St. Louis Food Blog

When I die, an autopsy will find two pounds of bacon where my heart should be, so I was taken aback by a recent report from the American Institute for Cancer Research. Buried within the report's sensible tips for improving your diet -- eat more whole grains, fruits and vegetables; eat less red meat -- was a bombshell: The report's panel of experts recommended we consume no bacon, ham or other processed meats whatsoever.

So what did I do? I checked out two old-school deli's, Gioia's Deli on the Hill and Shapiro's Market in the Central West End. Check back here tomorrow -- or pick up a copy to browse while you wait in line to buy those last-minute Thanksgiving-dinner necessities -- to see what I think.

-Ian Froeb