PANAMA HATTIES: If you haven’t been there, Panama Hatties (872E Jericho Tpke, 631-351-1727, www.panamahatties.com), is a must on any foodie’s list. If you have been there, may we suggest it’s time to go again. Panama Hatties has long been recognized as one of Long Island’s premier food establishments; for many years, it took the number 1 spot on Zagat’s “Top Food” list. Now, there’s an inexpensive way to try this Long Island star: for the month of December, Panama Hatties is offering a complete 3-course prix fixe lunch, Monday to Friday, 12 -3 pm for only $21 pp plus tax and gratuities. For Panama’s, it’s a real bargain. Try it — it’s foodiefenomonal!

PARTY TIME: Charlie the proprietor of Pine Tree Inn (Pine Tree Inn, 16 West Jericho Turnpike, Huntington Station), tells us he can throw a heck of a Holiday Party for you, your organization or business for up to 60 people. Our experience with his reasonable prices and Italian food just like grandma used to make – not our grandma, one from Northern Italy – suggests that there is tasty way to celebrate the holidays on a budget. Ask Charlie, 631-271-2277

THE GIFT OF FOOD: It’s still early enough to avoid last minute holiday shopping. How? Give the gift of food. Just about every restaurant, from the long-standing island’s finest like: Panama Hattie’s (see above) or first rate Jonathan’s to any of Huntington’s Restar Hospitality Groups’ establishments... Mac’s Steakhouse, Pomodoro, Pomodorino, or Bistro Citron; from fun places like Rockfish or Wild Fin, to the family-owned ethnic and inexpensive but first rate places like Fonda Coyacan or Cooke’s In, offer gift certificates. The list goes on and on. Gift certificates are available at just about every eatery and a marvelous holiday treat for friend, family or your favorite newspaper Foodie. Yours or the recipient’s favorite restaurant will almost definitely accommodate a gift of any size and fill the order by phone or online, and mail the certificate to you in plenty of time for the holiday. We’d suggest that you send those on your list to a place they may not otherwise try. (we haven’t been to Besito yet if anyone is gifting.) But go through your list and the many restaurant options in Huntington, the restaurant capital of Long Island; you’ll be able to quickly and happily do your shopping. Everyone loves a meal. Happy Holidays!

PASS THE PAPRIKA: Got a hankering for Kolba’sz? How about some Korözott? If you already know Korözott to be a paprika-laced cheese spread, and Kolbh’sz to be sausage, chances are you already know something about traditional Hungarian food. Rutika and George, owners of Antiques and Jewels on Main in Huntington, have made a tradition of putting out an authentic Hungarian spread for shoppers to snack on, Sundays during the holiday season. And if all goes according to plan, George will even be able to come up with a few bottles of Hungarian wines, like Bika Ver, Szukerbara’t, or Ma’Rslevelu. So pop on the babushka and drop in at 293 Main Street, Huntington (631-427-7674) while you’re there buy your favorite girl vintage strand of pearls. And tell Ruti the Foodies sent you.

CAFÉ TOSCANO: (399 Jericho Turnpike, Jericho, 516-931-2727) Try their 3-course prix fixe lunch for $16.50 — 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days.

HOLIDAY OVEREATING: As the holiday season approaches, we think of celebrations with family and friends, and of food! Whether it is turkey and stuffing, ham, pumpkin pies, potato latkes or Christmas cookies, food is an integral part of the holiday season. Yet for millions of Americans who worry about their weight, anticipating this myriad of delights creates great anxiety. The authors of The Diet Survivor’s Handbook: 60 Lessons in Eating, Acceptance and Self-Care, offer advice on how to go to the holiday parties without overeating. 1. End the deprivation by incorporating all types of foods into your diet throughout the year. 2. Become an attuned eater using internal, physical cues to tell what and how much to eat. 3. Remind yourself that you can have it later. 4. Avoid becoming too hungry. 5. Stay compassionate with yourself. Always remember to focus on family and friends, rather than on food. Although food is an integral part of holiday events, the real purpose of getting together is to celebrate with people who are important to you. Eat for satiation and pleasure, and then turn your attention to connecting with others, rather than continuing to eat. By learning to feel in charge of your eating, you can break the diet/binge cycle and prevent weight gain from holiday overeating.

FAST FOOD: Can illiterate people fully enjoy alphabet soup?

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