It's simply a fact that I love spicy food more than most: from Sriracha to Sambal Oelek and Tabasco to Tapatío, I've got every hot sauce around, and I pour it on everything. But last weekend, I ordered a dish at San Francisco's Old Mandarin Islamic restaurant titled "Extremely Hot Peppers." Its Chinese name is la si ni, which literally translates to "so hot it could kill you." This dish — Read more

Don't care for a hangover to go with that cocktail of yours? You're in luck: from vodka alternatives to vermouths and liqueurs, cocktails that are heavy on the flavor but light on the booze are big amongst today's bartenders. Although some imbibers only see the need for ordering a stiff drink, other cocktail enthusiasts take enjoyment in knowing they can savor their sips without worry of a strong Read more

In January, a San Francisco place called Sushirrito opened, and there's been a line around the corner ever since. The concept is remarkably straightforward: wrap raw fish, vegetables, and other accoutrements in a giant sheet of rice-covered seaweed, and eat it like you would a burrito. The idea is so simple you'd think someone would've thought of it long ago. Of course, the backlash has rolled Read more

The Four Loko hype may have died out, but don't expect the novelty alcoholic beverage trend to disappear just yet. Pabst Brewing Co., which also produces Colt 45, is adding another beverage to its lineup: Blast, a "premium malt beverage with natural fruit flavors." The drink will come in innocent-sounding flavors like strawberry lemonade and blueberry pomegranate, but at 12 percent alcohol (twice Read more

I'm crazy about all things Spanish, so when I come across a restaurant that offers a specialty item from the Iberian peninsula, I have to order it. Such was the case at a recent happy hour at Epic Roasthouse, where I enjoyed a tasty platter of boquerones. Boquerones are fresh white anchovies that are typically marinated in a mixture of salt, water, and vinegar. They are incredibly delicious Read more

Let's face it: every restaurant has tables that are better than others, and certain seating truly does leave something to be desired. (Not convinced? Check out the worst tables in New York.) One San Francisco restaurant has decided to put a humorous spin on their seating snafu; for the diners willing to subject themselves to the mishap table in between two bathrooms, Alexander's Steakhouse will Read more

Like the rest of the fast food world, Arby's is stepping up its game. Earlier this week, it introduced its new Angus Three Cheese & Bacon, the first menu item in a new line of premium beef sandwiches that are made with medium-rare Angus beef. After the accusation that Taco Bell is falsely labeling its "seasoned beef," you'd think there'd be more than a little caution exercised over serving a Read more

What's it like to eat live lobster? In case you were wondering, Zagat has video that'll give you a pretty good idea. Here, three industry experts try the meal at New York's 15 East, where, according to Zagat, "At the beginning of the meal, you're introduced to your dinner, and during the first course of lobster sashimi, the crustaceans are still on the table, and still moving, while you munch Read more