City suspends the rookie health inspector that passed KFC–Taco Bell, promises to teach its inspectors how to recognize rodent infestation. [NYP]
Whole Foods has gotten bigger but not better, losing focus on food quality and its moral mission. [NYT]
Here’s a pretty detailed retelling of the Chodorow saga, sympathetic to the restaurateur, but also giving the critics their say. Drew Nieporent speaks on behalf of the hapless restaurant owners. [NYS]
Related: We Ask Jeffrey Chodorow If He’s Been Feeling Well Lately
The Gobbler Responds to Mr. Chodorow’s Broadside [Grub Street]
David Bouley will finally move Bouley into the type of ambitious space he promised when he moved out of the original thirteen years ago. [NYT]
The Food Network’s Paula Deen learned to cook during the twenty years she was agoraphobic and had nothing else to do while imprisoned in her own house. [NYT]
Molecular gastronomy is a man’s game. Or is it? Either way, it’s pretty clear that women are the minority in the kitchen-lab business. [NYT]
Speaking of gender gaps, men are treated better than women by servers. Is it because the women are perceived as lousy tippers who take up tables without eating? [NYP]
Several beloved regional chains have never made it to New York — think Fatburger — but there are some that plan to. [NYP]
Restaurant chains have secret menu items, except for the ones that don’t, like Denny’s, where employees were baffled by an order for a grilled-cheese sandwich. [Consumerist]
A lot of the great ingredients restaurants use can be had by civilians, if you know where to look. [Gothamist]