Most people first encounter these nutty grains in a salad with celery and walnuts. But they're far more versatile than that: Swap them for rice or couscous in almost any recipe to add fiber. New York Times food writer Mark Bittman suggests tossing them with chopped scallions, sesame oil and soy sauce, and then throwing in some sliced seitan.

Aztec warriors relied on amaranth to give them strength, so Spanish conquistadors eliminated it almost entirely in the 16th century. Luckily, the discovery of the ancient grain's remarkable nutritional content led to its resurgence in the 1980s. Amaranth is earthy and flavorful on its own, cooks as quickly as pasta and can even be popped into a Rice Krispy-like snack.

Quinoa is so 2008. Hulled millet — which at 99 cents per pound is even cheaper than barley — is extremely filling and has long been a staple of diets all over the world. It can be tossed into soups to add heft or mixed with flour and veggies to make croquettes, and it's usually a safe choice for celiacs.

Before spring arrives permanently, set aside the next cold day to cook up some bulgur wheat, the ultimate winter comfort food. Bulgur is a soft, hearty grain that soaks up the flavor of everything else in the pot. Try a thick stew with bulgur, cannellini beans, diced tomatoes, broccoli, parsley, thyme and garlic, and save the leftovers for the next time you need to fight 40-mph winds to get home.

The tap list at Old City's rock club is ever-changing and adventurous. Current handles include crafts like Cricket Hill Colonel Blide's Bitter, Lagunitas Hairy Eyeball and Gritty McDuff's Best Brown. For Beer Week, tap-minder/selector Jeremy Thomson promises Voodoo Grand Met, Leffe Brune, a whiskey barrel-aged batch of Boulder Never Summer Ale and the debut of Philadelphia Brewing Co.'s Shacka-maximum Imperial Stout.

Inconspicuous little Bridgid's boasts a gravity tap and a range of brave brews (Legacy Nor'easter, Issaquah Menage a Frog). Beer Week choices will include Maredsous 6, Duvel Green, Dogfish Head Palo Santo Marron, Atomium Premier Grand Cru, Sly Fox Gang Aft Agley and Ballast Point Baltic Porter.

The Center City wing standby's got 28 taps, featuring Victory Golden Monkey, Chimay, Leffe Brune, Great Divide Titan IPA and Spaten Oktoberfest, among others. Manager Richard Constantine keeps spots open for a rotating cider, a rotating Belgian and two rotating micros, all of which stay on tap long enough for drinkers to take a shine to 'em.

This upstart restaubar has a tap list curated by Bella Vista Beer's Chris Fetfatzes. It starts with local session staples like PBC Kenzinger and Victory Prima Pils, and continues with the likes of Lakefront IPA, River Horse Belgian Freeze, Boulder Never Summer and Offshore IPA.

Philadelphia Brewing Co.'s Bill Barton has referred to the acr...]]> http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2009/02/26/top-5-locally-mummified-foods http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2009/02/26/top-5-locally-mummified-foods

Green Meadows hates to mess around — that's why they've captured the purest essence of what bacon should be. Sound grandiose? Maybe. But brace yourself before you settle down to enjoy a couple nicely crisped strips of this locally raised, salt-cured and smoked pork belly.

Pick up Di Bruno's deeply red and perfectly fatty duck prosciutto whether you're looking to blow minds at a dinner party or home alone snacking on cheese and wine. A thin slice will melt on your tongue in seconds, but it'll stay on your mind for days.

Though it's technically an appetizer, you and a friend could make a meal of a monstrous serving of this cold, satisfying treat. The sweet, sour, salty beef is piled high, displaying its proud grain and translucent fat, waiting to be slathered in dipping sauce and chewed slowly so that the flavors collide.

Fruit and fermented shrimp paste dressing may not be the first things to come to mind when conjuring up a salad, but Penang has been putting the two together forever. The fruit mixture, which varies, is escorted down to your belly by the real star of the plate — teeny-tiny finely fermented shrimp.

Few things in this world are as volatile and soothing as a bowl of kimchi stew. The broth is...]]> http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2009/01/15/top-5-chinatown-bakery-eats-for-under-1 http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2009/01/15/top-5-chinatown-bakery-eats-for-under-1

Bread Top House's Fried Taro Dumpling

Photo | Isaiah Thompson

When I asked a lady at St. Honore if the Fried Happy Ball — a sugary crust hiding a mesh of thin, moist, doughy layers — was like a doughnut, she said yes, and added that it was "very good." In fact, it is better than "very good" — and if you went to God Himself and asked how He would make a doughnut, He'd probably send you here.

How, exactly, the Hong Kong Bakery came to be selling something called a Swiss roll is a mystery to me. But they do, and it's good. The pastry is a simple, fresh, yeasty, buttery roll. It's sweet, but not too sweet. One of these and a cup of coffee makes for good times.

Of all the tasties that line the shelves of the cheery Bread Top House, the fried taro dumpling is without peer. The pork-filled dumpling is enveloped in a thin coat of taro root, which somehow, when fried, turns into a beautiful, flaky, coral reef-like crust. The dumpling has another amazing property: It fills you up in astonishing disproportion to its size.

Sidle up to the bar at the city's most idiosyncratic neighborhood tappy for this all-day chili special. The $5 price tag includes a bowl of spicy-sweet brisket chili, a hulking chunk of corn bread and a Miller High Life. The Champagne of Beers actually goes better with this than one of the bar's numerous Belgians.

Part meal, part space heater: This Korean dish of rice, sprouts, carrots, spinach, hot sauce, egg, and beef, chicken or tofu is served in a fiery stone bowl so hot it crisps the rice and warms you by way of proximity.

Moqueca is a Brazilian bouillabaise-y fish stew. Port Fishington's rendition lays a slab of flaky mahi-mahi atop a hot bath of shrimp, coconut milk, peppers, potatoes and ají rouille. Slurp.

We'd pay the $5.25 just to watch the guy in the back window whip and wrangle a fresh batch of this place's namesake soup component. While we're fans of Vietnamese pho (the distinction here is slight — Nan Zhou's beefy broth is flavored with cilantro and green onion), fresh noodles make a big difference.

This gulash, a peppercorn-heavy beef stew over rotini, is technically served...]]> http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/11/27/flavors-of-harvest http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/11/27/flavors-of-harvest 1 Pumpkin Pancakes

Newly opened, Mémé's already a favorite for brunch. (They serve it Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) The mouthwatering pumpkin pancakes, in particular, are a hit: Spread on the maple butter and savor the foie gras on the side. It'll definitely be the best part of your weekend.

Philly's artisan sweet-tooth perfectionists nail season's eatings with these doughnuts, which burst with cider flavor and just the right amount of brown sugar and nutmeg. Just remember to call first: They're not available every day.

This is how a pie should taste — fresh enough to convince us that the Brown Betty dessert pros handpicked each sweet potato for the cinnamony purée filling that buttery crust. One bite and you'll have second thoughts about any homemade version.

Duff's tosses everything you love about Thanksgiving onto a fresh-baked roll. Carved turkey is soaked in gravy before being placed on top of homemade stuffing and cranberry sauce. Reinventing the traditional leftover masterpiece, the Manayunk steakerie then drizzles on melted American cheese. The Wawa Gobbler doesn't stand a chance.

Please save room for this nontraditional take on pumpkin bread. Two layers of moist cake surround a rich maple cream cheese filling that is more ...]]> http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/11/06/chefs-guilty-pleasures http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/11/06/chefs-guilty-pleasures 1 Mitch Prensky

Taking the fatty fat cake for Philly chefs' guilty eating pleasures is Supper's chef/co-owner. In Prensky's own words: "A plain bagel (untoasted) with cream cheese and crushed BBQ potato chips (Wise brand only) sandwiched inside ... the more potato chips you can fit inside, the better." Unlikely to appear on Supper's menu beside the Berkshire pork belly.

The woman at the helm of West Philly's finest dining locale offers her guilty list with regional flavor: "Snickers ice cream bars and Virginia ham sandwiches with butter, preferably on a fresh roll." Proving that a real chef can grub with the proles, O'Shea also professed to enjoying Wendy's fries dipped in a Frostie.

Pig is the thing at P'unk Ave.'s Cochon, and chef/co-owner Gene Giuffi indulges in his favorite creature with few regrets. "I [felt] guilty one late Saturday when I made a panini with crispy pork belly, foie gras and truffle mayo," he says. "I could feel my arteries clogging. And I need to have one again soon."

Fresh, local ingredients form the foundation of Hora's cooking, and his food philosophy is delivered just as cleanly. Pressed for his shameful food pleasure, he responds, "I seem to feel my life is made of pleasurable events. But, I guess I would have to go with whiskey. It doesn't make me guilty, just wish I hadn't bought such a big bottle. One should never eat anything that instills guilt."

Surrounded by premium ingredients, Homacki doesn't crave anything outrageous. Here's another chef seduced by the cream cheese temptress:...]]> http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/10/30/dinnerandamovie-destinations http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/10/30/dinnerandamovie-destinations 1 N. 3rd

The lounge at this cozy gastropub is the home of FancyPants Cinema, a free weekly screening program of locally made short films. Every Tuesday night around 10 p.m., aspiring filmmakers can present their work to the assembled beer-swillin' crowd. Please note that throwing empty Chimay bottles does not count as feedback.

A $25 prix-fixe deal gets you dinner at 12 Lounge plus a ticket to a current film. The menu offers cheesesteaks and club sandwiches, served with onion rings or a baked potato. A Saturday night seat costs $12 as it is, making this combo cheaper — and better — than anything they have at the concession counter.

Whether you dine in at Tiffin or tend to take away your chicken tikka, become a member of their Bollywood film club. Fill out a form and pay $3 to rent a DVD — like Fanaa or Dil Chahta Hai — for five days. When you return the movies, do yourself a favor and grab some vindaloo, too.

Noir classics like Double Indemnity unspool in luminous black and white on the bar's flat-screen TV. Sit at the large community table at this swanky Rittenhouse favorite and you'll find it hard to pay attention to your dining companions. It's oh so easy, however, to pop the kitchen's Asian-fusion calamari like it's popcorn.

A pitcher of Distrito's margaritas is a must while watching Nacho Libre, Three Amigos or titles from the legendary Santo vs. [insert monster/villain here] series on the huge screen facing the upstairs seating area. Just don't get so drunk that you grab one of the 600 luchador masks off the wall and start interpretin...]]> http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/10/23/pumpkin-beers http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/10/23/pumpkin-beers 1 Dogfish Head Punkin Ale

The perfect balance of booze and gourdy flavors makes Dogfish Head's Punkin Ale a solid fall offering. Adding brown sugar to a brown ale is brilliant, with Punkin's sweet, smooth finish making it the most drinkable of the pumpkin beers. It's best on tap — Tria and Grey Lodge plan to serve it in the coming weeks. (All of these beers are available retail at both Foodery locations — 324 S. 10th St. and 837 N. Second St. )

Organic farmer, Vermont House representative and seriously moustached dude Will Stevens provides the pumpkins that give Wolaver's ale its hearty flavor. The solid backbone of autumn spices will go well with a savory meal or your Mischief Night pregaming — just make sure the TP you're using for tree décor is made from 100 percent post-consumer materials.

A perennial local favorite, Emperor Weyerbacher smites his subjects with a mighty scepter of wicked pumpkin flavor. A mix of cinnamon and nutmeg offer up slice-of-pie sentimentality without overwhelming the palate with dessert vibes. At 8 percent ABV, this Easton-based despot is eager for seasonal justice, so don't be thrown off by its altogether-pleasant aftertaste.

With 150 pounds of pumpkin used in each batch, Elysian Night Owl swoops down with mega flavor and a bright finish. It'll taste great washing down stuffing or any number of other Thanksgiving side dishes. At $10 for a 22-ounce bottle, it's a little classy in the price department, but there's no denying the badass owl on the label.

With its unapologetic ale identity, this seasonal offering from New Hampshire's much-celebrated Smuttynose nearly removes the "pumpkin" from the "pumpkin beer" equation. This is specialty brewing at its finest — the quaff's subdued character is a welcome change from its sweeter rivals.

A heap of raw filet mignon, a pile of dressed greens, a haystack of pommes frites. Throw in a bottle of cold rosé Champagne. Now die having been to bistro heaven. Caribou deals in the classic tartare, a chilled mash-up of premium beef, capers, dijon mustard and egg yolk. To hell with oysters — this is a better aphrodisiac than Carla Bruni-Sarkozy singing dirty French ditties.

If you don't have a Lebanese grandmother with a superior butcher connection, order the kibbe naya at Zahav. Freshly ground lamb is seasoned with allspice, harissa, mint, scallions, olive oil, lemon juice and cumin for a flavor party extravaganza. A helping of bulghur wheat adds texture to this cool kibbe.

Almaz serves this traditional Ethiopian dish of lean minced beef seasoned with mitmita (very spicy chili powder) and ghee (clarified butter) for a rich tartare you can scoop up with a flat of spongy injera bread. Exercise choice when you order yours: tré (truly raw) or lebleb (slightly sautéed).

Chef/owner Peter Woolsey modernizes a classic concept with his napoleon of cubed salmon mixed with chopped egg, cornichons and shallots. A dijon mustard vinaigrette gently "cooks" the fish a bit. The salmon is capped with French puy lentils and a dollop of crème fraîche; the plate gets a swirl of blood orange vinaigrette for a final fancy flourish.

David Katz of Mémé doesn't do elaborate menu details. The description of his top sirloin tartare reads "salty potato chips, quail egg," which just about sums up the accompaniments ...]]> http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/10/09/places-to-break-the-fast http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/10/09/places-to-break-the-fast 1 London Grill

"Party like it's 5769," urge the folks at London, who offer a nouveau Jewish menu for Yom Kippur. From salmon gefilte fish and a chickpea and lentil tagine to braised short ribs and house-made honey marshmallows, they're offering some unusual twists on the typical post-Day of Atonement meal. Save room for the rugalach.

Break the fast in style at Zahav with their High Holiday Mesibah (party). For $35 per person for takeout or $48 at the restaurant, this prix-fixe meal includes raisin challah, matzoh ball soup, chopped liver, salatim (salads), coffee-braised brisket and honey cake. You definitely won't go home hungry.

Kibitz may have the local market cornered when it comes to traditional smoked fish platters. Get the whole spread: piles of jumbo whitefish and whitefish salad, regular or nova lox, kippered salmon, Swiss, Muenster and cream cheeses and bagels by the dozen. It's all garnished with olives, cucumbers and other fresh vegetables.

Jews: Chinese food's not just for Christmas anymore — this Race Street favorite is both vegetarian and kosher. The gingko herbal or shark fin soups may not be on par with mom's matzoh ball, but the vegetarian salmon fish is still an appropriate substitute for lox.

Open until 9 p.m. on Yom Kippur, this gourmet supermarket can literally cater to your last-minute needs. They have everything from chopped chicken liver pâté and sweet noodle kugel to potato latkes and kasha varnishkes. There are also salmon platters and braised brisket. If your bubbe can't make it, get it here.

We're just fine with the darkness emanating from McGlinchey's. The smoky den is one of the few places that lets you have a hot dog with your cigarette and not be seen. If the service is a bit feisty, suck it up. It's a known fact that reduced sunlight increases depression.

Who says Cantina Dos can't light up your night? The interior may be shady, but chef Mark McKinney's food is on the bright side. If you can't see your plate, ask for a candle. And remember, dining in the dark is actually trendy in some cities.

We tend to carry torches for interiors that hide imperfections and flatter your skin. The only artificial light at chef Christopher Hora's California-style BYOB peeks out from the kitchen, while the rest of the room is cast in a dim glow from table tealights. This ain't no Sunnydale.

The only lights here are Amstel and Coors. This Moroccan joint is so dusky that you could fall over a belly dancer if you're not careful. And the hanging brass lanterns at Fez do little to illuminate the multicourse platters of food that you eat with your hands, so let your sense of touch guide the way.

Dix got together with the Philadelphia Cartoonist Society at Bob and Barb's long before he was a bartender there. Nowadays, when he isn't pouring out Specials, he's teaching students at Antonelli Institute and taking freelance art and graphic design jobs. "I'm much better as an artist than as a doorman," he says.

Watch out: The guy serving your brunch might be trying out his characters on you. Eddie Austin, the taller half of the South Philly-talkin', PBR-drinkin', Drunken Spelling Bee MC-in' comedy duo The Rogerio Brothers, is also a server at Honey's. "It's a good place to get reactions," he says.

When Cosi's slow, you might find Rose dancing in the hallway, working out the steps for one of her projects. "Everyone's gotta make money," she says. Flatbread aside, she also teaches dance at three studios, is putting on a Fringe show (Way Up High) and will be working with 11th Hour Theatre Co. this spring.

Performing since age 8 and serving since age 16, Kelly may fit the classic actor/waitress stereotype — but she's happy to do so. "I've definitely used people that I've run into as characters that I've played [onstage]," she says. She's currently playing a chimpanzee in the Fringe production Branch to Branch, which makes us wonder who's been patronizing the 'Vous lately.

Spending afternoons recording doesn't provide Deadfolk's Patrick Spatz with health insurance — working in the bakery of Whole...]]> http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/08/28/ocean-city-sweet-treats http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/08/28/ocean-city-sweet-treats 1 Chocolate-Covered Salt Water Taffy

Ocean City is a dry town, so you'll need to make your bad Labor Day weekend decisions with the sweets. Like an old high school friend with an open tab and a flight of tequila shots on the way, Shriver's makes it all too easy. Grab a box of their housemade chocolate-covered salt water taffy to kick it up a fat-kid notch.

This bundt-shaped, syrupy cinnamon cake pulls apart for easy sharing, but keep it safe and order two. Feeling sassy? The sundae option adds a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

When it comes to seaside sugar highs, there's only one reason to wander off the boardwalk: Mallon's impossibly gooey sticky buns, which come topped with everything from traditional raisins to pineapples. Set the alarm — doors open at 7 a.m., and plenty of people are shunning the granola this weekend.

Think chocolate chip cookie dough — then dunk it in a deep fryer. At this point, go all the way and order one of TJ's fried Oreos on the side.

This one starts out innocent enough. Order a small vanilla custard (only 130 calories!), but ask for it in a large cup. Then slowly fold in a generous handful of cotton candy (pink or blue will work), being careful not to deflate the sticky strands too quickly. Rumor has it strawberry fudge is a nice addition, but let's not overdo this.

"Utz are better than nuts!" went a fictional commercial slogan on a recent episode of Mad Men. What's better than both? The Israeli corn chips at Zahav. The imported crisps call out to idle hands in three varieties: classic falafel, zesty BBQ and the enticingly named smoke. Munch away — you'll be dining on small plates tonight.

Happy hour at the Dive means on-the-house cheese pizza from Napoli across the street — the limit is two slices per patron. Throw in the almost-free beer specials and you've got dinner and drinks for mere pocket change.

The addictive mix on bar at Pennsport's the Ugly American is akin to good old American Cracker Jack, but it takes a Mexican turn in the spice department, with habanero and cayenne heating up popcorn and salty peanuts coated in sticky toffee.

Not in the mood to shell out dough for the raw bar treats at JBs? We won't think twice if you load up on gratis oyster crackers and horseradish instead. The buttery little hexagons aren't exactly aphrodisiacs, but if you abide by the adage that beggars can't be choosers, they'll do.

We're a bunch of choosers, though, which is why we hold out for the complimentary snack at James. The tiny helping of fancy green olives is just the trick to help us start building a whopper of a tab. Speaking of olives, their Blue in Green martini with blue-cheese-stuffed olives is so worth it

Ane Ormaechea may be known for bringing old Spain to South Street, but she's also a self-assured creator in the kitchen. The chef sculpts vibrant beets three ways, serving a crispy, crunchy beet chip adorned with a cube of sherry-poached beets that is itself topped with beet relish, creamy goat cheese and sugary Marcona almonds.

This colorful summer salad is just one of many inviting items offered at Old City's farm-fresh restaurant. Fork's pitch-perfect pairing of round reds, avocado, nectarines and mache under a generous coating of green peppercorn vinaigrette properly celebrates the warmest season.

Celebrating worldly wines is the forte of the trattoria-style Ristorante Panorama, so the splash of sherry in the red and yellow beet plate is so apropos. Here, the spiked chilled veggies come with a handful of candied toasted hazelnuts and roasted garlic ricotta.

This Polish market proudly offers daily from-scratch specials, including a rotating sampling of house-made soups. The simple sweet-and-sour taste of the clear beet broth helps you appreciate the source ingredient, while a fresh dill garnish enhances its prominent flavors.

Rich Landau's first-course salad is strikingly mellow and presented with the utmost beauty. The beets, layered with smoked tofu, capers, red onions, fresh tomatoes, frisee and balsamic, double as the perfect ...]]> http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/08/07/top-5-coconut-cravings http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/08/07/top-5-coconut-cravings 1 Pancakes

Azul Cantina, 941 Spruce St., 215-627-5200

As much as you want to eat your coconut shampoo because it smells so good, hold out for brunch at Azul. The coconut pancakes have major snap courtesy of coconut milk mixed into the batter. The sweet stack, which tastes best drizzled with passionfruit syrup, comes crowned with mango and shaved coconut.

Alma de Cuba's lobster and crab coconut ceviche arrives in its iced glass boat, buoyed by habaneros and a ginger and lime sorbet. The mellow coconut gives this seafood salad the rich and refreshing push it needs.

Coconut cream pie is one of Matyson's legendary desserts. The nutty macadamia crust is jacked up with chocolate ganache, coconut filling, tufts of pillowy whipped cream and coconut flakes. A sprig of mint and a squiggle of chocolate set it off right.

Start off with Rangoon's coconut galanga soup, which features chicken, vegetables and Thai ginger mixed up in coconut milk. Follow up by way of the coconut shrimp doused in coconut sauce. End the three-course tryst with coconut layer bread, a traditional sweet dessert pounded with coconut syrup.

A tiny amount of coconut extract is added to Mike Landers' vegan cookies, currently available at the Last Drop (1300 Pine St.) and Greensgrow Farms (2501 E. Cumberland St.). Hit with the precious nectar, the tempting treasures turn out deceptively buttery and satisfying, like tropical sugar cookies.

Get in line for the $3.50 small falafel sandwich with hummus and vegetables at the 100 percent kosher Mama's. Burn the rest of your $5 allowance on a side of grape leaves (50 cents) and an extra falafel ball (40 cents) to stuff in your pita pocket.

Get all design-build on a breakfast sandwich at Estelle. Choose a bagel or housemade bun, add in eggs and one of four cheeses — gruyere, fontina, cheddar or provolone — for $3.50. Stacking on smoked turkey, ham, or homemade sausage or bacon brings things to a cool $4.50.

At $1.50 apiece, the soft and yeasty pretzels at this Pennsylvania Dutch mainstay are good enough to serve as your lunch. Three of these twisted treats rings in at under five bucks, and will keep your pelt glossy with their pure, butter-infused goodness.

Though the 99-cent breakfast really draws in the golden oldies, half-dollar hotdogs at the Swedish mega-retailer are reasonable enough to please shoppers of every stripe. Load up on gratis condiments and a 50-cent fountain soda after an exhausting day of feathering the nest.

The grillmasters at Nick's offer four menu items for under $5: a garlickly spinach sandwich ($3.50) for the critter-lovers, a chicken breast hoagie with enigmatically named "special sauce" at $4.75, a classic 8-ounce cheeseburger for $4 and an old-school hot or sweet sausage sandwich with spinach for $4.65. If only the choices of life were so simple and fiery.

Monday means it's all-you-can-eat time at Sweet Lucy's. From 5 to 8:30 p.m., the sticky situation involves barbecue pulled pork, shredded beef, hickory-smoked chicken and ribs. Your spread comes with extras, too — corn bread, cole slaw, baked beans and mac 'n' cheese. Desserts and drinks are included for $18.95.

Are we Philadelphians simply hungrier on the first day of the workweek? Eat your way through to Friday with the Monday mussel special at Zot. Twenty-five bucks — cash only — gets you soup or salad, frites, unlimited mussels and the tipple of the night. The generous list of varieties includes green peppercorns with bacon and beer or the Snob, with lobster bisque and cognac.

How much maki can you stomach? Test your gullet for $20.95 at Aoi, with all-you-can-eat rolls. The rules here are strict, so take finishing your spicy yellowtail and Philly rolls seriously — you'll be slapped with an extra charge if you can't put away everything on your plate.

Bring your student ID for a lovely 10 percent off the already-cheap $10 buffet at New Delhi. Go nuts feasting on vegetable samosas, tandoori chicken and lamb korma, but we recommend putting down the naan (tasty but too filling). This all-you-can-digest fest comes with dessert, and that mango ice cream won't eat itself.

Got $25 and nothing to do on a Sunday? Go great guns at Jose Pistola's brunch. Choose two courses — we like the egg and chorizo tacos and the chocolate chip pancakes — then down as many mimosas, margaritas and Bloody Marys as you can mushmouthedly request.

 <...]]> http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/07/10/piglff-pit-stops http://www.citypaper.net/articles/2008/07/10/piglff-pit-stops 1 Lolita

After checking out the Mexican film Burn the Bridges at the Prince, treat yourself to the best Mexican-inspired menu in the city. It's worth the wait at Valerie Safran and Marcie Turney's BYO, if only to enjoy their fresh spicy guacamole as you sip your refreshing watermelon purée margaritas.

George Anni's restaurant is hosting queer kinky quizzo Tuesday night during PIGLFF, and always has great happy hours where you'll fight for the last piece of grilled octopus with your companions. This makes it a must on the fest circuit for cocktails, dinner and trivia. You could spend a three-day weekend here — or come by after seeing 3-Day Weekend.

After screening Israeli dramedy Antarctica, you may be inspired to get more than just a cool summer treat here. With tasty Caesar salads, healthy chicken sandwiches and even a veggie burger, there are plenty of ways to justify a heaping cup or cone for dessert. The adorable waiters serve it up with good dish, too.

Former Woody's owner Bill Wood and his brother, Steve, opened this lavishly appointed restaurant that features a nifty bar and elegant dishes like pan-seared scallops. The cozy atmosphere for queer couples makes this the perfect spot to grab brunch with your honey — perhaps before seeing the quirky family film Breakfast with Scot.

This hopping bar, which features pool tables and a dancefloor, also sports a great outdoor deck for cocktails and cruising. While 12AC is an ideal pickup spot for finding someone to go see the military romance Dog Tags, you don't have to wear camouflage.