• The Bush administration appealed to Congress yesterday to add $275 million to the Food & Drug Administration’s budget, so that they can try to prevent incidents like this salmonella-tomato situation. [NYT]

• Gael Greene has created an over-the-top, decadent sundae for Serendipity 3 that uses crème fraîche and 24-karat gold as ingredients. But those who indulge in it will have a sound conscience, as proceeds from the sundae’s sale go to Citymeals-on-Wheels. [NYP]

• Fatty Crab chef Zak Pelaccio eats salad with his fingers. [Mouthing Off/Food & Wine]

• In spite of an ever-increasing global demand for corn, soybeans, wheat, and rice, it looks like this year’s harvests will be average at best. [NYT]

• It looks like the economy is getting the best of Ed Brown. He’s going to start offering a discounted two-course Sunday supper at Eighty One to lure locals turned off by $39 entrées. [Insatiable Critic]

• Rocco DiSpirito’s ideal summer day includes sitting outside at Bar Pitti for a couple of hours and taking in the view of Sixth Avenue. [amNY]