by Talia Kleinplatz | The combination of a flooded restaurant market and a shortage of hospitality staff has some arguing that we are in the age of a restaurant bubble that is on the brink of bursting.

Ass’s Milk, Cock Ale or Lambswool? NPR explores the recently published Colonial Cocktails: A Toast to Our Drunken History. Also explained: how not to die while making some of these historic recipes.

Still sporting a man bun? There’s a bar in Brooklyn that will give you free booze if you cut it off.

Vancouver Sun Food Critic Mia Stainsby pays a visit to the recently opened Mak N Ming in Kitsilano and sings the praises of this small but mighty restaurant which offers a 3 or 6 course tasting menu. Scout covered the arc of its launch here, here and here.

Eater shares a few food trend predictions that have been floated for 2017. They include brisket, empanadas and mead, and not all in one sitting.

Once medicinal in nature and served to kings, the marshmallow has evolved from a healing edible to pure and campy confection. Food and wine explores the fascinating history of the mallow.

Dine Out Vancouver is fast approaching and this year the festival adds 11 new restaurants to the list, among them Bishop’s, Fable Kitchen and Vij’s.

Between 1970 and 2010 the American diet underwent a number of changes (including, but not limited to, a serious increase in yogurt consumption). Saveur magazine explores how diets have shifted over the past half century.

In a hurry to clean yourself and get your drink on? Finally, a beer designed for the shower.

Having a compost bin is one approach to tackling food waste. Unfortunately, it may also inadvertently result in us wasting more. Munchies explains.

Food & Wine shares their picks for some of the world’s best food markets and halls including Irvine, California’s Trade and Detroit’s Shipping Co. (which has converted old shipping containers into restaurants, bars and even a pop-up gallery).

Make any diet-based resolutions this year? The Atlantic looks at the environmental implications of the Paleo diet and suggests that we resolve to eat more sustainably instead.

Bon Appetit finally answers the age-old question: How do I properly clean my dutch oven?

Imbibe shares their picks for the best and brightest in wine, beer, spirits and beverages for 2017. The list includes Portland’s Erica Swanson of Tea Bar and Steven Liles of San Francisco’s Smuggler’s Cove.

Like it or not, Parq Vancouver – a multimillion dollar resort and casino – is set to open this Fall. The Globe and Mail’s Alexander Gill explores the six year battle over the new hotel which will boast 600 slot machines and an 846-seat restaurant.

Busting myths and taking names: Tokyo’s Nadeshiko is an all-female chef sushi restaurant and the first of it’s kind!

Eating via Instagram honours this week go to Jackie Kai Ellis and the most lovely spread of oysters!

Looking for work in the industry? Check out who’s hiring (and perhaps consider throwing your hat in the ring for a gig with the Scout team).