Leggo my Eggos: The country faces a shortage of frozen Eggo waffles after fall rainstorms interrupted production at two of the plants that make them, according to Kellogg Co. The shortage is expected to last until the middle of next year.
College students arrested after not paying tip: After refusing to pay a ‘mandatory 18% gratuity’ on a $73 bill, two students that were part of a group of eight visiting a Pennsylvania pub were arrested on theft charges.
The two students claimed they received terrible service, that they fetched their own silverware, had to ask for soda refills from the bar and waited over an hour for their salad and wings. The bar claims its 18% gratuity policy is printed on its menu and all of its receipts. A court date is scheduled for December.
New menu items: Vermont-cheddar mac and cheese at Panera, Caramel Brulee Latte at Starbucks, chicken and tuna sandwiches in selected Dunkin’ Donuts markets (Boston and Springfield, Mass. excluded.)
McDonald’s gets makeover in NY: The Golden Arches in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan is the first in the country to ‘undergo a sleek, European-style makeover.’ The restaurant features free Wi-Fi and hip art-deco decor.
Local dining news and reviews: Hook & Ladder in Hartford, Avon Old Farms Hotel in Avon, Taqueria Tavern in West Hartford, Connecticut restaurants serving Thanksgiving meals. In Massachusetts: Publick House in Sturbridge, The People’s Pint of Greenfield.
My two cents: For about $20, picked up a ton of spices (including coarse sea salt and a Tuscan blend), a 25-oz. bottle of organic extra-virgin olive oil, a jar of Emeril marinara sauce, a squeeze-bottle of lemon juice, a jug of V8 Splash, coffee filters and cans of coconut milk at Ocean State Job Lot. While it’s certainly not the prettiest or best-organized store in the world, you can find some serious deals if you dig deep. They also have a half-shelf full of gluten-free and specialty flours and ingredients.
Leeanne Griffin is a freelance writer and food enthusiast.
