• Owing to a fee dispute with Scripps Networks, the Food Network went dark for Cablevision subscribers on Friday. [NYP]
• During a recent Late Night With Jimmy Fallon appearance, Padma Lakshmi hinted that her baby is a girl. [Examiner]
• In an effort to reduce alcoholism rates, Russia is instituting a mandatory minimum price on bottles of vodka — about three dollars for a half-liter. [NYP]
• Many Muslim deli owners are torn between wanting to follow the teachings of the Koran and the need to sell pork and alcohol to turn a profit. [NYT]
• Natural wine bars are on the rise in the United States and London. [NYT]
• Some of New York’s bodegas are selling teens “Nutcrackers,” a blend of fruit punch and liquor. [NYDN]
• The number of Americans with no income outside of food stamps has risen 50 percent in the past two years. [NYT]
• 1,700 revelers showed up for Tavern on the Green’s last night in business on New Year’s Eve. [Diner’s Journal/NYT]
