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Casual dining's resurgence: Value and agility drive growth
In 2025, while brands such as Bar Louie and Hooters navigated bankruptcy filings, Chili's, a prominent casual dining chain, reported record-breaking same-store sales, signaling a profound divergence i
Should You Ask for a Doggy Bag at a Fine Dining Restaurant? It Depends on Four Things
Asking for a doggy bag at an upscale restaurant is a complex decision, balancing a growing sustainability movement with lingering social stigma and practical considerations. The answer depends on the restaurant's ethos, portion size, and social context.
8,171 Restaurants Closed in the First Half of 2026 — and Quick-Service Spots Took the Hardest Hit
An estimated 8,171 restaurants closed across the US and Canada in the first half of 2026, with quick-service formats and sandwich shops accounting for a significant portion. Economic headwinds and shifting consumer habits, leading to smaller orders and reduced discretionary spending, are key drivers behind these widespread exits.
Gay bars: Vital queer hubs, popularity strains sanctuary.
On April 9, a new queer bar named Fathom opened in Chicago's Lakeview, instantly drawing a line of patrons out the door and operating at full capacity, according to Windy City Times .
Best Budget Kitchen Gadgets on Amazon: The Under-$20 Shortlist, Plus the Peeler Showdown Settled
Discover essential kitchen gadgets under $20 on Amazon that solve common cooking problems, featuring a detailed comparison of the popular Kuhn Rikon Y-peeler and Spring Chef swivel peeler.
North Carolina's New Rules for Canned Cocktails, Explained
North Carolina's Session Law 2024-41 creates a new category for spirit-based premixed cocktails, allowing them to be sold in grocery and convenience stores for the first time. These ready-to-drink beverages must be 13% ABV or less and in single-serving containers of 24 oz or less.
Cook Like a Chef: Three Principles for Weeknight Dinners in 30 Minutes or Less
Discover how to cook weeknight dinners in 30 minutes or less by adopting chef-inspired principles: master efficient cooking methods and leverage high-impact pantry staples for fast, flavorful meals.
Wood, Rubber, Composite, or Steel? Picking the Right Plastic-Free Cutting Board
Choosing a plastic-free cutting board involves selecting between wood, rubber, composite, or steel materials. Each option presents unique trade-offs regarding knife friendliness, hygiene, and durability to suit your cooking style.
Securing a Seat at Hayato: A Precise Guide to Los Angeles' Most Coveted Kaiseki Reservation
Securing a reservation at Los Angeles' exclusive 7-seat kaiseki restaurant Hayato requires precise timing and strict adherence to its non-transferable booking policies via Tock. This guide details the exact steps, timing, and rules to navigate the competitive system and earn a coveted seat.
Southern Thai Curry Paste: Flavor Profiles and Preparation Guide
Southern Thai Curry Paste, a seemingly singular culinary staple, actually encompasses distinct flavor profiles.
Nonstick Cookware: Health Risks and Safer Options
Heating nonstick cookware beyond 450 °F can release harmful fumes, triggering 'Teflon flu' or polymer fume fever, according to Nytimes .
What is American Snack Culture and Why Does It Matter?
In 1932, Charles Elmer Doolin launched Fritos corn chips, transforming a Mexican street food into a mass-produced snack that would become an American staple, according to Americanhistory Si .
Exploring Global Street Food Dishes and Experiences
In a global study, a staggering two-thirds of participants reported consuming grilled chicken as a street food.
How to Make Kimchi at Home: A Beginner's Guide
Just 150 ml of water is all it takes to start the base for a vibrant homemade kimchi.
What is Laphing? Exploring the Himalayan Street Food Noodle Dish
Despite its status as a beloved street food, preparing a traditional batch of laphing can demand up to five hours.
Bringing Food Souvenirs Home: What U.S. Customs Allows and How to Pack It
Bringing food souvenirs into the U.S. requires understanding customs regulations and proper declaration. Learn what items are allowed, prohibited, and how to pack them safely to ensure they arrive intact.
Which Plastic Kitchen Tools Are Worth Replacing First? A Practical Risk Guide
Prioritize replacing plastic kitchen tools that are black, frequently exposed to high heat or oils, or show visible signs of wear and tear. These factors, rather than brand or BPA-free labels, indicate higher risk of chemical leaching and microplastic shedding into your food.
How the Spice Trade Redrew the World Map and Seasoned Every Kitchen Since
The global pursuit of spices, driven by ancient myths and later by imperial ambition, fundamentally reshaped world maps and established early international trade routes, ultimately leading to the culinary globalization we experience today.
Wood, Plastic, or Bamboo: How to Pick the Safest Cutting Board for Your Kitchen
Choosing the right cutting board involves balancing hygiene, maintenance, knife care, and potential health concerns like microplastics. Both wood and plastic are acceptable if handled properly, with bamboo offering a middle ground.
How to Taste Whiskey: A Five-Step Checklist for Beginners
Tasting whiskey is a repeatable process, not a mysterious talent. This guide outlines a five-step checklist for beginners to identify aromas and flavors, from preparing your palate and glass to observing appearance, nosing, tasting, and adding water.
The Two Forces Driving the Zero-Proof Cocktail Boom
The zero-proof cocktail boom is driven by consumers seeking health and mindful drinking, especially younger adults, and amplified by the beverage industry's strategic push for sophisticated, premium non-alcoholic options.
Food as Medicine: An Ancient Idea Making a Very Modern Comeback
The ancient concept of "food as medicine" is making a significant modern comeback, driven by the urgent need to combat diet-related chronic diseases. This revival integrates historical wisdom with scientific validation to reshape healthcare and public health strategies.
That Scratched Nonstick Pan Could Be Releasing Millions of Microplastics
Scratched nonstick pans, especially those with PTFE coatings, can release millions of microplastic and PFAS particles into your food. Transitioning to safer cookware materials like cast iron or carbon steel can significantly reduce your exposure to these harmful substances.
Kitchen Rules That Are Just Myths: What Actually Works for Searing, Boiling, and Cooking with Alcohol
Debunk common kitchen myths about searing meat, boiling water with salt, and alcohol evaporation. Learn evidence-based techniques for better flavor, faster boiling, and accurate understanding of residual alcohol in dishes.