• The website Local Yokel has launched, offering a comprehensive guide to restaurants, caterers, and other purveyors of local food in Chicago. [Local Yokel]
• The owner of Lincoln Square bar O’Lanagan’s died after being found severely beaten in the alley behind his bar. [Chicagoist]
• The employees of Gourmet have been given 48 hours to clear out of the Conde Nast building. [Fork in the Road/VV]
• Fewer middle and high schools are selling candy and salty snacks to their students. [WSJ]
• Top Chef begins casting for its seventh season next month. [Eater NY]
• Next month, Bravo will debut Chef Academy, a new series following Michelin-starred chef Jean Christophe Novelli as he moves to Los Angeles and opens a cooking school. [Eat Me Daily]
• The Food Network will soon launch programming in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. [Cincinnati Business Courier via The Food Section]