Link Feast: 2.6.09

Getting the City to Eat More Vegetables - NYC considering tax and zoning incentives for farmers markets and community gardens, restrictions for fast food restaurants.

Bush War on Roquefort Raises a Stink in France - Why does George Bush want to prevent me from eating Roquefort cheese? Good God man!

Fine-dining establishments put the recession on their menus - There's good news and bad news for foodies: the good news is some of the best restaurants are offering incredible discounts. The bad news is some of them may not be open much longer. More here.

Running on empty: the pros and cons of fasting - For an overfed and overweight foodie this is the nuclear option. Admit it — you've thought about it, right?

Schnitzel off the menu as Germans are told to cut down on eating meat - Something tells me this "strong advisory" isnt going to work. At least they can say they tried.

The Life of Food Bloggers

The Life of Food Bloggers, originally uploaded by houstonfoodie.

At Outriggers Seafood and Oyster Bar in Seabrook Texas, Monday afternoon, 2 February 2009.

Just Bacon

Just Bacon, originally uploaded by houstonfoodie.

Bayou City FM 1.31.09

Bayou City FM 1.31.09, originally uploaded by houstonfoodie.

The Bayou City FM was buzzing on this crisp, sunny January morning. A huge and high-quality selection of produce, bread, herbs and meat. I've been going to Houston FMs for a few years now and have never seen it this busy. Houstonians are very fortunate to have 4-season farmers markets.

This week's take: Polish (beef) sausage, garlic and rosemary bread, strawberries and broccoli.

Omelette for Lunch

Omelette: Flip #1, originally uploaded by houstonfoodie.

On Thursday I found myself with a bunch of free-range eggs burning a hole in my pocket so I decided to make a big honkin' 5 egg omelette. This is an American diner style omelette just like I get at the Utopia Diner in NYC; I don't really care much for those poofy French omelettes. Probably couldn't cook one anyway.

So this is 5 eggs with breakfast sausage and American cheese. And probably about 8000 calories. But who's counting?

Best Food Writing: January 2009

National/International

Besotted — Etymologically, That Is
Iain Gately — The New York Times
The English language has the richest vocabulary to describe the effects of drunkenness on human behavior. I wonder why?

The Fab Four: off the top of our heads
Jon Wilde and Simon Lewis — Daily Mail
It's not "writing" per se — more of an interview really — but a rollicking and revelatory discussion with 3 of the world's best chefs.

I'm not pregnant. I'm fat
Lucy Cavendish — The Observer
A surprisingly personal and revealing account of a food writer's struggle with weight gain.

the perfect complement
Shannalee T'Koy — Food Loves Writing blog
Sometimes with food, as in life, the most important things and people are not the ones basking in the spotlight.

Houston Local

A few global food trends Part 1 and Part 2
anonymouseater — Food In Houston blog
A great use of personal travel experiences to explore global food trends related to sustainability and healthy diets.

An Intervention About Food with Myself
Food Princess — Food Princess Reports blog
An interesting parallel to the Lucy Cavendish piece listed above, both authors writing about the same subject with personal intensity, on virtually the same day, but oceans apart.

Houston's Own Artisanal Gelato
Katharine Shilcutt — Eating...Our Words blog
An in-depth look at why Houston has one of the most diverse culinary scenes in America — if you have the passion and ambition, Houston will supply the opportunity.

If you know of any sources of great food writing, post a comment and let me know. It can be national, international, or local. I'd really like to find individualistic food blogs that reflect the personality and experiences of the blog writer.

Link Feast: 1.23.09

Goodbye Old Devil Moon - This is the restaurant where I ate with my friends the night before I drove out of NYC for good. RIP.

Invite Science to the Party - Some really interesting techniques for cooking a quick, gourmet-style meal. DIY sous-vide gets bonus points.

Dallas Morning News Gets a New Restaurant Critic - Nice gig if you can get it. But seriously, looks like she has heavyweight credentials. Considering some major dailies are laying off their restaurant critics, this may be a good sign.

First MacArthur "genius grant," now calls from Obama team - There's no one more cynical than I am when it comes to politicians, but when I see reports like this, I'm encouraged that Obama may develop a healthy, practical, and common sense food policy.

How to make your own haggis - God I'd love to see Rachel Ray make haggis on 30 Minute Meals. And the associated article.