Small-plates supporters fire back

Small plates continue to be a big trend at Los Angeles restaurants. Lobster prices remain high at restaurants, despite an overabundance of the crustacean. More meat-eaters are opting to eat vegetarian substitutes. Vendors at state fairs across the country face steep pressure to make profits on zany, high-calorie creations. And fine-dining restaurants in New York are ditching unattractive loaner jackets for designer blazers.

• Small plates still big. Despite detractors, the small-plates trend continues to go strong in Los Angeles. (Daily Dish/Los Angeles Times)

• High menu prices for lobster persist. Lobster is less like a commodity than like a luxury good, keeping menu prices high. (The New Yorker)

• Carnivores eat more fake meat. The popularity of meat substitutes is growing — and not just among vegetarians. (The Salt/NPR)

• State fair vendors innovate to survive. Small purveyors battle bigger rivals as each tries to top the others in food gimmicks. (The Wall Street Journal)

• Dressing up the loaner jacket. Fine-dining restaurants in New York and elsewhere are replacing unattractive loaner blazers with stylish designer versions. (The New York Times)