Country Music Newsmakers: 2007 In Review by Country Hound

November

The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) announces it is buying Nashville’s legendary Bluebird Café to use as a songwriters venue.

Oklahoma native Toby Keith is inducted into the Sooner state's Hall of Fame. He also joins fellow Oklahomans Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, and Carrie Underwood in the Oklahoma Centennial Spectacular celebration.

The Judds announce they will reunite for one night only in May 2008, as part of the second annual Stagecoach festival in Indio, Calif. Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw, Big & Rich, Carrie Underwood, and Dierks Bentley will also perform at the two-day event.

Kris Kristofferson, Shelby Lynne and the Rev. Jimmy Swaggart perform during a Nov. 10 concert honoring Jerry Lee Lewis at Playhouse Square's State Theater in Cleveland. The event also features Wanda Jackson, Cowboy Jack Clement, George Thorogood, Narvel Felts, Billy Lee Riley, Jason D. Williams, NRBQ's Terry Adams and Jerry Lee’s sister, Linda Gail Lewis.

Chris Thile and bandmates Sara and Sean Watkins are taking an indefinite break from Nickel Creek. The band’s Farewell (For Now) tour concludes with shows at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Chris forms a new band, the Punch Brothers, whose debut album is due in Feb. 2008.

Charlie Daniels is invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. His induction is set for Jan 19, 2008.

Shooter Jennings and his longtime girlfriend, actress Drea de Matteo, welcome their first child, a baby girl they name Alabama Gypsy Rose.

Read more at the Country Hound.

Best of the Year; Bon Appetit

Best of the Year: The Top Trends of 2007

Food is our passion, and there isn't much we like more than tracking its trends. Some rise and fall (like hemlines), while others start small and get big gradually. In this issue, we zero in on the keepers: the hottest, most intriguing trends out there, from the dish of the year to the one must-see city for foodies. It's our delicious guide to the best.
~~~

TOP INDULGENCE: French Fries
The lowly french fry was once relegated to fast-food restaurants and diners, but with the rise of the modern steakhouse and our continued love for all things bistro, fries have come into their own.

TOP CUISINE: Modern Greek
Today's Greek food is fresh and modern—just the thing for a great dinner party. Here's a menu from chef Michael Psilakis of New York's Anthos to give you and your friends a taste.

TOP DISH: Asian Noodle Soup
Forget gnudi (last year's "It" dish)—this year, we couldn't get enough ramen, udon, soba, and pho. Asian noodle soups, with tons more flavor than your average bowl of chicken noodle, are warming up restaurant-goers across the country.

TOP INGREDIENT: Fish
Fish fillets, fish steaks, gorgeous whole fish: Any way you slice it—and even if you don't—fish is the protein of choice this year. The trick to cooking it perfectly is tailoring your technique to the cut.

TOP DESSERT: Pudding
It's the most luscious and satisfying way to end a meal. Need proof? Find it in these four delectable recipes.

TOP FLAVOR: Brown Butter
It's rich, nutty, complex, and oh so easy. Master the basics of brown butter, then try it in dishes both sweet and savory.

TOP TECHNIQUE: Confit
The classic technique is back, turning up on menus everywhere. It's all about concentrating flavors for rich results, and it's surprisingly simple. We've got the how-

New distance record at Flugtag Nashville 2007