Three Latest and Best

Lunch at RBistro: Popped in to RBistro for lunch a week or two ago and was warmed from the inside out by a rich vegetable curry with rice. And I learned somthing: The sticky toffee pudding makes me smile. Seriously, try taking a bite of this signature dessert and see if you can't stop a huge grin from spreading across your face when you taste how decadently delicious it is.

Supporting My Habit: I admit it. I have a pizza problem. I try to limit my addiction to once a week. But my latest favorite, Bazbeaux's Basilica (pesto, feta, sun-dried tomato and black olive) is not helping. Oh, damn you Bazbeaux for supporting my habit so well.

Wild Boar Bolognese at Meridian: On Tuesday, I'd just ordered my usual supper when I caught my first glimpse of it. An enormous bowl of parpadelle noodles with a huge topping of meat sauce, the kind that you can tell is going to be rich and spicy and a little bit sweet just from the smell. Yes, my friend and I mooched a taste (hey, the nice people offered!) and I fell a little bit in love. At least, enough in love to come back the next night for a bowl of my own. (Which also gave me enough for breakfast the next morning!) Oh, wild boar, I look forward to a long, happy winter with you.

Bonus Lunch at City Cafe: This tiny downtown standby is still as good as ever. While its known for soups, salads, and basics, ignore the specials at your peril. Yesterday? Rich braised pork loaded on a plate with fresh mango salsa, avocado and corn tortillas. (The watermelon raspberry lemonade was a little strange, but still, um, refreshing.) Tacos for everyone!