Michelin-starred chef Michelle Kogan has transitioned from working at renowned restaurants such as Nobu and Torrisi to selling handmade pies at New York City farmers markets. Inspired by her grandmother's homemade cakes, Kogan developed a lifelong passion for baking. Her business, Mishie's Sunnyside, quickly gained popularity after a post by food influencer Mike Chau, leading Kogan to sell 800 pies a week.

Chef Marcus Samuelsson has opened VIBE BBQ at Baha Mar in the Bahamas, marking the concept's Caribbean debut after successful locations in New Jersey and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The menu features slow-smoked meats and sides inspired by Southern and Caribbean traditions, and is managed entirely by Bahamians, including Executive Chef Garrett Bowe and General Manager Nikia Hield.

Chartwells K12 and the Navigate Foundation have expanded their pre-apprenticeship program to 10 more school districts this year following a successful first year. The program, which began in the 2025-26 school year, offers high school students paid, hands-on experience in school kitchens, covering skills such as public speaking, financial literacy and kitchen management.

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimated that more than 1 million US children have lost food benefits since the enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which imposed stricter work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. This has led some schools to end universal free meal programs, raising concerns about child hunger. The Community Eligibility Provision, which funds universal free meals, depends on SNAP participation rates, and a decrease in SNAP participation could compel schools to reallocate funds from educational needs or discontinue free meal programs. "This moment in time could potentially be a tip-of-an-iceberg situation," said SNA spokesperson Diane Pratt-Heavner. "It could get much, much worse."

The Mediterranean diet, known for its health benefits such as reducing risks of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cognitive decline, is often perceived as costly and complex. Registered dietitian nutritionist Joan Salge Blake and registered dietitian Angel Planells, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, suggest that incorporating frozen and canned produce, diversifying protein sources, and taking gradual steps can make the diet more accessible and affordable. They emphasize the importance of physical activity as part of the lifestyle, encouraging small, manageable changes to improve overall health.

The International Dairy Foods Association has announced that US dairy processors have met the Healthy Dairy in Schools Commitment by eliminating artificial colors from milk, yogurt and cheese products for school meals. This follows last year's achievement of limiting added sugars in flavored milk.

Qdoba has launched its Diptember menu for the 2026 football season, offering 14 dips, salsas and sauces for a limited time through Nov. 2, including the new Queso Fundido dip. The menu highlights customization, allowing guests to mix and match flavors with their favorite entrées. Special promotions are available to mark the menu's debut, including digital order discounts and free dip offers during food holidays.

Glen Ellen, a small town in Sonoma County, Calif., is emerging as a culinary destination, challenging the prominence of Sonoma and Healdsburg. Glen Ellen Star, a New American restaurant has been a Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient for 13 years. Other notable establishments include Les Pascals bakery, run by French pastry chefs Pascal and Pascale Merle, and the Saloon at the Jack London Lodge, known for its burgers. Songbird Parlour has also gained popularity for its Sunday fried chicken special.

Simplicity offers significant benefits in leadership and team effectiveness, writes Paul Thornton, who explains that simple ideas are quickly grasped, easily recalled and serve as practical guides for action. They build alignment, streamline communication and increase team coordination. "When everyone understands the idea, they begin making similar decisions. Teams share the same mental model," Thornton writes.

Interested in becoming the next U.S.A.'s Chef of the Year? Fill out the Intent to Compete Form to be notified when Applications for 2027's regional competitions are open. With categories open for both savory and pastry chefs as well as students and professionals, these competitions are the best way to prove you're the greatest of the greats! Compete and win at the regional level and bring your skills to the national stage at the 2027 ACF National Convention in Orlando, Fla. The deadline to apply to compete is December 31, 2026.