Currently, the USDA inspects poultry by eyeballing each bird for scabs and sores. The new proposal will require increased monitoring of sanitary processes and contamination controls to promote safety over making decisions solely on visual imperfections.
A pilot program has already been tested and shows no signs of increased risks to date
In efforts to save $250 million, The United States Department of Agriculture is reviewing a proposal to change existing food safety inspections for poultry
Astoria and Queens Center Mall will be the getting their own spin on frozen yogurt. 16 Handles is coming your way
The light tasting frozen yogurt company with numerous locations throughout Manhattan will be showcasing yogurt favorites like angel food cake and green tea tart.
16 Handles will open up at Queens Center Mall at 90-15 Queens Boulevard and in Astoria at 37-07 30th Avenue. Opening date not confirmed
Specialty Food Magazine’s January 2012 Trends
Organic Food Coloring, Broccoli takes center-stage, Calcium sans the dairy and more.
See the full list of trends that might come across your way as we enter a new year
Kim Ima, Owner of Treats Truck, plans to open up a brick and mortar location in Carroll Gardens
The bakery/cafe will offer breakfast and a light lunch menu along with those famous cookie “treats”.
The shop is expected to open mid-February or March of this year
Porto Rico Importing Co. closed their Soho location as the new year rolled in. The original shop on Bleecker Street will continue operation.
The store which has been opened for over 45 years will be closed due to rent increase.
Check out the note on Porto Rico’s Blog here
American chefs are asking diners to eat without the traditional eating utensils
More restaurants nationwide are telling ther guest to skip the knife and fork and eat entrees served with hands only. Some chefs, like Roy Choi of A-Frame Restaurant in California, believes that when people touch the food they are eating, it heightens a sensual connection.
It is common in many parts of the world to eat with their hands. Some places include India, Middle Eastern countries, and various parts in Africa
Grimaldi’s now back in business in DUMBO
The original Dumbo location at 19 Old Fulton Street was closed due to a dispute with the landlord. The owner now has a bigger and fancier space which is located next door to the original one. The new Grimaldi’s will be serving up pizza at 1 Front Street close to Cadman Plaza W.
Check out all the other openings posted by Then New York Times
Haven’s Kitchen opens tomorrow, January 19th, in the Chelsea area offering recreational culinary classes, an event space and retail shop with coffee, pastries and kitchen supplies

Haven's Kitchen: Alison Schneider, Owner. Photo by NY Times/Robert Caplin
Alison Schneider, owner of Haven’s Kitchen, saw the need for something more in the food industry surrounding sustainability, education and just plain fun– which is what Haven’s kitchen is all about. Culinary classes will be available next week, January 23rd, for registration.
Haven’s Kitchen is located on 109 West 17th Street between 7th and 8th Ave
Midwest burger chain Steak ‘N Shake opens in Midtown
With a special menu for the New York crowd, this fast casual chain offers organic beef,
beer and wine.
The 1st New York space for the national chain is located on 1695 Broadway at W 53rd St
Miss Lily’s now has a bakery and juice bar. Let’s welcome Miss Lily’s Bake Shop and Melvin Juice Box
The Soho restaurant, which opened in February 2011, has gathered quite a following for their signature caribbean dishes and looks to continue the success with a new bakery.
The bakery is located next door to the restaurant on 130 W. Houston St at the corner Sullivan St