Controversy over Esquire‘s selection for Chef of the Year. The passing of Ben Ali. The New York Times‘ investigation into commercial ground beef. All of these have been major subjects on the blog this week.

And yet: The most-read item this week beat out Select 55 by a mere five clicks.

1. Barton Seaver to Be Named Esquire’s Chef of the Year, Controversy Ensues
2. Budweiser Launches Select 55, Light Beer Arms Race Gets Absurd
3. Ben Ali’s Son: “We’re All OK.”
4. The Times’ Shattering Expose of Ground Beef: Where Does It Leave Burger Lovers?
5. Despite Founder’s Death, It Was Business As Usual at Ben’s