Don’t dismiss a wine just because it doesn’t have a cork. Screwcap, Tetrapak, box … The type of closure is no longer a reflection of quality. These wines show just that.

Flavored pancakes include strawberry, chocolate chip, blueberry, Hawaiian and banana nut topped with bananas, pecans and caramel syrup.

Henk’s deli known for its black forest cakes and sausages, but the cozy European-style café also is a prime spot for Dutch, German and Swiss soups.

Cheap wine is more popular than ever, but the wine industry — and especially the wine writing part of it — seems to resent cheap wine more than ever. Their reasons aren’t quite clear, but chalk up much of the backlash to the fact they’re tired of cheap wine, and want to get back to making and writing about the expensive stuff. We can be a bit snobbish, no?

Sparkling wine has traditionally been something the wine business loved to hate. But lots of producers are now making sparkling wine, and it seems to be selling. So as you look for something to toast the holidays, keep in mind that bubbly doesn’t have to cost a fortune:

It’s perfect weather for a hot, steaming cup of joe, tea or chai from one of these neighborhood coffee shops.

Owner JoAnn Sitton makes a thicker, crumbly cookie crust instead the thin, spongy graham cracker typically used in store-bought cakes.

During November and December, everyone is afraid that if the wine isn’t right, Thanksgiving or Christmas or whatever will be ruined.

The State Fair of Texas season is upon us, but you don’t have to venture far from our neighborhood for gourmet fair food.