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One of the cool things about cocktails, as opposed to fancy chef recipes, is their accessibility. Just about any joker armed with a good cocktail book, booze, ice, jigger, and shaker can mix up a drink with great results.

As a frequent judge on Food Network's Iron Chef America, I feel I know a good battle when I see (and taste) one. Battle Olive (Iron Chef Symon versus Spotted Pig's April Bloomfield), Battle Cobia (Iron Chef Batali versus Jamie Oliver), and Battle Mango (Iron Chef Batali versus

I don't imagine any fancy chef sets out to be known for his burger. Similarly, I bet Hemingway, who wrote his fair share of classics--For Whom the Bell Tolls, A Farewell to Arms, The Sun Also Rises--didn't think his 100-page novella, The Old Man and the Sea, would win him the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Sometimes people on diets euphemistically use the word "clean" to describe the cuisine they crave. These spring rolls are the perfect choice, and—when dipped in the sauce—downright deliciously virtuous!

"This is too good to be true," I thought. A colleague in Bon Appetit's flagship office in LA had just forwarded me the following email:

I'm not one for brunch, which is rather unfortunate since I live in the City of Brunch, New York. Don't get me wrong, I dig eggs Benedict, smoked salmon and bagels, and Bloody Marys--when they are properly prepared.

There was dabbing of plates and licking of fingers. Not only would I make these again, but I can think of all sorts of other, wonderful ways to prepare them.

In the October issue (on newsstands now), I profiled the food-savvy town of Durham-Chapel Hill, North Carolina and the farmers, chefs, restaurants, and food community that make the area so special. In the end, it was our top pick for America's Foodiest Small Town.

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Dear Foodist:
I'm going to Denver in August for the Democratic National Convention (August 25-28) for work, and wanted to get your opinion on where to eat in the city.