Paula Deen went viral Wednesday, first for her alleged use of the N-word and then as she was lampooned in a social media blitz tartly spoofing her popular show, "Paula's Best Dishes."

The hashtag #PaulasBestDishes exploded on Twitter, used to riff on made-up dishes such as "Confederacy Cupcakes." #PaulaDeen was also a hot term on Google+, where College Humor weighed in with: "#pauladeen admitted to telling racist jokes. Now all she needs to admit is how stupid some of her recipes really are." 

According to court documents, the queen of Southern cooking has admitted using the N-word but said it...

For the month of June, I am only buying food that has never left a 100-mile radius of my house and, for the most part, it has been pretty great. The produce tastes delicious, I constantly meet people passionate about food, and I am stepping out of my comfort zone as a cook. Yet, there are times when being a locavore is a complete pain.

Yes, it is frustrating not to be able to go out to eat and to have to grill each farmer to pinpoint where everything was grown, but I never anticipated the biggest challenges. As a committed and happy chocoholic, I enjoy a daily morsel of chocolate. The word...

Steve Wallace, one of the founding foodies in Southern California, has sold his namesake Westwood Boulevard wine store Wally’s Wine & Spirits to business partner Christian Navarro and a group of investors that includes longtime customers Maurice, Paul and Armand Marciano, founders of the Guess fashion empire.

Wallace started Wally’s in 1968, as a liquor store -- well before the current passion for food and wine began. And as interest in the subjects grew, Wally’s was at the forefront. It was among the first to sell fine European wines, and then to seek out and support the...

The kitchen at Wolfgang Puck at the Hotel Bel-Air was crowded Tuesday evening as a trifecta of powerhouse chefs -- Puck, Roy Choi of Kogi and David Chang of New York's Momofuku empire -- scrutinized each station and its respective crew before dinner service. They were there to cook a one-night-only meal for the lucky diners who were able to snag a reservation.

There were 25-plus cooks in the kitchen, but it was quiet. Only the sounds of the occasional shuffling of feet or clanging of a metal spoon against the side of a pan broke the silence.

When the ticket machine finally whined and the first...

Name of restaurant: Gamja Bawi, which translates to “Potato Rock”

What dish represents the restaurant, and why? The mixed rice bowls known as bibimbap. They have five varieties. The dolsot bibimbap, served in a hot stone bowl, is a favorite of the regulars. Be sure to mix the rice as soon as you get it to keep it from burning on the bottom. Order regular bibimbap if you don't want your rice to continue to cook and get crunchy.

Concept: A Korean fast-food joint, although the food is anything but fast.

Who's at the next table? A group of Korean grandmas with their bundles of...

Alie Ward and Georgia Hardstark star in the new Cooking Channel show "Tripping Out with Alie and Georgia." The show, which premieres Friday, follows two vintage-dress-wearing best friends, who happen to be L.A. residents and mixologists, on their adventures across the country.

The two met through mutual friends about seven years ago, and after a Myspace message and a first friend date, they were inseparable. On their "Tripping Out" trips, they find hidden gems along the way and end each episode with a party at home in tribute to their most recent travel conquest. And, of course, there are...

Starbucks drinkers may want to cover their eyes the next time they order that Venti double caramel frappuccino, extra shot of caramel, extra whip. The company has announced it will start posting its calorie counts on menus nationwide June 25.

The Seattle-based coffee chain is making a move ahead of a pending federal requirement by the U.S. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that will require businesses to clearly label calorie counts by 2014. Any chain restaurant with more than 20 locations will need to comply.

"Menu labeling is yet another step to extend our commitment to wellness,...

The Pie Hole Los Angeles, downtown's Arts District destination for sweet and savory pies, joined up with nearby Angel City Brewery for a Father's Day treat combining two of dad's favorite things: snacks and beer.

The "Dunkel Dad Pie" layers a chocolate mousse -- spiked with Angel City's malty Dunkel Weiss -- on top of a pretzel crust and topped off with Corn Nuts. While the sweet-and-salty slice doesn't really taste "beer-y", a malty richness does come through in the mousse.

The confection was the creation of Beth Kellerhals, who says beer is her muse. Kellerhals, originally from Chicago, was...

Our fourth of five finalists is Christopher Lucchese of Echo Park. With his steakhouse burger, "you can have your steak dinner served on a delicious soft bun." He writes:

“There is nothing better than a great rib-eye steak. It is probably my most favorite cut of beef, and makes a tremendous burger. Nothing says summer more than one grilling over an open fire. Now imagine you can have an entire steak dinner served on a delicious soft bun. Now mix in great steak sides, caramelized onions, a mushroom reduction, and homemade steak sauce. It is the ultimate summer delicacy. A rib-eye steak in...

Salt & Straw ice cream at Joan's: Beginning Friday, Joan's on Third will serve Salt & Straw ice cream by the scoop. Salt & Straw of Portland, Ore., was named one of Saveur’s favorite ice creams, a Sunset magazine "Best of the West" selection, a Huffington Post "Editors’ Pick" and made Martha Stewart's "Wish List." Flavors include Meyer lemon buttermilk custard with blueberries, sea salt with caramel ribbon and Stumptown coffee with bourbon. The ice cream maker will make an appearance at Joan's on Friday and Saturday. 8350 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, (323) 655-2285, www.joansonthird....

This list of off-the-menu dishes doesn't include anything from In-N-Out or McDonald's; you already know about those. These, which you might not be familiar with, are iconic items from places particular to Los Angeles. And though access to a couple of these dishes (and drinks) depends on your relationship with the proprietor (or just your charm), the others are yours to order at will, now that you're in the know.

1. The "Jazz Burger" at Jitlada

Reserved for regulars or otherwise special customers, who even so might have to ask for it in advance due to some ingredients not always on hand, the...

Love the bright flavor and subtle sweet perfume of fresh melon? Well, they're in season and there are so many ways to use them. Whether you're looking for a light dinner or a colorful summer side, may we suggest some ideas:

Take everything you love about summer and arrange it beautifully on a plate. Juicy heirloom tomato wedges and bright chunks of cool watermelon come together perfectly in this salad from the Hungry Cat, punctuated with the light spice of arugula and floral notes of fresh basil and mint. Crumbled feta adds a nice hint of richness, and the tangy watermelon vinaigrette brings...