The dark side of Winterlicious, salmonella scare, recession menus on the rise

• Winterlicious is a godsend for penny-pinchers and generally unadventurous restaurant-goers, but the two-week event can be gruelling for those behind the scenes. Six survivors weigh in on the downsides. [Toronto Star]

• Toronto may be seeing just the beginning of its restaurants’ attempts to stay afloat. If what’s happening in New York is any indication, our desperate measures could include half-priced bottles of wine, fawning waiters and free parking. [New York Times]

• Lard is going the way of artisanal butter. Its comeback is overdue after years of ridicule. The Guardian’s plaudit reinforces the belief that fat is where the flavour is. [The Guardian]

• Vancouver is now home to Market by Jean-Georges, the latest venture of celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten (who also has restaurants in New York, Paris, London and Shanghai). We hope Toronto will be next. [Globe and Mail]

• The salmonella outbreak that started in Georgia—and has caused six deaths and 470 illnesses across 43 states—may be making its way across the border, warns the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. A recall has been issued for 17 peanut products. [National Post]

• The recession strikes again. Although sales of organic food are still increasing, reports show that the industry’s climax might be behind it. [COG Toronto]