Just In

Cincinnati has finally made "The Saveur 100." There, at No. 32 in the January-February edition's fifth annual list of "100 favorite foods, restaurants, recipes, people, places and things,'' is the "Treasure of Cincinnati Gastronomy,'' goetta. Saveur magazine editors smack their lips describing goetta as a "scrapple-like mixture of pork, beef, steel-cut oats and seasonings.'' Saveur is available at newsstands. $5.

How's your chili? Ridge Market in Pleasant Ridge is looking for the best homemade chili for the first "Ridge Market-Gold Star" Chili Contest, Jan. 18. Registration is required, but the contest is open to anyone who can bring in his or her sample of spicy stew. Applications are available at Ridge Market, or by e-mailing bmadison@cinci.rr.com or calling 366-4760.

Market Scan

Also called "Swedes" or "Swedish turnips," rutabagas are believed to be a cross between cabbage and turnip. The sharp-sweet- flavored root indeed resembles a large turnip, with a thick, dense skin (usually covered in wax) and pale yellow flesh. Use a cleaver or large knife to cut the root in half, then peel and cut it into small chunks for roasting or sauteeing. For best flavor, don't simmer rutabagas in water until mushy.

Sip It

Castello Banfi Rosso di Montalcino 1997 ($22.99): A nice alternative to more expensive chianti when shopping for Italian reds, this medium-bodied wine is fairly fruit-forward with black cherry and hints of pepper. A solid complement to food, particularly pastas and other simple Italian fare.

Amy Simmons

Hot Date

Get tips on gathering and cooking morels and other wild mushrooms from Larry "The Mushroom Man" Lonik during the Cincinnati Travel, Sports & Boat Show. The show opens Friday, but Mr. Lonik will appear Tuesday-Jan. 19 at the Albert B. Sabin Convention Center, downtown. Show tickets are $8.50 for adults and $3 for children. For times and other information: www.hartproductions.com.