We know that the most expensive steak dinners in the world are made with wagyu beef, but what is a carnivore to do if he (or she) doesn't want to fly around the world just for a bite to eat? The Wagyu sampler from Lobel's of New York, one of the best places in the US to buy meat, would make the ideal gift for anyone with a taste for red meat, as well as for the finer things in life. It includes: 1 (2 lb.) Wagyu Dry-Aged Bone-In Hip Sirloin Steak; 2 (10 oz.) Wagyu Dry-Aged Boneless Strip Steaks; 2 (12 oz.) Wagyu Dry-Aged Boneless Rib Steaks; 1 (20 oz.) Wagyu Dry-Aged Porterhouse Steak; 2 (12 oz.) Wagyu Dry-Aged Boneless Center-Cut Sirloin Steaks; 1 (1.5-2 lbs. avg.) Wagyu London Broil; and 2 (1-1.25 lbs. avg.) Wagyu Skirt Steaks. You could most a killer barbecue with the sampler, but once you've head a taste of the wagyu, you might be inclined to keep it all for yourself. Price: $600.

The New York Times taste tested several different kinds of turkeys, from the standard supermarket Butterball to more exotic heritage bred birds to find out which ones were worthy of your table. The concluded that good cooking can make almost any turkey acceptable, but the clear winners of the test were the Bourbon Red and an American Bronze heritage birds, the organic bird and the domesticated wild turkey. If you want to serve a clear winner on Thanksgiving here is where to get them:

• Heritage Farms - They have organic heritage turkeys and you can get a 20-lb bird for about $200. They're almost sold out, though, so you might want to order now.
• Dartagnan - You'll find organic turkeys here and can get a 18-20-lb one for $130. They also carry smaller heritage birds (10-12-lb) for about $116.
• Griggstown - They carry free-range tradition turkeys at $113 for 18-20-lb birds, as well as Red Bourbon heritage turkeys (12-15-lbs for $150)

Lovers of Spanish foods and of pork are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the first jamon iberico to the US. Unfortunately, the specialty meat won't be available until at least winter 2007 and if you wait until winter 2008, you'll be able to get an even larger ham. In both cases, you'll need to lay out a deposit of several hundred dollars to reserve your piece of the pig. In the meantime, you can opt for some excellent Serrano Ham, which is similar to an intense prosciutto and is served in much the same way, sliced very thinly and used to accent other foods. This Whole Bone-In Serrano Ham from Williams-Sonoma even comes with an interesting wooden stand for presentation and serving. Think of what an interesting display it would make at upcoming holiday parties! Price: $279.

Mumbai is one of the most desirable cities to live in in India, with a forward-thinking population and a booming economy. As in most places, desirability also makes it expensive and family-sized apartments can sell for more than £250,000, even in the suburbs. It turns out that price is not the only barrier to finding housing. Housing associations are being set up all over the city that exclude non-vegetarians from buying flats - even if they make a higher offer than a vegetarian bidding on the same property.

Since apartments are allowed to enforce Catholic-only or Hindu-only building, judges have not sided with the omnivores when they have taken housing associations to court on discrimination charges. A supporter of the associations said he felt "vegetarians should be given the right to admit who they want."

And to think: some people in the US complain about how their housing association picks out the exact color of pots they can use in the front yard and determines the appropriate style of front door knocker. At least they're not (yet) making lifestyle choices for the families who live there. It does beg the question about what the strictest housing associations would have their residents do for the privilege of living there. Stepford wives, anyone?