Winter Beers, Korean BBQ, Banana Peels: 10 Hot Topics On Food Republic

Beer and marijuana. Charleston and BBQ. Banana peels and consumption. We certainly highlighted some fairly odd pairings this week at Food Republic. It turns out, though, that some aren't quite as wacky as they might sound. Case in point: The Japanese chocolate bars we tried that are just as delicious as they are beautifully decorated. On the more conventional side of things, we compiled a guide to winter beers and eating Korean barbecue and rounded up this week's restaurant openings and the James Beard Award semifinalists. Also, should you be eating guinea pig and llama? What about kangaroo? We've got the answers here. All that and more on this week's Hot Topics on Food Republic.

  • Check out our guide to pairing beer and marijuana.
  • Charleston is finally getting quality BBQ. Thank you, John Lewis!
  • It's time to cozy up to these 7 winter beers.
  • These cool Japanese chocolate bars put Mast Brothers to shame.
  • Vegan pizza? Richard Sandoval? A few of this week's restaurant openings.
  • Announcing the 2016 James Beard Award semifinalists.
  • Snake, guinea pig and llama are just a few crazy proteins you should know.
  • Should you be eating banana peels? Yes! Here's how.
  • Here's how you should be eating Korean barbecue.
  • Keep it fresh with this couscous with leeks and lemons recipe.