We're hearing about food allergies more than ever these days. Gluten, peanut butter, dairy, wheat, shellfish, tree nuts, eggs the list goes on and is so confusing we need to step back and take a look at what may be causing the onslaught of allergies.

Today it seems we should begin like a letter, addressing you as Dear Readers. For that is what you are. So here goes.

Consider the humble watermelon: Regarded as both a fruit and a vegetable, watermelon can be found in more than 1,200 varieties - and there are almost as many ways to enjoy it.

Just down the road from St. Elmo's burgeoning commercial center anchored by the famous Incline Railway is my new favorite breakfast joint, Syrup and Eggs.

I don't know how many times I look back on my dear departed friend and former Tennessee Agriculture Extension Agent Marilyn Geraldson with a smile on my face, remembering hers.

Combine the split-second creativity of Food Network's "Chopped" with the technical skills required of a Food Network star, and you've got the set-up for Sunday's FiveStar Food Fight at Chattanooga Market.

Hot on the heels of its grand opening two months ago, Melodee's Diner in East Ridge is bringing food and fun to families across Chattanooga.

Good morning, welcome readers.

BARRY SAYS: Am I the only one who wonders why we only eat certain foods at special occasions? Like why don't we eat walnuts or candy canes throughout the year beyond just Christmas?

First, a disclaimer: This is not a recipe for real barbecue. There's no fire involved; you use a standard oven. The recipe should probably be called Slow-Cooked Pork à la Barbeque, and rightfully so.

There's a lot of zucchini at the market. And in the garden. And in the neighbor's garden. Yes, it is prolific, but a lot of effort went into getting it to grow. Why not give in and enjoy a daily helping of freshly picked zucchini while it's here? There are so many ways to prepare it, whether steamed, fried, pickled or in pasta.

Coleslaw is the top side dish at July Fourth picnics. Not only is it a simple dish to prepare and can be made in advance, it's a cool match for your hot 'cue.

The best breakfast in Chattanooga, in my opinion, is served Tuesday through Saturday at 55 E. Main St.

Dress up like a cow and you'll get free food on Tuesday, July 9, when Chick-fil-A hosts its annual Cow Appreciation Day.

Mad Priest Coffee Roasters has moved its coffee roastery and production facility to Wilcox Boulevard.

Breakfast food and restaurants that specialize in serving breakfast generally have a rustic, refined or genteel feel. Dishes such as eggs Benedict, Belgian waffles and scones imply a sense of calm and elegance as well as a dainty atmosphere.

We're well into the season for picnics, and no baskets are better-filled than those belonging to chefs.

If you've been on Cherokee Boulevard in recent weeks, you've likely noticed the little leprechauns looking down at you from atop the building dubbed Stevarinos Italian Eatery And Pub.

A North Georgia restaurant has failed a recent health inspection for several reasons including live and dead roaches, multiple dirty surfaces and improper separation of raw animal food.

Nearly 20 local restaurants are partnering with Cempa Community Care on Thursday, June 20, to support the fight against HIV in the Tennessee Valley.

Riverfront Parkway, once a major avenue for industry in Chattanooga, has recently undergone a transformation that extends the downtown dining corridor to include several new restaurants, one of which is Parkway Pourhouse.

If you know nautical lingo, then you know that first watch is the first shift of the day - the breakfast hour.

Blueberries are one of nature's finest gifts. Not only are they extremely healthful, they're so delicious, you want to eat them as soon as you pluck them from the bush. At least that's what my granddaughter does, and I follow suit. They're hard to resist.