"Bastide" news and stories

• The Parisian macaron is quite the ecumenical treat -- ideal for Easter and Passover. (But can it replace Peeps?)
• Speaking of all fine French things, Bastide has gone casual -- and it's "simply a joy."
• Asparagus, harbinger of spring, embodies the first principle of cooking: "When you have great ingredients, you don't have to do much to make a great dish."
• Here's a recipe for something you didn't know you wanted: zucchini tea cake.
• Looking for a more traditional sweet treat? Look what the Easter bunny brought: cinnamon rolls.

Here's what's doing in the Los Angeles Times Food Section for Wednesday, November 26, 2008:

• Smile and say Cheese on Turkey-Day: Here's what you need for the perfect cheese plate on Thanksgiving.
• Where to buy artisanal cheeses in L.A. (hardly an exhaustive list, but a decent start).
• Fuss-free side dishes (mustard rolls, braised cabbage, smashies...who can resist?)
• Recipe: Brown butter mashed potatoes.
• The day after: Turkey pot pie. Oh yes, please.
• Beyond pumpkin pie...pumpkin cake with sour cream ganache. And also roasted pumpkin salad.
• Joe Pytka closes down Bastide...again.
• Review: S. Irene Virbila isn't terribly impressed with Chateau Marmont's fare these days.

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