• The Obamas’ White House vegetable garden has inspired many African-Americans to grow their own food, and a seed company is now issuing a special catalog targeted at African-American gardeners. [Mr. Brown Thumb/ChicagoNow]
• Thanks to the recession, community colleges are finding that their cooking classes are filling up past capacity. [Tribune]
• Despite its tiny footprint, Logan Square’s Dill Pickle Co-Op hopes to be able to serve the larger community. [DriveThru]
• Casual dining restaurants are upping the focus on their high-profit bar menus. [NRN]
• Joel Robuchon will open three restaurants in a Singapore casino this year. [AsiaOne]
• Starbucks will debut lower-calorie menu items, including paninis, this week. [NRN]
• KFC is now advertising on fire hydrants in Indiana. [Yumsugar]
• Jamie Oliver coaxed an apprentice to confess to a four million pound robbery. [The Sun]