ITALY — Italy has turned against some of its own chefs and banned some methods of molecular gastronomy, according to a recent report in the UK Guardian.

And, that’s not the biggest news. “What is slightly more surprising is how little attention this announcement has attracted around the world,” writes Tim Hayward. “A cynical soul might conclude, while molecular gastronomy used to be a hot-button issue for global nosh-botherers, suddenly nobody gives a tu’ppeny toss.”

NEW YORK — First the French were under fire, and now U.S. wine distributors E.J. Gallo and Constellation Brands are under investigation for selling fake pinot noir to American consumers.

Last week, a French court convicted 12 people in southern France of passing off cheaper reds as the pricier pinot noir. Now, the duped American companies are being scrutinized by those who want to know how the deception continued undetected.

TORONTO — On Saturday, March 27 at 8:30 p.m., all 60 of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts landmark hotels and resorts around the globe will go dark for one hour in honour of World Wildlife Fund’s annual Earth Hour that aims to raise awareness about climate change.

"Earth Hour is a unique opportunity for Fairmont colleagues and guests to participate in the world's largest global climate change initiative," said Brian Richardson, vice-president of Brand Marketing & Communications. "It furthers our ongoing support of environmental awareness and demonstrates energy conservation can go beyond just turning out the lights for an hour — it's about promoting a low carbon future."

ORLANDO, Fla. — The recession may be over, but the U.S. tourism industry is still suffering.

The numbers speak for themselves as 56 per cent of American adults expect to take at least one trip for leisure purposes during the next six months, a seven-point decline from last year.

On the other hand, business travel continues its slow recovery with some 15 per cent of adults planning at least one business trip during the next six months, up from 13 per cent recorded one year earlier. Both projections come from the closely watched Travelhorizons survey co-authored by Ypartnership and the U.S. Travel Association.