Just In

Maybe our groceries need to try harder. In a national Consumer Reports survey of more than 25,000 shoppers, Meijer was the only Greater Cincinnati grocery to finish among the top 10 chains, rating eighth place with a score of 76 out of a possible 100 points. Readers put Kroger at No. 27 with a score of 73. Winn-Dixie, which owns Thriftway, finished at No. 42 with a score of 69. Bigg's was not rated in the survey, which included 46 chains. Readers rated the groceries on prices, checkout speed, service and cleanliness. Raley's, a supermarket chain with stores in California, New Mexico and Nevada, finished first with a score of 84.

What Is This?

Dark to purple-red sumac berries grow on a bush native to the Middle East and parts of Italy. Sumac imparts a distinctive astringent flavor to meats, fish and vegetables. Look for sumac, available ground or as whole dried berries, in Middle Eastern and specialty groceries.

Tube Food

New York chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten creates crab spring rolls, Thai-marinated beef with rice noodles and marinated fruit with white peppercorn ice cream on In Julia's Kitchen with Master Chefs. At noon Friday on WCET-TV (Channel 48).

Hot Date

Ludlow Wines in Clifton hosts a tasting of Australian chardonnay, shiraz and port at 7 p.m. today. $15. To RSVP, call 751-3727 or e-mail ludlowwines@fuse.net.

Cool Stuff ... We've Made On A George Foreman Grill

Slice zucchini thinly, soak briefly in salted water and pat dry. Spray with butter-flavored Pam and grill. While zucchini is hot, sprinkle with grated Parmesan. Works with eggplant, too.

Betts Kloecker, Mount Adams

E-mail favorite George Foreman recipes and tips: cmartin@enquirer.com. If we use yours, we'll send you a cookbook.