Three Latest and Best

Stone Crab Claws at The Oceanaire: Even with other treats (a Thai snapper sashimi dish, shrimp with kombu and macadamias with a ginger dressing, and butter poached lobster with crispy sweetbreads, clementines and vanilla bean), the stone crab claws were the stars of a recent dinner at The Oceanaire. If you're not able to head down to the Gulf this time of year, you can feast on these beauties at home. The Oceanaire has plenty of these black-tipped Florida stone crab claws piled high on ice and served with a perfectly tangy mustard mayo. (And a huge special award to my favorite treat of the meal -- the crispy fried sweetbreads. Oh, so good.) Best wine of the night? The 2005 Mer Soleil Chardonney which I've seen making the rounds on a few dinner menus lately and good with the crab. Best pairing? The fun 2006 Scagiola Moscato d'Asti with the key lime pie -- both hit the spot.

Chili, Frito Pie, Dips, Brownies and More: As bitterly disappointed as we all were with the Colts loss, I can't say it wasn't great to send out the season attending a small gathering with a great spread. All my favorite football foods were represented: Chili (two kinds!), cornbread, dips, chips, brownies, and even all the fixings for Frito Pie! With fresh veggies, fruit, and even crunchy fresh peppers, it was a football feast (and lots of beer for drowning our sorrows.)

Food for a Winter's Night: I was on the northside the other evening and after a good workout, decided to reward myself -- with Sawasdee's Mussaman Curry. Ahh, your sweet peanutty goodness. Ohhh, your perfectly cooked potatoes and chicken. Mmm. Your comforting curry love over rice. A perfect way to stay warm.