Judging 50 pots of chili can be a tongue-numbing exercise, but when the cause is United Way, judges persevere.

All three area Casa-Rolls Dinner Drive-Thrus are offering free tastings Saturday to remind customers why their foods are a good fit for the holiday season.

Qdoba Mexican Grill, 414 Market St. (756-4777), 5793 Brainerd Road (894-4499).

Which diet is better, low-fat or low-carbohydrate?

Today’s requests come from “Maggie H.” who has two favorite foods she would like to prepare on her own since she’s away at college.

Martha Harp considers herself a fairly accomplished cook. She can bake great cornbread and cakes, but biscuits leave her frustrated.

* Where: Food Works, 205 Manufacturers Road.

Q: I have heard that salmon is the best way to get omega-3 fatty acids in my diet, but I don't like fish. What are other sources of omega-3, and why is it good for us?

The long-awaited opening of Lindsay Street Hall, the former First Congregational Church on M.L. King Boulevard, has happened. I've gotten several calls from people looking for information, wanting to hold events there. Now, it's possible. It's a great space for weddings, holiday parties. Really, most any type gathering you have in mind.

October’s almost over, but anytime during the fall is a good time for German cuisine. There’s something hearty and filling about it. Serve it up with a cold beer or good German wine, such as Clean Slate’s excellent 2008 Riesling, and you have a memorable meal in the making. I recently sampled a bottle of Clean Slate and can’t tell you how good it is. It has a fresh taste with lively fruit flavors. Excellent.

Today's three requests from two cooks take sugar into consideration and sometimes use a substitute. "M.K." has heard that, in cooking with Splenda, the cook should be adding powdered milk as well. And though she has used Splenda measure for measure as a baking substitute for sugar, she'd like any ideas you might share.

I don’t know why, but’s it’s always bothered me that I don’t know Aunt Jemima’s last name.

Charlie Galvin, owner of Curves in North Chattanooga, grew up with nine siblings. At mealtime, nothing was wasted.

Gourmet Gala will be an entertaining evening of sights, sounds and flavor this year.

Public House, 1110 Market St. (at Warehouse Row).