Weather sends readers searching

It's definitely soup weather, so it's no surprise Greg Lanstyak is looking for a favorite, Riviera minestrone. And fellow readers Dean B. Pomerantz and Aaron Mantz said it can be found at 99 Cents Only stores, while Robert Dudnick of Kingman, Ariz., suggested www.HardTo FindGrocer.com (or call 888-694-2656). ...

For Beverly Smith, who's looking for a ranch dressing that's as good as those served in local restaurants, Caron Raber said Ken's (found at Smith's and Food 4 Less) not only fills the bill but also is served at local restaurants, and Mantz recommended Kroger's brand at Smith's. ...

For Vel Kutzier, John Hillbrook and Janet McFarland both suggested Baskin-Robbins for chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream roll, and pointed out that the stores will make any flavor combination. ...

For Sophie Kennedy, who's looking for Salada black tea, Mildred Nozaki suggested visiting www.Salada.com (or call 800-556-6674) to place an order. ...

For Eric Blum, who's looking for a restaurant that serves hanger steak, Andrew Northam of Hennessey's Las Vegas e-mailed that Hennessey's Tavern at 425 Fremont St. serves it as part of a surf-and-turf. ...

For Cheryl Goodwin, who's looking for Newman's Own Tuscan Italian in a 24-ounce bottle, Roberta Laible e-mailed that it's available at Costco at 801 S. Pavilion Center Drive, adding that it's part of a two-pack with Newman's Own Light Balsamic. ...

Also for Goodwin, M. Mernin reported finding Campbell's Beefy Mushroom Soup at the Walmart Supercenter at 5200 S. Fort Apache Road. ...

For Karen Keller, who's looking for dark pumpernickel bread, Ruth Jagodzinski said it's available in the bakery at Glazier's Food Marketplace, 8525 W. Warm Spring Road, and Robert Lepore recommended the organic pumpernickel sold at Whole Foods Market. ...

More on pizza rustica: Michele Bonelli recommended Cugino's Italian Deli & Pizza Restaurant, 4550 S. Maryland Parkway. ...

And for all those who are looking for and can't find self-rising cornmeal, Marilyn Evans e-mailed that you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt to ¾ cup plus 3 tablespoons regular cornmeal. (It makes 1 cup.) ...

Here are more reader requests.

Norma Jean Snow: cornbread mix without added sugar;

Rona Mendelson: Conimex Ketjap Manis, an Indonesian soy sauce;

Carmen Bruce: Fresh Cuisine enchilada meals;

Carla Berry: Diet Rite Pure Zero White Grape Soda;

And Elaine Gallegos: frozen Scala's Italian Beef, which she used to get at Smith's.

Readers?

Submit information to Heidi Knapp Rinella, P.O. Box 70, Las Vegas, NV 89125-0070. You also can send faxes to 383-4676 or e-mail her at hrinella@reviewjournal.com. Include your first and last names and, if e-mailing, put "Taste of the Town" in the subject line. Because of the volume of mail received, we can't respond to each request.