The CHOW 13

Our first annual awards, presenting a baker’s dozen of provocateurs, trendsetters, and rabble-rousers.

The Basics: How to Make a Philly Cheesesteak

Minus the Cheez Whiz.

Bailing Before the Host Notices

The infamous "French leave."

10 Mail-Order Gifts for 2009

Send a boozy, chocolaty, or meaty present this holiday season.

If It Ain't Dark, It Ain't Chocolate

The gourmet chocolate trend has spawned dark-chocolate snobs.

Waiter, There's a Pig's Ear in My Soup

Your chef might be slipping you some offal.

Bistronomics 101

French chef Iñaki Aizpitarte proves that you don’t need a trust fund to afford haute cuisine.

Formaggio Kitchen

I’ll take one of each, please.

Bacon at the Beach

Ben Barker of Magnolia Grill relaxes with CHOW.

Tea Bags for Cocktails?

This week’s mission: frozen Italian meals with a reasonably healthy twist and tea bags for your mixed drink.

Stinky to Mild

How to build a cheese plate.

The Raisin Bran of My Fantasies

This week’s mission: British breakfast cereal with masses of fruit, and sweet, spicy spread.

The New Kitchen Staples

Your pantry is bare unless these 10 items sit on its shelves. They've achieved post-food-fad status.

DIY TV Dinners

Don’t leave your couch.

My Summer Wine Love

This year, it’s Rueda.