Just In

        Nibble, sip and see the animals at Zoofari, beginning at 7 p.m. Friday. More than 20 restaurant chefs will offer food samples and a master sommelier will choose the wines for the Cincinnati Zoo's annual black-tie fund-raiser. Tickets are $150 for members and $175 for non-members. Reservations: 559-7759.If you've just started cranking apples for sauce, you might want to check out the October issue of Cook's Illustrated magazine in which the editors rate the performance of several hand-crank food mills. Their favorite is the pricey ($89.95) Cuisipro, available from Kitchen Arts (617-266-8701). But the editors' second choice is the bargain-priced Moulinex ($14.95), sold by Kitchen Etc. (800-232-4070; www.kitchenetc.com).

Market Scan

        Napa cabbage, also known as Chinese cabbage and celery cabbage, is a common ingredient in Asian stir fries. Mild and more delicate than ordinary cabbage, napa also can be served raw in slaws and salads. Choose firm, tightly packed heads with crisp, green-tipped leaves. Refrigerate, tightly wrapped, up to three days.

Sip It

        Marques de Caceres 2001 Rioja ($9.99): Try this white rioja from one of Spain's top producers for something different. This medium-body wine is a softer style with just enough interesting fruit and without the more acidic or oaky stylings of many California whites. Enjoy now as white riojas don't benefit from aging.

— Amy Simmons

Hot Date

        Celebrate bourbon — America's only native spirit — at the Kentucky Bourbon Festival today through Sunday in Bardstown, 35 miles south of Louisville. The 11th annual event features the World Championship Bourbon Barrel Relay, Master Distiller's Auction, barbecue contest and, of course, plenty of bourbon to sip. Most events are free. For information: (800-638-4877; www.kybourbonfestival.com)

Go Online

        Still time to find local produce before the first frost hits. For a listing of Tristate you-pick farms, go to Cincinnati.com

Ideal Dishes of Autumn
KIESEWETTER: Television
Area doctor turned down
Duncan Hines wasn't always a mix
Frank's gets it right with Xtra Hot
Let's hoist frosty, frothy mug to wonders of Oktoberfest
Phyllo takes tedium out of tarts
Smart mouth
Trade Secrets
Body & mind
Nag if necessary to get men to doctor
'Angry Men' right play at right place in right time
Baca spreads music of her Peru
'Bollywood' movies gaining fans
Identity theft increase alarming
Get to it