• Chicago hospitals are adjusting their food programs to accommodate diners’ higher culinary expectations. [Tribune]
• The agency that runs McCormick Place and Navy Pier has been hit hard by the recession. [Crain’s Chicago]
• The job of White House chef Sam Kass (formerly of Avec) combines cooking with policy work, meeting with the President regularly about child nutrition legislation. [NYT]
• The season premiere of Iron Chef America takes place at the White House and features Michelle Obama. [NYT]
• Italian coffee company Illy is partnering with independent American coffee shops to build brand recognition. [WSJ]
• Australia’s wine makers are trying to widen their American recognition beyond Yellowtail. [WSJ]
• In an effort to boost bar sales, restaurants are beefing up their wine and beer lists. [NRN]
• The owner of a Denver sushi bar has been charged with fatally shooting a man at his restaurant. [Denver Post via Eater National]
