In Frankfurt, Germany, Hot Dog Haters Are the Wurst

Heh.

At WSJ, "German sausage fans say U.N. is full of baloney; meat warning ‘nonsense’":

FRANKFURT—Here in the city that gave its name to the famous sausage, the World Health Organization’s warning against eating processed meats is hard to swallow.

The United Nations body last week said eating frankfurters and their ilk can cause cancer. To Germans, many of whom consider sausage and cured meats comfort food, that idea doesn’t go down well.

“It’s total nonsense,” said Simone Kluge while selling sausages to a line of customers in Frankfurt’s main market hall. “If it were true, every German would have already died of wurst,” she scoffed, using the German word for sausage.

Many cultures make sausages. Italian salami, Polish kielbasa, French saucisson and British bangers are widely known. But Germans have a special affinity for the oblong food.

Of 31 types listed in the U.S. National Hot Dog and Sausage Council’s online sausage glossary, 11 come from Germany and two more come from heavily Germanic Austria. Italy is a distant second place, with six varieties.

Germany has at least three museums devoted to sausages. Sausages were a hot potato in national elections two years ago and the language is peppered with sausage references.

In a make-or-break situation, Germans say: “It’s about the sausage.” For indifference, they say: “It’s sausage to me.”

“Sausages to Germany are like pasta is to Italy,” said Andreas Fuhr, a master butcher selling his products at a weekly market in Frankfurt.

Sausages are so integral to the German diet that German Food and Agriculture Minister Christian Schmidt quickly reacted to the WHO warning with a statement reassuring German consumers of their safety and he posed in the country’s biggest newspaper holding a platter piled with sausages.

“No one should be afraid of eating a bratwurst,” he declared, referring to the most ubiquitous sausage. “What counts is quantity,” he added. “Too much of something is always bad for health.”

Austria’s agriculture minister didn’t mince words, calling the WHO report “a farce.”

Two days after the WHO announcement, German newspapers were bursting with more than 200 articles about the wurst alert.

World-wide reaction to the WHO report was so vocal that the organization later issued a clarification that its finding “does not ask people to stop eating processed meats,” though eating less of them can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

While the criticism of processed meats gnaws at many sausage fans, it was particularly biting in Frankfurt. “Examples of processed meat include hot dogs (frankfurters), ham, sausages, corned beef, and biltong,” the agency said.

“We won’t let the WHO simply kill off our fine Frankfurt sausages,” fumed Oliver Bergmann, a master butcher at Waibel Butcher shop in Frankfurt, who has been in the trade for 30 years...

Keep reading.

Get Ready for Thanksgiving

At Amazon, Thanksgiving Store.

Candy and Chocolate Just in Time for Halloween

At Amazon, Selections in Candy and Chocolate.

Heh, McDonald's is Doomed

Lolz.

I love McDonald's. I just never eat there any more.

From Ed Driscoll, at Instapundit, "IF McDONALD’S GOES UNDER IT WILL BE BECAUSE THEY FOLLOWED LIBERALS TO DISASTER..."

Keurig K130 Brewing System

At Amazon, Brews one 8-ounce cup in under three minutes, Single-use water reservoir - Mug sensor - No accidental spills, No glass pots to clean, break or crack - Easy cleaning and maintenance - No coffee grounds or wet, messy filters.

Plus, The Original Donut Shop Regular, Keurig K-Cups, 72 Count.

And for your coffee reading companionship, James Jones, From Here to Eternity.

Daniel Thompson, Inventor of First Bagel-Making Machine, Dies at 94

This is an extremely interesting obituary.

I had blueberry bagels today, heh.

At the Los Angeles Times, "Daniel Thompson dies at 94; his invention made bagel a household word."

Venezuela's Food Shortages Trigger Looting

Venezuela's a freakin' joke.

At WSJ, "Venezuela’s Food Shortages Trigger Long Lines, Hunger and Looting":

LA SIBUCARA, Venezuela—Hours after they looted and set fire to a National Guard command post in this sun-baked corner of Venezuela earlier this month, a mob infuriated by worsening food shortages rammed trucks into the smoldering edifice, reducing it mostly to rubble.

The incident was just one of numerous violent clashes that have flared in pockets around the country in recent weeks as Venezuelans wait for hours in long supermarket lines for basics like milk and rice. Shortages have made hunger a palpable concern for many Wayuu Indians who live here at the northern tip of Venezuela’s 1,300-mile border with Colombia.

The soldiers had been deployed to stem rampant food smuggling and price speculation, which President Nicolás Maduro blames for triple-digit inflation and scarcity. But after they seize contraband goods, the troops themselves often become targets of increasingly desperate people.

“What’s certain is that we are going very hungry here and the children are suffering a lot,” said María Palma, a 55-year-old grandmother who on a recent blistering hot day had been standing in line at the grocery store since 3 a.m. before walking away empty-handed at midday.

In a national survey, the pollster Consultores 21 found 30% of Venezuelans eating two or fewer meals a day during the second quarter of this year, up from 20% in the first quarter. Around 70% of people in the study also said they had stopped buying some basic food item because it had become unavailable or too expensive.

Food-supply problems in Venezuela underscore the increasingly precarious situation for Mr. Maduro’s socialist government, which according to the latest poll by Datanálisis is preferred by less than 20% of voters ahead of Dec. 6 parliamentary elections. The critical situation threatens to plunge South America’s largest oil exporter into a wave of civil unrest reminiscent of last year’s nationwide demonstrations seeking Mr. Maduro’s ouster.

“It’s a national crisis,” said Marco Ponce, head of the Venezuela Observatory of Social Conflict, noting that unlike the political protests of last year, residents are now taking to the streets demanding social rights.

The nonprofit group recorded 500 protests over food shortages during the first half of 2015, 56 looting incidents and dozens of attempted lootings at grocery stores, pharmacies and warehouses. Even delivery trucks are frequently targeted. “If people aren’t outside protesting, they’re outside standing in line for goods,” Mr. Ponce said.

The unrest is a response to dramatically worsening living conditions for Venezuelans as the economy reels from oil’s slump following more than a decade of populist spending that left the government broke...

Still more.

High-Tech Liquid Meals Called 'Soylent' Designed to 'Give You Everything Your Body Needs...'

Well, at least CBS This Morning mentions the origins of the name for this food drink, the 1973 science fiction film "Soylent Green."

I can't imagine a food product taking off with a name like that, but 1973's a long time ago, especially for our historically ignorant culture.

Watch: "Soylent liquid meals reimagine daily nutrition."

Food Terrorism: Pins and Nails Found Inside Prince Edward Island Potatoes

The next big thing in leftist protest movements. Spiking food with pins and nails.

Yeah. That ought to win over a lot of political converts.

At the Guardian UK, "Canadian potato farmers on the hunt for saboteurs: 'These are really evil people'":

Who is inserting pins and nails into Canadian potatoes? Farmers offer $500,000 reward for tips http://t.co/MSiNSQRvQo

— Guardian World (@guardianworld) July 1, 2015

A picturesque corner of rural Canada best known as the idyllic home of Anne of Green Gables is now fighting for its economic life against a mysterious outbreak of alleged “food terrorism”.

The prosperous farmers of Prince Edward Island in the gulf of St Lawrence have offered a reward of CAN$500,000 (US$400,000) for tips leading to the conviction of the person or people who have been inserting pins and nails into potatoes grown on the island. Since the sabotage began last October, tampered Prince Edward Island potatoes have been found in grocery stores in four different Canadian provinces, triggering what has been described as the most serious crisis to hit sleepy PEI since the British conquest of Acadia in 1710.

“It’s food terrorism,” said island potato farmer Alex Docherty. “The people doing this are cowards, lower than a snake wearing snowshoes. These are really evil people.”

The saboteurs are also having a major impact on the local economy, where growing and processing the tubers is a billion-dollar industry, supplemented in the summer by Japanese tourists eager to visit the island’s many shrines devoted to their cherished “red-haired Anne”.

“Farm families all over the world work so hard to produce food and to have something like this happen is really disheartening,” said Docherty, chairman of the Prince Edward Island Potato Board. “We want the cowards caught and dealt with to the full extent of the law.”

Baby Disgusted with First Taste of Avocado in Priceless Video

Heh.

Priceless facial expressions. For a second there I thought she was going to hurl, heh.

At ABC 7 Los Angeles, "BABY ACTS DISGUSTED, HORRIFIED WITH FIRST AVOCADO EXPERIENCE."

FUNNY VIDEO: Too cute!! Baby does not like first avocado experience http://t.co/ea1mdgPwP1 pic.twitter.com/rwZYCauo2K

— Leanne Suter (@ABC7Leanne) May 16, 2015

In Defense of the Notoriously Arrogant French Waiter

This will be a nice piece to enjoy with a cup of coffee, imagining you're in Paris.

At WSJ, "French Waiters: They’re infamous for being rude and condescending, but the garçon de café can be endlessly entertaining—and a great resource—if you know how to use them."

Federal Judge Strikes Down California's Ban on Foie Gras

Well, for once a bit of decent political news out of California.

At the Los Angeles Times, "Foie gras can go back on California menus, judge rules":

Foie gras can go back on the menu.

U.S. District Judge Stephen V. Wilson issued a ruling Wednesday overturning California’s law banning the sale of the fatty goose liver.

“I’ve been jumping up and down for about 90 minutes,” said Napa Valley chef Ken Frank, who was not a party to the suit, but has been active in the pro-foie-gras movement.

Foie gras was outlawed in California by a bill that passed the state Legislature in 2004 and went into effect in 2012.

The ban had been challenged by the Hot’s Restaurant Group in California (which includes Hot’s Cantina in Northridge, Four Daughters in Manhattan Beach and Hot’s Kitchen in Hermosa Beach); Hudson Valley Foie Gras, a producer in New York; and a group of Canadian foie gras farmers called Association des Eleveurs de Canards et d’Oies du Quebec.

The judge ruled that the law was unconstitutional because it interferes with an existing federal law that regulates poultry products.

Last year, the courts rejected a different argument against the state ban -- that it improperly tried to regulate interstate commerce. But the new argument -- referred to by lawyers as “preemption” -- succeeded. The state could appeal Wilson’s ruling, but, for now, foie gras devotees can celebrate.

“Foie gras is legal in California and will be on my menu tonight,” said Frank, chef at La Toque restaurant. “I haven’t been without foie gras a single day since the ban went into effect, but tonight is the first time I’ve been able to charge for it.”

Frank had been sending diners complimentary servings of foie gras along with a glass of wine and a card explaining that “this is a gift and an act of political protest against a law we think is unwise."

“Tonight we’re going to tear the cards up and have a hell of a party.”

A coalition of animal rights groups, including the Animal Legal Defense Fund and the Humane Society, released a joint statement vowing to appeal. “The state clearly has the right to ban the sale of the products of animal cruelty, and we expect the 9th Circuit will uphold this law, as it did in the previous round of litigation. We are asking the California attorney general to file an immediate appeal."...

Yes, because no one hates a good, righteous food-loving party as much as tantrum-throwing leftists.

Still more.

Nigella Lawsom Makes Saucy Return to 'The Taste'

She looked great!

At London's Daily Mail, "'I had no idea so much décolletage was on display - mortified!' Nigella Lawson makes a VERY saucy return to The Taste thanks to her low-cut dress."

One last thing: I had no idea quite so much décolletage was on display; mortified. On top of everything else

— Nigella Lawson (@Nigella_Lawson) December 5, 2014

Walter James Casper Gets His Guy Fawkes Mask On!

Whoa!

Guy Fawkes is too well fed!

Reppy, man, you gotta lay off those major food binge-runs over to Mastic Sports Deli!

Breakfast at 8:33am, Brunch at 9:10am, and Lunch at ... Hell, Repsac Eats Every Hour on the Freakin' Hour!

Because eating is so fundamental you've got to stuff your fat face every time the minute-hand strikes twelve.

Damn, Reppy, stuff that bride mofo! She deserves a reward for you rolling on top of her and smothering her flat, ftw!

And dude, you better up those fitbit stats before it's too late! It's for the children! Wait, no, you don't have any children. Well, it's for revolution!

The weekly shop, 'cause eating is fundamental. (with Kate at Stop & Shop) — https://t.co/zdgfnpjjw9

— Walter James Casper (@repsac3) November 16, 2014

Brunch with my bride, 'cause shopping deserves a reward. (with Kate at Mastic Sports Deli) — https://t.co/7aj4dmKyOc

— Walter James Casper (@repsac3) November 16, 2014

Domestic Goddess Christine McConnell

OMG this lady is the best.

I saw the BuzzFeed piece, "This Woman Looks Like a Pinup But Bakes Like Tim Burton." (Via Instapundit.)

But don't miss this at London's Daily Mail. The lady's a riot: "Not so sweet after all...Domestic goddess becomes viral sensation with her terrifying cakes that look like they come straight from a horror flick."

"The date went well for a while until Jason decided to peek under McConnell's bikini..."

Hot New Dining Trend: No Reservations and Four-Hour Waits at Trendy D.C. Restaurants

I'll pass, thank you.

At the Washington Post, "No reservations? This restaurant trend has become harder to swallow."

Tom Sietsema sees ageism and inhospitality when restaurants force guests to line up and wait.

Crisis! Calamity! Disaster! Lime Shortage Puts Squeeze on Margaritas!

And Coronas as well!

At the Wall Street Journal, "Lime Shortage Drives Up Prices at Bars and Restaurants in U.S.: As Margarita-Fueled Cinco de Mayo Nears, Mexican Restaurants Ask Customers to Harvest From Home":

FULLERTON, Calif. — When Matador Cantina's general manager Dave Dennis saw recently that a sharp rise in the price of limes was putting the squeeze on this Mexican restaurant, he called his mother.

But the limes on the tree in her yard here weren't ripe. So he asked his staff to hit up their friends for limes. He got just a few. With his cantina in need of 1,000 limes a week to use in cocktails, Corona beer and food, he decided to go public.

"Bring us a bag full of limes and get a crafted cocktail for just 25 cents," Mr. Dennis posted on Facebook and Twitter. He put up a sign in the restaurant: "WE WANT YOUR LIMES."

Bars and restaurants across the country have been affected by what they are calling the "great lime crisis of 2014." And the timing could hardly be worse: It comes just as the fruit's highest-profile day of the year is approaching—the margarita-fueled Cinco de Mayo.

In Mexico, the holiday commemorates the Mexican army's victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. In the U.S., Cinco de Mayo is a big deal, too. Here it has evolved into a celebration of Mexican heritage, cuisine and drink.

Mexico, one of the world's largest lime exporters, supplies the U.S. with 97% of the limes it consumes, nearly 500,000 tons annually. But this past winter, heavy rains hit lime-growing regions such as Veracruz, said Mexican Agriculture Ministry spokesman Francisco Burguete, delaying the usual harvest and driving prices to an all-time high. A 40-pound crate of Mexican limes has been fetching more than $100 wholesale, four times the typical seasonal price.

By weight, Mexican limes are commanding a higher price than Mexican crude oil. Cruz Sandoval of Ingardia Bros. Produce in Santa Ana, Calif., which sells to U.S. restaurants, said, "All our customers want to know is when the lime price is coming down."

Sensing an opportunity, liquor producer Beam Inc., of Deerfield, Ill., has launched a social-media campaign urging consumers this Cinco de Mayo to "ride out the lime shortage with Hornitos Lime Shot," its tequila "with the flavor of refreshing lime."

"The best way to deal with the lime shortage is to sip lime cocktails," said Jared Fix, vice president of Beam's "mixables."

Mexican limes aren't just used in drinks, of course. Ceviche, a dish made of fresh raw seafood, is cured in lime juice. Limes are also de rigueur in guacamole and fish tacos. Thai cuisine, too, makes liberal use of limes.

In response to the shortage, things are changing north of the border. Alaska Airlines has scrapped limes from cocktails in coach. Mexican restaurants, which depend on drinks like the salt-rimmed, tequila-based margarita to drive traffic, can't take such radical measures.

When limes hit $100, "it was kind of def-con for lime juice," said Mike Barrow, beverage director of the Tacolicious restaurant chain in San Francisco, stressing the urgency of the situation.

Well, looks like there solid demand for limes, lol.

More at the link.

Starbucks to Expand Alcohol Sales Across U.S.

I'm not exactly sure why I'd be going to Starbucks for a drink.

I rarely have coffee over there any more as it is. But hey, it's business.

At the New York Post, "Starbucks to expand beer, wine sales throughout U.S."

And checking Google I see this previously from the O.C. Register, "Starbucks adds beer, wine in south O.C."

"Starbucks Evenings" they're calling it. I'm sure all the cool hipsters will be swarming over there for cheese and Cabernet.

Stop Slashing Animals' Throats in 'Ritual' Slaughters for Halal and Kosher Meat, Says New Leader of Britain's Vets

Yes. Thank you.

At London's Daily Mail, "Stop slashing animals' throats, says new leader of Britain's vets."