Want to seem like you know what you’re talking about while discussing current events at the dinner table this week? Read through our essential guide to the week’s earth-shattering food news. Find out which power couple went vegan, what Italian superstore opened in Chicago, and how much money you could receive for turning in $25,000 worth of Pappy Van Winkle.
Everything You Need to Know About This Week in Food
Your cheat sheet for dominating dinnertime conversation.
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Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich unveil second U.S. Eataly in Chicago
What happened: The wholly anticipated Eataly Chicago finally opened its doors to the public on Monday. The massive food marketplace boasts 63,000 square-feet, (it's over 10,000 square-feet bigger than the New York City version), of all things Italian food. In addition to grocery items and restaurants, Eataly Chicago also has the first ever Nutella Bar. Joe Bastianich told the Chicago Reader that he and partner Mario Batali have three more Eataly locations planned for Philadelphia, Sao Paolo, and Los Angeles. Who cares: Chicago residents Further reading: Check out Thrillist's 13 reasons you should be eating at Eataly right now. -
Man banned from wearing Google Glass in restaurant goes on Facebook rant
What happened: Nick Starr was wearing a Google Glass headset while dining at Lost Lake Café in Seattle when a server asked him to remove the contraption, or leave. Starr then took to Facebook to demand an apology and suggested that the owner, David Meinert, fire the server. Little did Starr know, Meinhert announced earlier this year that Google Glass wouldn’t be allowed in his dive bar 5 Point Café, or Lost Lake Café. He posted on the café’s Facebook back, “For the record, The 5 Point is the first Seattle business to ban in advance Google Glasses. And [butt] kickings will be encouraged for violators.” After the incident with Starr, an updated memo was posted saying, “If you do wear your Google Glasses inside, or film or photograph people without their permission, you will be asked to stop, or leave. And if we ask you to leave, for God’s sake, don’t start yelling about your ‘rights’. Just shut up and get out before you make things worse.” Who cares: Diners considering wearing Google Glass in David Meinert's establishments, privacy-fearing folk, conspiracy theorists Further reading: Read the full report, along with some particularly snooty quotes from Starr, here. -
$10,000 reward for information to the arrest of the Pappy Van Winkle thief
What happened: Sheriff Pat Melton in Kentucky’s Franklin County is offering a $10,000 reward to anyone who can offer information regarding the Pappy Van Winkle theft that occurred in October. Thieves stole 195 bottles of the prized bourbon, worth over $25,000. Melton told the Associated Press that Pappy fans have been keeping their eyes and ears open to find the suspects because the longer the pappy is missing, "that's less that they have an opportunity to get.” Who cares: Pappy Van Winkle aficionados, Sheriff Pat Melton, boozehounds Further reading: Check out the full report on the Pappy heist here. -
Zuni Café chef Judy Rogers passes away at 57
What happened: Chef Judy Rogers of Zuni Café in San Francisco has passed away at age 57 after a yearlong battle with cancer. With Rogers helming the kitchen, Zuni Café won the James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant, and her cookbook, The Zuni Café cookbook won Cookbook of the Year. Rogers has been credited with shaping the Bay area cuisine with her honest approach to cooking. Her famous salt and pepper roast chicken has been unchanged since it was first added to the Zuni Café menu back in 1988, sparking numerous imitations and praises. She will be sorely missed. Who cares: The culinary community, San Francisco diners, Zuni Café fans Further reading: See a timeline of Judy Rogers career on Grubstreet. -
Jay Z and Beyonce are becoming vegans (for 22 days)
What happened: Jay Z and Beyonce continue their plans for world domination. A day before his 44th birthday, Jay Z announced on his Life + Time’s website that he would be challenging himself to eat a vegan diet for 22 days. While the power couple have made no promises as to what their diets will look like after the 22 days are up, no doubt that vegans everywhere are celebrating this boost of publicity. Who cares: Vegans, the Illuminati, Jay and Bey followers (so, everyone) Further reading: Read more about Jay & Bey's plant-based diet here. -
Fast food workers strike in hopes to raise minimum wage
What happened: Over 100 cities across the country planned labor walkouts as workers protested the current minimum wage. Right now, minimum wage falls at $7.25 an hour, but fast food workers are trying to get it raised to $15 an hour. In Detroit, picketers outside McDonald’s sang "Hey hey, ho ho, $7.40 has got to go!" Though it’s unlikely that minimum wage would get raised to $15, lawmakers, including President Obama, are working towards raising the bar to $10.10 an hour, which would make a huge difference to millions of people. Who cares: Fast food workers, anyone who has worked a minimum wage job, politicians Further reading: Read President Obama's latest remarks on raising minimum wage.