Red carpet fashion and beauty coverage:

• Vote on all the red carpet fashion and beauty looks
• See the coolest Met Gala manicures up close
• Get the scoop on the hottest Met beauty looks
• Met Gala 2012: see the top fashion trends from the red carpet

See your favorite stars, couples, and designers at the Met:

• See all the star-studded photos from the Met Gala
• Diane Kruger dazzles in a deep purple Prada gown
• Julianne Hough goes bright and bold with Ryan by her side
• Beyoncé Knowles makes a bold, and blue, statement at the Met
• Gwyneth Paltrow goes short and sexy in metallic Prada
• Gisele and Tom make a very sexy scene on the stairs of the Met
• Engaged couple Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake do the Met together
• Kristen Stewart wows in a bold Balenciaga
• Stylish women celebrate fashion icons at the annual gala
• Which hot hunk would you like to escort to the Met?
• See all the chic and sweet couples on the red carpet

The time has finally arrived: the James Beard Awards, or the Oscars of the food world, have just been announced. After months of suspense following the announcement of this year's semifinalists and subsequent finalists, the results were announced at a star-studded gala in New York's Lincoln Center, where a smattering of top talent from Grant Achatz to Top Chef winner Paul Qui walked home with medals.

For the first time ever, there was an Outstanding Bar Program award, and it went to Jim Meehan, owner and bar manager at PDT in New York City. Other highlights? Eleven Madison Park's Daniel Humm nabbed top prize for Outstanding Chef; Wolfgang Puck spoke at length as he accepted a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Christina Tosi of Momofuku Milk Bar fame took home title of Rising Star Chef; the pastry wunderkind declared that if she could cook anything for James Beard, it would be turkey pot pie. Read ahead to see the full list of 2012 James Beard Award winners.

As beautiful, smart, and athletic women of 2012, we know that real beauty can be found anywhere, from the basketball court in the city to the running trails in the mountains. Lucky for us, Under Armour is ready to show the world what real beauty is, too. How? We're glad you asked because the company needs our help! All you have to do is declare a goal with UA, track your progress, rise to the top of all of the challengers, and win (don't worry, Under Armour knows that sweat marks and muddy shoes are as beautiful as you). The THREE ladies that push themselves the hardest will have their lives sponsored for a year with greatness, glory, and gear. Since we know that you've been dying to achieve the most in training while finding beauty in your work and body, prove to us you have more than what it takes and go sign up with UA today.

There is little that compares to the beauty and simplicity of a creamy, ripe avocado. And lucky for us, they're currently in season! Early Spanish explorers discovered the Aztecs enjoying all the benefits of avocados — both as a food and an aphrodisiac. Except for the few states where they commonly grow, most states of the country shied away from this racy fruit until the 1950s. There are tons of varieties of this tasty fruit, and ever since they've entered the market, they're a fruit that people are passionate about — especially Californians.

When choosing avocados, remember that avocado color does not always tell the whole story of ripeness. To judge ripeness, give the fruit a gentle squeeze; ripe and ready avocados will be firm but yield to gentle pressure (be sure not to use your fingertips, otherwise you could bruise the fruit). Look for skin to darken and the "blossom" end to soften as an avocado becomes ripe. If an avocado is ready, it will only be good for a day or two; refrigeration will help the fruit keep for another day or so. If you plan to serve or use avocados in a few days, stock up on hard, unripened fruit, and store it at room temperature.

Want to go beyond the basics of guacamole and get some inspiration for how to use avocados now? Keep reading for a few fun avocado recipes.

• Diner en Blanc returns to New York — Zagat
• Someone had too much fun on Cinco de Mayo — Grub Street Boston
• James Beard's Book, Broadcast, and Journalism Award winners — Eater
• Arm yourself with the kitchen confidence to roll your own pastry dough — Food52
• We're so jealous of Melissa Clark's Brooklyn kitchen — Saveur
• McDonald's is focusing on more seasonal food offerings — Delish
• A search for the best bottled ranch dressing — Kitchen Daily

Drinks that use hibiscus have been around for quite a while, but more and more I'm noticing the brightly colored, beautiful flower being used in cooking (hibiscus loaf cake, anyone?). But what's the scoop on this trendy floral ingredient? Find out when you keep reading.

These beer-braised short ribs from Kitchenwlittleb may require a long cooking time, but the result is rich and pairs perfectly with a zesty asparagus side.

For the recipe plus step-by-step photos, visit her blog. Don't forget to upload your own recipes and photos to our Savory Sights community group.