FOOD MATTERS
When Invasive Species Become the Meal
Is dining on nature’s predators an act of environmentalism — or just a new way for humans to bend the world to our will?
By Ligaya MishanPhotographs by Kyoko Hamada

How to Build a Better Dinner
To be a faster, more creative cook, take a cue from restaurant chefs, J. Kenji López-Alt suggests, and rely on culinary building blocks.

By J. Kenji López-Alt

A GOOD APPETITE
Twice the Cooking, but Boundless Flavor
Buttery swordfish pairs with eggplant that’s been broiled, then simmered until it collapses in a velvety heap in this sophisticated weeknight dinner.

Swordfish with twice-cooked eggplant and capers.
By Melissa Clark

FRONT BURNER
Goat Milk Caramel to Swirl Over Ice Cream or Into Coffee
Table Mountain sells four flavors of rich caramel from its farm near Boulder, Colo.

Credit…Max Hofert at Max Hofert Design.
Table Mountain Farm goat milk caramel, 5-ounce jar, $9.50; set of four 2-ounce jars, $20; tablemountainfarm.com.
By Florence Fabricant

THE POUR
California Fires Take a Deep Toll on Wine Country
Beyond the financial cost of the destruction in Napa Valley is the emotional price, as wine that’s been nurtured from vineyard to barrel flows down the drain.

Red grapes scorched by fires at Chateau Boswell in St. Helena, Calif. Many Napa wineries had not completed their harvest before the fires struck.
By Eric Asimov

Jim Murray, a Top Whiskey Critic, Faces Accusations of Sexism
Several distillers and retailers have severed ties to the British writer, after complaints surfaced about the treatment of women in his books and at events.
By Clay Risen

Warm Up With Cider Cocktails
With fresh or hard cider on hand, you have the makings of all sorts of drinks.

Mulled apple cider cocktails
By Florence Fabricant

THOSE WE’VE LOST
James Helferich, Artist in the Food World and Prison Chef, Dies at 75
A classically trained cook, Mr. Helferich worked at marine theme parks in Florida, enthralling his co-workers with his skill as an ice and butter sculptor. He died of the novel coronavirus.

James Helferich with his daughter, Jessica. He was a master creator of ice and butter sculptures when he worked in the hospitality business. He was later director of food services for a Florida prison.
By Penelope Green

Paris Chef Commits Suicide After Assault Allegations, Family Says
Taku Sekine, 39, famous for his restaurants, Dersou and Cheval d’Or, had faced recent accusations of sexual violence.

The chef Taku Sekine at his restaurant Dersou in 2016.
By Norimitsu Onishi