Chew on this: NYC restaurants fight health department grades

Some 40 New York City operators have filed a $150 million lawsuit challenging the city's health department letter grades. In healthcare news, the mandated coverage that will go into effect soon may not have the desired impact, since a loophole allows employers to offer staff high-priced options that they may not be able to afford. The Cheesecake Factory is planning to grow again. On the menu, high-end chefs are using lighter ingredients to serve consumer trends for healthful options. And Amtrak has enlisted leading chefs to revamp the food served on its trains.
 
  
• Restaurants sue NYC health department. Forty owners allege that the city's grading system is unconstitutional. (New York Post)

• Coverage may be unaffordable for low-wage workers. Federally mandated affordable healthcare coverage may not be so affordable for many restaurant employees. (Associated Press/Yahoo)

• The Cheesecake Factory eases back into growth. The chain's winning formula of indulgence for the masses has pushed its stock nearly to an all-time high and fueled expansion plans. (Los Angeles Times)
 
• Fine dining cuts the fat. High-end chefs are opting for more healthful ingredients. (The Wall Street Journal)

• Amtrak gets gourmet advice. The rail agency has hired esteemed chefs to revamp the food it serves on its trains. (Washington Post)