Whenever you're complaining about the ferocity of Winter, just remember things are much, much colder in other parts of the world. But while Russian Winters may be brutal, they've got plenty of amazing, comforting recipes with flavors designed to take that chill out of your bones. It's time to call up your babushka, put on your copy of Doctor Zhivago, and grab a tall glass of vodka, if you see Read more

To me, Berkeley Bowl is a sacred place worthy of a weekly pilgrimage. Perhaps the ultimate food-lover's grocery store, this massive Berkeley, CA, food emporium carries a huge selection of goods from around the world, and at great prices. I consider it a must stop for friends visiting the Bay Area, so why not share my adventures? The most remarkable part of the store is probably the produce, Read more

If you've never been exposed to tasty Thai cuisine, the time to check it out is now. Thai food is known for its spicy, seductive flavors influenced by Chinese traditions, beautifully blended with other cuisines from Southeast Asia including Burmese, Laotian, and Cambodian food. One size does not fit all when speaking about traditional Thai dishes. Vast differences between regions correlate to Read more

I constantly crave the flavors of Spain. Though Spanish cuisine varies tremendously across the different regions, they all have one thing in common: the use of fresh, local flavors. Spanish cuisine is heavily influenced by its climate and geography. The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of the best way to describe Spanish food is the generous use of olive oil and garlic in dishes. Read more

If you're still searching for a passable gift for a friend or family member who seems to have everything she needs, put down that credit card for a moment and consider giving a charitable gift instead. There are amazing charities and non-profit organizations out there doing great work, which could definitely use your charitable gift this year. For friends and family members who appreciate Read more

When you taste Cuban food for the first time, you'd swear that Spanish and Caribbean cuisines had a little love child — which isn't too far from the truth. The diversity of Cuban culture is indicative in the rich and varied flavors of the country's cuisine. One of the most thriving Cuban communities in the US is located in Miami, FL (and let me tell you, they've got the food to prove it!). Read more

Although I'm not Vietnamese, I grew up eating at plenty of the Vietnamese restaurants that surrounded my Houston neighborhood. But more than 20 years later, I have a confession: even for me, those menus — with their complicated spellings and manifold accent marks — can be pretty darn confusing! But regardless of your familiarity with ethnic foods, absolutely don't let the foreign-looking Read more