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Wolfgang Puck's Newest Venture: Iced Coffee
Watch out, Frappuccino. There's a new iced coffee in town, and it's been created by world famous chef Wolfgang Puck. Amidst a nasty lawsuit, guest judging on Top Chef, and juggling his nearly 20 restaurants, the celebrity chef is rolling out a new line of ready-to-drink iced coffees.
USDA Orders Audit of National Organic Program
In the wake of the economic downturn, not only has the organics industry lost a significant share of customers, but it's been plagued by scandal as well. The natural foods industry was also the subject of debate when a recent UK study found that organic food is no healthier than conventional. Now, the US Department of Agriculture, hoping to address the ongoing organics problems, has ordered an audit of its National Organic Program (NOP), the organization that sets standards for organic products in America.
Best Conventional Food Bets
In a perfect world, everything we eat would be free of genetic modifications, hormones, or synthetic pesticides: In addition to surpassing their conventional counterparts in nutritional value, organic foods produce less waste and improve ecosystem sustainability. But organic food comes at a steep price, literally — one that can be 10 to 40 percent higher than conventionally produced products. So if you have to skimp on some organic products when shopping at the market, what items are safe bets to purchase conventionally?
Yummy Links: From Frozen Daniel Craig to Tony and Mario
- Would you eat this Daniel Craig Popsicle? — Eat Me Daily
- Are you buying less organic milk? — Serious Eats
- Tipping rules for takeout and delivery.
Are You Willing to Accept the Occasional Bug in Produce?
Yesterday I read an interesting article on Gourmet's website that discusses an increase in spiders found in packages of grapes. As more and more farmers stop using pesticides and start growing organic, insects like spiders act as a natural pest control. The problem comes when the consumer discovers a bug in their home kitchen.
Liz Hurley, Prince Charles Team Up For Organic Foods Line
Looks like the Obamas aren't the only ones raising media attention over sustainable food and farming: British model-actress Elizabeth Hurley is teaming up with none other than Prince Charles to launch a new line of organic foods.
The "modern, healthy, organic food" line will launch in October, Hurley's spokesperson said today. The range will be sold by Prince Charles's sustainable food company, Duchy Originals, with offerings such as pork, poultry, lamb, and rare breed beef, as well as organic grains harvested at Hurley's 400-acre organic farm in western England.
All the News That's Fit to Eat — Mar. 4, 2009
- With their meaty texture, mild brine and vivid hue, Castelvetranos have become this year's olive of choice. — San Francisco Chronicle
- If you think organic food is safer, think again. — New York Times
- Make an authentic Roman spaghetti alla carbonara at home.
Marco Pierre White: "You Have a Duty to Put Reality Into TV"
If you're a fan of reality cooking shows, you may have heard about NBC's upcoming show, Chopping Block, which airs March 11. The show stars Marco Pierre White, the UK's original bad-boy chef, who has been known to make even Gordon Ramsay cry.
When I spoke to White today, the Chopping Block host was, in stark contrast to his deviant reputation, incredibly gracious, even-keeled, and — dare I say it — sentimental.
Happy Hour: Modmix Organic Cocktail Mixers
Move over Stirrings, there's a new cocktail mixer on the market and it's made with 100 percent organic fruit juice. Meet Modmix ($9.99), the mixer for the luxury spirit. I was lucky enough to speak with one of the founders, Tricia McCracken, at the Fancy Foods Show.
Oprah Winfrey vs. Organic Blue Corn Chips
In December Oprah Winfrey publicized her weight gain, admitting that she's put on 40 pounds in the past couple of months. Among other things, the powerful talk show host is blaming organic, multigrain blue chips for packing on the pounds.
"My drug of choice used to be potato chips," she said.
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