Features columns | Journal Gazette

Wellness coach pushes healthy foods

Diana Parker — Wed, 22 May 2013 03:00:00 EST

During her late teens and early 20s, Pam Holt, 57, had two motivating factors which caused her to become interested in health. The first one was right out of high school and the second was the result of an accident involving a family member.

Returning to city with grill

Kimberly Dupps Truesdell — Wed, 22 May 2013 03:00:00 EST

"Welcome." To be more accurate, "Welcome to the grill," is what owner Nasser Anabtawi says when translating the name of his latest culinary endeavor - Hala Grill.

Soy replaces dairy in cheesecake

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 19 May 2013 03:00:00 EST

Cream cheese and sour cream are great foods that let you indulge, or dare I say overindulge, in all recipes dairy.

Shorty's long on flavor, execution, affordability

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 19 May 2013 03:00:00 EST

On its surface, Shorty's Steakhouse in Garrett was like many other small-town, downtown restaurants.

Opinions vary on Vitamin D usage

Dr. Angela LaSalle — Sun, 19 May 2013 03:00:00 EST

As a result of a broken shoulder from a fall this past summer, I have been on a regime of one vitamin D3 and two 600 milligrams calcium pills daily. Recently in The Journal Gazette an item stated a government panel's finding disputed the value of vitamin D and calcium pills. There is doubt these pills actually offer bone protection.

Baking teacher sets students straight

Diana Parker — Wed, 15 May 2013 03:00:00 EST

Kristina Parks, 21, began baking as a young girl with her Easy Bake oven, which she still has.

The Deck opens at Gas House

Kimberly Dupps Truesdell — Wed, 15 May 2013 03:00:00 EST

Offering cold drinks, good food and a view of the muddy river - their words, not mine - The Deck at Don Hall's Gas House, 305 E. Superior St., is now open.

Raisins make sweet, savory dishes

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 12 May 2013 03:00:00 EST

I am one of the lucky ones. I have an absolutely terrific mother-in-law who treats me like a daughter, not like a daughter-in-law.

Pies off the charts at Clay's

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 12 May 2013 03:00:00 EST

You've got to love a place that lists the pies first on the menu.

Discuss syndrome with your doctor

Dr. Michael Engle — Sun, 12 May 2013 03:00:00 EST

I am a 70-year-old woman who is in good health except for RA (stills disease).

3 words about rolling your lawn: Don't overdo it

Ricky Kemery — Sun, 12 May 2013 03:00:00 EST

Q. I need to ask your opinion about rolling the lawn. I have been told by neighbors that it does no harm to the lawn. I have seen on some Internet sites that it can hurt the lawn. Who is correct? A.

Roanoke retiree using food to help others

Diana Parker — Wed, 08 May 2013 03:00:00 EST

Wayne Shive was retired when he decided to give back by channeling his love of cooking. "I'm trying to be Indiana's version of Paul Newman," he says. "I've got a creative bug in me anyway."

Local caterer serves food on Ohio TV set

Kimberly Dupps Truesdell — Wed, 08 May 2013 03:00:00 EST

"Everybody loves the food guy," local caterer Mike Bentz says. Even Rob Van Winkle, otherwise known as rapper Vanilla Ice.

Mexican fare has Rongos flair

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 05 May 2013 03:00:00 EST

It seemed like a really bad idea. Opening a fast-casual burrito place in a location along Coldwater Road best known for once housing an indoor playground? A place that is kind of away from the hustle and bustle.

Grab fruits, veggies for cleanse

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 05 May 2013 03:00:00 EST

My usually level-headed 29-year-old son called and excitedly told me he'd lost 5 pounds on a juice cleanse. I was a bit skeptical of the whole process. Nothing but juice.

Saving a friend's restaurant

Kimberly Dupps Truesdell — Wed, 01 May 2013 03:00:00 EST

When Mike Adams and his wife, Lorie, bought Billy's in Monroeville a year and a half ago, it was not just as an investment but to help a friend.

Instructor at Kendallville school shares passion

Diana Parker — Wed, 01 May 2013 03:00:00 EST

Less than a decade ago, chef Peter Tzeschlock of Auburn thought he might retire. He had spent several decades cooking for others and thought it would be a good time to travel more and try recipes that others have prepared.

Desserts shine at new cafe

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST

The menu seemed to be shouting at me the words, A World of Flavor.

1-bowl recipes simplify homemade

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST

Sometimes you're on a culinary deadline and you feel like you just got to cut a few corners. You try to justify why buying a - gasp - store-bought cake is OK when really what you should be doing is using these one-bowl recipes that make homemade even easier than running to the store.

Garden apps can vary greatly in quality, cost

Ricky Kemery — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST

Q. What good gardening apps are available for iPad and iPhone.

Greek restaurant features open kitchen

Kimberly Dupps Truesdell — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST

Pita Village is a restaurant modeled after Leni Dodos' childhood experience. "Ours was the kitchen that everyone walked into, and that's how we wanted to present the restaurant," the owner says.

Dual fare delights taste buds

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST

The combination seemed perfect. Bangkok Thai Restaurant and Sushi Bar offered two styles of cuisine that have become quite popular in the Summit City. But combining those two presented as much risk as reward in a time when keeping things simple and focused is the popular restaurant trend.

Macaroons so good you'll swoon

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST

Let's talk macaroons. They are after all the hot cookie of the day. Seen in magazines, upscale bakeries and as a sweet treat at the end of an elegant meal, they are actually a simple cookie.

East Coast transplants open sandwich shop

Kimberly Dupps Truesdell — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST

Yvonne Roe and her fiance, Larry Coleman, made the decision to relocate from the East Coast to Roanoke after seeing other family members make the move. When they settled into the area a year and a half ago, though, the couple found themselves missing home - a taste of home.

No sweat to fill meal emergencies

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST

Every now and then I get a call from a friend with a time-sensitive food emergency.

Brisket ’n’ ribs smokin’

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST

Blue Stack Smokehouse owner David McLaughlin didn't hesitate when I asked him what style of barbecue he serves. It's making-it-in-my-garage-and-hanging-out-with-my-friends-and-drinking-beer style, he said.

Now's the time to renovate lawns lost to '12 drought

Ricky Kemery — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST

Q. My lawn took a beating from last year's drought. I have about an 8,000-square-foot lawn, and about a quarter of it looks dead. It has numerous brown patches that don't appear to be recovering. I didn't water at all last year. Was that a mistake. My neighbor told me that my lawn would just go dormant during the summer and would recover in the fall.

Venice Restaurant expands lunch menu

Jaclyn Youhana — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST

Venice Restaurant, 2242 Goshen Road, has updated its menu after several years with its former incarnation. The new menu, introduced last week, includes a gluten-free pasta and some changes to the lunch menu, co-owner Judy Finley says.

Peanut butter, jelly dishes sweet

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST

I am an avowed peanut butter and jelly fan.

Discover city's love affair with sausage rolls

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST

It started with an email from a Fort Wayne native from Michigan who was looking to find a sausage roll next time he came to town that was like the one the old Alexander's on East State Boulevard served when he lived here.

Push energy efficiency to the limit

James Dulley — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST

Dear Jim: We are planning our energy-efficient dream home. We have heard about "net zero energy" designs. Are they as livable as regular efficient houses, do they look strange, and how much do they cost? - Steven F.

Barbecue spot offers carryout

Jaclyn Youhana — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 03:00:00 EST

Andy's Knockout Barbecue, a company which had specialized in catering for corporate events and fundraisers, opened its first location last week, at 404 Broadway St., New Haven. Andy's is a carryout-only spot with a variety of barbecue favorites - St. Louis-style ribs, legs, wings, potatoes and the like.

Bottom-of-cereal-box solutions

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 03:00:00 EST

When it comes to clearing out my pantry during spring cleaning, one of the first items on my list are those almost empty boxes of cereal.

Patience in spring can yield big results

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 03:00:00 EST

Q. I would like to begin planting some vegetables in my garden, fertilize my lawn and also apply crabgrass and broadleaved weed control. Obviously, the weather this year is a far cry from the warm weather we experienced in 2012. When can I get out and about in the garden.

Baked dough treats set Markle pizzeria apart

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 03:00:00 EST

The signs along Interstate 69 were what drew me to the place.

Soul food cabaret opening this weekend

Jaclyn Youhana — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 03:00:00 EST

A new soul food restaurant, complete with live entertainment, is opening Saturday.

New Haven caterer adds barbecue carryout

Jaclyn Youhana — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 16:29:04 EST

Andy's Knockout BBQ opened Tuesday.

Wines spice up dishes for Easter

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 03:00:00 EST

The choice of which wines you serve at Easter or Passover sometimes succumb to the dilemma of "I don't have enough wine for 25 people and your Uncle Ernie," who you know will drink a bottle or three on his own, as well as the need to keep the cost of the event under the price of a new car.

Oyster Bar lets you double up on favorites

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 03:00:00 EST

It is a dream for foodies and a nightmare for kitchens. I could hear it in the voice of Scott Dickmeyer, executive chef at The Oyster Bar, when I asked him about the half-and-half option the 120-plus-year-old restaurant offers.

Free tacos, coffee at Steak 'n Shake event

Jaclyn Youhana — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 15:16:40 EST

Illinois Road restaurant to party all night, usher in new late-night menu.

Restaurant offers sushi-making classes

Jaclyn Youhana — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 03:00:00 EST

For those who love sushi, it's an extreme love. There doesn't seem to be any middle ground - it's either a favorite food, or you would rather be forced to sit in the front row of a Gallagher show than eat raw fish.

Family night out: Pizza and game spot

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 03:00:00 EST

It is not the kind of place I would normally consider reviewing.

Recipes for the Irish in everyone

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 03:00:00 EST

Having grown up in the Chicago area, I was exposed to all things Irish when it came to St. Patrick's Day: Green rivers (the Chicago River is actually dyed green), parades and lots and lots of restaurants serving corned beef and cabbage and green beer.

Mama moles making their mark all over our yards

Ricky Kemery — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 03:00:00 EST

Q. Over the winter months, we have noticed mounds of soil beginning to appear in our yard. The mounds are about a foot in diameter and about 6 inches in height. What is causing this? A.

Club Soda hosts wine dinner

Jaclyn Youhana — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 10:28:06 EST

Napa varietals to play center stage at dinner March 21.

All Zestos to be open this week

Jaclyn Youhana — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 03:00:00 EST

Sure, Fort Wayne saw 10-plus inches of snow last week, but that can't stop the spring: The Zesto Ice Cream location at 5740 Falls Drive opened Saturday, and the other three Fort Wayne locations (2225 Broadway, 210 E. Washington Center Road and 6015 St. Joe Center Road) are set to open Friday, says Chris Conner, who owns the Broadway location.

Zesto openings serve up taste of spring

Jaclyn Youhana — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 14:10:17 EST

One Zesto location opened Saturday, and the other three will follow suit Friday.

It's love at first bite at breakfast-lunch nook

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 03:00:00 EST

My hopes and dreams were crushed as I finished my meal at the Cozy Nook on Dupont Road near Interstate 69.

Feed your onion ring hankering

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 10 Mar 2013 03:00:00 EST

There are times when I really want (dare I say need) a specific "fried" food, but I have to say to myself, "I just don't have the time (or desire) to do it myself."

Hot dogs on menu as The Stand opens

Jaclyn Youhana — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 03:00:00 EST

Fort Wayne just got one step closer to spring. The seasonal The Stand opened its doors Monday.

The Stand open for season

Jaclyn Youhana — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 11:25:58 EST

The Stand, which specializes in hot dogs and ice cream, opened today.

Vietnamese sandwiches, smoothies hit spot

Ryan DuVall — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 03:00:00 EST

Its name created a bit of confusion at first. Was Banh Mi Barista a coffee shop? What is banh mi.

Stacking pleasing to eye, palate

Eileen Goltz — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 03:00:00 EST

Readers with health or food issues bring me to new levels of creative "crazy."

Vegetation in, around ponds helps keep water clean

Ricky Kemery — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 03:00:00 EST

Q. Our neighborhood association is spending a great deal of money each year to keep our retention pond weed-free. Are there any alternatives to these expensive treatments? A.