The senses are a driving force for many, and none are more demanding than the sense of taste. It is the driving force that compels the young and young-at-heart to seek out new and exciting ways to satisfy their culinary desires. And Lodi and its neighboring areas are willing to oblige.

(BPT) - When the weather warms, there are plenty of fun outdoor activities to enjoy, which means there’s also a bounty of summer fare to eat. From the traditional to the intriguing, you never know what interesting food choices you may find while out and about. What better way to kick off summer than with a few fun activities that pair good times with the foods that define the season?

(NAPSI)Looking to add some color to your dinner table? Decorate your plate with canned fruits and vegetables, which are packed with nutrition and provide garden quality all year long.

(BPT) - Warm sun, fresh air, soft grass – the summer season is the perfect reason to plan a festive gathering with friends and family. Whether you’re celebrating a momentous occasion or simply spending time with the special people in your life, a few tips and tricks can help you plan a fun party without breaking the bank.

(BPT) - While holiday meals often take on a special significance because of the season, every meal is an opportunity to show those you care for what they mean to you. Instead of stressing about each meal throughout the holiday season (and all year long), why not create a few “go-to” meals that are not only special for those who will enjoy them, but are also no muss, no fuss for you – and simply delicious?

Despite the toasty weather on Sunday, many people anxious to sample vegetarian meals from countries throughout the world turned out to a Lodi church to learn about some cuisine, some of which is unusual in America.

With two large metal spatulas, Josh McCulloch flips vegetables as the rotating grill in front of him slowly spins. He waits for it to come back around before scooping the vegetable medley and two pieces of teriyaki chicken kabobs into a blue bowl.

Warm peaches with melted butter and brown sugar. Grilled watermelon and feta salad. Marinated Parmesan zucchini. Veggies on a skewer. Grilled fruit salad. Locals share some of their favorite lighter grilling fare, proving that summertime grilling can be just as tasty when  meat isn’t invited to the char party.

If hunger is your driving motivation, Lodi and its surrounding areas have a multitude of flavors to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites

In the corner of a small shopping center on Cherokee Lane, there is a family-owned restaurant that packs big flavor into its Greek and Mediterranean dishes.

ZinFest proudly features local restaurants & food purveyors. All food items will be reasonably priced under $10

Alan Hau has two passions in life: Photography and food. He worked at a photography studio while working for a long time as a sushi chef, but now he’s creating his own cuisine with his new restaurant, Mix! Fusion BBQ, in Galt.

What's the attraction: Need a new decorative door handle? A vintage pipe? An old-fashioned quilt? A "Hombre means man ... Paul Newman is hombre" poster? This once-a-month antique fair offers a wide variety of both useful and decorative goods.

One of Lodi's quintessential wines is the 2009 Peirano The Immortal Zin Old Vine Zinfandel: a silken, smooth, rather elegant rendering of this classically Californian grape, chiseled with fine, yet never overwrought or ungainly, tannins, brightly aromatic notes of wild raspberry and cranberry and zesty flavors that linger with sprinkles of cocoa dust and scrubby earth.

Here we are again; summer is ending and the kids are back in school. Time to get back into the rhythm of things and start eating healthy again!

Dear Barbara: I would like to try to do more cooking on my own (without following a recipe). I like to cook with wine because it gives dishes a nice little extra flavor.

Dear Barbara: I'm having two other couples over for dinner. It may be a barbeque, or indoor dinner. I haven't decided yet. The problem is that one of the couples is vegetarian or vegan, I'm not sure which and I'm really not sure what the difference is. I don't know what to serve them. Can you give me some ideas?

Jennifer: In the past, we have colored and boiled far too many eggs for our neighborhood hunt. Do you have any good ways to use up the leftovers? And how long can they keep in the refrigerator?