"Home Entertaining" news and stories

Bottles of vinegar. Photo: junmon603, Flickr.

• Sometimes seasoning to taste shouldn't be a spray of salt, but rather a splash of vinegar.
• Critics say that California chardonnay is becoming the bland "indecision beige of the wine world."
• Entertaining at home doesn't need to be an expensive affair or scattered potluck. Some hosts are having fun with team cooking.
• Three pros share party-hosting tips like pasta experimentation and budget cuts of meat.
• Michael Pollan is becoming a phenomenon?
• The Tribune's Cookie Contest will land one lucky baker $200 at Williams-Sonoma.
• Chicago food and drink events.
• Recipes: Mini Currant Scones, Orzo and Brown Rice Pilaf, Cherry Tomato-Walnut Pizza.

In this article, a poll says that "43% of respondents are eating out less, 39% are choosing less expensive restaurants, and 35% are packing their own lunch for work, compared to six months ago."

Also, "Consumers are also spending less on vacations, hobbies, and entertainment. About 28% of respondents are attending more free activities and 26% have cut back on attending concerts, plays, and shows. Over 28% of respondents have reduced the number of vacations they take, and an equal amount have taken less expensive, closer to home vacations. Consumers are increasing "at home" occasions. Across all demographic groups, people are spending more time at home, with a 27% increase in home entertaining. In addition, 27% of respondents are watching more TV, and 25% spending more time on the Internet."

I know I am eating out less than six months ago. But for me it isn't really the economy. It's that I moved from an area with tons of great places to eat out, to an area that... sucks! I always make sure I can budget in some good meals. They are my treat to myself for hard work. I don't tend to eat out at the real high end places, but look for great quality hidden gems and ethnic eateries. So, because the restaurant scene is so mediocre in my area, I cook and entertain more than I did six months ago. I have become more conscious of my food spending. i look for deals when it comes to meat, poultry, and seafood. When the local market has some really nice looking rib-eyes, strip steaks, bonelss chicken thighs, or seafood on sale, I buy a few and vaccum seal and freeze the extras. Just lately lobsters have gone done in price because of panics in the market, so I am actually treating myself to them more often. just last week I got four lobsters for $15 and they were dinner for myself and lunch for two for two days.

What about you? Are you eating out less? What food/entertainment changes, if any, have you made?