A photo shoot has some bloggers seeing red, while others lap up the spiciness. (By Traci Vogel)

Mario Batali’s new cookbook, “Mario Tailgates NASCAR Style,” targets a different audience altogether. (By Sara Dickerman)

A report from Tales of the tail. (By Jordan Mackay)

Our associate food editor goes to the Southern Foodways Alliance conference to celebrate the year of the pig and other Southern delights. (By Kate Ramos)

In which authors display a stunning variety of descriptive powers about food. (By Meredith Arthur)

Highland, Lowland, Hokkaido? (By Aaron Gilbreath)

From down-and-out to up-and-coming— the city’s next Mission District. (By Lessley Anderson)

Which espresso maker can stand up to the rigors of a Hollywood film set? Barry Sonnenfeld has the answer. (By Miriam Wolf)

Esquire’s Drinks Database gives your liquor leftovers a little holiday cheer. (By Traci Vogel)

The classic tail loses its cherry in Esquire. (By Stephanie Rosenbaum)

This month, two men’s magazines vie for the best food-related Best Of list. (By Miriam Wolf)

Time Out New York dives into the world of chef groupies. (By Kara Zuaro)

The passing of a major Idaho potato magnate is a time for reflection, fries. (By James Norton)

A Thai baker makes loaves that look like body parts. (By Miriam Wolf)

Great books on tail making. (By C. Thi Nguyen)