For many, food is a wonderful means of dealing with stress, mental blocks, illness, and other woes. Few may understand this better than Jeanie Gruber, proprietress of Miss Jeanie’s Catering Company and The Improv Kitchen in Newtonville (http://missjeanies.com).

With all the turmoil and strife coming from the Middle East these days, it may be heartening to know that we can gain some sustenance and support from the region- if only gastronomically.

When I advised my dining companion that I had a vegetarian restaurant in mind, his response was unfortunately typical. “Ugh!” Clearly, he had not been to the Walnut Grille before.

Ah, Sunday Brunch! A great tradition if ever there were one. What better way to start the day or (for the more ambitious) to take a break from your day of rest? And where better to do either than right in the heart of downtown? That is what makes the recently-returned brunch at Turner Fisheries

Boston has many “#1” chefs, but only one 647. For over 15 years, “fearless” Chef Andy Husbands has been offering recipes that range from the depths of the Mediterranean to the top of the charcoal pile, combining local, sustainable ingredients with way-out creativity that is never too far away and is always as welcomed and

After a busy day at the office, everyone wants to get away to someplace comfortable where they can flop out on a couch, grab a tasty beverage and some satisfying food, and just relax. In Boston, that place is The Living Room.

Tucked in to a corner of Needham Center, the Farmhouse brings all the savvy farm-to-table panache of a downtown eatery without the pretention or the prices.

As you waft down the hushed arched hallway toward the candle-lit mirror, you may feel as if you are entering the Haunted Mansion at Walt Disney World. But as you pass by the semi-secluded ipad charging station, you quickly come to realize that this is a far more hip locale.