If the plethora of eateries ensconced on Central and Santa Clara Avenues between Park and Oak Streets comprise Alameda's "gourmet ghetto," then the broad expanse of Lincoln Avenue between Park and Webster Streets is the Island City's soul food street, avenue of authentic eats and down-home cooking highway.

I have made many positive changes in how I buy, store and use/re-use food. The most important change I've made is to be realistic about how my family eats. My 10- and 13-year-old sons are more open-minded eaters than most of their friends, but they still balk at certain meals.

Pier 29 adds to the many reasons it has become the Island's most popular destination. Diners come for the beautiful views of the Bay, the marina and San Francisco — but especially for the great food.

Last Friday's second annual Slow Food Alameda membership drive and fundraiser, staged at Rosenblum Cellars, proved to be a who's who confab of Alameda's culinary elite. Such local gastronomic luminaries as legendary cooking instructor Weezie Mott, chefs John Thiel (Pappo, Culina) and Mona Petronius (Mona's Table)...

The American Distilling Institute will launch its first-ever "Meet The Maker" craft-spirits festival on Sunday, April 5, from 2 to 5 p.m. in Hangar One, 2601 Monarch St. at Alameda Point. Jorg Rupf and Lance Winter of St. George Spirits have partnered with the American Distilling Institute (ADI) to open Hangar One to the public for "Meet The Maker."