Winter 2008 Gift Guide

There’s never been a better time to give.

Low-Rent Umami

This week’s mission: a pseudo-healthy version of ground-beef stretcher, and a chemically enhanced mass-market cookie.

10 Coupon-Clipping Resources

Where to find discounts for groceries and restaurants.

Raiders of the Lost Drink

How to fix a dying party.

The Conference You Wish You Went To

A report from Tales of the tail.

Secondhand Barbecue Smoke

Can vegetarians demand meat-free environments?

Drinks Around the World

Ring in the New Year 24 times over.

Suckling Pig for the Holidays

Go big with Chef Jose Garces’s festive menu.

What’s the Best Drink to Order in a Dive Bar?

Some safe bets when the liquor is sketchy.

Ordering Off the Kids' Menu

Can grown-ups get little burgers?

Mistakes Were Made

And lessons learned—25 tips from new cooks.

Dinner Parties on the (Ultra) Cheap

Three multicourse bashes for eight.

How Do They Get the Fat Out of Nonfat Milk?

Think of your washer’s spin cycle.

French-Fried Nirvana

CHOW reviews two great pieces of deep-frying equipment for the home chef.

It Must Be Like

How do you ask somebody to dinner on Valentine’s Day without implying everlasting commitment?