The Pastrami Burger

"Salt Lake City’s detractors . . . portray the town as culturally and gastronomically staid. The pastrami burger challenges such notions."

Cooking for Michael

Kai Chase, Michael Jackson's personal chef, has penned a book about cooking for Jackson tentatively titled Fit for a King. Via Grub Street.

Spill, Mop, Drink, and Save!

"In these tough times," use the Smart Mop to soak up your spilled soda and then "wring it back into the glass and it's ready to drink all over."

Of Hops and Healing

Professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. and police Sgt. James Crowley have accepted the president's invitation to come to the White House for a round of beer and racial reconciliation. But, exactly what kind of beer should Obama serve?

Alabama Bans Wines With "Nude Nymph" Labels

The State of Alabama's liquor agency has banned the sale of wine which features a "nude nymph" on its label.

The label on Cycles Gladiator wine shows a naked nymph with flowing hair flying alongside a winged bicycle.

Alabama's liquor regulations bar labels with "a person posed in an immoral or sensuous manner."

According to the winery's website, the labels are based on a Parisian bicycle advertisement dating from the late 19th century:

Oklahama City Bombing Conspirator Sues Over Prison Food

Convicted Oklahoma City bombing conspirator Terry Nichols has filed a lawsuit over his prison food, complaining that the lack of whole grains and fresh food violates his religious beliefs.

Drunk on Butterbeer: Does Hogwarts Have a Teen Drinking Problem?

The New York Times is on the case of a potentially disturbing trend towards underage drinking in schools. Wizard schools, that is.

The latest movie in the Harry Potter series depicts a teenage Potter and company enjoying quite a few "butterbeers." The drinking has apparently raised some eyebrows, even if the alcoholic content of butterbeer is never stated.

Readers Will Choose "Saveur 100"

Saveur magazine is turning its annual "Saveur 100" issue (listing the best things in food) over to its readers: "All the items for next year’s SAVEUR 100, our annual tribute to a hundred great things from the world of food, will come from you, our readers."

COCO: Chefs on Chefs

Another massive cookbook is due out from Phaidon in October 2009. Clocking in at 448 pages, Coco: 10 of the World's Greatest Chefs, 100 Emerging Culinary Stars is based upon Phaidon's 10x10 series presenting emerging artists in the fields of contemporary art, architecture, photography and graphic design.

Dept. of Innovations: The Lollipie

A mashup of pies and lollipops advances the food-on-a-stick genre. Via coldmud.