• Today in “be the change you wish to see in the world”: A Texas resident has started a petition to designate tacos as the official state food, yanking that status away from (a presumably no-bean) chili. Petition-starter Mando Rayo, who’s written a book called Tacos of Texas, argues in his petition that tacos, unlike the super-meaty chili, are “pretty much part of our daily diet.” And of course, there’s nothing better to represent the diversity of a large state than a foodstuff that inspires debate: “People in Texas are die-hard taco fans, whether it's fighting over breakfast tacos, brisket tacos or showing our love for traditional al pastor, carnitas or fajitas.” So far, Rayo has collected 850 signatures.
• Noma as we know it is no more. René Redzepi’s influential Copenhagen restaurant will celebrate its final service in its current incarnation tomorrow evening, during a dinner that not-surprisingly sold out the minute reservations became available. It’s been an extended farewell tour for the space: The mercurial chef announced Noma 1.0’s impending closure back in fall 2015. The Noma crew plans to dramatically revamp the restaurant, instituting an urban farm, later this year — after of course, taking a quick detour to Tulum, Mexico, where a Noma pop-up will begin in April. (Tickets to that are sold out, too.)
• Former President Barack Obama, aka the foodiest of the presidents, enjoyed dinner in New York City last night at Manhattan’s old-school Italian restaurant Emilio's Ballato. Per an Instagram photo, he’s looking quite relaxed these days.
• Canada will soon enjoy its own version of reality TV sensation The Great British Bake Off: The Great Canadian Baking Show is currently casting amateur bakers.
• Bob’s Burgers, television’s best animated comedy about a family-run burger joint (and a seriously great show) is releasing its first soundtrack in May.
• After a listeria recall earlier this month that saw several of its cheese blends pulled from shelves, Sargento has cut ties with a supplier.
• Great Big Story takes a look at the history of Cuban-Chinese food in New York City: