• A handful of French chefs and food experts want the U.N. to declare their country’s cuisine a “world treasure” so that they can feel better about its general demise around the world. [NYT]
• In semi-related news, Jean-Georges Vongerichten was asked at the last minute to prepare a four-course lunch for French president Nicolas Sarkozy and U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon on Monday. [NYP]
• Hurricane Ike may have caused great destruction, but it also inspired locals to throw some great dinner parties. [NYT]
• Wine lovers are protesting ridiculous state laws that prevent some wineries from shipping directly to their customers. [WSJ]
• Le Cirque abandons à la carte ordering in in its main dining room, leaving diners the choice of either $92 for three courses or $120 for four. [Zagat Buzz]
• Rocco DiSpirito probably won’t last long on Dancing With the Stars. [LA Eater]