The daily digest of Twin Cities culture | Secrets of the City

If you have $125 left in your 401k, I can think of at least three good reasons why you should splurge on a ticket to the Caux Culinary Challenge, a gastronomic extravaganza next Tuesday evening (November 18) from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Minneapolis Club, 729 2nd Ave. S., Minneapolis.

In an article about Charles Billington, a University of Minnesota endocrinologist who also happens to be one of the nation's leading obesity researchers, I mention that when Billington himself dines out, he goes mostly to Heartland, the little storefront bistro on St. Clair Avenue in St. Paul.

Remember Cue at the Guthrie?

The press release from the Guthrie Theater touting a January three-course prix fixe menu for $29.95 took me by surprise. This isn't just a prix-theater early bird special - it's available any time, and includes a free self-guided iPod tour of the theater and complimentary glass of wine or cup of coffee after dinner.

The December 3, 2007, issue of the New Yorker contains an article called Red, White, and Bleu, by the hale and cerebral food writer Bill Buford, which focuses on the joys of being a carnivore.