I consider myself a party chameleon; I can have fabulous fun at any party from a hippie hangout in the Berkeley hills to a swanky soirée on a Manhattan rooftop. I apply the same open-minded mentality to cocktails. While there is a time and place for a whiskey-laced Sazerac, there is also a suitable occasion for this frilly pink concoction. It's served in a rimmed martini glass and known as a raspberry-chocolate kiss.

Valentine's Day is the opportune time for this sort of sweet, girlie drink. It has a chocolate wafer-cookie rim and fresh raspberry flavor. A simple syrup infused with mint provides a delicate herbal essence to the delightfully fruity mixture. If you enjoy cosmopolitans, you'll love this drink.

I sipped the spirit-lifting libation after a long day and trust me — it's the perfect cure to the single girl Valentine's Day blues. To look at the recipe, read more

We're officially in the throes of awards show season — and that isn't limited to the entertainment industry. This morning, the James Beard Foundation announced the semifinalists for its 2009 awards. On March 23, the short list of complete nominees will be unveiled, and the honorable achievements — often referred to as the "Oscars of the food world" — will be presented at an awards gala on May 4 at Manhattan's Lincoln Center.

Semifinalist names were announced for the following categories: outstanding restaurateur, outstanding chef, outstanding restaurant, best new restaurant, rising star chef of the year, outstanding pastry chef, outstanding wine service, outstanding wine and spirits professional, outstanding service, and best chef for the following regions: Pacific, Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Great Lakes, New York City, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest, and South. This list doesn't include a good portion of the other James Beard Foundation's awards, including its cookbooks, newspaper articles, restaurant design, and blog awards, which are yet to be unveiled.

Although there are a number of celebrity chefs (Tom Colicchio, Dan Barber, José Andrés) as well as blockbuster restaurants on the list — Momofuku Ko, Scarpetta, and L20 — I also spotted a bunch of new names. Scan the 19-page list and tell me if any of your favorites have been included. Were any notable ones left off?

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Still wondering what to serve your sweetie for dinner tomorrow night? Well how about a delicious, balanced meal complete with chicken, risotto, and greens? The risotto is cooked in red wine giving it a delightful, deep-purple color and rich, layered flavor.

The chicken is flash-marinated in a balsamic-Worcestershire mixture before being seared on a grill pan. The entire dish is topped with shredded spinach and arugula making for a meal that is indulgent, yet healthy. To check out the recipe, read more

When hosting a special dinner for your sweetie, don't be afraid to rearrange the furniture. I think it's most romantic to sit side by side at a long, bar-like table. The place settings should be the focal point. Start with textured red placemats. Serve the main course on white plates and the chocolate strawberry cupcakes on plates with a swirly heart design. Since it's a celebration (of your love!), use the good silverware. Set out both champagne flutes and red wine glasses. Create a glowing atmosphere with dimmed lights and candles in red votives. A bouquet of shocking pink roses is the perfect centerpiece.

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