LA Will Certify Eateries as Trans Fat-Free

New oil won't clog arteries but will still make you fat

(NEWSER) - Dunkin' Donuts says it will eliminate nearly all trans fat from items on its menu by October 15—including the doughnuts. The chain will switch to a more heart-friendly blend of palm, soybean and cottonseed oils. But the company itself cautions consumers to keep the move in perspective. "Certainly, we did not create a healthy doughnut," says a Dunkin' exec. More»

But those salads still aren't good for you, says blogger

(NEWSER) - Burger King overhauled its menu this week and is selling smoothies, wraps, and new salads as part of a push to woo women and families. The makeover comes after Burger King dropped to third place in the fast-food rivalry last year, trailing McDonald's and—for the first time ever—Wendy's, reports the Wall Street Journal . "I think all of the players are looking at ways they can compete more effectively with McDonald's," says an analyst. More»

Charlie Trotter plans 'sabbatical' after 25 years

(NEWSER) - A Chicago landmark will soon be history. Legendary chef Charlie Trotter is closing his restaurant in August, after a quarter-century of service. It's not a financial matter: "We’ve always been profitable, that’s for sure," he tells the Sun-Times . But Trotter is ready "to put the flag in the sand" and achieve some non-culinary goals, including travel and a graduate degree in philosophy and political theory. More»

Bankrupt restaurant chain offers bad food at high prices

(NEWSER) - There are a lot of theories as to why Sbarro filed for bankruptcy last month—including “too-rapid growth” and the decline of malls. But Justin Peters has “a simpler explanation: Nobody likes Sbarro,” he writes in Slate . “Devoid of atmosphere, charm, and gustatory relevance, with no signature product to call its own, it's America's least essential restaurant.” On top of that, a simple slice of pizza sets you back $3.49. More»

Fancy restaurants still charging a bundle for New Year's Eve

(NEWSER) - Despite the still-grim economy and a recent British survey finding 80% of people plan to spend New Year’s Eve at home…one New York restaurant is still charging $650 for tonight’s prix fixe menu. Salon takes a look at what going extravagant might get you tonight:

• Aureole, New York: For $650, a five-course meal including big-eye tuna sashimi, chestnut ravioli, Canadian lobster, and New York strip loin.
• Daniel, New York: For $595, a five-course tasting menu (no details on the food), live music, dancing, and a champagne toast.