[rookie]

Number 1. http://www.cardpool.com has started doing similar. (but not competing with your ideas) When you buy one of their cards they will instantly email you the card's details so that you can use it online while they send you the physical card in case you want to use it in a brick and mortar.

Number 2. I would take a look at http://www.foodspotting.com for a potential source for an initial image database. Providing a professional photographer would also help.

They both will require quite a bit of footwork to get enough restaurants to buy in on the idea. Good luck if you decide to do either of them.

[unohoo]

Yes. Cardpool started offering something similar, but their focus is completely different currently. Also, the thought of using foodspotting to kickstart things occurred to me as well :)