A couple of weeks ago, we asked via iReport for your stories of that person, place, book, restaurant or dish that made you sit up and start to see food as more than just a three times a day chore. You eat every day, and you've got a story to share.

Every so often, we're sharing the most hunger-inducing and heartfelt ones right 'chere.

Read on for iReporter Teresa Spyra's story about how growing up eating "strange food" eventually became her mother’s lifeline:

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5@5 is a daily, food-related list from chefs, writers, political pundits, musicians, actors, and all manner of opinionated people from around the globe.

Spanish-born José Andrés is the chef and owner of the ThinkFoodGroup, the team responsible for Washington D.C. eateries minibar, Jaleo, Cafe Atlantico, Oyamel and Zaytinya.

Andrés is also the culinary director of the SLS Hotel, The Bazaar in Los Angeles and two upcoming restaurants at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

As Top Chef judge Tom Colicchio made his way to Capitol Hill this morning to testify for the Child Nutrition Act, Andrés shows support for his favorite child nutrition advocates.

Top Five School Lunch Heroes: José Andrés

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Everybody in the pool. Our managing editor just started a #meatsongs hashtag on Twitter, lobbying with "We're Having a Meatwave" and moving on to "I Want to Hold Your Ham."

Our associate editor followed up with "Gettin' Piggy With It" and "Steers in Heaven."

You can do better. We're steaking that claim right now.
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Roberta's in New York City is livin' la vida locavore. The pizzeria, turning out locally sourced dishes, takes it a step further by growing produce on the restaurant's very own rooftop garden.

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Every weekday, we're highlighting a local or regional blogger we think you ought to know about. We can’t be everywhere at once, so we look to these passionate eaters, cooks and writers to keep us tapped into every facet of the food world. Consider this a way to get to know a blog’s taste buds, because, well, you should.

Meet today's featured bloggers and blog:
Who: Helene Dujardin, of Tartelette
Where: Charleston, South Carolina
Twitter: @SweetTartelette

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Are we still working on that? Hit us with your explanations in the comments below.

Today's poll – Are bad table manners ground for immediate dumping?

Turns out your server might hate you already!

Sink your teeth into today's top stories from around the globe.

• New USDA dietary guidelines might make healthy foods more readily accessible to all Americans, especially those in the low-income sector.  - Salon

• Alan Richman shares his top ten ethical eats. Sustainable, organic and delicious. - GQ

• A Pilsner with a hint of Sauvignon?: Beer suggestions for the resident wine drinker. - STL Today

• The latest reports show restaurant business is on the decline for the second straight month. - National Restaurant Association

• Britain's new health minister, Andrew Lansley, roasts celebrity chef Jamie Oliver's school food initiative. - New York Daily News

Round 1: Main dishes & drinks
Round 2: Hot and cold sides
Round 3: Toppings and level of doneness

And now on to the sweet stuff.

Stay tuned for our ultimate Independence Day menu and tips for packing the best picnic, like, EVER.

We can't pretend we're not holding out for a snozzberry flavored mash note.