Eating Well (113)We've all heard about organic food, but what you really need to know is what you're paying for.
Bon Appetit editor-in-chief Barbara Fairchild takes us to a farmers' market to fill us in on the latest legislation, the benefits and the best ways to buy organic foods.
Everyone wants to find a good deal on groceries, but what's your best bet? What are the best ways to save money at a conventional grocery store? And what deals are worth your while at warehouse clubs? We turn to expert Tod Marks of Consumer Reports for the answers.
Americans love to eat out, but are we getting the most from the experience? Food and Wine Magazine's Salma Abdelnour gives us the dish on ordering smart, bringing your own wine and enjoying a night out.
Organic Food
- Always taste food at farmer's markets before buying it.
- For the best prices at farmer's markets, bargain with the growers just before closing time.
- Let refrigerated produce stand at room temperature before eating them.
- To maintain freshness, store produce in a wire basket or pottery bowl.
Resources
Bon Appetit
http://eat.epicurious.com
Warehouse Clubs
- Check the flyers for weekly specials.
- Use coupons only for items you would normally buy.
- Check the expiration dates for products found on end cap displays.
- Analyze your shopping habits to determine whether the annual fee is worth it. Consider the size of your family and how much storage space you have.
- Ask the warehouse club for a free one-day trial pass.
Resources
Consumer Reports
www.consumerreports.org
Restaurant Confidential
- Go to popular restaurants for lunch or an early dinner.
- Order the chef's special.
- Avoid ordering fish on Mondays at moderate or inexpensive restaurants.
- Do not bring wine that is on the restaurant's wine list.
- Limit yourself to bringing only one or two bottles of wine.
- To get the corkage fee waived, order a bottle off the wine list as well.
Resources
Food and Wine Magazine
http://foodandwine.netscape.com
The Red Cat restaurant
www.theredcat.com
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