Monday Tidbits

“I will end today with a plea-between the rain and tomato blight (a fungus that has ruined many tomato crops), this year has been a particular struggle for many farms. They bring us a range of wonderful vegetables that are not available at stores and some farmers are trying so hard to rely on organic methods despite losing so many tomatoes. Please, keep supporting them at the farms or farmer’s markets.”
–FoodieMommy

Salad Days for Tomato-Killing Fungus
“The disease responsible for the Irish potato famine is wreaking havoc on Bay State tomatoes – a cruel disappointment for organic farmers counting on a lucrative crop as well as chowhounds looking forward to the traditional juicy, ruby-red summer treat.”

Remember the Olive Oil
NPR reminds us that “getting the most nutrition from your vegetables is not rocket science.”

Suffer the Children
Many children in some suburban communities lack “access to federally-funded free lunch programs during school vacation, even as the recession has increased the number of families needing help.”

Sandwiches in Somerville
Somervillefoodscene takes in some of Davis Square lunch sandwich scene.

Grille is Great
TV Diner’s breathless review of New Bedford’s Waterfront Grille.

Sanders: VT Diary Farmers’ Crisis
“Senator Bernie Sanders says more needs to be done to help Vermont’s dairy farmers recover from the economic crisis that they face.”

Slow Service
Sure, the offerings are “tasty” but be prepared to wait for them at Artichokes in Wakefield.

Prime Suspects: Sodas, Energy Drinks, Fruity Libations
“Just the other day, a man weighing 470 pounds lumbered into Dr. Caroline Apovian’s office at Boston Medical Center. He was young – only 32 years old – but already, his heart had begun to fail him, a legacy of his extreme obesity.”

Summer Restaurant Week
“Summer Restaurant Week kicks off Sunday, and 215 eateries are hoping specially priced menus will draw crowds for lunch and dinner.”

Milking the Well Rested Cow
“…Connecticut bovines that supply 11,000 customers in Rhode Island now sleep on waterbeds.”

Any Questions?
“Ok, one more time: kneidlach on the left; kreplach on the right.”

Fresh in the Ocean State
Going farm-to-table in the Ocean State.

New Old-School
“An old-school restaurant and pub with locations in Somerville and Revere is opening a third spot in a landmark structure along Route 1 in Lynnfield.”

Menu Tuning with a Mouse
The Dockside Restaurant in Wakefield among restaurants using online surveys to “fine-tune” their menus.