http://www.lawrence.com/users/photos/2013/jul/31/259323/

Flip past the glistening French apricot-almond tart, the write-up on a London cookbook author’s kitchen re-do and the tasting notes for German kölsch in the newest issue of Saveur magazine, and things start to look closer to home.

Very close.

Page 62: “Salad Social: Lawrence is the potluckiest town in America.”

The piece by Lawrence food writer Kerri Conan is part of the magazine’s anchor feature about food in the heartland, “Bountiful Prairie.” Conan zooms in on the color, freshness and friendliness encountered at a summertime salad potluck at the former home of beat writer William S. Burroughs (a house now occupied by chef Tom King, its resident caretaker). Accompanying photos and recipes from King’s guests include Curried Potato Salad from Lawrence restaurant owner Subarna Bhattachan, Conan’s own Lentil and Beet Salad with Lavender-Mustard Vinaigrette, and Lawrence resident Neal Ballard’s Summer Succotash Salad.

Pictures smattering the Kansas section of the feature also include a colorful bunch of carrots at the Farmers’ Market and teenagers smooching in the back of a pickup (page 55). Tonganoxie resident Christina Rafols shares her cooking inspiration and recipe for corn casserole, and chefs Colby and Megan Garrelts of Leawood’s Rye restaurant share several sweet and savory recipes such as the Extra-Crispy Fried Chicken pictured on the cover of the magazine. There are also features and recipes from farther out in the state, plus tales and tastes from Oklahoma and Nebraska.

Saveur’s August/September “Best Comfort Food” special issue hit newsstands yesterday — look for that crispy fried chicken. At least some of the content should be online soon at Saveur.com.

Tips welcome!

Try something unusual or know of something interesting going on at a Lawrence restaurant? Send me an email at sshepherd@ljworld.com or contact me on Twitter @saramarieshep. For more local food and restaurant news, click here.