Sampler Platter: Fat is the new normal, Eating Valley Blvd, XIV’s vegan tasting menu, protecting Kentucky bourbon

-- Alton Brown says he doesn’t see ‘Good Eats’ lasting much beyond next year. Show Tracker -- Chef Michael Mina’s vegan tasting menu at XIV. To Live and Eat in L.A. -- Fat as the new normal: Saying no to diets, fat acceptance and questions about whether extra pounds really equal extra risk. Los Angeles Times-- If you like art with your food, don’t miss Wayne Thiebaud’s iconic cupcakes on display in a retrospective at the Pasadena Museum of California Art until Jan. 31. Eating L.A. --New food blog, Eating Valley Blvd, devoted solely to 8 miles of Asian eateries on Valley Boulevard between the 710 and 605 freeways, goes live. -- Congressman Ben Chandler urges his fellow Kentuckians to protect the state’s signature bourbon and horse industries. Lexington Herald-Leader -- Gourmet Pigs declares Spago one of dineLA’s best deals. -- What to eat at Tanzore’s Diwali party in Beverly Hills this week. Grub Street LA -- Ma’Kai (Santa Monica) may close and be replaced by a Red Onion. Eater LA