African American Vintners: Who Knew?

Did you know that there are African American winemakers (vintners) and they even have their own organization?  Now, as much as I enjoy a nice bottle glass of vino you would think I would be aware of such an illustrious organization.  The Root keeps me in the know with a great slide show that highlights [...]

How Not to Kill Your BBQ Guests This Weekend

Anyone who has tasted lukewarm potato salad and barely lived to tell the tale can appreciate the importance of food safety.  Here in Washington, DC, it’s hot as all hell and I still am wary of eating anybody’s potato salad except my own, my mom’s, and my grandmother’s. To keep you from poisoning your guests, [...]

Tips for Healthy Eating

Yes, we’ve heard these tips time and time again. But it bears repeating given the scale hasn’t moved as much as I would like. Choose lean meats and poultry. Bake it, broil it, or grill it. In a restaurant, opt for steamed, grilled, or broiled dishes instead of those that are fried or sautéed. Look [...]

Save $$: Restaurant Weeks Across the Country

Just because the economy is in the dumps doesn’t mean you can’t dine well for a special occasion (or no occasion at all). Restaurant “weeks” have become ever more popular in major cities trying to cajole diners back into their restaurants. Open Table keeps a running list of restaurant weeks/specials for the frequent diner. Listed [...]

Are Health Food Stores Healthy?: Hmm, Not So Much

The extent of my health food store shopping begins and ends at Whole Foods – and that’s really only because they’ve got really great produce. That is my minor contribution to “living green.” But I’ve never approached shopping at Whole Foods or Trader Joes as an endeavor to eat/buy health food. And given a recent [...]

Culture Club – April

Culture Club is a periodic posting of cultural events which may be of interest to readers. Events are limited to the Washington, DC area.

Of Women and Wine

Perhaps I selectively blocked out the new study published last week that a drink a day raises a women’s risk of cancer. Of course, I prefer to believe that a glass of wine a day ensures one’s sanity. But in talking with my doctor last week she mentioned the new study and confirmed that the unthinkable is indeed true. A collective sigh.

Our Relationship With Alcohol

I’ve always been a fan of the New York Times Proof blog which gives varying perspectives on alcohol and American life. I look forward to showcasing its contributors here on blackgirlgrown. Paul Clarke explains the “why” and “how” he drinks, and ultimately how this will shape his children’s experimentation. He curiously distinguishes between the true [...]