"buddhas hand" news and stories

Sticky-sweet monkey bread. Photo: jamailac, Flickr.

• Despite New York's deli domination -- and the alarm of passionate "Seinfeld" enthusiasts -- "Save the Deli" author David Sax believes Los Angeles to be the true deli capital of the U.S.
• "Top Chef" finalist Stephan Richter opens the "smart and cheeky" Stefan's at L.A. Farm restaurant in Santa Monica.
• Seasonal cooking recommends the "mysterious, elusive and alluring" fruit that is chocolate persimmon, as well as Claremont cucumbers and locally grown New Mexican chiles.
• The Times marvels at the jarringly whimsical shape -- and "powerfully aromatic" flavor -- of the "Buddha's hand" fruit, and praises ragu as "fall food as its best: slow cooking that develops deep, harmonic flavors."
• Imbibers get an excuse to get dead drunk at the Newport Beach Zombie Pub Crawl.
• A vino visit with a "beautiful," "luscious and velvety" 2007 La Massa Toscana.
• The dated but ever-delicious monkey bread has a variation for every occasion, from caramelized brown-sugar with walnuts to olive oil and thyme.
• A pictoral "taste of fall" at the Santa Monica Farmers' Market.
• Recipes: Curried Chickpeas, Neapolitan-Style Ragu, Cinnamon Walnut Monkey Bread.