1. Matthew McConaughey’s newest role: writing and directing whiskey ads.
The actor is the new creative director and campaign director for Wild Turkey Bourbon—he’ll write, star in and direct a series of TV and digital ad campaigns set to launch in September. McConaughey is also in a mini-documentary about his journey with bourbon—including his visit to Kentucky where the distillery is located—to meet with the Russell family who founded the company. “When making a movie, you have two hours to tell a story,” the Oscar winner said about his new multi-year partnership. “Here I have 30 seconds to reintroduce the world to this authentic American brand that has helped shape an entire U.S. industry, bourbon. It will be a very interesting and fun challenge.”
2. President Obama signed a bill that requires GMO labeling on all food packages.
The bill, which the president signed on Friday, aims to keep consumers informed about how their food is made. Food packages in the U.S. will soon include a text label, symbol or an electronic code to be read by a smartphone that tells shoppers if they contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs)—which the FDA has deemed safe for consumption. It is estimated that between 75% and 80% of American foods contain GMOs. The Department of Agriculture will have two years to write up the rules of the bill.
Because drinking and driving is (unfortunately) still a reality, a McDonald’s in Northern Wales is hoping to discourage the practice with a “walk-thru” meant for drunk patrons. After a night out partying, tipsy customers may walk up to a designated window and get their fast food fix between 2:30-4 a.m. The restaurant, which is asking for feedback on their Facebook page, is hoping the move will curb the dangerous late-night burger runs … without curbing their customers’ late-night burger cravings.
4. Black-ish star Anthony Anderson wants to create a food Comic-Con.
While discussing his first Comic-Con experience with The Los Angeles Times, the actor said that if he were to create a fan event of his own, he would center it around food. But there’s one food that would not be welcomed at the comedian’s Foodie-Con: tilapia. “It’s a farm-raised trash fish,” he said. “Tilapia people, help us out. How do we season this rubberized fish? How does some Lawry’s penetrate this rubberized skin?” We hope this tilapia tirade inspires a legion of creative Foodie-Con costumes.
5. Speaking of events where food is unabashedly celebrated: There’s a whole festival dedicated to breakfast coming soon.
Of course a website dedicated to the most important meal of the day would host a breakfast festival! On Labor Day weekend, Extra Crispy will host the Extra Crispy BreakFestival—a two-day food festival in New York City. Guests can expect themed booths, tournaments, bloody marys tastings, and more. Food stations will also feature rotating chefs and food personalities serving up the various breakfast bites.
