Don't tell the VPN pizza police, but I really enjoyed this novelty bruschetta pizza made by my local by-the-slice source, Per Tutti. It's topped with bite-size pieces of a fried chicken cutlet, tomatoes, onions, herbs, and a lively Italian dressing. The chef was a bit more traditional in his rendition of:

Ben Benson has announced that the steak restaurant in Midtown Manhattan that bears his name, which opened in 1982, will serve its last meals on Father's Day, Sunday, June 17th. In an interview with WCBS radio (which you can listen to here) he indicated that his lease expired and the landlord intended to raise his rent drastically, leaving him no choice other than to close. Mr. Benson leaves open the possibility that Ben Benson's may reopen in some form, somewhere, in the future.

We've been big fans of Ben Benson's since our first visit, not only for the top-notch steaks and terrific chopped salad (with anchovies, please), but also for the way in which the restaurant perfectly captures that NYC steakhouse vibe. It will be missed. In the Roadfood.com review of Ben Benson's, Michael Stern says, "If you are looking for the best prime steak in New York, at a price to match, Ben Benson's is the place to go. Of course, hash browns and creamed spinach are swell; and do not ignore the first-class seafood and salads."

Never underestimate the can-do community spirit of the people of Vermont. It appeared that last year's devastation from Irene would permanently close the beloved town cafe Dot's of Wilmington, but it turns out that was not the last word. John and Patty Reagan are rebuilding, with help from the many fans of Dot's. The Preservation Trust of Vermont is helping to raise funds, and is accepting donations specifically earmarked for the Dot's project. Friends of the Valley Foundation will be holding a fundraiser for Dot's on Saturday, May 26th (Memorial Day weekend). You can keep up with the latest Dot's news and follow along with the rebuilding process on their Facebook page.

Being literal-minded people, when we were asked by Gourmet Live to contribute to the current on-line issue devoted to sex and food, we proposed a story about eating sex organs. Rocky Mountain oysters, tendergroin, and swinging beef all are euphemisms for what was considered a delicacy among old-time ranch cowboys: a plate full of fried testicles enjoyed after a day of branding and castrating steers. Today, that custom is celebrated at some very rowdy ball-eating festivals around the country. You can read the story here. (Note: the steer above need not fear for his gonads. He is getting wrestled by a contestant at the Cheyenne Rodeo. Both man and beast will likely walk from the arena intact.)

We were in Woodstock, VT last year, not long after Hurricane Irene passed through. The destruction caused by the storm was of historic proportions, and after witnessing the damage to the White Cottage firsthand, we felt fairly certain that they had served their final order of fried clams. We are happy to report that we were wrong. The White Cottage has recently reopened for business! In the Roadfood.com review of White Cottage, Michael Stern noted that their "breezy tables are just right for excellent made-to-order hamburgers, hot dogs and foot-longs served Yankee-style in grilled rolls, and fried clams, available whole-bellied or as strips."

Here's the latest on Grimaldi's (see the Roadfood.com review of the Scottsdale, AZ Grimaldi's): they'll be opening their fifth Florida branch this fall, in Tampa, in the Westfield Citrus Park Mall. A Clifton, NJ branch has recently opened in a former Charlie Brown's steak house. The address is 1296 Van Houten Avenue and, oddly, it's called Grimaldi's Pizza CB Steaks. Seems the steaks aren't a hit and they'll soon be serving an all-Italian menu. Finally, and most intriguingly, Grimaldi's is setting up shop in Coney Island, the home turf of Totonno's. This second Brooklyn Grimaldi's will be on Surf Avenue, across from Luna Park and about five blocks from Totonno's on Neptune Avenue.