The Jewish-American tradition of eating Chinese food on Christmas is rooted in pragmatism and loneliness. In the mid-1900s, America’s two largest non-Christian immigrant populations shared the experience of watching the world grind... more

When the weather begins to indicate that winter is, in fact, going to happen again this year, turning to food for edification seems to be the natural choice. I don’t just look to meals for warmth but also color, freshness and variety — basically everything for which we’ll have to wait very patiently to see out of our windows again. And where better to look for this inspiration than the vibrant cuisine of Southeast Asia? more

Tradition reigns supreme during the holiday season. From minced pies in England to kutia in Ukraine to spiced hot chocolate in Peru, many different foods and beverages are savored this time of year around the world. more

The Toarmina’s Pizza location on East Michigan Avenue is beloved by the City Pulse staff. When we need a fast lunch, the restaurant’s premade slices of pizza are just a two-minute walk away, and when we have occasional staff meals together, we typically order a few pies that are quickly devoured. more

As holiday talk builds to a festive pitch and the cold darkness moves to embrace you, don’t sleep on pomegranate season. It’s ready to sneak back into your life. more

  A gluten-free gal on the hunt for a “girl dinner” can’t do much better than Mason’s BAD Brewing Co. The brewpub is just a leisurely 20-minute drive down Cedar … more

Chocolate and pumpkin pie make a special combination. And since I love pumpkin pie but am weary of making pie crust, messing around with Oreo-crusted pumpkin pie is one of my favorite Thanksgiving … more

  Heffron Farms is just under 50 miles away from Lansing, but its new meat delivery service is set on closing that distance. On Tuesday (Nov. 21), the farm made its weekly pilgrimage … more

A year has come and gone since I happened upon a flame-orange paste created from roasted squash and red peppers. I call it magma because it’s red and earthy, but I could also call it autumn mayonnaise because it improves everything it touches. more

Since I first tried it my freshman year of college, Indian food has become one of my go-to takeout cuisines. I order it when I’m famished since the portions are typically huge, and it has never … more

If nobody told you this dessert was composed primarily of root vegetables, you’d simply think it was a magnificent fudge bar — moist like a rainforest, rich like a truffle and creamy like … more

Former food truck Bangos’ long-awaited conversion to a brick-and-mortar space has come at last, and Lansing-area foodies — myself included — are rejoicing. more

I made it surprisingly far through life without thinking deeply about onions. It took an acid trip in college, during which I watched my friend Wayne fry an onion that had been cut in half. We stood … more

Modern grocery stores put their predecessors to shame with the number of items available for purchase. Gone are the days when grocery stores featured roughly 12 aisles and stocked shelves primarily … more

The five biggest shopping days of the year for candy are all in October, thanks to Halloween, which sells more candy than any other holiday. more

With seven locations throughout the state, Jolly Pumpkin Café & Brewery has come to be celebrated for its artisanal, granite-baked pizzas, but it also offers equally enticing appetizers, salads, bowls, sandwiches and desserts. more

During Germany’s infamous Turnip Winter of 1916 to 1917, World War I had left villagers so desperate for food that they would break into cattle barns and steal the turnips meant for cows. For similar historical reasons in countless places, turnips have a reputation for being a famine food. more

It’s easy to take ketchup for granted. But once our all-American burger and fries arrive, if we don’t have ketchup, we have a problem. more

Despite the enduring summerlike weather, co-workers at both of my jobs have been calling in sick like any other turn of the season, and this week, I was finally taken out myself. It’s strange … more