One of East Lansing's greatest hidden treasures lies tucked away in the Hannah Plaza, 4790 S. Hagadorn Road. Situated at the end of the strip, Gourmet Village Chinese Restaurant is the home to possibly the best Chinese food in the city.

Food and fitness reporter Kate Polesnak, entertainment reporter Thea Neal and arts and culture reporter Pete Nichols review Magdalena's five-course, all-raw meal.

Backyard Bar-B-Q, 313 E. Grand River Ave., offers a cleanly eating atmosphere, but the food leaves something to be desired.

The bosses of brews test a batch of unconventional ales — including one from King Midas' tomb.

New Aladdin's Restaurant in Lansing splashes moderately priced Middle Eastern fare and flair to the varied landscape of the East Lansing cuisine scene.

In her new cookbook, "Paula Deen Celebrates! Best Dishes and Best Wishes for the Best Times of Your Life" (Simon & Schuster Inc., $26), Deen dreams up menus for some holidays that aren't even on most official calendars.

While opening his family's restaurant, Saul Solorzano left a pot of rice unattended on the stove. The smell of smoke explained what happened later. Now, Solorzano plays by the rules.

The holiday season is upon us, and with the images of Black Friday still burned into our memories, we once again find solace with our good friend: Beer.

Ready for another run-of-the-mill Asian restaurant downtown? Don't get too excited because Ria Malaysian Restaurant, 321 E. Grand River Ave., is about as average as food can get.

Food Network continues to assimilate to major networks' "prime-time slates."