Dining Around May 9

What is new, what is true, and where it came from--

Meet Ruth Reichl as she discusses her mother, Gourmet Magazine, and our love affair with food--both the good stuff and the not so good stuff. Matt Skinner talks new world wine, Barbara Llewellyn talks party planning. Traci tells us where our food comes from, and the bar boys let it all hang out with great cocktails and places to drink them in!

First up, Gene reports on the Dinner on the Yacht--details up at www.diningaround.com. Also of interest: Joel attended the opening of Bonny Doon's new tasting room in Santa Cruz; Kathleen Battle in concert, 8 p.m. tonight at the Marin Center; join Agustin Huneeus, winemaker Charles Thomas, Joel Riddell and the "Sip-A- Ratti" to be the first to sample Illuminations Sauvignon Blanc and Faust Cabernet Sauvignon, and the first in the nation to see "Angels & Demons," the highly anticipated prequel to "The DaVinci Code," Thursday May 14, 6:30 p.m.

Ruth Reichl, editor in chief of Gourmet Magazine, talks about her new book Not Becoming My Mother, and other things she taught me on the way.

Matt Skinner, sommelier and wine educator, on his new book Heard It Through the Grape Vine.

Barbara Llewellyn, executive chef and owner of Barbara Llewellyn, offers tips on party planning.

Traci Des Jardins, executive chef and owner of Jardiniere, Mijita, and Acme Chop House, talks about sustainable food. Upcoming: she's at the Summerfield Waldorf School's 3rd annual Farm to Feast Dinner, Saturday May 16 at their 15-acre biodynamic farm in Santa Rosa. Tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com.

Finally, Greg Lindgren and Scott Baird of 15 Romolo discuss the latest mixologic trends.