Hold the Cream of Mushroom Soup

From Bismarck to St. Paul to Madison, new high-end restaurants are embracing such local cuisine as fried walleye and wild-rice porridge. Call it the birth of northwoods chic.

10 Vegetable Seed Suppliers

Where to buy exotic, heirloom, and regional vegetable seeds for your home garden.

Spanish Wine Primer

From Albariño to Ribera, better and better wines are arriving from Spain.

What Do Buffaloes Have to Do with Mozzarella?

We’re talking water buffaloes, not bison.

All-American Drunk

This week’s mission: category-defying light rum and spiced apple schnapps from the Midwest.

A Sherry with Sea Legs

Manzanilla recalls brine and minerals.

Chronicles from a Pig Party

Our associate food editor goes to the Southern Foodways Alliance conference to celebrate the year of the pig and other Southern delights.

Summer 2009 Cookbook Gift Guide

Because cookbooks are easy to wrap and fun to give.

A Real Summer Red

Lagrein is lively and peppery.

Entering French Basque Country

Around the town of Pau a few obscure appellations are worth seeking out.

Crazy Pretzel Sandwich

This week’s mission: off-kilter but refreshing soft drinks and a zesty hodgepodge of a pretzel snack.

Pack Your Knives and Go

Cooking vacations that steer clear of the tourist traps.

Jazz Standard

Gumbo is the ultimate improvisational dish.

The Tables Have Turned

American winemakers learn the secret to great Viognier; meanwhile, the French lose their touch.

Recession-Proof Wines

You can still drink well on a budget.