Reviews

Appealing Debut

Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano is a fast-paced, fun cross between Veronica Mars and Liane Moriarty. This first book in a new mystery series will appeal to more than just lovers of mystery.

Many ancient civilizations were onto the pleasures of super-cold food. The Chinese served frozen milk and rice around 200 BC. The Roman emperor Nero (37–68 BC) topped mountain ice with fruit.

We all know the schoolyard ditty about the magical fruit.

Kamut, quinoa, teff, spelt, freekeh, farro, amaranth and millet. Sound like a list of exotic destinations? Not quite. In fact, they’re names of whole or alternative grains, and you can experience them right here in our lake-area neighborhoods.

There are many reasons to go vegetarian: political, emotional, nutritional. Thanks to innovations in farming, refrigeration and transportation, there are a gazillion vegetables at our beck and call, each with endless ways to prepare and serve.

The classic hamburger has its place in our hearts and our stomachs. But as the old adage goes, variety is the spice of life.

How often do you order dessert when dining out? Not one to share for the table but one just for you? Probably not often enough, considering the bounty of luscious local temptations. The next time you’re out for the evening, don’t just save room for dessert—consider dessert the main event.

One person’s comfort food is another person’s heartburn: Comfort food is emphatically not health food, yet there’s no denying the comforting power of food. As we lament the darker, shorter days, it’s important to remember that there is still pleasure to be had.

If takeout conjures images of mundane, midweek, too-beat-to-cook exhaustion, conjure again! Takeout can also be romantic, festive, cozy and downright adventurous. Virtually every restaurant in the lake area offers meals to go so you’re not stuck with the brain-numbing pizza-or-Chinese fall-back.

On a hot summer evening, we’re all looking to cool down. Make that happen at any one of these local spots with some cool plates. Because these dishes are served mostly uncooked, the ingredients must be of the highest quality. Think heirloom tomatoes, high-quality seafood and artisan cheeses.

When the end of summer nears, we begin to recount all of the things we didn’t do this year. Stop yourself right there and end the season right by downing the quintessential warm-weather indulgence: hot dogs.

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