Health

Salty and fatty manufactured foods, along with sweet ones, have been engineered to encourage snacking and excessive eating. (Jeffrey Greenberg / Universal Images Group via Getty Images) Groundbreaking weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy have understandably generated a lot of excitement, bringing hope to the hundreds of millions of people grappling with obesity. When combined … Read more

Heads of lettuce varieties from Chino family farm, including Carlo, Dragoon and Chalupa. (Catherine Dzilenski / For The Times) Twenty years ago, when I first returned to my native California from New York City, I tapped out a letter to the Food editor of this newspaper instructing her in no uncertain terms what exactly was … Read more

While many workers hoped for tax-free tips, experts warn the proposal could disproportionately benefit higher earners and exacerbate inequalities in the service industry. (Paul Sancya / Associated Press) On a good night, Chris Lopez, a bartender and server in Southern California for eight years, can make $200 to $400 in tips. So when the 31-year-old, … Read more

(Elana Marie/For De Los; Photos by Natali Sanchez)

I covered my empty wine glass as the Italian waitress made her rounds, a bottle of Chianti in hand. “I’m not drinking right now,” I said, even though I was on my honeymoon in Tuscany. Earlier this year, I decided to take a break from alcohol, which also happened to be around the same time … Read more

Nearly every fast food chain makes their version of breaded and fried chicken strips, and a growing number of restaurants offer tenders. We tasted tenders, strips and fingers from 11 fast food and fast casual chains to find who makes the best. (Jenn Harris / Los Angeles Times) Is it a chicken tender, finger or … Read more

Chef-owner Aitor Zabala staffs the chefs’ counter at Somni in West Hollywood. (Stephanie Breijo / Los Angeles Times) For two brief years in-the-know L.A. diners gathered around a small U-shaped counter hidden within Jose Andres’ now-closed restaurant the Bazaar to witness chef Aitor Zabala craft whimsical, avant-garde creations at Somni, one of the country’s most … Read more

(Leslie Grow / For The Times) Newsletter You are reading our Cooking newsletter Sign up to get a taste of Los Angeles — and the world — in your own home and in your inbox every Friday Enter email address Sign Me Up You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. Christmas … Read more

Berries over a layer of coconut yogurt, one of the breakfast dishes at Destroyer in Culver City (Bill Addison / Los Angeles Times) “This is so 2017 of me,” I texted my journalist friend Meghan McCarron earlier this week, “but I’m spontaneously going to Destroyer today. Any chance you’re free for a meal?” I was … Read more