Pesticides, Prime Ministers, and Other Food News

I'd like to dedicate this week's food-news roundup to the U District Farmers Market, where I will be on Saturday to recover from this week's food news:

Mercury Content in Sushi? Here�s the Local Reaction by Nancy Leson (Seattle Times): Leson responds to all the reports about astronomical mercury levels in tuna by hitting the sushi bars. What she finds: Sushi makers care more about the topic than diners.

Harmful Pesticides Found in Everyday Food by Andrew Schneider (Seattle P-I): Local scientist finds that Mercer Island kids who eat regular produce have disturbing levels of pesticides in their saliva and urine. The chart of most-contaminated fruits and veggies at the bottom is great for priority setting. Bonus link: I'm going to plug this sensible book one more time.

Food Markets Getting Greener, More Sensual by Stacy Finz (SF Chronicle): Hey, you know that Whole Foods on Denny, the one you never go to because it's cavernous and expensive? Well, it's becoming a model for "lifestyle stores." Someday you, too, may head to Safeway for wine tasting.

Dip Once or Dip Twice by Harold McGee (NY Times): This quote sums it all up: �The way I would put it is, before you have some dip at a party, look around and ask yourself, would I be willing to kiss everyone here?� (I don't know about you, McGee, but sometimes the answer is yes.)

The Prime Minister With a Kitchen Cabinet by Leo Lewis (Times Online, thanks to Chow): Thailand�s new prime minister, Samak Sundaravej, has no plans to give up his television show, on which he dispenses cooking tips and right-wing ideology. Update: We hear Rachel Ray has just set up a meeting with Karl Rove.

Lastly, mark your calendars: Tuesday, February 5, is World Nutella Day.