EATS

That's right: Bill ate fried chicken almost every day for a month. He explains: "Over the last month, I visited nearly 30 Dallas-Fort Worth area restaurants that serve fried chicken. The range of styles and settings in many ways reflects national trends and attitudes toward the browned bird. Chicken-fried steak will always be the king of battered proteins in Texas, but the diversity of local fried chicken reveals an enduring love for this dish, past and present. It also offers a taste of its multicultural future." From Seoul food to soul food, chicharron de pollo to "Grandma Minnie's fried chicken," he ate it all. Here it is: Bill's fried chicken roundup.

In the coming days, he'll be here at Eats offering additional tasting notes, a roundup of favorite side dishes and other features. In the meantime, share your favorite fried chicken place. Whether it's traditional Southern or South American, we want to know where you go.

This week, Kim Harwell reviews Kathleen's Sky Diner, which is a retooling of Kathleen's Art Cafe with a quasi-aviation theme and more global menu items. Also, Kim's new dining news column, Table Talk, makes its debut this week. Check it out here.

Get the lowdown on spring cocktails at the Mansion here.

Every year, chapters of American Institute of Wine and Food holds Days of Taste, a program designed to teach kids more about their food and where it comes from. Youngsters get to hear farmers talk about their crops, learn how to make healthy choices, and shop for and prepare their own salads. It all takes place at the Dallas Farmers Market resource center. Many hands are needed to make this an unforgettable experience for the kids involved.

AIWF is looking for volunteers who can:

Dates are May 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15. Time is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Go here for information or to sign up, or call 214-725-3947.

Make plans now to attend the Buffalo Gap Wine & Food Summit April 18-20. Tom Perini hosts the extravaganza each year at his ranch, with many events taking place outside under the West Texas sky. (Buffalo Gap is southwest of Abilene.) It's a unique setting where you can rub elbows (or scoot boots) with some of Texas' most acclaimed chefs and winemakers and enjoy great food, wine and company.

Viu Manent, Colchagua, Reserva Carménère 2006, $8.49-$14.99

The Colchagua Valley in Chile is nestled between the majestic Andes mountains and the more modest Coastal range, with the Pacific Ocean just beyond. This is a very congenial environment for carménère, Chile's signature grape variety.

The Viu family has cajoled engaging blackberry, cassis aromas and flavors with shades of chocolate to create a full-bodied, easy-to-drink wine perfect for tonight's burger or pizza. Widely available.

Rebecca Murphy