Wednesday March 17, 2010 Updated 2:54 PM PDT
Neela Paniz would like to debunk several notions about Indian cuisine. It's not all greasy, overly spiced curries and kebabs. For her, it's fresh ingredients cooked in small batches with just the right amount of spice


This year's batch of Bay Area chefs to watch is just as promising as years past.
Inns with great restaurants take you out of the mainstream, with food that has a sophisticated big-city demeanor.
Hoss Zare of Zare at Fly Trap is preparing a feast in honor of the Persian New Year, which marks the first day of spring.

A new book looks at the American coffee shop waitress, like Jean Joseph of Al's Good Food Cafe in S.F.
From Perbacco to Madrona Manor, these six restaurants offer an extensive selection of cheeses and accompaniments.
These new cookbooks tout the benefits of buying from local farmers and offer recipes for nourishing meals.
Bay Area consumers may not be dining out, but they're still indulging in gourmet delectables.

Many Santa Cruz Mountains vineyards seek out vines that have long ties back to the roots of California winemaking.

This dish tastes just like it does at Michael Chiarello's Bottega.

The raw bar and casual seafood restaurant opened in the old Craig's Place spot.
Bay Area restaurants, bars and bakeries are celebrating the green this week with St. Patrick's Day specials.
Here are some places to indulge in the iconic flavors of Persian New Year, and in treats for the celebration.

Walt Disney/Pixar 2007 Anton Ego in Ratatouille Yesterday I read a piece by Josh Ozersky on Time.com about...


2:23 PM At Play in the Fields: Celebrating 30 Years of Greens Restaurant Sat April 10 Proceeds from event will benefit Zen Center ow.ly/1nyw3 (bayareabites)
2:19 PM Recipe testing: Curing sardines for ESF Spring Sustainable Seafood issue. My hands are perfumed with sardine. Which I rather like actually. (EdibleSF)
2:17 PM From the legal desk ... not sure anyone's smelling like roses outta this one. sfg.ly/a6bHdL (via @kcoleuncorked) (jbonne)


From four-star spots to cozy neighborhood joints, these are Michael Bauer's picks for the best in Bay Area dining. With 360-degree views.