The loose stuff is more expensive but hounds say it’s worth it. (By Sarah Perry)

Horror stories of the country’s largest member-owned cooperative grocery store. (By Diane Mehta)

Give like you’ve never given before.

Kingpin food on a volunteer budget at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. (By Ruth Tobias)

And other findings from Taste^3^ 2007. (By Meredith Arthur and Lessley Anderson)

Downtown office workers are psyched about Loose Leaf, a build-your-own salad place where you start with romaine, field greens, or baby spinach and add your choice of toppings–sliced steak, portobello mushrooms, edamame... (By C. Thi Nguyen)

Before you toss the collection of loose tea that’s taking over your cupboard, try one of these suggestions for using it up. (By Pat Hammond)

Plus edible flowers, at the Tea House in San Juan Capistrano. (By C. Thi Nguyen)

Java junkies have always had their pick of the litter when it comes to round-the-clock access to their caffeine fix of choice. Now tea lovers can start sippin’ past midnight, too. ... (By C. Thi Nguyen)

Summer, with its weekends of barbecues and picnics, turn a chowhound’s fancy to sausages, and two artisan producers are currently garnering raves. (By C. Thi Nguyen)