• Gladstone’s foil sculptures for leftovers have been made for 29 years by busboy Miguel “The Magician” Carrillo. [MSNBC]
• California’s wine production spiked 23 percent last year, meaning high-quality, low-priced wine will continue to spread. [Mercury News]
• British model and food personality Sophie Dahl has been having nightmares about food all her life, including one in which she is chased by mashed potatoes. [NYP]
• Valentine’s specials abound this weekend at L.A. restaurants. [Los Angeles Times]
• A recent study indicated that dark chocolate may lower the risk of stroke. [MSNBC]
• Pop-up restaurants allow chefs to test out experimental concepts without having to be distracted by long-term leases or bottom lines. [NYT]
• A Connecticut fifth grader and a 55-year old cafeteria worker are facing charges after throwing vegetables at each other then fighting at their elementary school. [MSNBC]
• California is attempting to figure out a way for food stamps to be accepted at farmer’s markets. [Philly Inquirer]
• A new packaging technique can extend the shelf life of sushi by up to five days. [FPD]
• McDonald’s is jumping into the smoothie game, launching its Strawberry Banana and Wild Berry versions at Vancouver-area outlets during the Olympics. [NRN]
