So many food leftovers as we close out this week and the month. That’s always a good sign!
–A week before the biggest snack game of the year and some new interesting products are ready for serving. Not officially G-F, but the new Quaker Baked Rice and Corn Crisps (Tortillaz, Zesty Guacamole flavor) give old-fashioned rice cakes a boot off the field. They are tasty, perfect snack dippers.
–We’ve extolled the health virtues of wine, now we can add grape juice to that list. Not a big, logical jump but one affirmed as a memory booster. Now you have a perfect excuse to stay with Welch’s beyond your 12th birthday!
–Have you noticed that the humble French Fry has taken on a new persona: A highly visible accompaniment to multiple restaurant dishes or as an expensive side as in Truffle, Mole, or Sweet. It’s been deliciously elevated as a special flavor treat. I accept.
–What’s it mean when a restaurant of multiple-star recognition decides to close down for a couple of years to reinvent itself and come out of the gate as a different persona? That’s the question the food world asked this week with the news that the impossible-to-get reservation at Spain’s El Bulli need not cause you anxiety until they reopen as ?? Molecular tapas?
–Have you noticed that the Happy Hour is back? Hardly an hour but a solid period of time to help bring in both after work diners and late night partyers. As in times of old, it works nicely as an early, inexpensive, affordable outing. Many places have decided on a double shift: afternoon and late nights.
–Not just a healthy garden project for the First Lady, but a role as the spokesperson on Childhood Obesity, sadly, the growing, national health concern.
–Yes, not a week goes by without some food recall. This week it’s more on burgers and now peppers and noodle dishes are a concern, too.
If the weather starts to improve, you’ll see plenty more food trucks. Right now they are operating under extreme conditions in most of the country, but this mini restaurant at the curb continues to be an influential trend.
Now it’s time to think February and recognize the longest month of the year; no matter what the calendar says!
