What's the country reading today food-wise? Here's a roundup of some of the food-related stories from other newspapers, many of which print their food sections mid-week. And remember, even if you don't actually buy papers these days (or not; this paper is free), it's where most of your content comes from. Surf away. Just remember that spilling your macchiato over your keyboard is a lot more expensive than spilling it across newsprint.

In the Los Angeles Times, S. Irene Virbila checks in on the best places to get fried chicken in L.A.; considering Taste of Chong Qing in the SGV; and Paul Aratow writes about Chez Panisse on the occasion of the restaurant's 40th anniversary.

At The New York Times, Melissa Clark considers school lunches; a look at Alsatian rieslings; and a review of Lisa Fain's Homesick Texan Cookbook.

Raising the profile of Colorado wine; and news that this country is now the most prolific beer-making nation in the world, at The Denver Post.

At The Sacramento Bee, a review of (local author) Randy Clemens' The Sriracha Cookbook; and a look at a local cupcake business.

A very cool look at charcoal; and considering the many aspects of curry powder, at the Chicago Sun-Times.

The Boston Globe considers the joy of backyard fire pits.

Paso vs. Napa? The Orange County Register weighs wine regions.

Finding great cuts for the grill at affordable prices; and the importance of serving non-alcoholic drinks at parties, at The Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Tips for making tailgate burgers, just in time for the start of the NFL and college football seasons, from The Times-Picayune.

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