Critic's Choice: Neighborhood pizza pros

Some 30 years after Wolfgang Puck introduced a wood-burning oven and his sophisticated pizza at the original Spago, we're enjoying a pizza...

Farmers Markets: California keeps its sweet spot in macadamias

FALLBROOK — Jim Russell's macadamia orchard looks like a park, 3 acres of holly-like evergreens growing above closely cropped grass. A...

Counter Intelligence: The just-right cooking at Bestia

If you want to understand Bestia, you should probably take a look at the cassoeula, a version of a traditional cabbage stew popular...

The California Cook: Basic dishes a couple can build on

Meghan and Carter are getting married. Like so many friends of my daughter, they are bright, funny and, sometimes, almost preternaturally...

Across the Table: A year to wrap, fold, crimp and pursue other culinary skills

I'm not one to make a gazillion New Year's resolutions. I've faltered too many times. Exercise every day? Up at 5:30 every morning to...

Farmers Markets: Exotic fruits, exciting harvests in De Luz

DE LUZ — High on a hill overlooking an idyllic vista of citrus, avocados and chaparral, Bill Vogel spied a tree loaded with an...

You're in for a treat with these top dogs in town: Critic's Choice

OK, we've all had our holiday fun and feasting. And somehow another roast turkey or standing rib roast doesn't sound as appealing as it...

The California Cook: Dungeness crab purist gives grilling it a go

If you ever needed a reminder of how much good there is in the world — and these days, who doesn't? — just cook a Dungeness...

Counter Intelligence: Storefront Deli in Los Feliz

Have you ever had the bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich at the new Storefront Deli in Los Feliz? Because that sandwich, less made from...

A toast for 2013: Here's to cocktails with a dash more fun

With craft cocktail bars sprouting like fungi in a locally sourced mushroom martini made with artisanal bitters, sometimes you find yourself...

Across the Table: The best bubbles for when a fine Champagne would just be a waste

At the holidays, the sound of corks popping and the sweet gurgle of sparkling wine splashing into Champagne flutes sparks the celebration....