Pearls of ... Beetroot

 Skinny Beetroot 'Pearls' - mini sponges piped with a quark based cream cheese frosting from the Skinny Bakery @SkinnyBakery

 Chocolate 'Pearls' - mini sponges piped with tofu-yoghurt chocolate frosting

Simple Self-Serve

 Pay at the till where you are given a mug and then serve yourself.  It works well at an Asda cafe and the calorie count is clear.

Eat Beautiful

 Itsu have just announced a 20-site expansion in London, up from the current 38 locations  They are certainly one to watch with Pret's Julian Metcalfe in the driving seat.

 In-store flowers and story!

 Eat Beautiful is the message with lots of low-fat, low-carb, low-calorie recipes.

Seaweed Thins

 Clever Julian Metcalfe of Itsu and Pret fame is right on the money and calories.

He promises more innovative snacks are on the way.  After the success of popcorn and rice cakes he is most definitely one to watch.

 Taste good too.

10 Calorie Cappuccino

Cafe Brera has switched on to the demand for no fat, low calorie yet recognisable drinks.

Tubby Telford

6,626 calories, 9" high and £15 - The Titanic Burger was introduced 8  months ago and 400 have won the challenge (eat within 45 minutes and get a T shirt and a free main course on your next visit) of the 2,000 sold including one competitive person who ate it in 7 minutes.

40oz of meat including burgers, chicken breast, bacon, cheese, onion rings, waffles, buns, salad and mayonnaise plus milkshake and chunky chips.  Not sure Oscars in Telford has heard of the Responsibility Deal.

Do You Know Anybody Who Wants to be Fat?

Have you switched on to obesity and calorie counts?  It does make you think and I am sure it will alter demand over time.   That daily latte looks dangerous!  No, we don't want to stifle the creativity and innovation of homemade food and changing menus but how about showing information on at least some bought-in items?

Calorie Counting

Food Secret's nutritional information dominates and appears to be their unique selling point.  The calculation is not that easy to understand - their website says it refers to one third of a day's requirement (i.e.one meal's worth).  Health, nutrition, calories - it's certainly higher up the agenda in customers' minds.