AGP Executive Report

Patio Season, Toronto Edition: Toronto’s best outdoor dining spots are back in full swing, from Lisbon-inspired Taberna LX’s rooftop terrace to other buzzy patios built for long, sunny nights. Fast-Food Food Science: Wondering what’s inside McDonald’s apple pie? The chain says it uses “real diced apples” that vary by season, sweet and slightly tart—plus a look at likely varieties. Garden-to-Plate Summer Tips: Heat-tough Thai basil is pitched as a pollinator magnet, while July garlic harvest timing gets a simple checklist; rosemary, thyme and sage are highlighted as drought-resistant kitchen staples. Kitchen Organization Hack: Ikea’s Variera pot-lid organizer is repurposed to neatly store cutting boards upright. Public Health Alert: Cyclosporiasis cases are climbing—New York reports 112 confirmed cases since Jan. 1 (107 since May 1), and Michigan is seeing a fast-moving cluster. New Restaurant Buzz: Wilmington’s Moro Bistro has reopened with chef Michael DiBianca’s menu, including a seasonal stone fruit salad and duck confit salad. Food Culture & Travel: Al Beiruti opens a new dining destination in Amman, expanding its Lebanese brand footprint across the region.

Foodborne Health Alert (US): Michigan’s cyclosporiasis cases have more than tripled, jumping to 572 from 170 in days, with no specific produce source yet identified—officials are coordinating with state agriculture and local health departments. Recipe Spotlight (Home Cooking): Nigella Lawson’s no-mayo potato salad leans on mustard and pickle-tang, plus optional anchovy and bacon for extra punch. Wellness Through Food (Fiber): A cardiologist’s “fibermaxxing” routine highlights how to stack fruits, veggies, legumes, seeds, and whole grains without chasing extreme daily totals. Culinary Culture (Qatar): Rosewood Doha marks its first anniversary with month-long collaborations featuring Chef Noof Al Marri and Chef Janice Wong, blending Qatari breakfast nostalgia with contemporary pastry. Travel & Dining Trends (US): More Americans are staying closer to home this summer, shifting spending toward regional restaurants and local attractions. Hospitality & Events: Vilnius TV Tower’s revolving Milky Way restaurant reopens with a lighter, modern Lithuanian menu and a wine-and-altitude concept. Food & Pop Culture: Netflix confirmed Delicious in Dungeon Season 2 returns in October 2027. Local Closures: Rochester’s Cheap Charlie’s diner is shutting down July 31 after 58 years.

Health & Food Safety: The CDC is investigating a growing cyclosporiasis outbreak, with at least 145 cases reported across 17 U.S. states and separate probes in Michigan and New York. Cooking & Nutrition: A gastroenterology expert warns that frequent meals may not suit everyone, citing gastric emptying around three hours and urging people to eat when hungry. Recipes for the Grill & Kitchen: Ranveer Brar shares two “never-fail” tricks for manchow soup, while a new quick veggie quesadilla recipe leans on peppers, corn, beans, spinach, and melty cheese. Food Culture & Travel: A seven-day plant-forward food tour of Madrid and Barcelona spotlights how vegan travelers can still enjoy classic Spanish dishes. Food Business & Awards: Hyderabadi biryani was crowned India’s favourite at the OneChef Biryani Premier League finale. Community & Events: An air-fryer cooking class is set for July 29 at the Peru Public Library, with roasted vegetable demos and take-home tips. Celebrity Food World: Lisa Faulkner posted an update after her breast cancer diagnosis, thanking supporters as she prepares for radiotherapy.

Thai Dining Spotlight: Leeds’ long-running Sukhothai reopens after a refurbishment, leaning into owner-executive chef Ban Kaewkraikhot’s goal of “real Thai cooking” with grilled river prawns and fresh oysters. Hotel & Restaurant Openings: Faraway expands beyond New England with Faraway Sag Harbor (Mediterranean-led Zagara) and Faraway Jackson Hole (locally inspired Sure Hand). Food for a Cause: Gwinnett County’s Lettum Eat! grows its own crops to keep meals flowing for neighbors facing hunger. Summer Sips: Branch Water brings ranch-water vibes to bourbon with cucumber and grapefruit—an easy backyard cocktail. Holiday Planning: Caruso Club’s 54th Italian Festival runs all weekend with regional food fairs, porchetta bingo, and new spicy pizza challenges. Public Health Watch: CDC reports a norovirus outbreak on Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess, sickening 125. Sauce & Steak: A roasted red pepper chermoula sauce is pitched as the quick, herb-forward upgrade for rib-eye. BBQ & Recipes: Fourth of July grilling gets a boost with easy, crowd-friendly ideas like jalapeño poppers and bacon-wrapped hot dogs.

Presidential Plates: Former White House chef Will Artley is rolling out a menu for America’s 250th, pairing past presidents’ favorites (from Obama to Reagan) with a bipartisan “food unites” message. Cookbook Spotlight: Niklas Ekstedt’s The Swedish Cookbook leans into live-fire, analog Scandinavian classics—plus recipes like vanilla buns and clarified-butter potatoes. Fourth of July Food Mood: Americans are saving picnic-friendly hits like coronation chicken, hopscotch dessert bars, and red-white-blue cheesecake squares as cookouts ramp up. Quick Kitchen Wins: A “12-second coleslaw” idea keeps cabbage crisp and fast, while chia pudding meal-prep recipes keep showing up for make-ahead breakfasts. Grill Gear & Technique: Charcoal BBQ testing highlights the Chargriller Pro Deluxe, with tips like creating indirect heat. Food & Travel: London’s new Appalachia restaurant brings live-fire cooking to regional American flavors, and Boston’s Union Oyster House marks 200 years as a living history stop. Everyday Reality Check: Nigeria’s cooking gas prices are easing after depot rate cuts tied to lower crude costs.

Culinary Heritage Policy: A University of the Philippines policy brief urges creating a formal Ilonggo association to protect and promote La Paz batchoy as homegrown intellectual property, citing gaps like inconsistent airport menus and fragmented branding. Quick Summer Cooking: A Thai Shrimp Salad recipe leans on grilled shrimp plus cucumber, sweet onion, and a lime-cilantro-mint dressing for a fast, hot-weather meal. Local Food & Farming: Moonbeam Farm in Corning, California grows loofahs by hand (plus edible lavender), positioning itself as a teaching farm that passes skills to the next generation. Heat-Proof Dining: With summer temperatures soaring, no-oven dinner ideas highlight grilling, slow cookers, air fryers, and Instant Pots to keep kitchens cooler. Food Safety Reminder: Ahead of July 4 picnics, guidance stresses clean handling, covered food, and safe transport in coolers to prevent summer stomach bugs. Travel & Taste: Emirates rolls out a next-generation lounge concept with locally inspired dining, while Centara promotes destination “culinary journeys” across Thailand and beyond. Cruise Health Alert: Another norovirus outbreak sickened 100+ passengers on the Ruby Princess, prompting intensified cleaning and CDC consultation.

America 250 BBQ Spotlight: Chefs David Burke and Robert Irvine are teaming up with Fox & Friends to share healthy, chef-style Fourth of July recipes and preview their “American Kitchen: An America 250 BBQ” special on Fox Nation. Healthy Living Push: Abu Dhabi’s Al Ain Farms Group says it will cut added sugar by 10–20% in selected juices, flavoured milk, yoghurt and laban ahead of September school returns. Cookbook & Culture: Seven Dials has acquired Si King’s “Proper Home Cooking,” bringing the Hairy Biker’s first solo cookbook to readers. Food Safety Alert: Taiwan recalls about 1,300 tonnes of soy-based cooking oil products after benzopyrene levels were found above the legal limit. Holiday Flavor Hack: A chef says balsamic vinegar and black pepper can make strawberries taste sweeter and more intense—an easy upgrade for Wimbledon-style snacking. Kitchen Tech for Shoppers: Pick n Pay’s asap! plans to launch Penny, a voice-and-photo AI grocery helper, rolling out from 6 July. Cooking Price Pressure: Nigeria’s rising LPG costs are pushing households back toward firewood and charcoal, raising deforestation and food-security concerns. Recipe Basics: A guide breaks down how to get fluffy rice every time—rinse, measure, rest, then fluff.

Food Safety Alert (Michigan): Michigan health officials say cyclosporiasis cases have surged to 228 since June 22, with the outbreak concentrated in Monroe and several nearby counties; symptoms include watery diarrhea, cramps, bloating, nausea, and fatigue, and officials urge hydration and prompt medical care. Kitchen Habits (Japan): A Kewpie survey finds “canceled cooking” is rising among younger Japanese people—skipping certain tools or steps to make weeknight meals easier without “cutting corners.” Chef & Dining (New Zealand): Tala in Auckland’s Samoan-inspired fine dining scene earns a Michelin star, as the Michelin Guide expands into Oceania with New Zealand’s 2026 list. Local Openings (Jersey City): Punjab Meet House opens July 3, bringing pre-partition Punjab-inspired recipes and communal dining to Exchange Place. How-To (Frozen Pizza): A chef recommends reheating frozen pizza differently than the box instructions for better crust and texture. Recipe Spotlight (July): Apple pandowdy gets a classic colonial-style recipe treatment, with baked apples and a pastry topping. Food & Community (Utah): Park City’s summer markets and farm dinners highlight local produce and chef-led seasonal dining.

Clean-Label Push: Nestlé says it will remove artificial food colours from its global portfolio by end of 2026, after successfully doing so in the U.S., citing consumer demand for simpler recipes. Pizza Spotlight: Singapore’s La Bottega Enoteca is now the top-ranked pizzeria in Singapore at The Best Pizza Awards 2026, with chef-owner Antonio Miscellaneo also placing in the global Top 100 pizzaiolos list. Recipe Roundup (Summer Comfort): A zucchini lasagna swaps pasta layers for roasted zucchini slices to keep things lighter and less watery, while a “lasagna di Carnevale” in Naples leans into a richer, egg-and-fried-meatball tradition. Kitchen Hack: Mascarpone is getting a moment—one guide explains how to turn leftover cream into homemade mascarpone for desserts and savoury dishes. Food Culture & Travel: ICONSIAM in Bangkok closed Pride Month with Thailand’s first rainbow drone-and-fireworks show. Hot Dog Lore: Detroit’s coney dog gets a spotlight as a uniquely American, topping-heavy take on the classic. Global Food Events: Sarawak will host the inaugural Borneo Culinary World Cup 2026 in August, drawing 500–600 participants from 40 countries.

America 250 Dining: Washington, D.C. is rolling out a “nation’s 250th” dining guide spotlighting top local tables near the National Mall, with Immigrant Food pitching “American food is immigrant food” as a passport-free way to eat your way around the world. Community & Cooking Classes: In Catlin, Illinois, a free “Tired of Cooking” meal-planning reset runs July 7 at the public library, while Northumberland High School in Canada is building a year-round greenhouse to teach students hands-on growing. Food Prices & Access: Nepal Oil Corporation cut cooking LPG by Rs 100 per cylinder, and Indonesia kept subsidized Minyakita cooking oil capped at Rp15,700 per liter to protect shoppers. Local Food Events: Greer’s 6th Annual Peach Cookoff returns July 19 with a People’s Choice vote, and Traverse City chef Michelle Rodriguez teamed with NanBop Farm for a four-course dinner built around local produce. How-To & Tech: A guide breaks down how to bleed fish for better filets, and Stanford’s BurgerAI aims to “design” the optimal burger for a person’s needs. Wine Spotlight: Tokara’s Reserve Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 earned spots on major global tasting lists, while Georgian wine keeps pushing into U.S. and European festivals.

Fourth of July Chicken Deal: Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken is boosting Lee’s Rewards with 4X points from July 3–6, timed to the holiday and National Fried Chicken Day. Wine & Pairings: Leopard’s Leap’s 2021 Bordeaux-style red blend won major honors at a wine challenge, with the winery touting its red-meat pairing power. World Cup Food Guide: Mexico is co-hosting the men’s FIFA World Cup, and a new dining guide maps what to eat in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey through top chefs. Local Restaurant Openings: Tahoe City gets Savoie on July 1, an alpine-focused spot built around a restored historic building. Healthy Fast-Casual Spotlight: Just Salad lands a long-term partnership with NBA champ Jalen Brunson, marking the brand’s first athlete equity tie-up. Food Security Through Cooking: Chicago home cook Jeannette Barcelos Kravitz is competing in Favorite Chef to win $25,000 for food-security work. Sustainable Seafood Supply: A San Diego fisherman’s fresh mackerel haul is fueling ultra-fresh sushi at a local sustainable bar. Kids’ Nutrition Push: Taiwan will add rotavirus vaccine to its free immunization program starting in 2027. Summer Street-Food Festival: Zagreb’s Fuliranje Summer Oasis returns with international street food, cocktails, and DJ nights.

Cookbook Spotlight: Hairy Biker Si King is set to publish Proper Home Cooking (Oct 8), his first solo cookbook after Dave Myers’ death, packed with simple, family-tested recipes and “kitchen hacks.” Public Health & Food Policy: Arkansas retailers are gearing up for a July 1 SNAP change that bans benefits for soft drinks, candy, and other “unhealthy” items. Healthcare Fraud: A Hewlett man was indicted for allegedly siphoning $2.5M from Medicaid by billing for specialized PediaSure despite buying only about 10% of what was claimed. Food Access: Trident United Way received a $4,000 grant to expand affordable fresh-food boxes for working families via the ALICE Box program. Restaurant & Dining News: Charlie Palmer Collective opened Salina Rooftop in Paso Robles with outdoor, wood-fired pizza ovens and seasonal pies. Local Flavor: Walla Walla proclaimed July “Sweet Onion Month,” spotlighting the region’s signature bulbs at participating restaurants. Recipe/How-To: Mary Berry shared a 15-minute, six-portion creamy Parma ham and mushroom pasta built on creme fraiche. Health/Gut: A New Zealand study finds younger people with bowel cancer are waiting months for diagnosis and often get little tailored support. Food Safety: The FDA updated a recall involving celery seed over potential Salmonella contamination.

CPG Summer Barbecue Push: Food and beverage brands are leaning hard into grill season with new barbecue-flavored snacks and encased-meat launches, turning backyard favorites into everyday pantry buys. Gut Health & Food Fears: A gastroenterologist warns that obsessing over “healthy” eating can tip into orthorexia, while another story spotlights how fermented foods can support the gut. Cooking Skills, Made Easier: Risotto gets a reality check—less intimidating than it sounds—plus quick home wins like creamy lemon pasta ideas, an easy caponata orzotto, and a simple Instant Pot cabbage method. Cheese Smarts: A guide breaks down Parmesan vs Pecorino and when to use each for the right flavor punch. Food Tech & Safety: VivoSim says its AI-enabled 3D liver and GI tissue models outperform traditional approaches in predicting liver toxicity at a European toxicology conference. Health Q&A: Dr. Roach links leg cramps and spasms to lactose intolerance in a reader’s case, while another doctor urges fiber-and-protein combos over chasing protein alone. Travel & Dining: Seafood from Norway’s Marbacoa® Girls spotlights Norwegian salmon on the grill, and a new Milos hotel opening adds a hospitality angle to the food-and-travel mix. Recipe Roundup: From turmeric “yellow rice” to bacon tips and a Fourth of July red-white-blue pasta salad, the week’s theme is simple, flavorful home cooking.

Food & Drink Innovation: Agthia is launching Fuell, a “world-first” dates-sweetened energy drink, aiming to shake up functional beverages with regional date expertise. Restaurant Business Watch: Auckland chef Nic Watt has closed Cāntīng, the latest in a string of restaurant failures tied to financial strain and liquidation filings. Health & Nutrition (Food Access): In Ogden, a restaurateur is selling subsidized $3.95 Thai curry bowls to make healthy eating more affordable, expanding from limited days to five days a week. Cooking & Culture: Turkish manti is getting a Silk Road spotlight, with historians linking dumpling traditions across regions. Home Cooking Trends: Ninja’s new HyperHeat 9-in-1 multicooker is being pitched as a faster, all-in-one way to feed families. Dessert Spotlight: Tara Riddle shares an almond dark chocolate baklava with orange glaze recipe. New Openings: Anita Gelato debuts in Las Vegas at The Venetian with 150+ rotating flavors made in-store. Summer Prep Ideas: A simple, crunchy summer salad rounds up easy add-ins like haricots verts, corn, avocado, and ciliegine mozzarella. Food Safety/Quality Note: Consumer Reports flags Whole Foods’ plain rotisserie chicken as potentially bland due to less seasoning distribution.

Wellness Meets Food Tech: Ireland’s Yoga Picnic (July 4) is adding a “Cook With Kia Kitchen,” with an EV-powered interactive cooking demo lineup focused on nourishing, gut-friendly meals. Gut Health Basics: Doctors and dietitians highlight fiber, probiotics and pre/probiotics as key for digestion and overall wellbeing, with practical food picks. Runner Nutrition Watch: A new look at iron deficiency in runners points to high rates among women and explains why low iron can hit hard during training. Early-Onset Cancer Clues: A Nature Medicine study links faster “biological aging” in younger adults to higher early cancer risk, though it can’t prove cause. Chef & Cuisine Spotlight: Vikas Khanna backs New York’s Kolkata Chai Co as it plans retail and more cafes, while Southern Thai chef Tipaporn Phianthong brings a Maldives menu of bold regional flavours. Recipe Roundup: Blackened mahi mahi fajitas with chili-lime crema; South Indian channa sundal; and a viral “sun-cooked” omelette trend keep the week’s cooking content spicy and snackable. Dining News: The Gyro Project opens a new Upper East Side location with rotisserie chicken, gyros, mezedes and Greek frozen yogurt.

Sushi Legacy: Katsuya Uechi, the pioneering LA sushi chef behind Katsu-ya and the creator of spicy tuna crispy rice, has died at 67; the Katsu-ya group says funeral plans are pending and his influence reshaped Japanese dining in Southern California. Idaho Fermentation: Satori Sake Brewing in Hailey, Idaho, is producing hyperlocal small-batch sake after founder Shin Hasegawa’s shift from sushi and tech to brewing. New Indian Dining in Washington: Michelin-star chef Hari Nayak is set to open a modern Indian concept at Harvest Yard in Woodinville, blending Indian flavors with Pacific Northwest seasonal produce. Public Safety Policy: California state Sen. Catherine Blakespear pushes SB 936 to limit recreational nitrous oxide sales, citing harm to teens and road safety risks. Food Business Pressure in Hong Kong: Research shows Chinese restaurants’ earnings fell sharply while non-Chinese outlets rose, pointing to the need for Cantonese and other traditional spots to innovate. Seafood Spotlight: Lafayette chef Kris Allen won Louisiana’s 2026 King of Louisiana Seafood title at the Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off, earning a spot at the Great American Seafood Cook-Off. Protein Hype Check: A health explainer breaks down what “high protein” products can and can’t do, and who may actually need more protein. Summer Cooking Tips: For crispier roasted potatoes, preheat the pan first to kickstart browning and prevent sticking. Cocktail Trend: The Paper Plane cocktail keeps spreading on bar menus, with a recipe and its Aperol-era comeback story. Local Food Culture: Lafayette’s Moncus Park hosted National Food Truck Day with a lineup of mobile eats, games, and live music.