We eat when we’re anxious, whether that anxiety comes from, say, national political events or from our mothers. At the same time, we eat because food gives us pleasure. Especially around the holidays, sitting down to a beautiful, delicious, and lovingly prepared meal can be more than just satisfying. It can be a gift of its own. In this holiday food section, we offer a menu of ideas for experiencing maximum culinary joy this season. A Rockwell-esque Thanksgiving dinner prepared by one of the city’s most celebrated chefs. A cook-off, of sorts, in which three real New Yorkers (foodies, yes; professionals, no) vie to create holiday meals capable of impressing no less a judge than Daniel Boulud. And a collection of certain-to-please food-and-wine pairings chosen by some of the city’s best chefs and sommeliers. Sometimes we drink when we get anxious, too.

Farm Fresh
Chef Dan Barber’s traditional Berkshire Thanksgiving feast.

Let Daniel Be the Judge
Three amateur cooks’ bold attempts to impress a four-star professional.

Lovely Pairs
Festive food-and-wine selections, à la top toques and sommeliers.

Related:

• Archive: “Food Features”
• Table of Contents: November 15, 2004 issue of New York | Subscribe!