This is the first in a series of posts on underground supper clubs, dining establishments that operate outside the law.

Brazil itself may be the world's finest cultural stew. Africa, Asia, and all of Europe melt into the native traditions.

PR-savvy hemp growers have banded together like Haight St. musicians in a concerted marketing blitz.

Swiss Miss is watery and tasteless compared with many great hot cocoas. But still: I love it. And I love marshmallow Peeps, too.

This no-hassle mix-and-bake dessert is like the old-fashioned cake Grandma always had ready after dinner, even though you never saw her working on it.

Using adobo sauce in this lively egg dish adds a subtle smoky flavor without the hassle of roasting and cleaning fresh peppers. Plus, the recipe includes a nifty method for softening tortillas....

The world of marketing is strange indeed. I received an e-mail from a PR firm touting Holy Chocolate-brand hot chocolate.

Checking out the vintage beer menu at the Gramercy Tavern.

To some, beer is nothing more than swill, a simple brew for simple men to drink while watching football or grilling burgers.

I never used to give much attention to salami. It was just another sausage that filled up space on supermarket shelves.