Spike May Go Banh Mi; SLA Vows to Eliminate Backlog by Fall

MIDTOWN— A reader sends in a pic of the current state of Ted's Montana Grill. The Dept. of Health recently shuttered it for operating without proper permits. [EaterWire]

WASHINGTON DC— In Top Chef alumni news, Spike Mendelsohn's new NYC-style slice shop is closer to opening. And word on the street is he's going to try a banh mi place next. [Eater National]

PHILADELPHIA— Jim Burke, the chef-owner of the restaurant James was chosen as Kevin Gillespie's last minute replacement in the first round of the Bocuse d'Or championship. Grub Street talks to the chef about how much the contest will cost him and how he stacks up to the other competitors. Update: A commenter points out this is James in Philly, not the sweet little James in Prospect Heights. [GS]

SLA— SLA Chairman Dennis Rosen made a speech this week to lawmakers vowing to eliminate the massive liquor license application backlog by this October. He'd also like to change some antiquated rules by "allowing liquor stores to sell wine glasses, tumblers, cheese and crackers" and letting "convenience stores or mini-markets at gas stations to sell beer regardless of whether 50% of their store's merchandise are food products, as is currently required." [Crain's]