Purim (Hebrew: פורים Pûrîm "lots", related to Akkadian pūru) is a rabbinically ordained Jewish holiday that commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman's genocidal plot to annihilate all of them in the ancient Persian Empire as recorded in the Biblical Book of Esther. The Jews were in the Babylonian captivity because Babylonia had destroyed Solomon's Temple and dispersed the defeated Jews of the Kingdom of Judah. Babylonia was in turn conquered by Persia. Purim is characterized by public recitation of the Book of Esther, giving mutual gifts of food and drink, giving charity to the poor, and a celebratory meal (Esther 9:22); other customs include drinking wine, wearing of masks and costumes, and public celebration.Purim is celebrated annually according to the Hebrew calendar on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Adar, the day following the victory of the Jews over their Persian oppressors which was on the 13 day of Adar. In cities that were protected by a surrounding wall at the time of Joshua, including Shushan (Susa) and Jerusalem, Purim is celebrated on the 15th of the month, known as Shushan Purim (see below.) As with all Jewish holidays, Purim begins at sundown on the previous secular day.

February 6 & 7th celebrates Chinese New Year for 2008 - find out what this ancient festival that dates back to ancient China is all about - the rituals of red packets and dragon dances, the abundance of foods & snacks, and more. .!

A celebration on March 17 for the entire family. Enjoy the food, fun and festivities.

Things are getting plenty weird in the Canadian culinary scene - or at least the one east of Thunder Bay. Apparently Montrealers actually want to eat Toronto food, or at least food prepared by a handful of Hogtown's top toques. It's the annual Montreal Highlights Festival, which always includes a major chef visit: The Air France Wine and Dine...

Asian restaurants curiously abound in Park City in a state where Asians comprise just 1.8 percent of the population. Thankfully, the home of the Sundance Film Festival has plenty of options ranging from Japanese to Vietnamese to Asian fusion food. Here are a few places to dine at…or not.

SIMPLE SOLUTION: Mid-winter is the traditional time for good 'ol comfort food, but this unusual take on the classic macaroni and cheese will hit the spot any time of year. With a bit of a festive flare, the dish is as fun for a party as to cheer up any night of the week.