My name is Denise, and I’m a food addict. I love to eat it at restaurants, cook it at home, and talk about it whenever and wherever I can. I watch too much Food Network and own too many cookbooks.

But I was able to put my passion for food to good use in December 2007 when I became the restaurant columnist for The Daily Journal. I’m now the resident expert on the dining scene in the area, from who’s opening to who’s closing to who’s got a new menu and everything in between.

My Best Bites column runs every Thursday in the daily paper. This blog, which started I launched in August 2008, is an extension of that column. Here you’ll find more information than in print, just because there are no length restriction on the Web, and I can get breaking news to you faster. Plus there are extras like comments, links and photos.

One of my favorite parts of writing the Best Bites blog and column is hearing from readers like you, so feel free to leave comments on the blog and to contact me if you have news tips, critiques of area restaurants, or even questions. My email is drenckens@daily-journal.com, and my direct phone number at work is (815) 937.3374. If I’m there, I’ll answer your call. If I’m not there, leave me a message with your name and phone number and I’ll give you a call back.

You can also sign up to be on the Best Bites mailing list. Once or twice a week I’ll send you hot tips about things I’ve heard, or things I think you might be interested in, or invitations to food-related events. To get on the list, just send me an e-mail at the address above.

Bon appetite!

Denise Renckens