If perception is reality, I'm sunk. Or more accurately, stewed. My overly generous friends and relatives loaded (good word) the Foodie cave with lots of wine, wine openers, wine stoppers, wine-oriented aprons, wine subscriptions. And worse yet, I returned the favor, passing out rum, whiskey, tequila, sparklers, homebrew kits. Oh, I shudder to think of the mass hangover we have created for ourselves.

The Washington Post reports today that beer growth narrowed the gap with spirits in 2007, because in the words of one industry executive, "...consumers, faced with fewer discretionary dollars to spend -- as food and gas costs surge and home values decline -- are also drinking more at home." While another adds that liquor "growth will continue in 2008, particularly as more new drinkers enter the market with less money to spend on larger luxury items.

"The cocktail culture is getting stronger," he said. Liquor is "an affordable luxury," he said.

All this is in keeping with the anecdotal musings of our bookstore friend, Lanny Parks of the Compleat Bookseller, who notes that sales of books on drinking are stiff (hah! get it?). She ties it to the economy as well. What does this bode for the New Year? Sounds like a blanket, a book, and a hot toddy to stave off the wolves of reality. Now there's a plan.

By the way, stay tuned for our story on Fordham Brewery, appearing soon.

Maybe it's just me, but this year the great books out about food, and food writing, and food cooking, and the food business were just delightful. Our friend Lanny Parks at the Compleat Bookseller in Chestertown, had some recommendations. If you're looking for a way last minute gift for your favorite Foodie, check out some of these: "The Silver Palate Cookbook," 25th anniversary edition. "Secret Ingredients: The New Yorker Book of Food and Drink." Delicious writing on food and drink from every age of the New Yorker's 80-year history (including cartoons!). Anthony Bourdain's "No Reservations," and "The Kitchen Diaries: A Year in the Kitchen with Nigel Slater."  Lanny also says that drinking books are hot; must have something to do with the economy. By the way, we'll be curling up with these books and others for an extended article in January, so send in your favorites!

PS. Dad, your Christmas present is waiting at the front desk of the hotel connected to Doubleday's. Diana from the office helped me handle it, in case you need a name. Merry Christmas!!!

Two bits of news to pass along. Perhaps I should say "obits" of news.  Sadly...

• We hear that the Sputnik Cafe is closing its doors. You still have until the end of the year to say goodbye to this quirkily good little spot. Have a Blue Moon martini and toast old friends.

• And for those of us to travel down'e'ocean...it's sad to note that the doors of Chesapeake Chicken have closed! This place in Grasonville was amazing for its amazingly tender rotisserie chicken, great sides, and fun gift shop. Does anyone know if these people have moved? Or have they just moved on...Please let me know. The restaurant business is a harsh mistress.
  

What a great week! Foodie visited DeLoache Chocolate in Annapolis and got the goods on ganache. Article to come as soon as humanly possible. Another heads-up. Tastings Gourmet Market, where you can find Michel Cluizel chocolates, will be hosting a tasting (true to its name) this weekend  of John Kelly's truffle fudge. It's a reportedly "to-die-for" confection. Event scheduled at the store from 11:00 to 3:00 on Saturday the 8th. 

Next, if you haven't had "pho" (pronounced fuh?, as in "what the?), the Vietnamese broth/soup, try it!  It's a flavorful, rich clear beef broth with rice noodles and thin strips of meat and seafood, plus fresh green onions, coriander, bean sprouts, just lightly warmed in the broth. Mmm. Much umami yes. I found it at Viet-Thai Paradise on Riva Road. So good for a winter's day.

Prepare for a rant...

Last week, I was waiting around in a car service shop, paging through a local rag and was reminded why I started this quixotic little tilt in the first place. I stumbled across a ghastly advertorial that was passing for food writing. The only good parts sounded like they'd been ripped from an article I'd already done. Worse yet, the mag appears to be readying to charge people, whereas they used to be free and barely worth that. These folks never met a restaurant they didn't like, especially if same restaurant had bought ad space on the next page.

That is why I invite you to join me. Write me something. Write me something good. I've got a spot all ready for you. It's called Readers' Reviews. Don't write that a place is "sure to please" or that "there's something for everyone" or about "passion" or "healthy, gourmet meals" or other second-rate ad copy. Or what you think a restaurant review should sound like. Write to me how it made you feel and what you remember, and how it surprised you. Write like they write in the New York Times. And unlike I've been advised by others, I advise you to color outside the lines. Will I edit you? Probably. Will you be proud of yourself? You should be. There. I feel better. Join me.