Pack Your Knives and Go

Cooking vacations that steer clear of the tourist traps. (By Sheila Scarborough)

Would the Dude Like It?

This week’s mission: a way to spruce up your White Russians, and a nonrotgut gin. (By James Norton)

Danger: Food Present

Food allergies are on the rise and on the mind. (By Chris Colin)

Something More Than Crappy Pilsner

While there is no brand of American pilsner distributed nationally, several excellent examples have popped up on the micro and regional levels. (By Jordan Mackay)

Restaurant and bar tips from CHOW’s food editor. (By Aida Mollenkamp)

Church Bake Sale Chic

Two new NYC public food markets. (By Lessley Anderson)

Barley-Honey Lollipops and Deviled Eggs from Hell

Photos from Greenpoint Food and New Amsterdam markets (By Lessley Anderson)

Charm Thai and Thai Market have grabbed hounds’ attention on the notoriously Asian-challenged Upper West Side. (By Mark Hokoda)

“Heaven,” suggests Dave Feldman, “is a warm oatmeal scone at Levain.” (By Mark Hokoda)

Clued-in hounds have long known that Peruvian is the smart order at Flor de Mayo, the “Spanish-Chinese” place on Amsterdam. (By Mark Hokoda)

Tomato soup at Sarabeth’s may not be the stuff of legend, as the menu would have it, but it does not disappoint. theannerska reports amazingly creamy, tomatoey soup, perfect with house-made biscuits or seven-grain bread.... (By C. Thi Nguyen)

Vai stands out in a new wave of wine bars. (By Mark Hokoda)

An old-school eatery is on its game. (By Mark Hokoda)

Wine, tapas, and an interesting riff on ravioli. (By Mark Hokoda)

Lemon, strawberry, blueberry, chocolate-banana—each is exemplary, and best of type. (By Mark Hokoda)