• In the latest development in ridiculously priced food, Wall Street Burger Shoppe has introduced a $175 Kobe burger that comes topped with — what else? — truffles, foie gras, and gold. [NYDN]
• The U.S. Agriculture Department raised its food-inflation forecast for the third consecutive month; if the figure rises again next month, it could match inflation in 1990. [WSJ]
• Ilili’s chef-owner, Philippe Massoud, may listen to disco when the mood is right, but he doesn’t allow any music to be played in the kitchen of his restaurant. [Diner’s Journal/NYT]
• Black truffles are increasingly under threat from climate change, so don’t expect those prices to drop in future years. [Reuters]
• Stressed-out monkeys enjoy eating junk food just as much as stressed-out humans do. [NYT]
• Del Posto’s new pastry chef is a self-described “dessert psycho.” [Strong Buzz]
• Not only is Crazy Legs Conti a competitive eater, but he’s also the purchasing director for the Penthouse Executive Club. [Midtown Lunch]
• Eating raw vegetables is not always as nutritious as eating them cooked. [NYT]