California Pizza Kitchen (CPKI), which I first discussed here on May 16, 2009, at a price of $13.53, continues to exhibit sideways action at or near $16.50. But I still like the business model at this stage. Here's why.

In 2011, CPKI's performance should improve as the U.S. economic recovery progresses. Look for same-store sales (in this case, restaurants) to rise about 2% to 2.5%, after a 3.3% decline in 2010.

Restaurant chain Darden Restaurants (DRI), first discussed here on June 25, 2009, at a price of $32.78, has formed a double-top near $51. So now would be a good time to consider taking some profits off the table, if you're in near $33.

However, those investors who can tolerate the risk can maintain their full position and go for an bigger gain, but investors should keep in mind that Darden probably won't clear $60 in 2011. The potential upside is still adequate, but not fantastic.

"Quality is a big reason why Panera Bread (PNRA) has not only survived but prospered during this economic slowdown," says Alexander Green.

The editor of The Oxford Club explains, "I prefer to buy from -- and invest in -- companies that compete primarily on the basis of quality.

"Why? Because quality is remembered long after price is forgotten. In short, Panera is a case study in how to attract customers -- and shareholders -- the right way. Customers tend to patronize those firms with a reputation for meeting or exceeding expectations. Plus, satisfied customers are an excellent source of referrals.

Fast-food giant McDonald's (MCD) announced that its first-quarter net income rose to $1.09 billion, or $1 dollar per share from 87 cents per share a year ago. The eatery's quarterly sales increased to $5.61 billion, topping the consensus estimate for sales of $5.53 billion. Global sales increased 4.2%, which was topped by a 12% rise in operating profit in the United States.

These solid results were once again driven by its McCafe beverages, the Breakfast Dollar Menu, and Chicken McNuggets. In Europe, quarterly profit growth increased 23% and the Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa unit logged 27% growth. McDonald's is one of the few companies that has capitalized on the global recession. The company's value menu has helped McDonald's weather the financial storm, as tight-walleted consumers turn to the Dollar Menu to fill their bellies.

"Our safety-first portfolio is built using bottom-up, fundamental analysis to choose individual investments; one new buy in our portfolios is Darden Resaurants (DRI)," says James Stack.

The money manager and editor of InvesTech Market Analyst explains, "Darden is a destination dining experience. Unlike the pop-in chain restaurants where the meal is on the way to some other event, Darden's nearly 1,800 locations are in themselves the "event."

"Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) a 'fast-casual' restaurant chain, was started by Steve Ells in Denver, Colorado, in 1993, and it quickly became a big success, expanding rapidly in the Denver area," says growth stock specialist Timothy Lutts.

The editor of Cabot Stock of the Month explains, "McDonald's began investing in the company in 1997 and became the controlling shareholder in 1999. Using its cash and expertise, McDonald's grew the company from 14 restaurants in 1998 to 480 at the end of 2005. Then in January 2006, McDonald's sold Chipotle to the public."

Thanksgiving is a time when friends and family gather at home for a feast, but the restaurant industry is hoping that a good number of folks dine out amid their holiday shopping activities.

Given the tentative economic recovery and double-digit unemployment rate, it's doubtful that they'll get their wish. That's why our bearish pick is Darden Restaurants (DRI) -- the operator of Red Lobster, Olive Garden, The Capital Grille and LongHorn Steakhouse, to name a few.

Leading off is one of the very symbols of U.S. capitalism, McDonald's (NYSE: MCD). You can't get much more American than MickeyD's.

The irony is that McDonald's strength recently has been due to its expansion in foreign markets.

There are currently more than 30,000 restaurants in 120 countries. Less than half of the restaurants are located in the United States. McDonald's has been doing especially well lately, thanks to the recession.

Like Darden, Landry's Restaurants (NYSE: LNY) is a large, diversified player in the casual dining segment.

One significant difference is its participation in the casino space with the Golden Nugget. The acquisition of Golden Nugget has not resulted in much benefit for the company as of yet. In fact, the deal increased LNY's debt level, which now stands near $1 billion.

LNY's stock dropped hard after trading for some time at the $30 level. At the bottom, one could buy shares at $3.60 per share.

Can you believe Cheesecake Factory (NASDAQ: CAKE) traded below $5 last November?

I can. Its model of big meals and big cheesecake appeared vulnerable to the deep recession. Would consumers cut out the fat in their dining budget?

Apparently not, as the stock is up more than 3 times since hitting the bottom.

Earlier this month, Bob Evans (NASDAQ: BOBE) rallied on the heels of a very positive earnings report. The company said its profits improved by 31% on a slight decline in sales and improved cost savings.

More importantly, the company provided guidance that was above Wall Street estimates. Like most retailers, BOBE is experiencing softness in its business, but not a complete collapse as many expected.

The current recession has touched all sectors. The rules of the game have been changed, and nobody is safe. The paradigm is shifting.

One of the consequences of the current state is a new-found appreciation for savings in the U.S. A consumer who does not spend is bad news for the retail sector, and it is bad news for an economy dependent on consumer spending.

The one glimmer of hope comes from the restaurant space. When it became clear that this recession would be long and deep, consumers clamped wallets shut. Dining out in this environment was an easy luxury to cut.

This post is part of a seven article report -- Food for thought: Best bets in food & beverage stocks.

"The fast-casual restaurant category is sizzling as consumers trim their eating budgets; this trend is helping Panera Bread (NASDAQ: PNRA)," says Michael Cintolo in The Cabot Top Ten Report.

"In restaurant parlance, 'fast-casual' eateries are higher priced than fast-food chains such as McDonald's and KFC, but cheaper than casual dining restaurants such as Applebee's and Denny's.

This post is part of a seven article report -- Food for thought: Best bets in food & beverage stocks.

"Customers are trading down to McDonald's (NYSE: MCD) from higher-end restaurants," says growth stock expert Toby Smith in his ChangeWave Investing.

The fast food operator is also a buy from Bill Martin, who adds, the company continues to serve up solid results. In his BullMarket.com advisory, he reviews the stock's recent quarter.

First, Toby Smith explains, "Given the endless parade of depressing economic news, it's no wonder that most people have lost their appetite for food -- if not altogether, then at least for the finer dining.

"Our proprietary ChangeWave Alliance survey -- ongoing pols of thousands of individuals and investors in various industries and professions -- just 5% of respondents said they would spend more at restaurants, which is unchanged from the all-time low.

In a difficult economic environment, it is often wise for investors to consider stocks in more defensive and relatively recession-resistant sectors. And one such area is food and beverage stocks.

As the long-standing market maxim goes, consumers can pull back on spending for vacations, remodeling, and new cars, but they still need to eat and drink.

In that light, I turned to nine leading newsletter advisors who serve up their current favorite ideas in the food and beverage sector: