HELP DESK

Where to find farmers’ markets in the dead of winter

Even when it’s cold outside, you can enjoy an abundance of seasonal, organic produce and goods while supporting local growers and artisans. 11:46 a.m.

CRITIC'S NOTEBOOK | DEVRA FIRST

Some very ‘Boston’ restaurants are closing — and that’s OK

We don’t have to go into mourning every single time a long-lived restaurant goes out of business. Sometimes those lights should go out. Sometimes it's just time. 2:38 p.m.

Cash in your chips at Encore Cantina, or go green in Southie

Restaurant news you can use. 2:30 p.m.

FOOD

Lily P’s enters the competitive fried chicken arena with its super crispy bird

The large, sleek Kendall Square restaurant in the Sanofi Genzyme building also has oysters and dart boards 12:00 p.m.

Asians cringe at ‘Chinese restaurant syndrome’ entry in dictionary

A social media campaign is targeting the persistent idea that Chinese food is packed with MSG and can make you sick. 3:26 p.m.

HELP DESK

Nervous about your aging parents’ eating habits? How not to get frozen out

Dozens of chickens. Questionable milk. Sometimes it’s funny; sometimes it’s serious. Here’s how to tell. 1:12 p.m.

Eating vegan just got easier

Hodo’s plant-based burgers, nuggets, noodles, and tofu cubes are high in protein and crafted with a minimum of fairly simple organic ingredients. 12:01 p.m.

GETTING SALTY

Trattoria Il Panino’s David Ledbury is a server to the stars

But don’t serve him any fast food, please. 12:01 p.m.

BY THE GLASS

Reflections on European wine in a time of tariffs

Here are three delicious wines from France, all crafted and brought to market by hardworking individuals. Fingers crossed that these bottles will remain available — and at friendly price points — in the months to come. 12:01 p.m.

The hot sauce you get when a chile pepper maven and a top chef team up

Row 34 Small-Batch Hot Sauce is a blend of hot and sweet peppers that grow at Greenlaw Gardens in Maine. 12:01 p.m.

Freight Farms goes to school

On local campuses, the repurposed shipping containers aren’t just used for growing food, they’re helping teach valuable lessons about science, social justice, and the humanities. 12:01 p.m.

Made too much soup? Freeze those liquid leftovers

Souper Cubes are silicone trays that freeze soup, stock, sauce, smoothies, or anything, in compartments. 12:01 p.m.