Wine and insects? Yep. Last week I interviewed Chef Joseph Yoon. He owns YUMMY EATS in New York and most importantly is executive director of Brooklyn Bugs. He's touring the U.S. visiting colleges talking about his passion for edible insects.

Yoon doesn't want to discourage consumption of beef or poultry but instead is asking everyone to give this other source of protein a try. 80% of the world eats bugs on a regular basis. Yoon is partnering with Purdue University's Food Science Department as they create alternative protein sources from insects. Brooklyn Bugs has the data on the environmental, economic, and health benefits of edible insects. During his Purdue visit, guests sampled a variety of dishes made from farm-raised insects, including black ants on shrimp, and cricket-crusted fried chicken.

His passion for what he calls a movement is infectious. So is the food. It's tasty, easy to fix, with more products available on-line and in stores. Made me think about wines to pair with the foods. Insects share a similar structure to shellfish so immediately I thought of wines that go well with those dishes.

The Domaine Sainte-Eugenie Rose is a good choice. Its fresh, dry, with notes of cherry and a briny almost salty finish that would bring out the sweetness of the insect-enhanced dish.

The wines are widely available. Check out Chef Yoon's movement on line at www.brooklynbugs.com

SAKS Third Floor Art: Broad Ripple resident and Pulitzer Prize winning photojournalist Bill Foley is one of three local artists showcasing their work this month on the third floor of SAKS Fifth Avenue department store at Keystone Crossing. Each month SAKS features the work of different local artists. It's free to see as art is up the entire month on the third floor of the store. A "meet and greet" with artists, music, food and beverages takes place on the third Thursday from 6-8:30pm. Bill's work includes one of a kind images and vintage photographs from his work in the Middle East along with new work showcasing the lovely White River in the Broad Ripple area.