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Material Connection of the Day: Free Cupcakes from Citizen Sweet in Dallas

Hmm. Looks like the cupcake industry is trying to beat the new FTC guidelines that go into effect on December 1. Once the rules kick in, I can’t eat a free cupcake without telling you I accepted a free cupcake. The same goes for other products such as food, wine, or free dinners. The revised rules require you to disclose how you received the products you review or endorse. So, I’m not going to review these—I hate cupcakes anyway. You can send all you want but I’m not eating any of them or writing about them. The cupcakes in the picture were sent, unsolicited, to our offices at 750 N. Pearl St. Suite 2100, Dallas  75201. They come from Citizen Sweet.

New Federal Trade Commission Guidelines and Food Writers

The Federal Trade Commission recently updated its “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” If you are a blogger, freelance writer, advertising copy writer, or professional writer you need to read the document, especially if you accept complimentary products such as food, wine, or free dinners. The revised rules require you to disclose how you received the products you review or endorse. Scott, over at Dallasfood.org has a brilliant analysis of the document.

Let me give you an example what happens here at D headquarters on a regular basis. Let’s say a box of cupcakes, a package of chocolate, or bag of food samples arrives with a note from the store owner or publicist. Everyone in the office goes bonkers and whatever is delivered disappears in about 2 seconds. If we don’t post anything on SideDish, I generally receive a “follow-up” note like this:

Hi Nancy, I just wanted to follow up on the “Insert Name” “Insert Item” that we sent last week from “Insert Company” and get your thoughts/feedback on the new flavors. We think it would make an interesting post on SideDish or an article for your magazine. We’d love to hear what you thought of them and see if they might be a fit for an upcoming story or mention. “Insert Company” will be expanding and owner “Insert Name” is hoping to open more locations soon.  We appreciate any comments you have!

If someone on the SideDish staff decides to write about the product, they now have to mention the fact that the food was not paid for by D Magazine. If we don’t, we violate the Federal Trade Commission Act and could receive a fine.

At the risk of calling in the food police, I will say that we have always run a tight ship around here. We’ve always paid for food we review and I do not attend media dinners or accept complimentary dinners. We have sent a copy of the FTC guidelines to our attorney to make sure we comply with all of the rules.

But here is one rub—I’ve already heard that some bloggers and indie food writers are finding ways to get around the rules by posting one small disclaimer somewhere on their webpage and not in the copy of the item. So readers beware. Ask questions. It’s a jungle out there.

The Beauty of Burrata

I visited Ferrari’s Italian Villa the other night to enjoy dinner with featured Chef, Stefano Secchi and his fantastic parents and Ferrari’s owners, Francesco and Jane.

Stefano had been shopping at Jimmy’s when our paths crossed as I was on the way to enjoy a Saturday ritual of visiting Tom Spicer’s market on Fitzhugh.  That was the day to stop by Jimmy’s, as they had just gotten in a fresh selection of glorious Burrata, arriving fresh from Italy.

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Free Cupcakes for Facebook Users

Pizza-lovin’ Jay Jerrier sends word:

This just in from my Facebook friends at Meringue Bakery:

Everyone who prints out the meringue bakery facebook page and brings it to the bakery tomorrow 4-22-08 will get a free 6 pack of cupcakes! the first 5 people at the bakery will get a $20 giftcard. See you tomorrow!

So all you have to do is add Meringue Bakery as a FB friend, and you’ll get free cupcakes. Here is the pic of the cake they made for Jay’s birthday. Looks like a pizza. Tastes like a cake. He says it was delish so we’ll believe him.

Mother’s Day Dining Recommendations

Mother’s Day is just around the corner; May 10th to be precise. Below I offer some dining options. Check here often for updates. (Restaurants, please e-mail your information in a word document if possible.)

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New York City Food Report

I’m (barely) back from a whirlwind tour of New York City where I introduced my five (perfect) nieces to the culture and food of the Big Apple. We hit two of my long-time favorite pizza haunts (Famous Original Ray’s & Rosario’s), a touristy, yet solid Italian (Carmine’s), a so-so, but historic deli (Katz’s), and my secret best-in-NYC Chinese restaurant, (East Ocean). In between experiencing their first bite of spicy soft shell crab (picture) and potato knishes, we hit plenty of post-Christmas clothing sales. Funny, I don’t remember making the jump from Super Target to Bergdorf’s before I could drive. More later.

Looking For A Cheesy Christmas Present?

According to cheese whiz Paula Lambert, she’s got plenty of options and she will deliver it all pretty and nice.