Mike of The Food Monkey has joined Bostonist to share his thoughts about cooking, food history, restaurant trends, and any other Epicurean issues. He promises to discuss what tastes good, but not always what is in good taste. For more on consuming the opponents and other food news, go to The Food Monkey website. To contact Mike, go to the Food Monkey's contact page. Foodie Fight to Benefit the Jacques Pépin and Julia Child Scholarship......

Jacques Pepin will be signing at the Brookline Booksmith between 1:15 and 2:15 pm, Friday, April 13. Note time/date change Boston has become a foodie mecca these past few weeks. Last week, the Oldways Table presented its vision of cuisine, and now Jacques Pepin will appear at the Brookline Booksmith on Friday afternoon. Pepin will be there to sign copies of Chez Jacques: Traditions and Rituals of a Cook, which came out on April......

Bostonist says skip the box of Russell Stovers, the $300 10-course prix fixe, wine not included, even skip those fuzzy pink monkeys holding feather-petaled roses from the 7-11, and show your love with premium meat products! That's right! Stay in with your sweetie and cook up a big choucroute garnie, the classic Alsatian winter dish of sauerkraut and sausages. To prepare choucroute garnie does not require any real kitchen wizardry; in fact, it's quite open......