Best Food News On The Web: 10/4/2013

Sure, it's been a busy week. So you may have missed some of the great stories put out by The Daily Meal's talented editors and their fantastic special contributors. But you wouldn't want to head into the weekend having missed some of the best food stories on the Web. So here's a second serving of some of the great food and drink stories that you definitely shouldn't have missed.
 

TOP NEWS/HOT ITEMS

White House Chefs Affected by Shutdown No word on whether Sam Kass is affected, but residence staff has been reduced to 15.

Obesity Now a Major Issue in Thailand Researchers have found that obesity is now more prevalent than undernutrition.
 

EAT/DINE

10 Cutting-Edge Fast-Food Innovations of 2013 The fast-food industry is reinventing itself a lot more than you may realize.

The Ulimate Edible Underwear Taste Test Are you actually supposed to eat this stuff?

 

TRAVEL

Average Food Prices Around the World From China to Berlin, here are the average food prices around the world.

Virginia Bacon Festival Supports Breast Cancer 'All things bacon' will be served at the one-day festival.

 

COOK

15 Asian-American Thanksgiving Recipes Try these Asian-inspired dishes for Turkey Day.

6 Autumn Soup Recipes SWAT team warms up with soups this week.

 

RECIPES

Butternut Sqaush Soup with Coconut Popcorn Recipe Squash is the perfect fall vegetable, and you can use it to create this soup that's great for any meal. 

Pistacchio Shortbread Cookies Recipe These rich, buttery shortbreads make a delicious accompaniment to a reviving cup of tea or coffee, or as a pretty addition to a creamy dessert.
 

ENTERTAIN

25 Best Pinterest Boards for Hosts If you are a frequent party-thrower, follow these amazing boards for nonstop inspiration.

9 Food-Themed Gifts for Your Bridal Party For all of their help, give back to your briday party the delicious way.

 

VIDEO

Exotic Fruits of Jamaica Chef Stefan Spath of Couples Resorts shares with us the amazing fruits you can find in Jamaica.

Tips on Preserving Your Fall Vegetables Greg Baker from the Refinery in Tampa, Fla., shares his tips to preserve fall vegetables, so they may last through the rest of the year.
 

DRINK

10 Wierd Ways to Use Vodka The spirit is not only delicious, but it's also pretty functional.

15 Creepy Bars in America Halloween is around the corner and what better way to get in the creepy spirit than hitting up a haunted bar.

 

FROM THE DAILY MEAL'S CULINARY CONTENT NETWORK

Chocolate Cherry Zucchini Cake For when you just have to indulge.

Herb and Tomato Salad with Pomegranate Dressing Spoon the tomatoes and herbs over a bed of arugala and dive into this pretty salad.

 

Haley Willard is The Daily Meal's assistant editor. Follow her on Twitter at @haleywillrd.