Course, Janet Fletcher Bravo Farms in Visalia makes natural, raw-milk cheeses. Their Tulare Cannonball is an Edam-style cheese that pairs well with sherry and beer. Spirits, Traci Barr Tips for using ice properly with cocktails. Beer of the Month, Linda Murphy Smithwick's Irish Ale Letters to Wine

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, March 16, 2005 Butcher's best-kept secret, Tara Duggan The popularity of bistro style steaks, hanger, skirt and flank, have increased their prices. Flap steak is a lesser known, lower priced alternative. Recipes: Bavette Steak with Beurre Rouge & Roasted Potatoes Bi-Rite's Carne Asada Beef Stir-Fry with Seared Broccolo & Kumquats Seasonal Cook, Karola Saekel Delta asparagus Recipe: Asparagus Pudding Dining Out, Amanda Berne It's time to have a little chaat. Where to find the best Indian snacks What’s New: Americano restaurant opens on the Embarcadero Adagia restaurant opens in Berkeley Mad About Crackers from British Columbia Local asparagus and strawberries are in the market, so are mangoes from Mexico Taster’s Choice, Carol Ness S&W has the winning cooked black beans. The Inside Scoop, GraceAnn Walden Chef changes at Frisson . . Oakville Grocery will open a branch in the Cannery . . . and more. The Exhchange, Karola Saekel A request for coffee jell-o is filled. New requests for restaurant favorites: Tiki Bob's Pork Chow Mein, Tarte Tatin aux Tomates, Steak Soup from the Pam Pam East and good ginger ale. Recipe: Giggly-Boo or Coffee Jell-O Supremo The Baker, Flo Braker Recipe: ZCMI Chocolate Peppermint Brownies Letters to Food

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Section for Thursday, March 10, 2005 Philosopher / Winemaker Paul Draper runs Ridge Vineyards with a different, broader bottom line, W. Blake Gray The Cocktailian, Gary Regan Featured cocktail: Coco cocktail using Pisco brandy, chocolate liqueur and espresso Pairings, Lynne Char Bennett Unusual flavors to pair with Napa Valley Cabernet. Recipe: Red Wine Vinegar & Dr. Pepper Marinade for Meat The Chronicle’s Wine Selections: Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon in the $30 - $50 range. The Cheese Course, Janet Fletcher Ardrahan is a washed rind cheese from Ireland pairs with Irish Stout or amber ale. Bargain Wines, Leslie Sbrocco This week's selections are from Argentina, Australia and California. All $10 or less. Letters to Wine

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, March 9, 2005 Going Blog Wild, Amanda Berne A profile of bay area food bloggers, including eGullet's own Pim. Recipes: Crispy Rice Cakes with Prawn & Peanut Dip (Chez Pim) OTT (Over The Top) Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies (Cooking with Amy) Ghormeh Sabzi (Persian Green Herb Stew) (Gastronomie) Young Parisian puts her heart into a cordon-blog, Eric Wahlgren Voted Best Overall Food Blog in the 2004 Food Blog Awards The Roving Feast, Marlena Spieler Marlena cooks for a housewarming party! Recipes: Queso Fresco with Chpotle Romesco Tiny Oven-Roasted Potatoes with Black Olive Aioli The Inside Scoop, GraceAnn Walden Sellers Market will open in the Financial District for sandwiches and other lunch items, they will use only locally produced ingredients . . . Breads of India expanding to Oakland . . . Sol Food, new Puerto Rican restaurant in San Rafael . . . Cory Lee is the new chef de cuisine at the French Laundry. The FL and Per Se in New York have their own video conferencing system so that chef Keller can stay on top of what's happening in both kitchens . . . and more. What's New: Besos Foods delivers fresh, ready to cook meal kits in San Francisco Champange and caviar at new restaurant Cyrus in Healdsburg Local strawberries are now available in the produce markets Sahale Snacks offers new flavors (like balsamic or harissa) for trail mix Taster's Choice, Carol Ness Brownie Bites, Whole Foods wins, Albertsons Homestyle and Sugar Bowl Bakery also get good scores, Hostess is in last place. The Chronicle Cooking School, Thy Tran How to make great stock from scratch. Cook's Books, Traci Barr "Spices of Life", by Nina Simonds Recipe: Moroccan Spiced Lamb Stew

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Food Section for Wednesday, March 2, 2005 Puddings of perfection, Amanda Berne and Tara Duggan Another article in the "Cooking in Common" series explores how rice pudding is adapted around the world. Recipes: Carnaroli Rice Pudding with Wine-Poached Raisins Scandinavian Almond Rice Pudding with Cherries Black Rice Porridge in Flower Water with Coconut Cream Kheer Seasonal Cook, Janet Fletcher Frisee and other members of the chicory family make substantial winter salads. Recipes: Eccolo's Frisee & Radicchio Salad with parmesan Frisee & Spinach Salad with Avocado, Fennel & Beets Grilled Frisee & Endive Salad with Bacon & Poached Eggs The Inside Scoop, GraceAnn Walden New owner for the Red Hen in Napa . . . expansion plans for the Carneros Inn . . . YaYa will reopen in a new location . . . and more. What's New: Heavy rains are delaying the arrival of spring produce in the markets Info on the new U.S. food pyramid Food to go from the Slanted Door New single cup coffee makers Taster's Choice, Carol Ness Couscous is tested and Casbah Whole Wheat brand is the winner. Cook's Books, Carol Ness "Wolfgang Puck Makes It Easy", by Wolfgang Puck Recipes: Roasted Garlic and Wild Mushroom Pizza Roasted Garlic Cloves Letters to Food Readers opinions on the new U.S. dietary guidelines.

Digest: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Section for Thursday, February 24, 2005 Knocked Sideways, W. Blake Gray Pinot Noir gets its close-up, W. Blake Gray The author’s own top ten list of California Merlot Wine Business Insider, Cyril Penn The courts are deciding what “Napa” means . . . new wine magazine “Saveur’s Wine Country” launches this summer . . . and more. Pairings, Lynne Char Bennett A robust pork dish, with olive and caper flavors, pairs with rich and intense Napa Valley Merlot. Recipe: Wine & Tomato-Braised Pork Loin The Chronicle’s Wine Selections: Napa Valley Merlot (2000, 2001, 2002) priced between $13 and $70. The Cheese Course, Janet Fletcher Mt. Tam triple cream cheese from local Cowgirl Creamery pairs well with sparkling wine. The Cocktailian, Gary Regan Featured cocktail: Aviation Cocktail using maraschino liqueur