Eleodoro Hernandez is a happy man.

Vintner Mike Grgich and Queen Noor of Jordan will receive the Roots of Peace 2007 Global Citizen awards at a luncheon May 6 aboard the Queen Mary 2, before the ship departs on a six-day “Cruise for Peace,” crossing from New York to Southampton, UK. A reception will feature Grgich Hills Estate wines.

NEW YORK — Composer-turned-writer Steph Waller considers herself something of a wine connoisseur.

More wine regions from around the world signed onto the effort to protect wine place and origin as they signed a joint declaration in Washington, D.C., last week.

The owners of the new Bleaux Magnolia restaurant in Napa happily report that they now have their liquor license so they will begin serving dinners tonight.

One might think that with a last name like Baker, one would take this rather broad hint from fate as a direction in life, but actually Mustard’s Grill pastry chef Annie Baker spent 10 years as an accountant before giving up bean counting to pursue a passion for mixing flour, sugar and butter.

Like so many brides-to-be, Sarah Lamb has faced some tough decisions. Style of invitation. Reception menu. Seating arrangements. And of course, which brand of pricey cookware belongs on her gift registry.

With the arrival of spring last week comes the annual culinary treat of fresh asparagus from the California Delta.

The Fork reviews area restaurants, with an emphasis on more affordable establishments. Reader suggestions are welcomed.

NV Chef Peter Halikas teams up with noted chef, nutritionist and author Cheryl Forberg to create a scrumptious menu that won’t break your diet in a special dinner April 18.

CARACAS, Venezuela  — As a child in Puerto Ayacucho, gateway to Venezuela’s remote southern rainforests, Nelson Mendez was fascinated by tales of the isolated Yanomami Indians and their unusual diet.