A year after the levees failed in New Orleans, questions remain. Will the Ninth Ward ever be rebuilt? Is the city ready for the next storm? And can you still grab a good meal in NOLA? (By James Norton)

Creole Chef has probably the best New Orleans food in Los Angeles right now, says Norm Man, who asserts he’d rather drive there from MDR than walk to the closer Uncle Darrow’s. Shrimp Yvonne, crawfish bisque and... (By C. Thi Nguyen)

Freshen up the holiday menu with planked salmon.

Spend a few hours cooking for friends, call it supper. (By Aida Mollenkamp and Regan Burns)

We decided to put our nose to the grind and find the best peppermills out there. (By Aida Mollenkamp)

Gumbo is the ultimate improvisational dish. (By Lessley Anderson)

One package of white beans; five easy, varied, and quick lunches.

Try your hand at the ubiquitous pre-Lenten sweet. (By Lessley Anderson)

Lose the can this Thanksgiving.

This week’s mission: frozen sweet-and-sour Thai food, and mini breakfast sausages wrapped in pancakes. (By James Norton)

How to avoid dirty looks in coffeehouses. (By Helena Echlin)

How do you change people’s recycling habits? (By Helena Echlin)

A nutty-flavored thickener used in gumbo and several other New Orleans–style dishes. (By Lessley Anderson)

Can vegetarians demand meat-free environments? (By Helena Echlin)

A bowl of cereal is not dinner. (By Roxanne Webber)