Paltrow, Pals Start Foodie Tour of Spain

Hong Kong master began as chicken-plucker

(NEWSER) - The Michelin Guide's first three-star Chinese chef is no celebrity who's pushing cookbooks and TV shows, the New York Times reports. Chan Yan-tak, who grew up as a kitchen hand and worked his way through Hong Kong restaurants, even quit the business to take care of his daughter. "My old colleagues started teasing me about when I’d get back to work," said Yan-tak. "I thought they were joking.” More»

(NEWSER) - If you want white truffle shavings sprinkled over your Thanksgiving leftovers, the biggest specimen found in Italy this year is up for auction tomorrow. You'll need some big bucks—and perhaps the moxie to outbid David and Victoria Beckham. The delectable fungus weighs about 2½ pounds and is expected to spark a bidding war, ANSA reports. More»

New York restaurateur sues, claiming copycat ripped her off

(NEWSER) - Rebecca Charles, chef/owner of the famed Pearl Oyster Bar in Manhattan, is taking her former sous-chef to court, claiming he knocked off her menu and decor for his own New York eatery. Lawyers for Charles, who is seeking unspecified financial damages, said that the owner of Ed's Lobster Bar had stolen her intellectual property, the New York Times reports. More»

It ain't the Hilton, but even California prison food has standards

(NEWSER) - Cuisine at the LA County Jail may not be fit for an heiress, but meals in the California's penitentiary system are surprisingly appetizing, the Chronicle reports. Paris Hilton has reportedly been turning up her nose at provisions in the poke, although state regulations require chow to be tasty, varied and nourishing. More»