Tidbits

• The New Oxford American Dictionary has selected "locavore" as its 2007 word of the year. According to the OUP blog, "The “locavore” movement encourages consumers to buy from farmers’ markets or even to grow or pick their own food, arguing that fresh, local products are more nutritious and taste better. Locavores also shun supermarket offerings as an environmentally friendly measure, since shipping food over long distances often requires more fuel for transportation." Locavore beat out other contenders such as "mumblecore" (an independent film movement featuring low-budget production, non-professional actors, and largely improvised dialogue) and "cougar" (an older woman who romantically pursues younger men).
• Andrea Strong has had enough with environmentally unsound packaging and free publicity swag. Oh yes, and also the Eater Deathwatch.
• Michael Symon is the Food Network's Next Iron Chef, having beat out John Besh.
• Smitten Kitchen on her laid back approach to mouth-watering food photography.

Photo courtesy of the Food Network