Photo by World of Coca-Cola

A Georgia man allegedly discovers Coca-Cola’s secret original recipe, restaurant owners have a public meltdown on Kitchen Nightmares, and a prison inmate claims Taco Bell stole his idea. Read below for the full stories:

A Georgia man claims that he discovered Coca-Cola’s secret original recipe from 1943.  Cliff Kluge and his wife Arlene allegedly discovered the recipe in a box of letters and papers that they purchased at an estate sale. The recipe bears a resemblance to the purported recipe NPR’s radio program, “This American Life,” published on their website two years ago. Kluge doesn’t intend on holding onto his newfound treasure for long, though; he’s now trying to sell the recipe for $15 million on eBay. Coca-Cola recently released a statement, saying that the top-secret formula is locked away in a vault at the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta. While Kluge remains unphased by Coca-Cola’s remarks, he has yet to receive any offers for the recipe. Readers, whose story do you believe?

Gordon Ramsay has famously unleashed many verbal smack downs in his years as a Michelin-starred chef and television personality, but the feisty chef has finally met his match: Amy Bouzaglo. If her name doesn’t ring a bell for you, that’s probably because she was widely unknown to the public—that is, until her very public meltdown on last Friday’s episode of Kitchen Nightmares. Amy and her husband, Samy Bouzaglo, the owners of Amy’s Baking Company in Scottsdale, enlisted Gordon Ramsay’s help on Kitchen Nightmares to help their struggling business. Here’s the problem: neither of the co-owners seemed to care about Ramsay’s opinions.  After witnessing Amy blow-up at an employee (who was unceremoniously fired after asking an innocent question), arguing with Samy about not pocketing staff tips, and dealing with the couple’s refusal to take any responsibility for their actions, Ramsay finally did what he had never done in the show’s 82-episode history—he gave up on helping the owners. After the viral episode led to a widespread backlash, the couple took to Facebook to release a caps-locked tirade against their “haters.”

Doritos Locos Tacos have been an immediate fast food sensation since their launch in 2012, and one federal prison inmate is determined to get a piece of that success. An inmate named Gary Cole has filed a lawsuit against Taco Bell for allegedly stealing his idea for the Doritos Locos Tacos. According to Cole, he wrote a list of product ideas in 2006 to be sold under a brand called “Divas and Ballers.” Among those product ideas listed, was an idea for “taco shells of all flavors (made of Doritos.” In a 35-page complaint, Cole claims that his letter was stolen through through the United States Postal Service and submitted by a mystery mail thief to Frito-Lay, Taco Bell, Pepsi Co, Yum Brands for a large sum of money. Taco Bell released a statement, saying that the claims are “completely false and without merit.”

Photo by F33

There are areas of town where restaurants always seem to congregate: the Fan, Downtown, Short Pump. You could head to any one of those spots, throw a stone, and find a great little restaurant to grab a bite (although I don’t recommend actual stone throwing in these crowded neighborhoods.) But if you’re willing to stray into uncharted waters (or, say to Midlothian or Church Hill) there are some hidden gems just waiting to amaze and delight your tastebuds.

One of my favorite discoveries is Belle Vie in Midlothian. It’s a smallish place that’s been open for just a few years and calls itself a European Bistro. I’d characterize it as more French than anything, with a crazy extensive Belgian beer selection. They do take reservations, and if you want to sit at a table, I suggest you make one. However, if you’re open to a more casual experience, I love sitting at the bar. It’s nicely situated with plenty of room for you to eat a full meal and enjoy the hospitality of the friendly bartenders. Service is quicker, the refills nearly immediate, and the atmosphere overall is warm and inviting. And the food! Let’s not forget the food. I’ve ordered many different meals and enjoyed all of them. The filet comes perfectly cooked with your choice of five sauces. My favorite is the Archiduc, a creamy mushroom sauce that I would eat as a soup and possibly bathe in if that wasn’t frowned upon. Their nut potatoes are gloriously fluffy little potato croquettes fried with a crisp outer shell and served with a zingy dipping sauce. Belle Vie also has great Moules Frites (mussels and fries) in a variety of preparations, and all-you-can-eat mussels every Wednesday. It’s the kind of restaurant you can go back to again and again, order something different each time, and rest assured that it will always be good.

Next, you could mosey off to Church Hill, which has long been a tough area of town to figure out. There are a lot of great old houses being revitalized on one side of the street, and on the other, dilapidated dens of crime. But this historic neighborhood is beginning to turn around, and more high-quality restaurants are popping up. One of the newer arrivals is The Roosevelt. The restaurant is one big open area that feels a little like a one-room schoolhouse, in a good way. They’ve managed to nail the rustic feeling while pairing it with some chic décor choices and damn good food. Even though this is yet another upscale southern concept in a town up to its ears in upscale southern food, I think the menu is interesting enough to overcome the oversaturation. Sure, they have pimento cheese, and they served a fried chicken and honey special (which was fantastic, by the way), and of course they have cheesy grits. But they also make pillowy, flavorful homemade gnocchi, chicken fried tofu (what?), and a mushroom crusted catfish. Their menu changes frequently, which is a reassuring sign of constant innovation and commitment to using seasonal ingredients. Trust me, there’s a reason Style Magazine named it the Restaurant of the Year for 2012. And if you aren’t convinced to go for the food, you should definitely go for the drinks. They have a long, inventive cocktail list that has the whole town buzzing in more ways than one.

My last hidden morsel of a restaurant is probably a little more well known than the other two, but it’s still in an unexpected place. Take a drive down Patterson and you’ll see an ugly strip mall where, nestled between a salon and a dubious looking day spa, is the best steakhouse in Richmond, Buckhead’s. Yeah, that’s right. A steakhouse in a strip mall. Don’t judge. When you walk in, it kind of feels as if you’ve stepped into an Elk’s Lodge circa 1983. The bar in the front of the restaurant seems to be the place where the cougars congregate when they aren’t over at Bar Louie, but pay no mind. Find your way to a table and order up some meat from their extremely knowledgeable wait staff. To say this place is old school is an understatement, and while that might be a negative for any other type of food, for steak, I think it’s a plus. They know how to age steak, cook it perfectly and season it just enough so that the flavors come out but aren’t overwhelmed. Besides pretty much every cut of steak known to man, they also have one of the biggest wine selections in Richmond, as well as great appetizers and sides. The beef tataki and mushrooms in beurre blanc are two you absolutely must try. Seriously, if you walk out of there without trying the mushrooms in particular, I will never forgive you. And even if you can’t eat another mouthful, get dessert. The great thing about Buckhead’s is there is nothing innovative about it. Nothing tricky, nothing trendy. With steak you don’t need any of that. It’s simple, classic, and absolutely delicious. And yes, the atmosphere totally makes you want to don a smoking jacket and order Courvoisier. But that’s kind of perfect every once in awhile.

So, the next time you’re looking for a place to grab a meal, you could easily head to Carytown or even Libbie and Grove, but please indulge me and occasionally step out to Jackson Ward or Forest Hill or (gasp!) Mechanicsville and see what you can find. You and your intrepid tastebuds might be pleasantly surprised.

The John Kerry at Mr. Bartley’s Burger Cottage. Photo by jbcurio

The city of Boston has always been known for its resilient citizens. With the marathon events still fresh in our minds, there is no denying that Boston is strong and will always be. As the center of New England, the city of Boston has some of the best sports teams and most interesting places to eat. When it comes to their burger scene, you’ll find some of the more appealing choices out there.

Mr. Bartley’s Burger Cottage

Featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, Mr. Bartley’s Burger Cottage has a wide range of burger choices on its menu, each named after a famous person. With its location right across from Harvard University in Cambridge, and three generations of Bartley family ownership, it’s the equation for success. Even if you have a hard time choosing your burger, you won’t have much trouble going for the onion rings.

Radius

The Schlow Burger at Radius. Photo by MP: SoFla

When at a French restaurant, one doesn’t necessarily think to order a burger. Well, this Boston restaurant’s bar menu offers what it calls “The Burger.” Topped with Vermont cheddar, crispy onions, and horseradish sauce, this burger is the creation of James Beard Award winner chef Michael Schow. At 19 dollars, expect something better than your run-of-the-mill burger.

Grass Fed

Photo by Xavier Bensky

Aside from a delicious dish, another use for the burger is to soothe the pain of a raging hangover. While it might not be the most fancy offering in Boston, Grass Fed in Jamaica Plain offers a bacon cheeseburger that might just be the cure. Top your burger with a fried egg for extra grease to oil your aching stomach.

Tasty Burger

Jalapeño cheeseburger at Tasty Burger. Photo by cherrylet

With three locations in the greater Boston region, Tasty Burger is taking fast food to a new level. While many people might scoff at fast food when thinking about good burgers, Tasty Burger might be the exception to the rule. The most unique feature of this restaurant is the burger of the day. For example, on one particular day, you could get a Boston burger topped with baked beans, BBQ sauce, and crispy onions.

The Gallows

The Gallows’s interpretation of the burger is a purist one known as “Our Way.” With American cheese, iceberg lettuce, grilled onions, and pickles, there’s not much else you can want. Perfectly un-fancy, in the best way possible.

Craigie on Main

Photo by Tiny Urban Kitchen

Gourmet burgers are all the rage, and one place in Cambridge adds rarity to the mix. With only 18 of these burgers coming out of the kitchen each night, Craigie on Main puts a premium on its burger with bone marrow, suet, miso powder, mace ketchup, and Shelburne Farm cheese.

Boston Burger Company

Photo by Mark H. Anbinder

Let’s face it, a good burger shouldn’t be prim and proper. Some think that the messier the burger is, the better. The Boston Burger Company has a burger that is appropriately known as the “Hot Mess.” The Thousand Islands dressing is so runny that you should hold your burger over your sweet potato fries to get the most out of it.

Eastern Standard

When you have the word ‘standard’ in your name, you better offer something good to back it up. A burger like this plays up its main strength: the meat. The patty comes from one of the best meat purveyors in New England. At 12 dollars, the Standard Burger comes with a very simple piece of cheese. With a limited amount of ingredients to get in the way, you can really enjoy the burger as it was meant to be.

Daikokuya ramen. All photos by Bun Boy Eats LA

When I first moved to LA, my only background in ramen was of the Cup O’Noodles variety. Then I began to get Japanese ramen at my local haunt, Atch Kotch, but this was before tonkotsu ramen began to hit it big here, and it wasn’t exactly love at first sight.

I had a lot of trepidation before writing this article. Not being of Asian descent, I questioned whether I had the background to be any kind of authority on ramen. After diving in deep, I realized I had a LOT to learn and a lot more ramen joints to try out! Of course, I was happy to remedy this.

There are four main types of ramen broth: shio (salt), shoyu (soy sauce), miso (soybean paste), and tonkotsu (pork bone).

My experiences with the often simple (read, bland) shio and shoyu broths were very “meh.” That wouldn’t stop me from slurping them down in seconds, however. Especially once spicy components were added. And then tonkotsu took over.

Maybe it had always been on the menu and I never tried it, or maybe the ramen industry needed some new invigoration to create Sprinkles-like lines around the block. Whatever happened, it’s everywhere now and it’s insanely delicious. Ramen 2.0, if you will. Tonkotsu is made by boiling pork bones, fat, and collagen over high heat for many hours, causing the broth to look like milky gravy with a highly concentrated pork flavor.

Years ago, when I first tried LA’s most popular ramen spot, Daikokuya, I was not impressed with my selection of shio ramen. Now, Daikokuya has only two ramen menu items: its signature tonkotsu and tsukemen, which is dipping ramen.

Call me a novice, but I ain’t got time for tsukemen! It’s sloppy, there are too many steps, and by the time I get anything in my mouth, it’s lukewarm. Ramen should be broth and noodles swimming lovingly together, like nature intended.

Before I get into my Top 5 ramen spots in LA, I must preface by saying I’ve only included places within a 30-minute driving distance from my home, omitting any place in Gardena. Sorry, but when I live sandwiched between Little Tokyo and Little Osaka, it’s too far. Also, I have specifically NOT included Tsujita Artisan Noodle (the hottest spot on Sawtelle) because … well … I didn’t like it. The broth was far too rich for me, so much so I couldn’t even finish it! And the hour wait just isn’t worth it.

1. Daikokuya

While I’m not one to follow the crowd, I can’t help but be blown away by what is hands-down the best (and most popular) ramen in LA. Period. They only serve one type (tonkotsu), but it’s all you need. The rich and creamy pork broth and perfectly sized and cooked noodles are perfection. No complaints — except the infernal wait for a table.

2. Men Oh Tokushima

I was almost going to call this place the poor man’s Daikokuya after my first bite, but then soon changed my mind. While the broth wasn’t exactly as heaven sent as big D’s, the noodles and amazing soft-boiled egg were standouts. A fine addition to the tonkotsu realm, and one of Jonathan Gold’s favorites.

3. Chabuya Tokyo Noodle Bar

You probably won’t find this place on any other Top 5 lists, but I really loved the Kara Kara pork ramen accompanied by the massive slice of tender meat and bok choy. The sort of fusion take on ramen and the more upscale and airy décor gave me cause to add them to my list. Many ramen purists would probably disagree.

4. Ramenya

Another spot not going to win any awards, Ramenya offers a unique ramen experience with their Tan Tan Men ramen. It’s basically like egg drop soup dumped over noodles with ground pork and it’s fantastic! So decadent and flavorful. And in case things aren’t spicy enough for you, you’ll be offered an obscene looking bottle of chili oil. But be warned: this place has zero air conditioning, so avoid it on hot days.

5. Santouka

This 20-year-old chain churns out some pretty decent fast food ramen. Located in the food court of a Japanese shopping center, I really enjoyed the super casual vibe. The Spicy Miso ramen seems to be what everyone was ordering, so I followed suit. While the noodles were a bit instant-tasting (which I still enjoyed) the heat was certainly there, and I also greatly appreciated the option to get a smaller size for when you don’t have the time to go home for a 3-hour food coma nap afterwards.

Honorable Mention: Ajisen

I have included a bonus honorable mention for one of my favorite guilty ramen pleasures. Located in the Century City mall, this place has one of my favorite ramen dishes ever, the Beef Curry ramen. A nice change from the traditional pork experience, this curry packs quite a wallop with just the right amount of heat. I also loved the shredded cabbage that comes with it. A nice, subtle crunch to balance out the soft noodles.

Editor’s Note: What other ramen places would you include?

Photo by anemptygun

Hooters will offer free entrées to mothers on Mother’s Day, Monster Beverage gets sued for marketing to youth and children, and a 105-year-old woman credits bacon for her long life. Read the full stories below!

Most people probably wouldn’t think of treating their mom to a Mother’s Day meal at Hooters, but the 30-year-old chain is determined to make that change. Known more for its scantily clad waitresses than its buffalo chicken wings, the chain has struggled to broaden its appeal to female customers. In a desperate move to expand its customer base, Hooters has something special in store for moms — free entrees on Mother’s Day. Mothers who bring a child and purchase a drink will qualify for the free entrée (worth up to $10). Hooters’ chief marketing officer, David Henninger, said “We know you don’t think of Hooters as a typical place to take Mom, but we want to make it more appealing for Mom to come in.” Unsurprisingly, Hooters’ new marketing tactic has a fair share of skeptics; one restaurant industry consultant has called the Mother’s Day promotion “pathetic.” Readers, do you think Hooters will be able to expand its customer base to include mothers?

In other news, Monster Beverage is being sued — again. Last year, 14-year-old Anais Fournier died after allegedly consuming two 24-ounce cans of Monster and going into a cardiac arrhythmia due to caffeine toxicity. Her family sued the company, but Monster’s team of investigators ruled out caffeine as a factor in her death. Recently, San Francisco’s city attorney Dennis Herrera filed a lawsuit against Monster Beverage for marketing its energy drinks to youth and children, putting their health at risk. Just last week, Monster sued Herrera “over his demands that company reduce caffeine levels in its drinks and stop marketing to minors.” Monster stated that the issues are “entrusted to the regulatory authority of the FDA.” Herrera claims that his lawsuit isn’t a reaction to Monster’s lawsuit, citing Monster’s use of young children on its website’s marketing campaign and its sponsorship of youth sports tournaments. In his lawsuit, Herrerra also pointed out Monster’s encouragement of excessive consumption by telling consumers to “chug down” Monster products. The bad publicity has already begun to take a toll on Monster’s shares, with a 7 percent drop.

In case you needed any more justification to love bacon, 105-year-old Pearl Cantrell has credited bacon as being the key to her long life. The 105-year-old grandmother loves bacon so much that she eats it every day, claiming that it helped her survive tough times. Though Cantrell has been fortunate to sustain a long-standing relationship with her favorite processed meat product, most studies show that the frequent consumption of processed meats and fried, salty foods have serious health risks. Scientific studies have showed that processed meats put people at a greater risk of heart disease and pancreatic cancer, and fried, salty foods put consumers at a higher risk of strokes. Despite what researchers say, Cantrell remains steadfast in her belief that bacon has helped her live a long life.

Photo by booini

Whether you’re sporting flannel pajamas or dressed to the nines, you’ll find Chi-town brunch restaurants to fit your every mood. To pick out the best brunch spots among Chicago’s rich culinary scene, Menuism asked Chicago food bloggers to weigh in with their top brunch recommendations. Today’s post features the expertise of Bunny and Brandy of Bunny and Brandy’s Brunchtime Blog, and Amanda Topper of The Ghost Guest. Continue reading to find out which restaurants have the best brunch!

Owen and Engine - 2700 N Western Ave

“From the casual Edwardian atmosphere to the un-obnoxiously informed hipster servers and bartenders, this is the only place to go for a delicious traditional English breakfast. There are creative morning cocktails in addition to the mimosas and bloody marys, but there is also the beers ‘on engine’ that are hand-pumped from the cellar to be slightly cold and less carbonated than regular drafts. The food is farm-to-table and made from scratch whenever possible, like their variety of seasonal scones, served with clotted cream and jam, their artisan quiches, and of course the full English breakfast, complete with baked beans served in a ‘can.’” –Bunny and Brandy

“A meal at Owen & Engine is a journey to the local English pub you never knew you missed. From the cozy dark wood interior, to the impeccable French press coffee service, brunch here is a special treat. They offer an assortment of pub fare including beef hash, a traditional English breakfast and homemade scones (which are to-die-for!). The menu is ever-changing, ensuring a different array of options on each visit!” –Amanda Topper

Nana – 3267 S Halsted St

“There is no place like home, but if you can’t go home for breakfast, go to Nana. This Bridgeport favorite is owned and operated by the adorable Solis brothers and their mom (the restaurant’s namesake) and is so homey that they encourage patrons to show up in the pj’s for brunch service!  Nana specializes in local, organic food that feeds not just the body but the soul. Their amazingly savory take on Chicken and Waffles, made with an herbed waffle, battered chicken breast, and a pork sausage gravy, will make you glad you got out of bed, even if you didn’t bother to change out of your flannel nightgown.” –Bunny and Brandy

Hearty Boys – 3819 N Broadway

“Hearty puts a modern twist on old-school comfort foods which are always even more delicious than their descriptions. Comfort food classics such as shrimp and grits and chicken and waffles are perfectly prepared without being too overwhelming. The Hearty boys successfully sneak in nostalgic items on their menu such as the pot roast omelette and shepherd’s pie scramble. The housemade biscuits are a must-try and the seasonal quiche is always fresh and flaky.” –Amanda Topper

Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club – 3700 N Halsted St

“You’ve heard of “dinner and a show,” but why not brunch and a show? Weekends at Kit Kat Lounge feature the amazing and beautiful Madam X, who sings to patrons live as they feast on dishes like Rice Krispie-coated French toast and steak with truffle fries. The prices are amazing as well, allowing you to eat à la carte, or choose from the prix fixe options that include unlimited mimosas, bloody marys, or sangria. On Sundays, all of their specialty martinis are half off! To top it all off, most weekends feature a theme to the songs, drink, and food specials, such as Rocky Horror for Halloween, Christmas carols in December, or celebrating the greatest holiday of them all, Cher’s birthday.” –Bunny and Brandy

Buttered Bolo Bao at Cha Chan Tang. Photo by Robyn Lee.

Most observers of Chinese food in New York have dismissed the quality of Chinese food in Manhattan Chinatown when compared to the Chinatowns in Flushing or Brooklyn, or even to some of the Chinese restaurants in Manhattan outside of Chinatown. And while there are no longer any real destination Chinese restaurants in Manhattan Chinatown, the past couple years have shown signs that things may be turning around.

Most of these new options are flying under the publicity radar and represent a departure from the traditional restaurants of Manhattan Chinatown, creating their own little niches. A good example is Cha Chan Tang at 45 Mott Street. This may already be the busiest and most popular Chinese restaurant in Chinatown. Yet there has been virtually no mention of Cha Chan Tang in the food press or even the food message boards. This may be in part due to the fact that Cha Chan Tang serves Hong Kong-style café food, which might not rate the level of discussion among foodies that other types of food might. On the other hand, Cha Chan Tang’s menu includes an entire section of fabulous Yunnan Fish Broth Noodle Soup selections, which deserves widespread attention by itself. The breakfast specials are also tasty, and a real bargain.

Salt and Pepper Squid from Cha Chan Tang.
Photo by Robyn Lee.

A lot of the negative comments about food in New York Chinatown arise from the fact that it hasn’t kept up with the evolution of Chinese food in the 21st Century, in both Asia and North America. However, Mottzar Kitchen at 70 Mott St. is bucking the trend. Influenced by master New York chef Joe Ng, Mottzar offers a creative Hong Kong-style menu including smoked salmon in eggplant tempura, black bass avocado crackers, egg white with crab meat, goose web with sea cucumber, teriyaki lamb chops, and lobster with truffles. Still, the reaction to Mottzar seems rather mixed. First of all, the pricing is sometimes as much as 50 percent more expensive than what locals are used to paying in Chinatown. Also, some of these newfangled dishes are probably a shock to a community that has not experienced the evolution of Hong Kong-style food in the past 10 to 15 years that those in Hong Kong, Canada, and California have enjoyed.

Shrimp Dumpling Soup at Noodle Village. Photo by tallasiandude

Another under-the-radar Hong Kong-style café is Full House Café at 97 Bowery. Full House Café incredibly has over 400 items on their menu (don’t be fooled by the fact that dishes on its menu are numbered all the way up to 564), including around 40 dim sum items (menu, not carts, of course).

Then there’s Lee Chung Café, located at 82 Madison St. Lee Chung Cafe is located in the grittiest part of Chinatown, where even newly opened restaurants look like they’ve been in business for 40 years. In contrast, Lee Chung Café is modern and airy, and would fit in quite well on Mott St. or Canal St. or even Valley Blvd. in San Gabriel. Its eclectic menu includes Hong Kong-style street food and numerous boba drinks for the younger set. When I went there, they were serving ramen soup, grilled cheese sandwiches, Burmese fish soup, croissants and Hong Kong-style toast, but who knows what’s on the menu today?

Noodle Village at 13 Mott St. is another jam-packed restaurant, serving a variety of noodle dishes and perhaps the best clay pot rice in Chinatown.

On Bayard Street, it’s a collision of Chinatown and Little Italy at Cutting Board, 53 Bayard, which serves Chinese-style Italian food, as well as lobster rolls and lobster-topped beef sliders, and brings a fresh twist to Chinatown.

Spicy Village at 68B Forsyth St., formerly known as He Nan Flavor, introduces Henan-style food to Chinatown. Notable dishes include various meat pancakes (essentially flatbread sandwiches), big plate chicken, and hand-pulled noodles. The restaurant has been discovered by the hipster crowd, and I don’t know if that’s a good thing.

Then there’s Diamond Hill Café at 147 Canal St., which for want of a better description is the “Asian Chipotle,” offering build-your-own burritos and tacos with Asian fillings. Biting into my tofu burrito, I thought to myself, “tastes like Chipotle.”

Also worth noting is the reopening of the former Yogee Restaurant as 85 Chinese Restaurant at 85 Chrystie St., which closed down in mid-2012 leaving a temporary void in traditional Hong Kong-style food. Perhaps the best news is the return of their signature beef stew rice noodle rolls.

Savory Cumin Lamb Hand-Pulled Noodles at Xi’an Famous Foods. Photo by Wally Gobetz

Last mention of recently opened Chinese restaurants should go to over-the-radar Xi’an Famous Foods at 67 Bayard St. This is a marvelous story of a restaurant lifted from the obscurity of the basement of the working class Golden Mall in Flushing into the East Village and Brooklyn, as well as Manhattan Chinatown. Unfortunately, the branch located under the Manhattan Bridge is gone, having lost its lease, but the Bayard location is much roomier. Despite Xi’an’s crossover success, there’s no doubt that its lamb noodles and lamb burgers are good and authentic.

Lastly, an old friend in new clothing is Poon Kee at 39 Monroe St., whose remodel took so long that many of us were afraid that this was another case of a Chinese restaurant “remodel” being an euphemism for “out of business.” Thankfully it has reopened, and this Hong Kong-style snack shop offers a tasty array of food in the $1.50 to $3.00 range. But caution, it opens early in the morning and closes fairly early in the day.

Photo by ConVidá Verde

This past month, Menuism welcomed the addition of new city guides, who gave us a taste of their respective cities’ dining scenes. From sandwiches to hot dogs, our Los Angeles, Chicago, and Richmond experts have guided us towards the best local restaurants. We also had juicy food expert articles on subjects ranging from the history of beer to meatless burgers, and weekly news roundup posts covering hot food topics. For all of this (and more), read our April Recap!

Eating, Drinking and Entertaining

• Entertaining House Guests – Hosting and entertaining expert Rachael White of offers useful tips on planning for a stress-free weekend with house guests
• Dine In…With Veg Restaurant Cookbooks – Vegan food expert Michelle Kretzer reveals her favorite vegan and vegetarian cookbooks
• 5 Meatless Burgers Worth Trying – Burger expert Mr. Lew shows us that burgers can be just as delicious…without the meat!
• Why Aren’t There More Chinese Restaurant Chains? – Chinese food blogger David R. Chan explores several factors that account for the lack of Chinese sit-down chains in the United States.
• 5 Ways to Be More Eco-Friendly While Dining Out – In honor of Earth Day, Editor Kim Kohatsu offers useful tips for dining green
• The Surprising History of Beer – Guest blogger John Verive discusses beer’s fascinating roots in history

City Guides

• Don’t Say Millies: The Other Great Brunch Spots in Richmond – Richmond city guide Sara Grunden Kuhs shows us that the Richmond brunch scene isn’t limited to Millie’s–there’s plenty of great spots worth trying!
• Top Ten Sandwiches in LA – From Bay Cities Italian Deli’s epic “Godmother” sub to Joan’s on Third’s decadent short rib grilled cheese, our L.A. city guide Bun Boy Eats La gives us the inside scoop on L.A.’s best sandwiches
• Chicago’s 10 Best Hot Dogs – Chicago city guide Jeff Pearl gives us the scoop on the the top hot dog eateries in Chi-Town
• Southern Trendy: What’s In in Richmond – Sara introduces us to the hottest restaurants on the Richmond dining scene

Food News

• Fast-Casual Restaurants Get Banned, Gun-Toting Customers Get Discounts, and More – A New York town bans fast-casual restaurants, fast food workers demand better wages, and a Virginia-based restaurant rewards gun-toting patrons with a discount
• Healthier Chocolate, Hazardous School Lunches, and More – Researchers find a way to make healthier chocolate with fruit juice, school cafeterias serve recalled frozen food, and a N.Y. bistro exposes hundreds of diners to an infectious disease.
• Boston Restaurants Offer Support, Food-Borne Illnesses on the Rise – Boston restaurants offer a helping hand in the wake of bombing devastation; researchers discover that the taste of beer may trigger the release of the pleasure chemical, dopamine; and a new CDC report shows that food-borne illnesses are on the rise.
• Mummified Burger Goes Viral, 3D Printed Food Gets Healthy – 3D food printing tackles customizable nutrition, a Utah man’s mummified burger takes the internet by storm, and students protest against the Culinary Institute of America

Photo by nicknamemiket

California sues food retailers and candy makers for selling lead-tainted candies, the French government plans to auction off presidential wines, and a thief’s gourmet loot lands him prison time. Below, we have this week’s juiciest news stories:

Target, Whole Foods, Trader Joes and other major food retailers are being sued by California after allegedly selling lead-tainted candies without warning labels. The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday by Attorney General Kamala Harris’ office, claims that several retailers and candy makers neglected to issue warnings about the harmful chemicals—a violation of Proposition 65. Specifically, the suit called out retailers for selling lead-tainted ginger and plum candies, like Whole Foods’ The Ginger People Baker’s Cut Crystallized Ginger Chips. According to the attorney general’s office, laboratory tests identified undisclosed amount of lead in the candy products, which could be punishable by a fine of up to $2,500 per day for each violation.  Although incidences of lead poisoning have diminished over the years, it remains a major health concern. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that over 500,000 children in the U.S. alone still have lead poisoning, which can damage children’s brain development and lead to a lower IQ.

With the French government on a tight budget, fine wines have become a valuable source of additional revenue. As France looks to “tone down displays of lavish spending,” the French government has decided to auction off thousands of their finest wines from the presidential wine cellar, and invest in a modest wine collection. The rest of the money will go towards the country’s 100 billion euro budget deficit. A spokesperson estimates that the auction will rake in 250,000 euros. Wine lovers will be pleased to learn that the bottles, which have all been served to presidents, will be offered for prices as low as 15 euros. The sale will take place toward the end of May.

A thief with a penchant for stealing gourmet foods has been sentenced to 18 months in prison. 60-year-old Charles Ross was caught stealing 25 pounds of salmon, 23 pound of live lobsters, two boxes of frozen shrimp and two boxes of pastrami last November. Ross, who had successfully stolen $1,000 worth of steaks out of the back of a delivery truck last August, employed the same tactic on a truck bound for Bobby Van’s Grill. Ross only made it a couple streets away with his loot when he was caught red-handed.

Photo by Bill Couch

For D.C. foodies looking to start the morning right with a tasty bite, we’ve asked local bloggers to help us find the best brunch spots in the area. From “elegant” to “boozy,” these brunch spots certainly run the gamut. With the expertise of Micky of What Micky Eats, B and J of Two DC, and Becca and Cori Sue of Bitches Who Brunch, we’ve gathered an eclectic list of D.C.’s top brunch spots. Bon appétit!

Ted’s Bulletin – 505 8^th St SE

“Ted’s Bulletin is an American diner-style joint that serves classics such as burgers, fish and chips, milkshakes, and pies as well as breakfast staples all day. With its 1930s decor featuring lights from the old Philadelphia Convention Hall, wooden booths, old school house chairs, and a screen that plays black and white movies – Ted’s Bulletin is definitely a breath of fresh air and fun. The prices are super reasonable and menu is very kid friendly. Try the homemade pop tarts.” –Micky

Lavagna – 539 8^th St SE

“My kind of brunch — quality, not quantity. Everything from Lavagna is locally sourced, except for the tomatoes, because those come from Italy. The pasta, which we were too full to sample, is house-made. Everything is fresh and perfectly prepared.” –Cori Sue

Birch and Barley – 1337 14^th St NW

“Their $30 Boozy Brunch gives you their out-of-this-world donut holes, two cocktails, choice of entrée and bottomless iced tea or coffee. It’s a fantastic deal for Birch and Barley’s high quality, delicious food. We’ll eat anything that pastry chef Tiffany MacIsaac makes, but her toffee-bacon donuts are a sure winner.” –B and J

Old Ebbitt Grill – 675 15^th St NW

“Washington, DC’s oldest, most historic saloon, was founded in 1856. Today the Victorian interior evokes DC saloons at the turn of the century. Boasting beautiful Victorian décor from antique furniture to classic paintings, this restaurant is a classic symbol of the city and has fed many presidents and politicians over the years. The breakfast menu features elegant takes on classics such as Greek yogurt with fruit and a Baked Apple French Toast.” –Micky

The Pig – 1320 14^th St NW

“The pig products are delectable, the Southern-style cuisine unbelievably rich and comforting, and the vegetables fresh and local. Surprisingly, there’s something for everyone.” – Becca

El Centro D.F. – 1819 14^th St NW

“This swanky Taqueria & Tequileria on 14th Street is the creation of internationally acclaimed Chef Richard Sandoval. Traditional culinary techniques are combined with fresh, high quality ingredients to create authentic Mexican comfort food. An ‘all you can eat & drink’ brunch is offered every Saturday & Sunday from 11 AM to 3 PM for only $35.” –Micky