A new study finds that after decades of stagnation, fast-food and other restaurants finally saw a surge in productivity.

While the holiday has become connected to heavy drinking over the centuries, a small but growing crowd has found ways to participate in the St. Patrick's Day parades, festivals and banquets without a buzz.

Twin Donuts, an Allston mainstay, announced March 23 would be its last day in business.

This week, Joy Beat is diving into the joy found in the culinary world. We meet Sally Sampson, founder and president of ChopChop Family, an organization inspiring families to cook whole and healthy meals together; Peter and Norah Zoummar, who run 33 All American Diner in Ashland and funds the Neshlyn Children’s Foundation to help children in Norah’s home village in Uganda; plus, Darra Slagle, who runs the West Roxbury food bank Rose’s Bounty, helping alleviate food insecurity with open hearts and helping hands.

If you're having friends over to watch Hollywood's biggest night, we've got 10 recipes that will at least work on a conceptual level.

Ever eat a full meal ... and find you still have room for dessert? If so, you're not alone. Sugar is a quick form of energy that many people crave — even when they're full. Today, hosts Emily Kwong and Regina G. Barber dive into a new study on the neural origins of the "dessert brain." Want us to cover more neuroscience on the show? Let your voice be counted by emailing shortwave@npr.org! Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.

Dr. Dhruv Khullar join the show.

Our food and wine experts discuss global flavors, restaurants downsizing their wine lists, and local niche bakeries and cocktail bars.

Alton Brown brings his humor to the page in book of essays, 'Food for Thought'

Alton Brown brings humor, science and history to his new book “Food for Thought: Essays and Ruminations.”