Here's a look at what food-related news and websites have captured my eye lately.

It seems like the holiday season rang a death toll for some restaurants in our area. We already reported on the New Year's Eve closure of 208 Talbot in St. Michaels, but we just learned of two closings at the Annapolis Mall.

It's always unhappy news when a restaurant closes; it's even unhappier when it's a restaurant we know to be run by dedicated and talented chefs. So when we got the news today that 208 Talbot in St. Michaels would serve its final meal on New Year's Eve, our hearts sank a little. 

Dine at one of these local establishments on Christmas Eve or Day. Be sure to call restaurants prior to visiting to ensure they’re open at their regular hours.

At the end of every year, writers like to ponder what the trends will be for the upcoming year. I’m not one of those people because I am fully aware that I am not a trendsetter nor a mind-reader when it comes to food. (Weddings, though? I’m all over that.) Because other people don’t have that same sort of humility, here are some of my favorite 2012 food predictions. And when they don’t come to fruition, blame them, not me.

Quick! Turn on your TV! O'Leary's Chef Russell Brown will appear around 9 a.m. on the "Today" show on NBC.