America’s first menus. “Menus are maps: of taste, of economy, of immigration, of aspiration.” The Pudding uses early American restaurant menus to show what people ate, what they could afford, and what they wanted to signal about themselves. ~ learn […]
A soup older than some employees. “What has outlived them all? A beef broth simmering at a Thai restaurant since 1974.” In Bangkok, one family has kept the same pot going for 52 years, treating it like a living thing […]
Not going to tell my kids about Fairy bread. “It features soft, squishy white bread, butter, and sprinkles. That’s it.” An Australian kids party classic, it seems! ~ learn more
Dyson strawberries in the supermarket. “WOW!! First time seeing @Dyson strawberries in the supermarket. Fully nerding out and losing my mind”. Fruit from your favorite vacuum maker! ~ learn more
The creation of instant coffee. “These essences were made by boiling down brewed coffee to concentrate it. This damages the flavor, producing a bitter, unpleasant drink, hence the old saying that ‘coffee boiled is coffee spoiled’.” Instant coffee only became […]
Protein mania meets math. “Americans, broadly speaking, are in a state of protein mania.” Whey prices are spiking and the USDA says “inventories remain tight,” with some manufacturers already sold out for the year. ~ learn more
The salad chain in free fall. “Sweetgreen’s stock price had declined more than 30 percent.” Despite efforts like introducing fries and hiring robots, the chain hasn’t stopped its decline and fired workers and fries alike. ~ learn more
The next big food startup. Before the AI boom led to multi-billion dollar acquihires, there was Marc Lore. He sold a business to Amazon, left to start a competitor, and soon sold it to Walmart for billions. Now he’s in […]
Diet Coke’s ‘It Girl’ moment. Count me in for one! Yet, I refuse to let my kids try it. The soda has made a major comeback, embraced by Gen Z as the “fridge cigarette” for its refreshing qualities minus the […]
Chicago’s vegan scene contracts. In recent years, the city has witnessed a retreat in its plant-based dining options. “Despite the once-rising popularity of vegan and vegetarian cuisine, many establishments are now shuttering as diners return to traditional meats.” I sent […]