Leafy Greens

Also called sunchokes, Jerusalem artichokes are actually the roots of a variety of sunflower, but their sweet, nutty flavor is reminiscent of artichokes. What to drink: Unoaked Chardonnay from France (think Chablis) or New Zealand.

Use the grating disk of a food processor to grate the beets more easily.

Inspired by Eat Drink Man Woman A retired master chef in contemporary Taiwan makes elaborate Sunday dinners for his three increasingly uninterested daughters in this 1994 film. While the women carry on their busy lives, the chef discovers he is losing his sense of taste and finds solace in a new love.

Inspired by Big Night Set in New Jersey in the 1950s, this 1996 film revolves around the conflict between two immigrant brothers who decide to open a restaurant. Primo defends his purist Italian cooking to Secondo, his brother, who is more concerned with the bottom line. Frustrated with customers who want simple plates of spaghetti and meatballs, Primo prepares timpano, a complex, drum-shaped dish of pasta-filled pastry. We've taken the timpano and simplified it into a timballo, a molded casserole without a pastry crust. For added flair, arrange the ziti in a decorative pattern as you make the first layer of the timballo.

Jennifer Janesko of Kansas City, Kansas, writes: "I had an amazing egg drop soup at the Canyon Ranch SpaClub at The Venetian, in Las Vegas. It had a slight kick of lemon and was perfect after a long night of blackjack. Could you get the recipe?"

Diane Semrad Anderson of Louisville, Kentucky, writes: "This is a peasant dish inspired by my Bohemian grandmother, who used her own homemade sausage in a similar creation. It is simple and delicious."

The term fines herbes refers to a blend of aromatic herbs that usually includes parsley, chervil, chives, and tarragon. The combination is used in sauces, vegetables, and meat dishes, but it also adds subtle freshness to green salads.

The truffled fries are an inspired, luxurious accompaniment.

These healthy sandwiches get a kick from the curry powder. Serve with: Potato chips, red grapes, and a rice wine-marinated cucumber salad.

Serve with: Texmati rice pilaf tossed with toasted pecans, and broccoli florets sautéed with sliced garlic.

Mirin, miso paste, and hot chili oil are all available at Asian markets and in the Asian foods section of some supermarkets. Serve with: Steamed, salted edamame, and cold soba noodles with a peanut dressing.

This refreshing and versatile salad sets off some of the more decadent dishes at Isa.

Malena Marie Beanik of Hollywood, California, writes: "Although I grew up in Philadelphia, I haven't lived there for years. But whenever I'm back in town I make it a point to spend some time in Manayunk, one of my favorite neighborhoods. During my last visit I ate at LeBus and had a fantastic chicken skewer appetizer."

This recipe sponsored by Black Swan Vineyards

This recipe sponsored by Black Swan Vineyards