Thursday Tidbits

Photo: sweetpea&bokchoi/ Flickr

Emma Jacobs

Best of the New
The Boston Globe has published its Best of the New: Food list. From Newburyport and Lynn to Quincy and Pembroke, there are lots of choices, many in the Boston-Brookline-Cambridge-Somerville area. ‘Tried any? Share your thoughts!

Whole Foods Program Links Employee Discounts to Health Indicators
In a letter to employees last month, Whole Foods CEO John Mackey announced a new program offering greater food discounts to employees who score well on a variety of health indicators, including blood pressure and body mass index (BMI). Mackey, who opposes a government-led health care overhaul, explained the initiative as an effort to cut Whole Foods’ health care costs and empower employees to live more healthful lives. The program is voluntary, but has raised red flags among advocates for the overweight, plus the chain’s own customers and employees.

No More Candy
On the theme of making ‘good’ decisions for others–in this case, minors–in the name of good health, the Massachusetts House of Representatives approved a bill last week that would allow the state to ban high-calorie soda and unhealthy snacks from both elementary and high schools. The latest of several stalled versions, this measure heads next to the Massachusetts Senate for a vote.

Baby, It’s Cold Outside
Need some comfort? Trying to survive? Boston Food Diary says pasta and meatballs are the “ultimate cold weather food.” The Food Examiner recommends ice cream (that’s love from Inman Square’s own Christina’s, above).  

North Attleborough Winter Farmers’ Market
Get what you need to survive at the Farmers’ Market at Attleboro Farm and Garden, North Attleborough. It’s held Sundays afternoon, 12-4pm, complete with band, and will run through March. If Saturdays suit you better, don’t forget to head to the Farmers’ Market at Russell’s Garden Center, Wayland. February 6th is Wool Day at Russell’s, with several New England Wool Producers offering their wares.

Catcher in the Rye….Bread?
The New York Times’ Diner’s Journal started hunting for references to food and drink in the works of late great author J.D. Salinger. There’s the chicken sandwich Franny orders, and never touches, on her doomed date in Franny and Zooey, for one.  But bread?