food

Our unusual weather is taking it's toll on area crops in more ways than you might think. Dan Martens, the University University of Minnesota Extension Educator in Stearns, Benton and Morrison Counties says water erosion is wreaking havoc on side hills and even flat cropland.

This weekend you can enjoy a sweet roll - and a bike ride to burn off the calories. The 12th Annual Caramel Roll Bicycle Ride is tomorrow.

Thousands will gather for chicken dinners all through the afternoon and evening. Today (Tuesday) is the 75th Annual Trobec's Bar and Grill Chicken Fry. Owner Ray Trobec says they have thousands of diners every year, and some come from quite a ways away. Trobec's: "good time here" (:11) Trobec shared the restaurant has been in the family for years, and while the fry is a lot of work, it's a cherished family tradition. He declined, however, to share details of the secret chicken recipe.

There's a new BBQ restaurant setting up shop in St. Cloud. Dickey's Barbeque Pit is currently under construction, located on Division in the strip mall behind Red Lobster.

This Saturday, consider leaving some food for the mail carrier. It's the 19th Annual "Stamp Out Hunger" Food Drive, sponsored by the Campbell Soup Company and the National Association of Letter Carriers.

The first of our area farmers markets will be opening tomorrow (Saturday). The St. Cloud Farmers Market will be open from 8:00 a.m. until noon in the Bremer Bank parking lot. They'll be open every Saturday morning into this fall. We have a list of other area farmers markets openings as well.

Mom's been pretty good to you over the years. So show a little gratitude and have some fun on Mother's Day this year. Here are some suggestions.

I love my cuppa joe. Sometimes black, sometimes loaded with flavorings and sweetener. It all depends on my mood. Here are my picks for great cups of coffee in the St. Cloud area. It's neither an exhaustive nor definitive list -- it's just mine. So make sure you add your own favorites to the list and tell us why.

I’m a single girl with a busy schedule, a tight budget and good, but simple, taste. As such, my ideal meal outing is fast, cheap and delicious. Come with me as I show you five great affordable places for a single diner to get some good eats!

Diners looking for a change of pace might have a new favorite restaurant. Epicure Bistro is a new and upscale restaurant driving by the creations of chef and owner Justin Prigge. He's spent the last 10 years cooking as a private chef on yachts, and this is his first restaurant.