There’s an interesting article in The New York Times about how well-known chefs are using Twitter as a marketing tool for their restaurants and to “air their grievances” virtually.  I thought Chef Joe Dobias (@chefjoedoe) of the East Village Restaurant JoeDoe said it best:

“JoeDoe is a character I play online to keep my name in front of people. I just need them to come into my restaurant, and then my food will do the talking and I can shut up.”

JoeDoe was recently in a Twitter war with a local supplier after he criticized them for not delivering produce on time (or something).  Not going to lie, I am now following all the chefs listed in this article to see what other Twitter controversies are happening in the culinary world!

- Rebecca

…if you check out NBCNewYork.com and answer some trivia questions for their  Around Town Contest.  According to Luxist, 500 lucky trivia winners will be given a cart location and a secret password to present at the cart, speakeasy-style, in exchange for their free lunch (cool!).

The campaign is to promote NBC New York’s new food site, Feast, which is set to launch this winter.  Mmm, can’t wait.

- Rebecca

From HungryGirl.com:

You can actually click on this Web site and create your very own personalized cereal, choosing from over 40 all-natural ingredients. Then you get to name it, have it shipped to your door… and eventually CHEW IT! The best part is that you can watch the nutritional info change as you build it. FANTASTIC!

Hungry Girl also mentions you can do the same thing with bars and shakes at youbars.com, and you can make your own personalized bottle of Jones Soda at every Wal-Mart photo center in the U.S.!

- Rebecca

New York magazine is now the proud owner of your favorite resource for finding late-night delivery options.

—Alyssa

Hearst has teamed up with MSN to create a new food website called Delish.com, launching in the fall.

—Alyssa

Burger King has created a new “healthy” kids’ meal, featuring a cup of Kraft macaroni and cheese and apple slices shaped like french fries.

—Alyssa