Everything tastes better with bacon and brussels sprouts are no exception. For some reason, I normally only have brussels sprouts at holidays meals, but this tasty vegetable beckons to be eaten more often.

With the cold front that came through San Francisco, it was a perfect weekend to test Tyler Florence's comforting brussels sprouts hash. The enticing recipe includes tender brussels sprouts, caramelized pearl onions, and crispy potatoes; the whole thing is topped with crunchy bacon and fresh parsley. A touch of briefly reduced balsamic vinegar finishes off the dish and provides a zingy bite that enhances the full, rich flavor of the hash. To get started on this scrumptious side dish, read more

If you've got a hankering for a serving of Top Chef before Top Chef: Masters begins, you're in luck. Top Chef: The Tour 2 — the show's second national tour — will kick off its 22-city tour this Friday at the Flatiron Pedestrian Plaza in New York. Each stop, including a special visit to Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby weekend, will feature two cheftestants hosting four interactive live shows with cooking demos and food tastings.

I'm really disappointed to see that they're hitting 22 cities, but San Francisco will not be one of them. Is the tour hitting your town? Find out when you read more

While at the SF Chocolate Salon this weekend, I spent quality time at the Quady Winery booth. Located in Madera County, one of California's oldest wine grape-producing areas, Quady is a winery that specializes only in dessert wines — ideal for those of you who adore sipping stickies.

On this sunny Spring day, one wine, Electra ($12.75), really hit the spot. Served slightly chilled, the unique wine has great body, yet is light enough to hold a slight effervescence. Made with orange muscat grapes, the wine is sweet, but also has a bright, apricot-citrus flavor. And, with only 4 percent alcohol, you don't have to worry about getting too tanked.

Have you ever had any of Quady's wines? Does Electra sound like something you would like?

Last month, we introduced you to the semifinalists for the 2009 James Beard Awards. This morning, the short list of final nominees was unveiled, and the winners of the awards — nicknamed the "Oscars of the food world" — will be revealed at an awards gala at Manhattan's Lincoln Center on May 4. In addition to the highly anticipated nominations for outstanding restaurateur, outstanding chef, and outstanding restaurant, among others, the foundation's other honors — in cookbooks, newspaper writing, restaurant design, and blogs — were also announced.

Did any of your favorite chefs and restaurants make the list? View the all the nominations, or check out a summary of some of the biggest award nominees when you read more

It may seem like a no-brainer, but if you're hosting a party (any kind that involves food) get in the habit of checking the dishwasher before the the soiree starts. Parties always generate a lot of dirty dishes, and the last thing you need after a night of wining and dining is a sink full of dirty dishes. It's also a good idea to take out take out the trash and recycling before the event begins. That way you won't have to deal with disposing of a full bin of trash when you should be mixing a martini for your guests.

Got a tip for better party prep? Please share with us below!