Burger Flips, Illustrations, Gramercy Tavern: 10 Hot Topics On Food Republic

In an attempt to distract ourselves from a whirlwind week, we hit the books. The Spice Companion, Craft Burgers and Crazy Shakes From Black Tap and Food Anatomy were some of our top choices, to be exact. We also found fun in building the perfect sandwich, cooking with wine and upcoming television shows (featuring Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart!). One of our writers also took a stroll down memory lane at New York City dining institution Gramercy Tavern. All that and more on this week's Hot Topics.

Ever heard of Greenville, South Carolina? If not, here are 10 reasons to plan a visit.

Charleston chef Craig Deihl shows us how to make a proper sandwich in this video. Video editor Randall Meehl does everything wrong. Hilarity ensues.

Burger and milkshake expert Joe Isidori wrote a book on those exact things. We excerpted his burger-making method.

How well are you acquainted with paprika? Here's a guide to the super-versatile spice.

From Jarkata to Italy, artist Julia Rothman illustrates what street food looks like all around the world.

New York City's Gramercy Tavern changed the restaurant and bar scenes forever. Our writer shares how it also changed his life.

Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart's VH1 show premiered this week. These were our predictions of how it would go.

This cartoonist shows us how he really feels about cooking with wine.

Spinach is green with envy over these creamed Parmesan collard greens. Try the recipe here.

Salsify is in season, and this is what you should make with it.