Thomas Keller

• What did you think of the Food Network's new Mexican Made Easy show? — Food Network Addict
• When is it not OK to take photographs of food in restaurants? — Endless Simmer
• Don't get suckered on Valentine's Day. — Chow
• Should we be cutting back our salt intake? — The Epi-Log
• Many of those hoping to attend Charlie Palmer's star-studded Pigs & Pinot event are going to be disappointed. — Grub Street SF
• Eight curious chocolate-covered creations. — Woman's Day
• Take your grilled cheese sandwich to the next level with quince paste. — Serious Eats
• Thomas Keller talks about washing dishes and family recipes. — Eater

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From bar tools to gourmet snacks, we've presented you with tons of fabulous gift ideas. While we're all about creating delicious edible items, we understand that not everyone has the time or energy to make edible gifts. That's why we've selected our top four suggestions and rounded them up in today's episode of YumTV. Watch it now to learn what they are!

Yesterday, Bocuse d'Or USA chairman Daniel Boulud announced the 12 semifinalists who will compete to represent the United States in the next Bocuse d'Or. Following in the footsteps of Top Chef's Hung Huynh is Top Chef Las Vegas finalist Kevin Gillespie, who won an elimination challenge to compete at the Bocuse d'Or.

The 12 semifinalists will square off on Feb. 6, 2010, at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, for a highly coveted position on the US team. The winners will then compete at the Bocuse d'Or in Lyon, France, in 2011.

I find it puzzling that, although the competition drew only 17 applicants, the number of candidates seems to have nearly doubled since last year. Still, I'm excited to see how everything pans out. Although I wonder whether Kevin's straightforward, rustic cooking will be too simple for the culinary Olympics, I still hope he goes all the way.

To find out who the other 11 competitors are, read more.

It was down to five cheftestants on last night's episode of Top Chef. The final Las Vegas challenge — the next two shows take place in Napa, California — highlighted the Bocuse d'Or, the world's most prestigious classical cooking competition. A plethora of big name chefs including Thomas Keller and Daniel Boulud, guest judged. Ready to discuss? Keep reading.

Whether it's custard that won't set or brittle fleur de sel caramels, we've all had failed cooking attempts. But when disaster strikes while closely following a recipe, it poses the question: Whose recipes can be trusted? And whose cannot? Most religious recipe followers seem to have culinary experts they've come to trust. For example, I find it hard to pick on anything by famed perfectionist Thomas Keller. Same with any cookbook that's been tested over and over again, like those from the late Sheila Lukins. And I've never been able to find fault in a recipe from Tyler Florence or Ina Garten. Whose recipes have you counted on time and time again?