Time for the happy dance. My monthly cocktails and spirits column for the Kansas City Star is a finalist for Best Newspaper Food Column in the Association of Food Journalists annual competition. Jill Silva, the Star’s food editor, was tipped for Best Newspaper Special Food Project for her piece on food deserts, “Far Away From Food.” “35 People, Places and Things That Make Us Drool,” a collaboration between Silva and Cindy Hoedel, also made the cut in that category. Winners will be announced in October. Wish us luck!