Italian cuisine as a national cuisine known today has evolved from centuries of social and political change. Its roots can be traced back to 4th century BC through to the introduction of notable chefs such as Maestro Martino who cooked an elegant refined Italian cuisine. The cuisine significantly changed with discovery of the New World helped shape much of what is known as Italian cuisine today with introduction of items as potatoes, tomatoes, bell pepper and maize, which are all central parts of the cuisine but were not introduced in scale until the 18th century.Ingredients and dishes vary by region. There are many significant regional dishes that have become both national and regional. Many dishes that were once regional, however, have proliferated in different variations across the country in the present day. Cheese and wine are also a major part of the cuisine, playing different roles both regionally and nationally with their many variations and Denominazione di origine controllata (DOC) (regulated appellation) laws. Coffee, and more specifically espresso has become highly important to the cultural cuisine of Italy.

Blue Hill at Stone Barns, a chi-chi restaurant in Pocantico Hills with most excellent food was cited in last night's episode of Cashmere Mafia. From her description of the scene and my mad TV skillz, I have determined that the character in question who ends up calling general manager Philippe Gouze is Juliet.

EVERY 5 seconds a child dies because of starvation...that's around 18,000 each day... 5.5 - 6.5 Million children WILL DIE every year!....they will not get to puberty....they will not experience romantic love....they will not hold their own child....because of the lack of food!. Join this group and read the description and news to help the children!

Ever since I got my iPhone I've been looking for a webapp that would let me use it to track my exercise and diet. Via my phone I can now track what I eat, add a new food that isn't in their database, track time spent doing cardio, view exercise descriptions (including demonstration videos), and track weights lifted.

My husband and I always joke when we visit an art exhibit about how differently we approach the experience: while he prefers to move through quickly, stopping only to study works that he finds intriguing, I am the opposite. Left unchecked, I will read every description

A description of what it would take for one man to utilize renewable sources to replace his family's energy use. It includes not only electricity to the house, but transportation and so-called "embedded energy" in food, consumer, and durable goods. The results are not pretty, though he seems slightly encouraged.