Food FYI: Stinky fish, the business of beer, making money farming

WHAT'S THAT SMELL?

It's been called the most putrid food in the world. Surstroemming is a Swedish dish of fermented Baltic herring. Traditionally, it's been a summer dish -- the most probable reason is that it stinks so bad it must be eaten outside. The Smithsonian's Peter Smith recounts one feast in Maine.

MAKING BEER WORK

All of a sudden, it seems like everyone wants to open a microbrewery. What's the advice of the guys behind South Bay powerhouse Strand Brewing? Don't do it! Our own Drex Heikes offers a look at the financial nuts and bolts of the business.

THE FUTURE OF SMALL FARMS

The whole eat-local/grow-small agriculture thing has been terrific for cooks. But how's it working out for farmers? Is there a way to actually make money at it? In the New York Times, Kirk Johnson says it's beginning to look like that may be possible.

-- Russ Parsons

Photo: Strand Brewing's Joel Elliott pulls a sample. Credit: Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times