• The traditional food world is “finally” taking food blogs seriously. Maybe it’s because all the food magazines are closing? [WSJ, Earlier]
• Martinez is hosting its first Bay Area Craft Beer Festival tomorrow. [Bottoms Up]
• An early, pictorial review of Bourbon Steak. [FoodNut]
• Spain is considering banning smoking in bars and restaurants. [Boston Globe]
• As if all the food recalls and salmonella outbreaks weren’t evidence enough: the food inspection process in this country is pretty messed up. [WP]
• Some academics have analyzed the 10 most common Starbucks waiting-line stances. [BusinessWeek]
• In Iowa, people can now pay bus fare simply by making food donations. [Des Moines Register]
• Chipotle customers who order Halloween night (wearing a costume, obviously) can get a burrito for two bucks — the proceeds will go to Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution fund. [Toronto Star]