yumsugar -- To die for. http://www.yumsugar.com/ To die for. en Philadelphians Are the Highest Tippers http://www.yumsugar.com/1899820 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/15259/35_2008/waiterbill.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="401" width="300"></span>The City of Brotherly Love is also the city with the most-tipping love. Based on <a href="http://www.zagat.com" target="_blank">Zagat's</a> newly released Philadelphia survey, the city's residents leave a generous <a href="http://www.zagat.com/About/Index.aspx?menu=PR120" target="_blank">19.6 percent tip</a> on average, compared to the countrywide average of 19 percent. Diners in New York — long considered the most expensive place to live in the US — only tip equal to the countrywide average, while those in Los Angeles tip below average at 18.4 percent. </p> <p>Do Philadelphians really possess more love for their fellow citymen? Or is it because of Philadelphia's <a href="http://nymag.com/daily/food/2008/08/zagat_philadelphians_tip_best.html" target="_blank">large number of BYO restaurants</a>? I'm most surprised by the fact that New Yorkers tip such a meager amount. When I lived in Manhattan more than five years ago, it was considered standard to tip 20 percent due to the high cost of living there, and the fact that so many New Yorkers make a living in the service industry. Do these numbers surprise you? Are they in line with what <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/371943" >you would normally tip</a>, given decent service?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.yumsugar.com/1899820#comment dining eating out Los Angeles new york news philadelphia restaurants tipping waiters zagat Thu, 28 Aug 2008 15:00:55 -0700 YumSugar http://www.yumsugar.com/1899820 Starbucks Adds Healthier Food Options http://www.yumsugar.com/node/1896571 <p><a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1896346" >Starbucks Adds Healthier Food Options</a> The company is hoping that the healthier breakfast options, which debut Sept. 3, will bring consumers back to the ailing company.</p> http://www.yumsugar.com/node/1896571#comment aside breakfast fitsugar news restaurants starbucks Thu, 28 Aug 2008 08:55:00 -0700 YumSugar http://www.yumsugar.com/1896571 Would You Hire This 13-Year Old to Cater Your Event? http://www.yumsugar.com/1896988 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/15259/35_2008/photo01.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="415" width="550"></span>While most eighth graders whittled away this Summer at swim camp, one young man became the hottest rising caterer in the Hamptons.</p> <p>Meet Greg Grossman, a <a href="http://www.nypost.com/seven/08272008/entertainment/food/small_fry_126246.htm" target="_blank">13-year-old chef prodigy</a> from East Hampton, NY. Recently profiled in the <b>New York Post</b>, Grossman so far this Summer has "seared 75 pounds of <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/tags/scallops" >scallops</a>, cured 30 pounds of salmon, plated 200 micro-green salads and reduced at least 20 bottles of <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/tags/red+wine" >red wine</a>" while catering for parties. </p> <p>Despite the "killer" <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/tags/truffles" >truffles</a> and fish soufflés he made for a recent gallery opening, Grossman's not old enough to qualify for a catering license, so clients must employ him as a "personal chef." While his parents say he "practically teethed at <a href="http://www.noburestaurants.com" target="_blank">Nobu</a>, <a href="http://www.cipriani.com/cipriani/HomeUS/welcomeb.htm" target="_blank">Cipriani</a> and the <a href="http://www.fourseasons.com/palmbeach/dining.html" target="_blank">Four Seasons Hotel in Palm Beach</a>," they knew he was really something when he presented them with pan-seared sea scallops under a balsamic vinegar glaze with a wild-mushroom medley at the ripe old age of 10. </p> <p>I don't know what to make of this preteen personal chef. On the one hand, I think it's an incredible feat; on the other hand, I think that true culinary mastery requires a bit of maturity. What say you? Would you hire him to cater your events?</p> <p><a href="http://www.nypost.com/photos/galleries/entertainment/pp_20080827_kid_chef/photo01.htm" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.yumsugar.com/1896988#comment catering cute kids new york post news Thu, 28 Aug 2008 03:00:23 -0700 YumSugar http://www.yumsugar.com/1896988 All the News That's Fit to Eat — August 27, 2008 http://www.yumsugar.com/1896395 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/15259/35_2008/huckleberries2.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="413" width="550"></span> <ul> <li>Meet the blueberry's wild cousin, the <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/foodday/index.ssf/2008/08/the_flavor_of_wild.html" target="_blank">huckleberry</a>. — <b>The Oregonian</b></li> <li>Get the 411 on all of <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/08/26/FDC912F043.DTL" target="_blank">Slow Food Nation's events</a> in a jiffy.— <b>San Francisco Chronicle</b></li> <li>Brought to light: A new string of <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/27/dining/27boar.html" target="_blank">restaurants from the underground</a>. — <b>New York Times</b></li> <li><a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/food/chi-wine-line-croatia-27aug27,0,1273090.story" target="_blank">Croatia's vines prove to be resilient</a>, much like the country itself. — <b>Chicago Tribune</b></li> <li><a href="http://www.latimes.com/features/food/la-fo-cookbooks27-2008aug27,0,723315.story" target="_blank">Politics and food</a> have gone hand in hand throughout the Presidential campaigns. — <b>Los Angeles Times</b></li> <li>How to scale down a recipe when <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/26/AR2008082600936.html?sub=AR" target="_blank">cooking for one</a>. — <b>Washington Post</b></li> <li>Celebrity chef <a href="http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/food/articles/2008/08/27/ming_tsai_finds_some_good_eating_in_beijing/" target="_blank">Ming Tsai dines like a champion</a> on a tour through Beijing. — <b>Boston Globe</b></li> <li>These <a href="http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/life/food/wine/5960811.html" target="_blank">budget-wine picks</a> get the seal of approval. — <b>Houston Chronicle</b></li> <li>Stretch your menu repertoire (and your budget) by <a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/living/food/top-story/story/649234.html" target="_blank">using ground meat</a>. — <b>Miami Herald</b></li> </ul> <p><a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/foodday/index.ssf/2008/08/the_flavor_of_wild.html" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.yumsugar.com/1896395#comment all the news that's fit to eat food section news newspapers wednesday Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:15:18 -0700 YumSugar http://www.yumsugar.com/1896395 With New Menu Items, Burger King Hopes to Add Value http://www.yumsugar.com/1896348 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/15259/35_2008/bkposter082608.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" height="381" width="255"></span>Despite the <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/tags/cost+increases" >soaring cost</a> of food prices, fast-food chain <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/tags/burger+king" >Burger King</a> announced that it will be <a href="http://adage.com/article?article_id=130575" target="_blank">adding two petite-sized, lower-cost items</a> priced at $1.39: the Cheesy Bacon BK Wrapper and the Spicy Chicken BK Wrapper. </p> <p>Burger King is attempting this strategy in a frenzied fast-food climate, as the industry is struggling to balance <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/tags/food+crisis" >rising costs of food</a> with value-added items. Fast-food companies such as <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/tags/mcdonald's" >McDonald's</a> have had a difficult time keeping value items <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/1845322" >under the traditional $1 mark</a>. Earlier this year, Burger King <a href="http://adage.com/article?article_id=126035" target="_blank">pulled a test</a> for a double cheeseburger on its value menu for $1, and <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/tags/jack+in+the+box" >Jack in the Box</a> just announced a new <a href="http://www.foodfacts.info/blog/2008/08/jack-pita-snacks.html" target="_blank">rollout of pita snacks</a>, or "snack-sized wrap-style sandwiches" for $1.99. </p> <p>I'm not sure that these tactics will be enough to excel in the current economic environment, but perhaps these changes will allow all of the fast-food chains to gain back some market share. What do you think?</p> <p><a href="http://adage.com/article?article_id=130575" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.yumsugar.com/1896348#comment burger king chains cost increases economy fast food food crisis jack in the box news restaurants Wed, 27 Aug 2008 10:15:06 -0700 YumSugar http://www.yumsugar.com/1896348 Food Network's Last-Minute Jump on the SFN Bandwagon http://www.yumsugar.com/1894066 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/17470/35_2008/IMG_4723.xlarger.JPG" alt="" title="" class="image preview outline right" width="380"></span>Yesterday morning, <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/tags/food+network" >Food Network</a> announced its participation in <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/tags/2008+slow+food+nation" >Slow Food Nation</a>. Food Network, along with its charitable partner <a href="http://www.strength.org/" target="_blank">Share Our Strength</a>, will <a href="http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/food-network-share-our-strength/story.aspx?guid=%7B1BD47233-B008-49A2-8771-F55E8F74EB03%7D&amp;dist=hppr" target="_blank">"unveil a new original platform"</a> called Good Food Gardens. The fully sustainable gardens will be filled with seasonal fruits, vegetables, and herbs. </p> <p>The enclosed 10-by-16-foot cedar wood structures that hold the gardens are designed for the likes of schools, organizations, and homeowners. The first garden will debut across from San Francisco's highly buzzed-about <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/1878576" >Victory Garden</a>, and be donated to a local Boys &amp; Girls Club after the close of the event.</p> <p>I find it unusual for Food Network to announce a partnership with Slow Food Nation just four days before the start of the event. They're also beating everyone to the punch by unveiling their proprietary garden the day before the festival actually begins. What do you think? Was this a last-minute effort on the part of the network?</p> http://www.yumsugar.com/1894066#comment 2008 slow food nation food network news share our strength slow food victory gardens Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:00:48 -0700 YumSugar http://www.yumsugar.com/1894066 Will the Real Red Snapper Please Stand Up? http://www.yumsugar.com/1893730 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/15259/35_2008/AA036636.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="550" width="327"></span>A recent study conducted by two New York City high-school students shows that fish is commonly misnamed. When 60 fish samples from four sushi restaurants and 10 supermarkets were inspected using a genetic fingerprinting technique, <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/22/science/22fish.html" target="_blank">a quarter turned out to be mislabeled.</a></p> <p>Some findings: "White tuna" was really Mozambique tilapia, a much cheaper, commercially farmed fish. "Flying fish roe" was actually smelt roe. And more than 75 percent of "red snapper" samples weren't the real McCoy: Instead, they turned out to be everything from Atlantic cod fish to endangered Acadian redfish. </p> <p>This study was done on a small scale, but <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/22/science/22fish.html" target="_blank">according to the New York Times</a>, it's "unlikely to be a mere statistical fluke." </p> <p>With the <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/1885725" >controversy around raw salmon</a>, seafood is certainly getting a bad rap. This news has me worried. What if someone has a fish allergy? What do you think? Does this finding surprise you?<br /> <a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.yumsugar.com/1893730#comment fish genetic fingerprinting new york times news seafood sushi Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:15:23 -0700 YumSugar http://www.yumsugar.com/1893730 Recall Alert: Don't Bite Down on That Hot Pocket! http://www.yumsugar.com/1891234 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/17470/35_2008/0004369507675_L4.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview outline left" width="230"></span>Yikes! <a href="http://www.nestleusa.com/" target="_blank">Nestlé Prepared Foods</a>, the manufacturer of <a href="http://www.hotpockets.com" target="_blank">Hot Pockets</a>, is recalling more than 215,000 pounds of Hot Pockets Pepperoni Pizza after <a href="http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/498636.html" target="_blank">several pieces of red, hard plastic</a> and clear rubber material were discovered inside some of the pockets. The recall is for 54-ounce, 12-pack cartons of Hot Pockets Pepperoni Pizza with the following codes printed on the sides of each carton: 8157544614D, EST 7721A, and BEST BEFORE JAN2010.</p> <p>This is the second recall this Summer for Hot Pockets. Just last month, <a href="http://www.bostonherald.com/business/general/view.bg?articleid=1107190" target="_blank">350,000 packages</a> of two-pack Spinach Artichoke Chicken Lean Pockets were recalled for the same reason. Perhaps it's time to lay off the pockets for a while. </p> <p><a href="http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&amp;item=327246" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.yumsugar.com/1891234#comment food recall frozen foods hot pockets nestle news pizza pockets recalls Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:15:36 -0700 YumSugar http://www.yumsugar.com/1891234 Calcium = The Sixth Taste? http://www.yumsugar.com/1889510 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/17470/34_2008/medfr12590.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview outline right" width="287"></span>Scientists in Philadelphia have discovered that mice can taste calcium. Since humans and rodents share many of the same genes, the human tongue should taste calcium as well. For centuries the four basic tastes were sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. However when <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/1838967" >umami</a>, the fifth "savory" taste, was recognized 100 years ago, the door opened to research other tastes. According to Michael Tordoff, a geneticist who participated in the mice study, a human's palate can detect the mineral. It <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20080820/sc_livescience/sixthtastediscoveredcalcium" target="_blank">tastes</a>:<br /> <blockquote>Calcium tastes calcium-y, there isn't a better word for it. It is bitter, perhaps even a little sour. But it's much more because there are actual receptors for calcium, not just bitter or sour compounds.</p></blockquote> <p>Tordoff claims that the bitterness of certain vegetables, like bok choy or dark greens, is due to high levels of calcium. Although milk is full of calcium, the fats prevent us from tasting it. </p> <p>Since I've always thought it was crazy that only four basic tastes exist, the discovery is incredibly interesting, and I think that maybe I've tasted calcium. What do you make of the findings? Have you ever tasted calcium? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.yumsugar.com/1889510#comment calcium new tastes news philadelphia science study taste Mon, 25 Aug 2008 09:00:46 -0700 partysugar http://www.yumsugar.com/1889510 Advertising Advances May Change Your Food Decisions http://www.yumsugar.com/1886239 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/15259/34_2008/dunkindonuts.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image outline right preview" height="" width="275"></span>Recently grocers and restaurant chains have started to <a href="http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB121927508211958397.html?mod=blog" target="_blank">employ a sophisticated type of digital advertising</a>. The videos and images influence a shopper's decisions as they browse supermarket aisles or wait in line to pay. At select <a href="http://yumsugar.com/tags/dunkin+donuts" >Dunkin' Donuts</a> in New York, people who order coffee in the morning see ads promoting breakfast items at the register. Then while they wait for their orders, the television screens show different images that encourage the customer to return for lunch. In Germany, grocer <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extra_(supermarket)" target="_blank">Metro Extra</a> uses digital screens to sway a shopper. Certain goods have special tags attached to them, so when you grab a box of Kellogg's Frosted Flakes, the eye-level screen changes its message to display a sale price for, say, Wheaties. </p> <p>At a time when shoppers are more cautious about how they spend their money, this could give certain food companies an edge. What do you think: Is this new advertising scheme brilliant, or does the technology to increase impulse buys creep you out?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.yumsugar.com/1886239#comment advertising dunkin' donuts grocery stores news supermarkets technology wall street journal Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:45:57 -0700 YumSugar http://www.yumsugar.com/1886239 Do You Eat Raw Fish? http://www.yumsugar.com/1885725 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1885725"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1885725',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1885725');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p>Raw fish may not be so safe after all. A man in Chicago has <a href="http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/1114396,CST-NWS-shaws19.article" target="_blank">sued a prominent seafood restaurant</a> for giving him a nine-foot tapeworm. A tapeworm he says was caused by consuming raw salmon. In response to the incident, Jon Rowley, a seafood expert, reveals that <a href="http://www.gourmet.com/foodpolitics/2008/08/raw-salmon-tapeworm?currentPage=1" target="_blank">tapeworms are commonly found in salmon</a>. Marinating or curing the fish will not kill the parasites; the only surefire way to kill tapeworm larvae is to cook the fish completely or freeze it at minus-31&deg;F for at least 15 hours. <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/15259/34_2008/med322045.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image outline preview" height="412" width="550"></span>This news is frightening to me since I come across salmon sashimi, sushi, tartare, ceviche, and crudo on menus all the time. I'm now convinced that when it comes to raw fish, I need to be more discriminating about when and where I eat it. What about you? Will this change the way you eat your fish?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <br clear=all /></p><p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1885725" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Do You Eat Raw Fish?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes, I love it!</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> I did, but upon hearing this, I may need to reconsider . . .</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> Only at selected places where I trust the source.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> No way — I think it's unsafe.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="4" class="form-radio" /> No, because I don't like it.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="5" class="form-radio" /> No, because I don't eat fish. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="6" class="form-radio" /> Other — see my comments below.</label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1885725" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></p></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.yumsugar.com/1885725#comment fish gourmet jon rowley news poll raw fish salmon Sashimi sushi tapeworms Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:45:48 -0700 YumSugar http://www.yumsugar.com/1885725 Rachael Ray Parody Hits Shelves Sept. 3 http://www.yumsugar.com/1883749 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/15259/34_2008/rachaelrayparody.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left outline preview" height="" width="350"></span>Celebrity chef and media mogul <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/tags/rachael+ray" >Rachael Ray</a> may be <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/1753742" >penning a poignant memoir</a>, but a sarcastic someone is about to beat the star to the punch in publishing a book about herself. <b>Every Freaking Day! With Rachell Ray</b> by Elizabeth Hilts (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Every-Freaking-Day-Rachell-Ray/dp/0446509442/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1219358640&amp;sr=8-1" target="_blank">$12.99</a>) will parody the media mogul's monthly magazine, <a href="http://www.rachaelraymag.com" target="_blank">Every Day With Rachael Ray</a>. </p> <p>The 64-page book is full of saucy lines, such as, "Hey kids! If 30-minute meals are good, wouldn't 30-second meals be even better?" </p> <p>The guide, "Rachell," played by a model who is a dead ringer for Ray, provides "super-caffeinated" commentary along with recipes. Hilts, a bestselling author, explained:<br /> <blockquote>She's very easy to parody. She has a lot of very recognizable mannerisms: talking with her hands, singing to the food, referring to food as an almost-human entity.</p></blockquote> <p>What does the <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/1804608" >real Ray</a> think of the parody? <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/life/books/news/2008-08-20-book-buzz_N.htm" target="_blank">According to her publicist</a>, she hasn't seen it yet. No doubt come September, we'll be checking this out. Do you think this book will fly off shelves to Rachael fans and foes alike? </p> <p><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/life/books/news/2008-08-20-book-buzz_N.htm" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.yumsugar.com/1883749#comment books cookbooks elizabeth hilts everyday with rachael ray news Rachael Ray Fri, 22 Aug 2008 06:45:16 -0700 YumSugar http://www.yumsugar.com/1883749 Whole Foods Falls Short of Success In UK http://www.yumsugar.com/1881442 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/15259/34_2008/wholefoods_0.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image outline left preview" height="430" width=""></span>Earlier this month, Whole Foods reported <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/aug/06/supermarkets.useconomy" target="_blank">losses of $18.4 million</a> for its UK stores. </p> <p>In addition to its <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/1848651" >domestic struggles</a>, the Austin-based natural foods chain has been unsuccessful in its attempt to snag a piece of the UK market share. In the last year, the chain has opened six stores in Britain. The <a href="http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/news/special-report/article.html?in_article_id=421067&amp;in_page_id=108" target="_blank">highly anticipated debut</a> was a three-story, 80,000-square-foot emporium that opened on London's High Street last June. </p> <p>So what went wrong? There are several factors: First, the company set up shop at a time when organic foods were still flying off shelves. </p> <p>Since the credit crunch occurred, however, the country's <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/aug/14/ethicalliving.organics" target="_blank">sales of organic produce have fallen</a>. Second, the organics industry is well developed and competitive in Britain, and existing stores such as Waitrose and Tesco have developed brand loyalty. </p> <p>With the economy's downward spiral, it's unlikely that Whole Foods's problems will magically disappear. What do you think about the development? Are you surprised Whole Foods wasn't a success in the UK?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.yumsugar.com/1881442#comment cost increases economy food crisis groceries grocery stores Guardian news supermarkets Whole Foods Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:00:19 -0700 YumSugar http://www.yumsugar.com/1881442 Boston Market Latest Chain to Promote Cheaper Meals http://www.yumsugar.com/1880400 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/15259/34_2008/boston%20market.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="360" width="550"></span>Boston Market is the latest restaurant chain to succumb to sluggish spending. The Golden, CO-based corporation announced yesterday that it will offer a <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2008/08/18/daily8.html" target="_blank">larger discounted menu</a> of 11 meals for $5. </p> <p>Boston Market joins a list of food chains — such as Subway, Quizno's, and <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/1877014" >Domino's</a> — that have been promoting meals for $5. The company's chief brand officer, Judy Cantrell, said:<br /> <blockquote>The $5 price point is an important part of the new vernacular in the restaurant industry. It’s become a price point that consumers respond to, and we see an opportunity to increase the quality of choices with our slow-roasted rotisserie chicken meals.</p></blockquote> <p>The <a href="http://www.bostonmarket.com/home" target="_blank">value menu</a> includes the chain's popular one-quarter rotisserie chicken, classic chicken salad, and rotisserie chicken pot pie, which come with a side dish and a drink. The company will promote its newly-priced menu with a TV commercial and online campaign. Will you try one of their $5 meals?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.yumsugar.com/1880400#comment boston market chains cost increases dining out discounts economy fast food food prices news prices restaurants Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:15:42 -0700 YumSugar http://www.yumsugar.com/1880400 All the News That's Fit to Eat — August 20, 2008 http://www.yumsugar.com/1880011 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/15259/34_2008/newsroundup820.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image outline right preview" height="443" width="296"></span> <ul> <li>For a taste of Summer in Europe, try <a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/foodwine/2008116893_ontherocks16.html" target="_blank">these cocktails</a>. — <b>Seattle Times</b></li> <li>Merlot lovers, still reeling from their <b>Sideways</b> snub, set the record straight with a <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/food/chi-wine-merlot-20aug20,0,2658437.story" target="_blank">movie of their own</a>. — <b>Chicago Tribune</b></li> <li>A day in the sensory world of a <a href="http://www.latimes.com/features/food/la-fo-coffee20-2008aug20,0,3770036.story" target="_blank">professional coffee taster</a>. — <b>Los Angeles Times</b></li> <li>Meet <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/19/AR2008081900599.html?sub=AR" target="_blank">Food Studies</a>, the crossroads where academia and food meet. — <b>Washington Post</b></li> <li>Which <a href="http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/food/articles/2008/08/20/no_such_thing_as_bland_feelings_about_this_treat/" target="_blank">commercial vanilla ice cream</a> tastes the best? — <b>Boston Globe</b></li> <li>Did you know these <a href="http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/fea/taste/stories/DN-nf_5grilling_0820liv.ART.State.Edition1.1a56aa0.html" target="_blank">five items</a> taste delicious right off the grill? — <b>Dallas Morning News</b></li> <li>Jessica Simpson has yet another professional title under her belt: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/08/20/jessica-simpsons-new-job_n_120029.html" target="_blank">beer spokeswoman</a>. — <b>Huffington Post</b></li> <li>In case you don't have enough, here are <a href="http://www.ajc.com/living/content/eveningedge/stories/2008/08/05/john_kessler_homegrown_tomatoes.html" target="_blank">fifteen more uses for homegrown tomatoes</a>. — <b>Atlanta Journal-Constitution</b></li> <li>Applebee's female CEO gives the restaurant chain a <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/20/dining/20applebee.html" target="_blank">much-needed menu makeover</a>. — <b>New York Times</b></li> <li>Beat the heat with these <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/08/19/FD2U126GDK.DTL" target="_blank">summer cocktail party</a> suggestions.— <b>San Francisco Chronicle</b></li> </ul> <p><a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/foodwine/2008116893_ontherocks16.html" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.yumsugar.com/1880011#comment all the news that's fit to eat food section news newspapers wednesday Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:15:16 -0700 YumSugar http://www.yumsugar.com/1880011 Kellogg's Debuts Michael Phelps Cereal Box http://www.yumsugar.com/1879908 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/17470/34_2008/Picture%202_2.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview outline left" width="301"></span>An honor of winning the most Olympic gold medals of all time is getting to grace the cover of a cereal box. This morning <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/tags/kelloggs" >Kellogg's</a> released the first images of the <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/tag/michael+phelps" >Michael Phelps</a> Corn Flakes cover. Come Fall Phelps will front both <a href="http://www2.kelloggs.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=449" target="_blank">Corn Flakes</a> and Frosted Flakes boxes. </p> <p>Normally athletes are featured on <a href="http://www.wheaties.com/" target="_blank">Wheaties</a> boxes, but this year Phelps's agent, Peter Carlisle, decided to go with Kellogg's. </p> <p>I find the cover inspirational and patriotic and definitely prefer it to the <a href="http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20220102,00.html?xid=rss-topheadlines" target="_blank">image of Phelps on the cover of Sports Illustrated</a>. </p> <p>What do you think? Will you buy a box of Michael Phelps Corn Flakes?</p> <p><a href="http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20220102,00.html?xid=rss-topheadlines" target="_blank">Source</a><br /> <br clear=all></p> http://www.yumsugar.com/1879908#comment 2008 olympics cereal corn flakes kelloggs michael phelps news Wed, 20 Aug 2008 10:15:24 -0700 partysugar http://www.yumsugar.com/1879908 Do You Read the Food Section of Your Newspaper? http://www.yumsugar.com/1875904 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1875904"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1875904',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1875904');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/15259/34_2008/AA032348.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" height="450" width=""></span><br /> Every Wednesday, I look forward to my local paper's food section, so I can be inspired by innovative recipes, catch up on restaurant news, and learn about upcoming events. I even love to check out <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/tags/all+the+news+that&#039;s+fit+to+eat" rel="nofollow">what's going on in the food sections</a> around the country. </p> <p>How about you?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <br clear=all /></p><p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1875904" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Do You Read the Food Section of Your Newspaper?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes, always!</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> Sometimes, when I have time.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> Nah — I don't care enough.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Other — see my comments below.</label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1875904" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></p></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.yumsugar.com/1875904#comment all the news that's fit to eat food section news newspapers poll Tue, 19 Aug 2008 12:45:31 -0700 YumSugar http://www.yumsugar.com/1875904 Mexico Whips Up World's Largest Torta http://www.yumsugar.com/1877091 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/15259/34_2008/largest_torta.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left preview" height="" width="300"></span>Mexico's had a long love for <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/1588356" >tortas</a> — 48 yards, to be exact. </p> <p>Earlier this month, Mexico City caterers created Central America's <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7538510.stm" target="_blank">longest-ever sandwich</a>, coming in at 48 yards. With the help of 45 torta outlets, the oversized baguette took only five minutes to make. The 1,320 pounds finished torta was filled with over 30 ingredients, including ham, cheese, avocado, and lettuce. </p> <p>The baguette — which will go down in history as one of the <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/tags/guinness+book+of+world+records" >world's largest food feats</a> — was part of the kickoff for a three-day torta festival in Mexico's capital. </p> <p><a href="http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/features/article1512126.ece" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.yumsugar.com/1877091#comment guinness book of world records mexican mexico news records sandwiches tortas Tue, 19 Aug 2008 11:45:38 -0700 YumSugar http://www.yumsugar.com/1877091 Food Network's New Show Is Not About Competitive Eating http://www.yumsugar.com/1877157 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/17470/34_2008/eattheclock.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview outline right" width="357"></span>Yesterday the Internet was <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/televisionNews/idUSN1836664220080818" target="_blank">abuzz with rumors</a> about the <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com" target="_blank">Food Network</a>'s new competitive eating show. </p> <p>However, I spoke with a source at the network today, and she informed me that, contrary to gossip, the Food Network is not filming a competitive eating series. According to PR manager Lisa Krueger, the show is more like a culinary version of <a href="http://buzzsugar.com/tag/the+amazing+race" >The Amazing Race</a>. Called <b>Eat the Clock</b>, Krueger says it will feature "two teams who will race through a variety of culinary hot spots and compete in challenges for the ultimate chowhound smack-down." Apparently the words "ultimate chowhound smack-down" were mistaken for competitive eating. </p> <p>While I find competitive eating to be quite disgusting, a show about it has the potential to be a hit. Still, I'm interested to see what <b>Eat the Clock</b> is about. Will you watch? Are you more inclined to watch if competitive eating were involved? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.yumsugar.com/1877157#comment competitions competitive eating eat the clock food network news rumors tv Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:51:22 -0700 partysugar http://www.yumsugar.com/1877157 Domino's Pizza To Do Sandwiches http://www.yumsugar.com/1877014 <p>Last week Jack in the Box <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/1864717" >expanded their breakfast</a> menu to include brunch bowls, and this week <a href="http://www.dominos.com/home/index.jsp" target="_blank">Domino's Pizza</a> has announced plans to introduce submarine sandwiches. The pizza delivery chain will offer four different kinds of baked sandwiches, including a Chicken Bacon Ranch sandwich and a Philly Cheese Steak sandwich. The $4.99 sandwiches will be delivered with or without a pizza order.<span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/17470/34_2008/dominosx-large.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview outline center" width="510"></span>With the sandwiches, which are available to order beginning on Aug. 25, Domino's hopes to increase lunch sales. Last Spring, <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/1514336" >Pizza Hut added pasta to their menu</a>, so it's no surprise that Domino's is looking for other ways to grow profits. What do you think about the expansion? Will you try Domino's sandwiches?</p> <p><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/food/2008-08-17-dominos-pizza-subs_N.htm" target="_blank">Source</a> and <a href="http://www.dominos.com/home/index.jsp" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.yumsugar.com/1877014#comment chains domino's economy fast food food crisis news pizza restaurants sandwiches Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:15:14 -0700 partysugar http://www.yumsugar.com/1877014 Bocuse d'Or Announces Superstar Judge Lineup http://www.yumsugar.com/1870651 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/15259/33_2008/bocuse.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image left outline preview" height="288" width="250"></span>The panel of judges for next month's <a href="http://www.bocusedor-usa.com/" target="_blank">Bocuse d'Or</a> — the Olympics of the culinary world — were announced last Friday. Many of the judges, such as <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/tags/laurent+tourondel" >Laurent Tourondel</a> and <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/tags/jean+georges+Vongerichten" >Jean-Georges Vongerichten</a>, hail from New York, which makes me wonder if the giants of the gastronomic world really do believe that <a href="http://nymag.com/daily/food/2008/08/san_franciscos_favorite_chefs_never_heard_of_em.html" target="_blank">New York is the center of the culinary universe</a>. </p> <p>As if the list of uber-chef judges isn't intimidating enough, Paul Bocuse, the French founder of the competition will be on hand to observe and officiate. </p> <p>The semifinals, which take place on September 26 and 27 in Orlando, determine which two of the <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/1793089" >contenders</a> will represent the US in the Bocuse d'Or finals. To see the complete list of judges, </p> <p><a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/1870651">read more</a></p> http://www.yumsugar.com/1870651#comment bocuse d'or celebrity chefs chefs culinary olympics new york news Mon, 18 Aug 2008 03:00:59 -0700 YumSugar http://www.yumsugar.com/1870651 Grey Goose Cocktail Dress: Love It or Hate It? http://www.yumsugar.com/1870257 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1870257"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1870257',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1870257');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/17470/33_2008/gg.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview outline center" height="427" width="550"></span>Leave it to premium spirit <a href="http://www.greygoose.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Grey Goose</a> to have a fabulously designed cocktail dress as a uniform. Inspired by the vodka bottle, the dress was created by fashion designer <a href="http://fabsugar.com/tags/rachel+roy" rel="nofollow">Rachel Roy</a>. Since Grey Goose is her official sponsor, the cocktail dresses, which are to be worn by the brand's spokesmodels at publicity events, will debut at her fashion show in September. When compared to other <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/1578851" rel="nofollow">food brand uniforms</a>, I think these dresses are sleek and chic. How about you?</p> <p><a href="http://www.fashionweekdaily.com/news/fullstory.sps?inewsid=6616073" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a> and <a href="http://www.bevmo.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <br clear=all /></p><p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1870257" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Grey Goose Cocktail Dress: Love It or Hate It?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Love It</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> Hate It</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> Undecided</label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1870257" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></p></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.yumsugar.com/1870257#comment grey goose Love It or Hate It news rachel roy uniforms vodka Sat, 16 Aug 2008 08:00:45 -0700 partysugar http://www.yumsugar.com/1870257 Does Organic Booze Cure Hangovers? http://www.yumsugar.com/1870130 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/17470/33_2008/vodka.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview outline right" width="367"></span>By now, we know that organic food is better for your health and the environment than non-organic food, but what about organic alcohol? How exactly does the organic booze affect the morning after? Recently Sean Evans, a writer for the <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com" target="_blank">New York Daily News</a>, put <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/food/2008/08/15/2008-08-15_organic_booze_could_be_your_new_hangover.html" target="_blank">organic liqueur to the test</a>. One night he drank only organic cocktails and the next night he imbibed their exact counterparts. Starting with the organic, he compared his hangovers:<br /> <blockquote>There was no headache, and at first everything felt groggy. But despite being slightly slow, after a quick shower nearly all symptoms had dissipated. There was no nausea, no stomach pain; no normal hangover feelings. But the next morning was completely different. Everything felt sluggish and slow, and there was a dull headache, which lingered for a few hours. My churning stomach was quelled only after lying down for an extra hour, and several bottles of water were needed before an attempt to truly start the day could occur.</p></blockquote> <p>Being a huge fan of <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/694058" >Lotus vodka</a>, it's no surprise to me that the organic alcohol made him feel less hungover. So do you drink organic alcohol? If so, have you noticed a difference in your hangovers? </p> <p><a href="http://www.bevmo.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.yumsugar.com/1870130#comment alcohol drinks new york daily news news organic sean evans vodka Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:00:52 -0700 partysugar http://www.yumsugar.com/1870130 Julia Child Was a Spy For the Early CIA http://www.yumsugar.com/1867086 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/15259/33_2008/juliachildspy.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="433" width="550"></span>Late celebrity chef <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/tags/julia+child" >Julia Child</a> may have brought all things culinary to the masses, but there was one secret she kept from the world: She was a spy.</p> <p>Newly released personnel records reveal that Julia Child was part of an <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1866254" >international spy ring</a> managed by the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), an early version of the CIA created during World War II by President Theodore Roosevelt. Before she became a famous chef, Child helped the OSS <a href="http://www.npr.org/programs/morning/features/2002/apr/spies/index.html" target="_blank">develop shark repellent</a>, an explosives coating that was critical to protecting ammunition used to sink German U-boats during the war. </p> <p>Yesterday, the National Archives <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080813/ap_on_go_ot/spies_revealed" target="_blank">released a list of nearly 24,000 names</a> that were in the previously classified records. Are you surprised by this recent news? Does it change the way you perceive the nation's first celebrity chef?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.yumsugar.com/1867086#comment American celebrity chef French history julia child news Thu, 14 Aug 2008 10:15:00 -0700 YumSugar http://www.yumsugar.com/1867086 Can an Unwanted Spokesperson Ruin a Restaurant's Image? http://www.yumsugar.com/1865676 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/17470/33_2008/PlaymateK_Micha_55312269_60.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview outline right" width="307"></span>Like many young American women, Kendra Wilkinson loves the food at <a href="http://www.olivegarden.com/" target="_blank">Olive Garden</a>. However, unlike the majority of these women, Kendra is a Playboy Playmate, girlfriend to <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/tag/hugh+hefner" >Hugh Hefner</a>, and star of the reality show <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Girls_Next_Door" target="_blank">The Girls Next Door</a>. On the series, she expresses her profound love for the Italian chain's artichoke dip and unlimited breadsticks. She's not a spokesperson for the brand, and her public, undying love is not returned. Rumor has it the officials at Olive Garden <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121857145147234237.html?mod=rss_media_and_ma" target="_blank">would like her to stop inadvertently promoting</a> the restaurant. They've worked hard to craft their family-friendly image, and a Playboy playmate doesn't exactly fit into that picture. Although many brands welcome a celebrity's endorsement, if the celebrity doesn't match the brand's image, problems can arise. </p> <p>I think it's an interesting topic, and wonder what you have to say about the matter. Can an unwanted spokesperson ruin a restaurant's reputation? </p> <p><a href="http://www.wireimage.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.yumsugar.com/1865676#comment chains hugh hefner Kendra Wilkinson news olive garden playboy promotions restaurants spokespeople the girls next door Thu, 14 Aug 2008 09:00:00 -0700 partysugar http://www.yumsugar.com/1865676 All the News That's Fit to Eat — Aug. 13, 2008 http://www.yumsugar.com/1864639 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/15259/33_2008/41582883.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="397" width="300"></span> <ul> <li>Learn about the newest trend in charcuterie, <a href="http://www.latimes.com/features/food/la-fo-rillette13-2008aug13,0,2344435.story" target="_blank">rillettes</a>. — <b>Los Angeles Times</b></li> <li>Some gourmet uses for <a href="http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/food/articles/2008/08/10/beyond_croutons/" target="_blank">leftover bread</a>. — <b>Boston Globe</b></li> <li>Our <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/13/dining/13george.html?ref=dining" target="_blank">first president's distillery is back</a> and here to stay. — <b>New York Times</b></li> <li>For an unexpected taste, try <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/08/12/ST2008081202440.html" target="_blank">making mousse with tomatoes</a>. — <b>Washington Post</b></li> <li>Do you know <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/food/chi-watermelon-13aug13,0,7519611.story" target="_blank">how to pick the sweetest, ripest watermelon</a>? — <b>Chicago Tribune</b></li> <li>Make purees with the <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/foodday/index.ssf/2008/08/turn_summer_fruit_into_tasty_d.html" target="_blank">fast-ripening surplus of fruit</a> you've got at home. — <b>The Oregonian</b></li> <li>How to blend the best <a href="http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/life/food/5937088.html" target="_blank">Blue Hawaiian</a>. — <b>Houston Chronicle</b></li> <li>Get the <a href="http://www.sun-sentinel.com/features/food/sfl-flchinafoodxsbaug07,0,878862.story?page=1" target="_blank">411 on regional Chinese</a> cuisine. — <b>Sun-Sentinel</b></li> <li>A fascinating glimpse into the world of <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/08/07/WIDB124QPL.DTL" target="_blank">Napa's most radical winemaker</a>. — <b>San Francisco Chronicle</b></li> </ul> <p><a href="http://www.latimes.com/features/food/la-fo-rillette13-2008aug13,0,2344435.story" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.yumsugar.com/1864639#comment all the news that's fit to eat food section news newspapers wednesday Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:15:00 -0700 YumSugar http://www.yumsugar.com/1864639 Jack in the Box Expands Breakfast Menu http://www.yumsugar.com/1864717 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/17470/33_2008/jackintheboxbrunch081208.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview outline right" height="191" width="255"></span><a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/tags/jack+in+the+box" >Jack in the Box</a> has announced its plan to jump on the fast-food breakfast bandwagon with its new Breakfast Bowl, an entire, portable meal. A mix of eggs, hash browns, cheese, peppers, and meat, the dish is a "Sunday brunchworthy meal" to be "enjoyed on a weekday schedule." Jack in the Box hopes to satisfy consumers' need for a hearty breakfast on the go. </p> <p>Of the fast-food giants, currently <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/tag/McDonalds" >McDonald's</a> has the highest amount of breakfast sales. Only time will tell if Jack in the Box's Breakfast Bowls will become as popular as the Egg McMuffin. In other breakfast news, <a href="http://www.dennys.com/en/" target="_blank">Denny's</a> will compete with the Breakfast Bowls with its new to-go meal that involves a two-tier takeout container filled with bacon, eggs, and pancakes. </p> <p>Do you eat breakfast at fast-food restaurants? Will you try Jack in the Box's Breakfast Bowl? </p> <p><a href="http://adage.com/article?article_id=130296" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.yumsugar.com/1864717#comment breakfast brunch dennys fast food jack in the box McDonalds news Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:15:46 -0700 partysugar http://www.yumsugar.com/1864717 Michael Phelps Dishes on His Unusual Eating Habits http://www.yumsugar.com/1862903 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/17470/33_2008/mps.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview outline center" height="374" width="550"></span>If you've been watching the <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/tag/2008+Olympics" >2008 Olympics</a> like I've been, then you're probably aware that USA swimmer <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/tag/michael+phelps" >Michael Phelps</a> is trying to win a record number of gold medals. But do you know what he eats to stay on top of his ambitious game? In a recent video interview, Phelps explains that he fuels his body by eating between 8,000 and 10,000 calories a day. Since the US Olympian doesn't cook, this means eating (not-so-short) stacks of pancakes, buffalo enchiladas, and towering sandwiches packed with turkey, cheese, mayonnaise, and vegetables. </p> <p>Watch the video below and tell me: Are you surprised by the swimmer's daily caloric intake? Personally, I'm a bit envious! I would probably go through those calories by eating Tex-Mex dishes. What would you eat on a diet of 10,000 calories a day?</p> <p><center><object width="425" height="344"><br /> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/0QjwhG8dLuQ&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1"></param> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/0QjwhG8dLuQ&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></center></p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.yumsugar.com/1862903#comment 2008 olympics calories michael phelps news Wed, 13 Aug 2008 09:00:05 -0700 YumSugar http://www.yumsugar.com/1862903 Restaurants Are Dirtier Than You'd Like to Know http://www.yumsugar.com/1860611 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/17470/33_2008/200330822-001.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview outline center" height="337" width="506"></span>A recent study by the <a href="http://www.cspinet.org/" target="_blank">Center For Science in the Public Interest</a> (CSPI) <a href="http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1831421,00.html" target="_blank">has shown that restaurants are incredibly dirty</a>. From moldy refrigerators to live cockroaches to unsanitary prep and cook surfaces, the study illustrates the huge number of restaurants that are cited with health-code violations. Sarah Klein, an attorney for the CSPI, explains why most restaurants have a long way to go before they meet the Food and Drug Administration's health codes:<br /> <blockquote>Restaurants aren't motivated to pass a very high safety bar. A restaurant may commit violations that the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention would classify as most critical — improper holding temperatures, poor employee hygiene, food bought from unsafe sources, food that is not thoroughly cooked, or food surfaces that are not properly disinfected — without much fear of being shut down. Even violations that involve rat infestations or unwell employees (restaurant workers tend not to get paid sick days) also may not lead to closure. Restaurants only have the incentive to do what they need to do to stay open. The consumer would never know how close they were to being shut down.</p></blockquote> <p>While opposition is quick to point out that the inspectors could have been too harsh, I have a feeling the study's disturbing conclusions may be true. After all, Gordon Ramsay's <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/tags/kitchen+nightmares" >Kitchen Nightmares</a> takes an insider's look at such kitchens. Although the findings don't list the restaurants' names, it does provide the public with a breakdown of the worst and best cities in terms of health expectations. To find out how your city ranked, </p> <p><a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/1860611">read more</a></p> http://www.yumsugar.com/1860611#comment health code news restaurants Time magazine Tue, 12 Aug 2008 10:15:15 -0700 partysugar http://www.yumsugar.com/1860611 Rachael Ray Is the World's Richest Chef http://www.yumsugar.com/1859143 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/17470/33_2008/TVPersona_JimS_51953439_600.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview outline right" width="337"></span>Last week <a href="http://www.forbes.com" target="_blank">Forbes</a> released a <a href="http://www.forbes.com/lifestyle/2008/08/08/celebrity-chef-earners-forbeslife-cx_cv_0808food.html" target="_blank">list of the 10 top-earning celebrity chefs</a>. The richest celebrity "chef" is <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/tags/rachael+ray" >Rachael Ray</a> who, thanks to her four Food Network shows, daytime television show, magazine, and Dunkin' Donuts deal, makes $18 million a year. She's followed by Oscar caterer <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/tags/wolfgang+puck" >Wolfgang Puck</a> ($16 million) and <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/tags/wolfgang+puck" >Gordon Ramsay</a> ($7.5 million). </p> <p>While owning a restaurant doesn't necessarily factor into a chef's riches (Ray owns no restaurants), it's clear that more exposure and countless endeavors amount to more money. </p> <p>Puck owns 15 restaurants and has a soup line in grocery stores and a collection of knives sold on the Home Shopping Network. Ramsay has numerous restaurants and hit television shows in both the US and UK. </p> <p>Although television played a huge role in the success of Ray, Puck, and Ramsay, it's interesting to note that the fourth and fifth richest chefs, Nobuyuki Matsuhisa and Alain Ducasse, have little to no television presence, but each own more than 15 restaurants worldwide. To check out the complete list of the world's richest chefs, </p> <p><a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/1859143">read more</a></p> http://www.yumsugar.com/1859143#comment anthony bourdain bobby flay celebrity chefs chefs forbes gordon ramsay mario batali news paula deen Rachael Ray Tom Colicchio wolfgang puck Mon, 11 Aug 2008 10:15:38 -0700 partysugar http://www.yumsugar.com/1859143 Competitive Eating Is a Growing Sport http://www.yumsugar.com/1853231 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/15259/32_2008/competitive%20eating.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image outline left preview" width="280"></span>It may not be in the <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/tag/2008+Olympics" >Olympics</a> — yet — but <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/features/not-to-be-scoffed-at-competitve-eating-is-the-worlds-fastestgrowing-hobby-888125.html" target="_blank">competitive eating</a> has become one of the world's fastest-growing sports. Last month, as many as 1.5 million people tuned in to ESPN to watch <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/tags/joey+chestnut" >Joey Chestnut</a> beat <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/tags/takeru+kobayashi" >Takeru Kobayashi</a> in Nathan's Famous Fourth of July <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/1759213" >Hot Dog Eating Contest</a>. According to the Major League Eating spokesman Ryan Nerz:<br /> <blockquote>At the big eating events you have normal guys who get up and do this thing well, beat a bunch of people, and all of a sudden they have a camera shoved in their face. They get a whole new group of friends, a blog, a MySpace page, fans. It very quickly becomes their identity, and it transcends their former identity as a waiter at a pizza restaurant, an accountant, or whatever.</p></blockquote> <p>The profile of a typical competitive eater has also evolved in recent years. The demographic has changed from the overweight, blue-collar male champions to trimmer, younger, white-collar competitors that include men and women. Many competitors believe in the Belt of Fat theory — that a skinny build allows the stomach to expand with less difficulty than if it were surrounded by a constricting layer of fat tissue. </p> <p>Have you or would you ever try competitive eating? For some recent records in the world of competitive eating, </p> <p><a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/1853231">read more</a></p> http://www.yumsugar.com/1853231#comment boiled eggs eating competition competitive eating food eating contests hot dog eating competition news records senselist trend alert Fri, 08 Aug 2008 13:00:41 -0700 YumSugar http://www.yumsugar.com/1853231 Mars Gives M&M's a Makeover http://www.yumsugar.com/1851995 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/15259/32_2008/mmspremium.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview outline right" width="360"></span>Hoping to jump on the premium chocolate bandwagon, <a href="http://www.mars.com" target="_blank">Mars</a> has launched a brand-new line of M&amp;M's candies called M&amp;M's Premium. These newfangled M&amp;M's are made from an entirely different chocolate recipe and have no candy shell. The chocolates are significantly larger in size and more irregular in shape than milk chocolate M&amp;M's, and are filled on the inside with various flavorings that include white chocolate and mint. The M&amp;M's are coated with a speckled metallic skin that corresponds to one of five flavors: mint chocolate, mocha, triple chocolate, raspberry almond and chocolate almond. </p> <p>The new M&amp;M's are in stores now, and are sold in a 6-ounce, upright package for $3.99. Have you tried any of the new flavors yet? </p> <p><a href="http://hamptonroads.com/2008/08/mms-go-snooty-us" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.yumsugar.com/1851995#comment candy chocolate M&M's mars news Fri, 08 Aug 2008 08:08:12 -0700 YumSugar http://www.yumsugar.com/1851995 Safeway to Roll Out Private Labels Nationwide http://www.yumsugar.com/1851134 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/15259/32_2008/safewayline_0.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image outline left preview" height="" width="290"></span>For those of you who've raved about the <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/1848651" >Whole Foods private-label 365 brand</a>, I've got good news for you: There are more of these brands coming your way.</p> <p>Fellow grocery giant <a href="http://www.safeway.com" target="_blank">Safeway</a> has <a href="http://adage.com/article?article_id=130191" target="_blank">plans to go national</a> with two of its house brands, O Organics and health-conscious line Eating Right. So far, both lines have limited market, but will expand nationally this Fall. In the wake of the troubled economy, America's grocery giants have <a href="http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jwIzEBadGtFQ3OUVzlym8D69E42wD92937501" target="_blank">reported record sales of their own private-label brands</a>. </p> <p>The Safeway brands aim to be different from generic store brands. <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/pages/magazine" target="_blank">The New York Times explains</a> that O Organics and Eating Right have been marketed entirely differently:<br /> <blockquote>Both were built much more like name brands than like store brands ... Instead of competing simply on price they appeal to consumers who feel they ought to be eating better, but perhaps find the thicket of smaller, virtue-food brands confusing — or simply inaccessible.</p></blockquote> <p>I've tried the brands and think they're great — my cutie is a huge fan of the orange juice and the ice cream bars. Still, I won't be letting them pull a <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/1750858" >price trick</a> on me. What about you — will you give the new brand a try? </p> <p><a href="http://adage.com/article?article_id=130191" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.yumsugar.com/1851134#comment cost increases economy food crisis grocery stores new york times news organics safeway Whole Foods Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:00:00 -0700 YumSugar http://www.yumsugar.com/1851134 The Future of the Grocery-Store Checkout Is Here http://www.yumsugar.com/1850244 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/17470/32_2008/mettler_toledo_scale.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview outline left" width="300"></span>Meet the latest in grocery-store technology, the supermarket checkout scale that identifies produce. Although self-checkout systems have been around for a while, this new scale requires no scanning. Instead the machine snaps a quick picture of the produce that is placed on the scale. It compares the picture to a database of stored images and identifies which type of fruit or vegetable it is. </p> <p>The system also determines the weight and price of the produce. Currently the scale is being tested in 300 European markets. Although the machine is intelligent and reduces the need for human interaction, some kinks need to be worked out. For example, how will the machine know if a product is organic? What if there's a deal where the product is not being sold by weight? </p> <p>It's exciting to see that the future of grocery shopping has arrived. What do you think of the advancement? Have you checked yourself out of a grocery store?</p> <p><a href="http://www.ohgizmo.com/2008/08/03/new-automated-supermarket-scales-can-tell-the-difference-between-apples-and-oranges/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.yumsugar.com/1850244#comment checkout grocery stores news self checkout shopping supermarkets Thu, 07 Aug 2008 10:15:02 -0700 partysugar http://www.yumsugar.com/1850244 Do You Shop at Whole Foods? http://www.yumsugar.com/1848651 <!-- no strip poll --><div id="epoll-view-1848651"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/1848651',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-1848651');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/17470/32_2008/73393175.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview outline center" height="359" width="550"></span>Earlier this week the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">New York Times</a> reported that <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/tags/whole+foods" rel="nofollow">Whole Foods</a> is in <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/1846443" rel="nofollow">the midst of a store makeover</a>. With the economic crisis and the increasing price of food, the expensive grocer is attempting to rebrand itself as a value store along the lines of Costco and Trader Joe's. </p> <p>I've always found the prices at Whole Foods to be high and stopped shopping there months ago. Although I do sometimes miss their wonderful selection of cheese, wine, and premade products. How about you?<br /> <a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <br clear=all /></p><p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/1848651" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Do You Shop at Whole Foods?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes, I've always shopped at Whole Foods.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> No, groceries from Whole Foods don't fit in my budget.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> Sometimes I'll go to Whole Foods for specialty items that I can't find anywhere else.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> There isn't a Whole Foods in my area.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="4" class="form-radio" /> Other — I'll tell you what I think about Whole Foods below. </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="1848651" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></p></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://www.yumsugar.com/1848651#comment economy food crisis grocery stores new york times news poll Whole Foods Thu, 07 Aug 2008 07:45:30 -0700 partysugar http://www.yumsugar.com/1848651 All the News That's Fit to Eat — Aug. 6, 2008 http://www.yumsugar.com/1847874 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/15259/32_2008/shellingbeans_0.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image right preview" height="392" width="307"></span> <ul> <li>Get the lowdown on how to enjoy those <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/08/05/FDC211VB23.DTL" target="_blank">shelling beans</a>. — <b>San Franciso Chronicle</b></li> <li>Supermarket chains are forced to embrace the newest consumer trend: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/06/dining/06local.html?ref=dining" target="_blank">eating local</a>. — <b>New York Times</b></li> <li>Here's the perfect <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/08/05/ST2008080503038.html" target="_blank">wine pairing for that hot dog</a> you're eating. — <b>Washington Post</b></li> <li>One crusading farmer explains the <a href="http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/food/articles/2008/08/06/tomato_restoration/" target="_blank">conditions needed to grow flavorful tomatoes</a>. — <b>Boston Globe</b></li> <li>For an alternate preservation method to canning, try <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/foodday/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/living/121761691649970.xml&amp;coll=7" target="_blank">freezing Summer's vegetable harvest</a>. — <b>The Oregonian</b></li> <li>In light of the premiere of <b>Bottle Shock</b>, original figures from the 1976 judgment of Paris <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/food/chi-bottle-shock-wine-film-6aug06,0,3908327.story" target="_blank">set the record straight</a>. — <b>Chicago Tribune</b></li> <li>No-fail tips to ensure your chicken comes off the grill <a href="http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/taste/26098764.html?elr=KArks7PYDiaK7DUqEiaDUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiU" target="_blank">tender and juicy</a>. — <b>Star Tribune</b></li> <li><a href="http://www.latimes.com/features/food/la-fo-calcook06-2008aug06,0,1821249.story" target="_blank">Conserving local tuna</a> on your own is cheaper than buying Italian imports — and unbelievably simple. — <b>Los Angeles Times</b></li> <li>Take a moment to appreciate our star-spangled sandwich, the <a href="http://www.ajc.com/eveningedge/content/eveningedge/stories/2008/08/05/peanut_butter_and_jelly.html" target="_blank">PB&amp;J</a>. — <b>Atlanta Journal-Constitution</b></li> </ul> <p><a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/object/article?f=/c/a/2008/08/06/FDC211VB23.DTL&amp;o=0" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.yumsugar.com/1847874#comment all the news that's fit to eat food section news newspapers wednesday Wed, 06 Aug 2008 12:15:38 -0700 YumSugar http://www.yumsugar.com/1847874 Tough Economy Forces McDonald's to Reevaluate Dollar Menu http://www.yumsugar.com/1845322 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/15259/32_2008/mcdonalds_0.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview outline right" width="320"></span>In a response to <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/tags/economy" >soaring food prices</a>, McDonald's announced yesterday that it will be <a href="http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB121780568775808337.html?mod=2_1354_leftbox" target="_blank">restructuring its dollar menu</a>. This means <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/main.jhtml?view=DETAILS&amp;grid=&amp;xml=/money/2008/08/04/bcnmcd104.xml" target="_blank">swapping out the dollar menu's most popular items</a> and replacing them with less-costly offerings. The company is testing changes to its $1 bestseller, the double cheeseburger. Chief Operating Officer Ralph Alvarez said:<br /> <blockquote>The way the dollar menu looks today won't be the way it looks next year. . . . What fits on the menu will look different than now because it has to be profitable.</p></blockquote> <p>To offset the rising cost in cheese, which is expected to rise 21 percent this year in the US, many stores are using only one slice of cheese instead of two and touting the new offering as a "double hamburger with cheese." Other franchises have increased the cost of the double cheeseburger to $1.19. </p> <p>If removed from the dollar menu, the double cheeseburger will be replaced by another burger. What do you think about the development? Will you be upset if the double cheeseburger is no longer a part of the dollar menu? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.yumsugar.com/1845322#comment cheeseburgers cost increases dollar menu economy fast food food crisis McDonalds news Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:00:16 -0700 YumSugar http://www.yumsugar.com/1845322 Starbucks Announces $2 Afternoon Drink Deal http://www.yumsugar.com/1845269 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/17470/32_2008/82102560.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview outline right" width="287"></span><a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/tags/starbucks" >Starbucks</a> has announced its plan to offer an afternoon discount to morning customers. Present a receipt of your morning beverage after 2 p.m. and you can order any iced grande coffee drink (including Frappuccinos!) for just $2. The promotion begins on Tuesday and runs until Sept. 2. According to Brad Stevens, the vice president of customer relationship management, the <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2008/08/05/news/companies/starbucks.ap/index.htm" target="_blank">discount is a no-brainer</a>:<br /> <blockquote>I think we've kind of hit the nail on the head. It's easy for baristas to implement and it's easy for customers to understand.</p></blockquote> <p>Since Starbucks's iced drinks are a little pricey the concept is quite clever. However, I rarely order two Starbucks drinks in one day, so I don't know how often I will be able to use the discount. How about you? Will you use the discount?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.yumsugar.com/1845269#comment coffee discounts iced coffee news starbucks Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:16:52 -0700 partysugar http://www.yumsugar.com/1845269 What's Cooking With Top Chef 5 http://www.yumsugar.com/1838989 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/17470/31_2008/Picture%202.png" alt="" title="" class="image preview outline right" height="242" width="420"></span>Currently the fifth season of <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/tags/top+chef" >Top Chef</a> is filming in New York City. Although the competing chefs are still unknown, details of the upcoming season are being released. </p> <p>Last week <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/tag/Tom+Colicchio" >Tom Colicchio</a> <a href="http://video.msn.com/video.aspx/?mkt=en-us&amp;vid=379822d9-5b8e-41e9-bf5e-1be132550e43&amp;fg=rss&amp;from=34&amp;wa=wsignin1.0" target="_blank">went on the Today Show</a> with three dishes created by 13 of the current contestants. The female hosts of the show tasted the dishes (Kathie Lee spit one out she hated it so much!) and chose one as their favorite. The winner will present the dish on the <b>Today Show</b> when the <b>TC</b> episode airs in December. </p> <p>In other <b>TC</b> news, rumor has it that the <a href="http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080729/LIVING0105/807290345" target="_blank">Foo Fighters will appear in an episode</a> of the competition. While I'm looking forward to another season of <b>TC</b>, I can't help but wonder if the mania surrounding the filming (complete with <a href="http://gothamist.com/2008/07/24/top_chef_loads_into_new_williamsbur.php" target="_blank">images of the contestants moving into their house</a>) will spoil the show's excitement. What do you think? Do you like to know about the competition before it airs? </p> <p><a href="http://video.msn.com/video.aspx/?mkt=en-us&amp;vid=379822d9-5b8e-41e9-bf5e-1be132550e43&amp;fg=rss&amp;from=34&amp;wa=wsignin1.0" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.yumsugar.com/1838989#comment news reality tv the today show Tom Colicchio top chef Top Chef 5 tv Mon, 04 Aug 2008 07:45:05 -0700 partysugar http://www.yumsugar.com/1838989 Is Ruby Tuesday Blowing Its Campaign Out of Proportion? http://www.yumsugar.com/1831364 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/15259/31_2008/rubybomb.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="" width="550"></span>Restaurant chain <a href="http://www.rubytuesday.com" target="_blank">Ruby Tuesday</a> announced its plans to <a href="http://www.brandweek.com/bw/content_display/news-and-features/retail-restaurants/e3i69cb10b1d7b83812e3bc3efed9e90af7" target="_blank">destroy one of its locations</a> next Tuesday in an explosion that will be broadcast live on its website. The explosion signals a new era for the chain, something the company has been trying to do with its slogan, "It's a brand new Tuesday." </p> <p>The bomb will go off on Aug. 5 at 3 p.m. EDT, at an undisclosed restaurant location which is the last remaining "old-style site." The overhaul includes a new "simple, fresh, American dining" menu and revamped décor. The makeover was the plan of David Oakley, <a href="http://www.brandweek.com/bw/content_display/news-and-features/retail-restaurants/e3i69cb10b1d7b83812e3bc3efed9e90af7" target="_blank">who said</a>:<br /> <blockquote>They have redone everything . . . gotten rid of all the bicycles hanging from the recycles, the surfboards and old movie posters to point where there wasn't an inch of space.</p></blockquote> <p>With an oversaturated sit-down restaurant market and an increasingly poor economy, the casual dining industry has been reeling. This campaign comes on the heels of an announcement two days ago that <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/1823821" >Bennigan's would be closing almost 300 restaurants</a> after more than 30 years. What do you think about the bombing? Will you watch?</p> <p><a href="http://adweek.blogs.com/adfreak/2008/07/ruby-tuesday-de.html" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.yumsugar.com/1831364#comment advertising bennigan's chain restaurants chains news restaurants ruby tuesday Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:00:32 -0700 YumSugar http://www.yumsugar.com/1831364 All the News That's Fit to Eat — July 30, 2008 http://www.yumsugar.com/1825695 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/15259/31_2008/coldnoodles_0.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview outline center" height="242" width="550"></span> <ul> <li> <li>Get a basic primer on <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/07/29/FDE511SNJT.DTL" target="_blank">Asian noodles, served cold</a>. — <b>San Franciso Chronicle</b></li> <li>In an economy that's driving most food costs up, the <a href="http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/food/articles/2008/07/30/as_food_prices_rocket_relief_from_the_depths/" target="_blank">price of New England lobster is going down</a>. — <b>Boston Globe</b></li> <li>Meet <a href="http://media.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/07/29/ST2008072901734.html" target="_blank">semifreddo</a>, ice cream's half-frozen Italian cousin. — <b>Washington Post</b></li> <li>Rice gets the star treatment in a different course: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/30/dining/30mini.html?ref=dining" target="_blank">salads</a>. — <b>New York Times</b></li> <li>Detectives are <a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008075456_cheese27.html" target="_blank">cracking down on food counterfeiters</a>, one cheese wheel at a time. — <b>Seattle Times</b></li> <li>Here are five basic tips for <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/food/chi-prep-burgers-30jul30,0,6940170.story" target="_blank">improving your home burger</a>. — <b>Chicago Tribune</b></li> <li>That's the spirit: West Coast beer brewers <a href="http://www.latimes.com/features/food/la-fo-distillers30-2008jul30,0,7809289.story" target="_blank">add distilling to their repertoire</a>. — <b>Los Angeles Times</b></li> <li>Two schools of thought at the bar: <a href="http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB121701792136885625.html?mod=2_1354_leftbox" target="_blank">classicists and bar chefs</a>. — <b>Wall Street Journal</b></li> <li>Learn <a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/living/food/top-story/story/614174.html" target="_blank">all about figs</a>, their role in history and culture, and enjoying them. — <b>Miami Herald</b></li> </ul> <p><a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/object/article?o=7&amp;f=/c/a/2008/07/30/FDE511SNJT.DTL" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.yumsugar.com/1825695#comment all the news that's fit to eat food section news newspapers wednesday Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:15:43 -0700 YumSugar http://www.yumsugar.com/1825695 Coming Soon: Tasti D-Lite http://www.yumsugar.com/1825912 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/17470/31_2008/MK-AQ924_TASTI__20080728184620.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview outline right" height="164" width="245"></span>New York's most popular low-calorie, ice-cream alternative, <a href="http://www.tastidlite.com/" target="_blank">Tasti D-Lite</a>, has announced plans for international expansion. James Amos, the owner of Tasti D-Lite, which was <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/slideshow/1660999?page=0%2C4" >featured on Sex and the City</a>, told the <a href="http://online.wsj.com/public/us" target="_blank">Wall Street Journal</a> about the <a href="http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB121729652087692073.html?mod=2_1354_leftbox" target="_blank">brand's growth</a>:<br /> <blockquote>Two Tasti D-Lite stores opened this month in Seoul; expansion into Israel and Mexico is in negotiation. Late last month, Tasti D-Lite signed franchising deals for a minimum of 16 stores in Tennessee and at least 40 in Texas, including San Antonio, Austin, and Houston. It is working on expanding into California and adding to the seven stores already in New Jersey. Next month, Tasti D-Lite plans to open two flagship stores in New York, including one on the ground floor of the Empire State Building.</p></blockquote> <p> The chain offers over 100 flavors and has developed a cult-like following among New Yorkers. As <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/tags/pinkberry" >Pinkberry</a> and <a href="http://www.yumsugar.com/tag/red+mango" >Red Mango</a> continue to open stores across the US, it's no surprise that Tasti D-Lite is following suit. Have you had Tasti D-lite? Are you excited the chain may be coming to a location near you? </p> <p><a href="http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB121729652087692073.html?mod=2_1354_leftbox" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.yumsugar.com/1825912#comment desserts frozen yogurt new york news tasti d-lite Wed, 30 Jul 2008 11:15:47 -0700 partysugar http://www.yumsugar.com/1825912 Say Goodbye to Bennigan's, Steak and Ale http://www.yumsugar.com/1823821 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/15259/31_2008/bennigans.preview.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" height="413" width="550"></span>For national chains <a href="http://www.bennigans.com/" target="_blank">Bennigan's</a> and <a href="http://www.steakandale.com/" target="_blank">Steak and Ale</a>, there is no pot o' gold at the end of the rainbow: The companies <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&amp;sid=apX7FLLJ1Scg&amp;refer=home" target="_blank">filed for bankruptcy</a> protection and shut down all 292 corporate locations yesterday.</p> <p>For the two bar and grill chains, the downhill slope has come steep and fast. In June, parent company <a href="http://www.metromediarestaurants.com/default.php" target="_blank">Metromedia Restaurant Group</a> asked lenders to restructure its debt, as earnings were lower than expected. A week ago, the group's CEO resigned. And yesterday, all of the corporate locations for the Irish-themed taverns and country steakhouses <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080729/ap_on_bi_ge/bennigan_s_bankruptcy_filing" target="_blank">appeared empty</a>. The company stated:<br /> <blockquote>Similar to other members of the casual dining industry, current economic and industry trends have adversely affected the group's overall financial performance.</p></blockquote> <p>Fans need not despair just yet — for now, the franchise locations will stay open. But the question remains: for <a href="http://gawker.com/5030478/top-o-the-evenin-to-ya-bennigans" target="_blank">how long</a>?</p> <p><a href="http://www.qatar-tourism.com/CatSubCatImages/bennigan'srestaurant.jpg" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://www.yumsugar.com/1823821#comment