A New Twist on the Hidden Costs of Fast Food

The fast food industry has been taking quite a bit of heat lately. It isn't difficult to find articles that scrutinize the meager nutritional content of a drive-thru meal. Some studies have even shown that fast food is as addictive as heroin, like this one here. A recent Newsweek article discusses the conditioning that we humans have experienced with fast food labeling. The article asserts that we have learned to associate fast food labels, like the golden arches, Wendy's red hair, the Arby's hat, etc. with convenience and time-saving measures. While this might not seem like the worst thing in the world, if you believe this study, it is another contributor to our culture of "instant gratification". It makes me feel a little like Pavlov's dog, personally.

Read the article here.

Check out the Ironworks Cafe at the Goodman Community Center

For anyone who saw (or didn't see) Camille's post about the Underground Food Collective and thought to themselves, "This is a little too hipster-foodie for me," you may want to reconsider, as the food is great. However, if you want something equally delicious (I will vouch for it) and want to support a cause other than being being part of a really cool secret food club with other local bike polo players, check out the Ironworks Cafe at the Goodman Community Center on Madison's East side. It's run (in the shadows, of course) by the same cast of characters, more or less, and supports a great cause. According to their website:

"The Ironworks Café has a partnership with East High School's alternative educational program Vocationally Integrated Pathways (V.I.P.). Students from V.I.P. and other area students, under the guidance of restaurant professionals, are responsible for the entire operations of the business. Ironworks Cafe offers a menu featuring local and seasonal ingredients, fairly traded coffee (Just Coffee Coop), teas (Rishi), and other commodities (cocoa, sugar, oils). The menu changes daily, but will retain a familiar format. From-scratch soups, salads, sandwiches and special breakfast offerings will always include sweet and savory, as well as vegetarian options."

Check out the website for more details...

McItaly Burger: McDonald's Teams Up With Italian Government For New Item

From the land that brought you such staples of modern cuisine as pizza, pasta, risotto and tiramisu, comes a new classic - the McItaly- and Silvio Berlusconi's government are welcoming it with open arms.
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Is McDonalds taking a cue from the buy local, eat fresh? Or is this just a new marketing scheme?