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.

Jason Denton, who started with but a wee panini press and only 400 square feet of space, now boasts an Italian small plate empire - his restaurants 'ino, 'inoteca, 'inoteca liquori and corsino are all located in New York City. Oh, and he also helped our pals Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich open up the still consistently packed Lupa Osteria Romana back in 1998.

Now, the restaurateur is giving us a kick into the weekend from Italy's boot. You know what they say: It's not the size of the plate ...

Five Tips for Constructing the Perfect Antipasti Platter: Jason Denton
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Scorpacciata is a term that means consuming large amounts of a particular local ingredient while it's in season. It's a good way to eat, and it's a word we love to use 'round these parts.

We asked Chef Mario Batali - an active practitioner of this philosophy - to explain why eating locally is in such great taste.

And seriously, we could just sit there and listen to him pronounce "scorpacciata" all darned day long.
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Hong Kong, China (CNN) - When Armando Rojas and a group of tequila entrepreneurs founded a boutique distillery for premium tequila in 2008, their sights were set on high-rolling neighbors to the north to snatch up their exclusive $70-a-bottle brand.

"We started, like many people, looking towards the U.S., tequila's natural market," Rojas told CNN.

But the makers of Los Valores tequila didn't count on the Great Recession drying the thirst of U.S. tipplers for top-shelf spirits. So instead of looking north, Rojas and his partners are placing their hopes on drinkers in the east.

As China has become the world's largest market for automobiles and beer, and has a skyrocketing wine market, Mexican distillers are hoping to educate Chinese consumers on the joys of tequila.

CNN Business has the FULL STORY
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U.S. troops in Afghanistan may soon get their burgers back.

Army Command Sgt. Maj. Marvin Hill, who took over as the senior non-commissioned officer in Afghanistan this month, told Stars and Stripes on Thursday that he was reversing a ban on fast food concessions such as Burger King and Kentucky Fried Chicken that had been instituted earlier this year.

“For troops to be able to go and grab a burger or a piece of chicken or whatever, I don’t really think it’s that bad,” Hill told Stars and Stripes.

The concessions ban had been put in place by Gen. Stanley McChrystal in February as the military was boosting its troop strength in Afghanistan. McChrystal said the concessions took up space on bases and in supply lines.

“This is a war zone – not an amusement park,” McChrystal’s senior NCO, Sgt. Maj. Michael Hall, said at the time.

CNN Wires has the FULL STORY

Previously - Make the Best. Burgers. EVER.

Speaking of shrieking kids of all ages raining terror down upon diners, didja know that scientists have found out why it's infinitely more annoying to hear cellphone conversations than regular ol' in person chats?

Mindhacks reported on a study that says it's because your brain has to work harder to keep up.

"A one-sided conversation (brilliantly named a ‘half-a-logue’) draws in more of our mental resources because the information is less predictable – like being fed a series of verbal cliff-hangers."

So how 'bout when you're served up one by a nearby diner?

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

• How to address a chef. - The Guardian

• Do you know Colonel Sanders ... that lives on Drury Lane? Oh, you don't. - USA Today

• Taking the haute out of French cuisine. - Wall Street Journal

• Watering holes gone wild! - The Spir.it

Sine Qua Non's Manfred Krankl divines cult wines from lovingly tended vines. A rabid fanbase is more than willing to pay the not-tiny price tag for the vineyard's small output.

Oh - and chickens help make the wine.

See how at CNN Money

Chicago is the adopted hometown of CNN political analyst Roland Martin. He dished up some of his city favorites to CNN Travel.

Are there local specialty dishes or drinks that visitors must try?

"Everybody when you talk about Chicago, my wife is a ridiculous fan of Garrett's popcorn. It is extremely well-known, so people all over the country and the world have Garrett's popcorn sent to them," Martin said.

Then there's the Chicago dog and the city's famous deep-dish pizza.

"You've got Giordano's, you've got Uno's, you've got a lot of different choices there. A lot of folks really fall in love with Chicago's deep-dish pizza," Martin said.
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You may soon find yourself paying more for your morning coffee – if you aren't already.

A trifecta of bad news has sent coffee futures soaring 44% since June, and companies such as Dunkin' Donuts, Green Mountain and Maxwell House are passing on those costs.

Bad weather in South America is threatening crops. Brazil and top exporter Vietnam are talking about hoarding their stocks. And U.S. stockpiles are reportedly at 10-year lows.

That means higher prices for U.S. coffee companies, which, in turn, may mean higher prices for consumers.

CNN Money has the FULL STORY

Previously - a love letter to morning joe