"second helping of slashfood" news and stories

As we move into this holiday weekend, Slashfood is just getting over a nasty case of "pine mouth." Thank goodness our taste buds have returned as we really want to stock up on free hot dogs and ice cream. And we can't forget about livermush, LeNell's Ukemochi highball, Pisgah Solstice beer, bacony brunch, mead or the return of Le Fromage Peee-Yew!

The Skinny Chef showed off her knife skills this week as the Hungry Bride contemplated her cocktail reception. We met grilling expert Gena Knox, who helped us kick off the grilling season with hanger steak and deviled eggs.

Cookbooks reviewed this week: Giada's latest, "A Homemade Life" and "Baking." Robert Kenner of "Food Inc." dropped in and we went west in search of Emeril's latest restaurant in a steel town awaiting its renaissance.

As you fire up the grill, check out our picks for five wine steals. Happy eating!

This week at Slashfood we went crazy for tiny melons known as pepquiños. We also turned our attention to pernil, local fare, rhubarb tequila fizzes and "The Savoy Cocktail Book."

Frank Bruni is leaving his plum reviewing gig, leaving us -- alone -- to ponder how loud is too loud at a restaurant.

We met the CoffeeMeister, who joined Slashfood this week and immediately stirred the pot of conversation. The Hungry Bride talked party favors and the Skinny Chef fought fatigue. We reviewed "Made in Spain," "The Jewish Heritage Cookbook" and "How to Cook Everything (Completely Revised 10th Anniversary Edition)." And we braved the Tofu Takedown.

As we head out for the weekend, heed this advice please: Now is the time to clean your fridge. NOW! Before it's too late.

... Lest you forget. This week Slashfood had a James Beard Awards hangover and got over it by interviewing winners Nate Appleman and Gina DePalma. Maybe it was all the Mother's Day brunch cocktails, but later, we flashed back to the '70s and spinach dip.

The Brooklyn Food Conference made us hungry, we debated dining-room etiquette and walnut-maple suckers, and then learned to make rockin' guac. We met LeNell and got to know Slashfoodies Alex and Rebecca. And we said farewell to a beloved friend, Dom DeLuise. Sweet "Fatso"! We salute you!

The Skinny Chef talked chicken and pepperoni bread while the Hungry Bride used reader tips to assemble her D.C. welcome baskets. We reviewed the cookbooks "Potato Salad," "The Greens Cookbook" and "Babycakes."

Oh, and about your mama ... toast her on Sunday! We suggest beer.

It's May Day and Slashfood would like to celebrate with these Argentinean "worker" empanadas, but alas, they're in Argentina. Instead let's try to shake off the "Rap Chop" and disaster-cooking tales with this recap of Slashfood stories.

Favorite summer beers are a good place to start, or maybe you're pondering iced coffee weather while watching the new "Julie and Julia" trailer. There were Ostrich eggsperiments, egg creams and even Jell-O makeovers!

The Hungry Bride needs cake, the Skinny Chef had a love affair with an olive and Slashfood welcomed the Hadley grass and ate Tilston Point all the while avoiding scallop screwups. We reviewed: "Italian Food," "Nancy Silverton's Sandwich Book" and "Beef."

Enjoy the Derby and don't forget to name a Sweetheart!

On this New Moon we reflect on the bounties we've been offered on Slashfood this week:

The verdict's still out on the nation's best Italian food. Weigh in here. But it's in on the world's best restaurants and our picks for affordable wines.

We pondered Twecipes while the Hungry Bride wondered about starter cookbooks -- already "How to Cook Everything" has been suggested! The Skinny Chef built a better cupcake and started up her grill.
And we reviewed "Love and Knishes," "Wichcraft" and "Frank Stitt's Southern Table."

We learned how to make Montreal bagels, mint-infused bourbon and then ate dinner in a bubble. Then we flashbacked to Aunt Evie's '70s kitchen with sweet-and-sour chicken. Then we got hip to the future with bento boxes.

The nation's 11th largest brewery went Haywire. And we ate the rind.

Barbie's got a sweet tooth!?! iPods got hungry. And yes, oh yes, Brian Boitano got a food show!

"Bon Appetit!" as Julia might say.