Cooking with Nigella Lawson

Refusing to let herself be airbrushed into a waif for her newest culinary competition, ABC's "The Taste" with Anthony Bourdain, Ludo Lefebvre and Brian Malarkey, Nigella Lawson likes to show that she appreciates good food.

Taste of Belgium: Real old world crepes and waffles

Here in the exhibition kitchen at the Taste of Belgium, Jean-François Flechet's restaurant located in Over the Rhine, the historic German neighborhood of downtown Cincinnati, kitchen staff pour thin batter over crepe makers.

Things I learned from the Cake Boss

Here’s what I learned about Buddy Valastro, aka the Cake Boss: The first is that he’s warm and witty, the second he can whip up a multi-course dinner in an amazingly short period of time and the third is he doesn’t measure.

Smart Substitutions: Healthier ways to satisfy cravings

Here are some easy ways to make smart substitutions throughout the day that are also time-saving.

Moe cooks in Michigan City and Italian Day in Sawyer

Cookbook author ("Whatever Happened to Sunday Dinner?") Lisa Caponigri will be at Sawyer Garden Center and Moe Mroueh will be dishing it out at the Taste of Michigan City this weekend ---Pat Colander, Associate Publisher and Editor, Shore Magazine.

Maple Syrup Time Near Lake Michigan

Maple Sugar Time, March 3 and 4 and March 10 and 11 at Chellberg Farm, Highway 20 and Mineral Springs Rd. in Porter.

Small plates at the Heritage and Millar scores in James Beard

Incredible food lineup for Saturday night at the Heritage Center in St. Joe includes chocolate-covered bacon mousse and Reserve Chef Matt Millar is in James Beard semifinals. --Pat Colander, Associate Publisher and Editor, Shore magazine

The Harbert Goes Hollywood Oscar Party

The Harbert Business Association wants you to come as you are or come as a star to celebrate the 84th Annual Academy Awards.

True comfort of corned beef hash and eggs

A few years have gone by since I was in the right place--six.one.six in Grand Rapids in winter--at the right time to have corned beef hash and eggs. --Pat Colander, Associate Publisher and Editor, Shore magazine

Carnivale di Venezia Wine Dinner at Ciao Bella

Time for an Italian Fat Tuesday, last night of Mardi Gras for 2 1/2 hours at a favorite Shore bistro beginning at 7 p.m.

Eating in the woods in winter

By not spacing out on the time zone and other mishaps of previous years, we managed to arrive at Bev's Second Season Ball in LaPorte Saturday almost an hour early. --Pat Colander, Associate Publisher and Editor, Shore magazine

The first of many Titanic centennial dinners

I have officially received the first announcement of 2012 for a Titanic dinner, a memorial for the centennial year of the disaster. The last dinner for first class passengers was 11 courses. --Pat Colander, Associate Publisher and Editor, Shore magazine.

Chef Jean Joho and Everest awarded Michelin star

Chef Jean Joho and Everest are awarded 3 Michelin stars and Wyncroft Winemaker Jim Lester reaches out with news about what happened in 2011, vintages on last call and an invitation to stop by. --Pat Colander, Associate Publisher and Editor, Shore magazine.

The Year of the Dragon Starts Monday

The Chinese New Year begins Monday, January 23rd and, for those who keep track of baroque personality quirks and tendencies, it is the Year of the Dragon. Count on plenty of drama, especially if you have friends and family turning 24-36-48, etc. in 2012 ---- Pat Colander, Associate Publisher…

A Fine Cava for 2012 and Outstanding Breakfasts

Raventos 1 Blanc, Sant Sadurni d'Anoia, Barcelona, Reserva Brut 2008 Cava was recommended to me for New Year's Eve and I thought it was better than many champagnes I've had. --Pat Colander, Associate Publisher and Editor, Shore magazine.

Countdown to the end of 25 years for Charlie Trotter's

Big national food news this week was the announcement by Charlie Trotter that he would close his iconic, landmark Lincoln Park restaurant on August 17 after 25 years, to pursue a master's degree in philosophy and political science. Chef Trotter surprised both staff and clients.

Eating Italian this season was never better

There was no avoiding Italian eating this season and it was, of course, magnificent. It started with a couple hours of the beef-tasting menu at Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich's Carnevino in Las Vegas.

The Good Life: Could this restaurant be W. Michigan's best place for Italian food?

I don't take anointing a restaurant with "the best" title of anything lightheartedly. Sure, West Michigan is not Chicago when it comes to a myriad of good selections for authentic Italian food, but, we do have a few options. It took me several trips to the restaurant's website to finally con…

Serious Spinach for Potlucks

Recently asked to bring a "covered" dish to a potluck dinner here in Chicago, my initial reaction, to quote Ina Garten, was "How easy is that?" When further informed the entire meal was to be vegetarian - no chicken, seafood or meat allowed - I visualized a sea of macaroni and cheese cassero…

It's too good not to go

CHESTERTON | The Karas' love of food mixed with job dissatisfaction put them on the path to opening and operating their two restaurants and recently their new Italian deli, Good To Go by Lucrezia.