Turkeys are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so early orders are recommended.

Here's the problem with Dupont Circle: eateries, eateries everywhere, and not a bite to eat. With a few exceptions, there's a dearth of delicious, cheap mom-and-pop options in this neighborhood, particularly for lunch. How can this dynamic part of town allow such mediocrity? It's something I often...

-- Favorite cookbooks: "The Food of Italy," by Claudia Roden (Vintage, 1998); "Marcella Cucina," by Marcella Hazan (Morrow, 1997); "Zuppa," by Ann Bianchi (Ecco, 1996).

Edited excerpts from the Going Out Gurus blog, http://voices.washingtonpost.com/goingoutgurus :

-- AUTHOR DINNER: Valerie Boyd, author of "Wrapped in Rainbows: The Life of Zora Neale Hurston," hosts the first dinner in the series "Food and Folklore." $45 excludes tax and tip. Reservations required. 6:30 p.m. Eatonville, 2121 14th St. NW. 202-332-9672 or foodandfolklore@gmail.com .

"I am a fabulous Italian cook." When you meet Deborah Thawley at a gathering where food is discussed (and, really, doesn't that happen at every great party?), she will describe herself that way. The statement is unexpected, delivered softly by a wisp of an old girl with a Tasmanian accent. A bit of...

It was the broccoli that stopped Judith Jones in her tracks at the White House farmers market, and then again at a Whole Foods Market a half-mile away. "Look! Look!" she exclaimed. "You can buy just one branch!"

There are worse things than being an art critic. Until 5 p.m. or so, I get to prowl the museums. In the evening, there are openings at which to ogle current art and the hipsters who make it.

I noticed something recently at 1700 K St. NW that's been missing from there for several years: a buzzy place to eat.

Here's the problem with Dupont Circle: eateries, eateries everywhere, and not a bite to eat. With a few exceptions, there's a dearth of delicious, cheap mom-and-pop options in this neighborhood, particularly for lunch. How can this dynamic part of town allow such mediocrity? It's something I often...

For most English lovers of cask ale, the preferred styles are bitters and milds, both relatively low-alcohol libations that are often termed "session beers" because you can spend an evening sipping on pints of them without worrying about a pounding headache and dry heaves the next morning.

Much of the fun of wine is exploring selections from unfamiliar regions, made with unfamiliar grapes. One region worth exploring is Bierzo in northwestern Spain, which produces stylish and elegant red wines from a grape called mencia.

Prices are approximate. Check Winesearcher.com to verify availability, or ask a favorite wine store to order through a distributor.