All articles tagged with #food and dining
Long John Silver's has nearly halved its store count since 2019, yet its core fried fish menu remains high-quality and sustainable. The chain serves wild-caught Alaskan pollock, which is crisp and flavorful, though portions are oily. While the brand faces widespread online criticism, the food itself is praised for its consistency and speed, with some locations offering unique combinations like Taco Bell partnerships.
The 2026 Michelin Guide for Texas added 14 restaurants in Houston but awarded no new stars in the city. Statewide, three new stars were awarded to Goldee’s Bar-B-Q in Fort Worth and Fabrik and Kappo Kappo in Austin. Houston gained five Bib Gourmands and nine recommended spots, bringing its total endorsed concepts to 53.
The 2026 Michelin Guide added two new stars in Austin, bringing the city’s total to seven, while North Texas updates sparked debate over missed opportunities and contract renewals.
The all-you-can-eat buffet chain Souplantation will return to California in 2027 with a single location in Fountain Valley. The chain, which originated in San Diego in 1978, closed all 97 locations in 2020 due to the pandemic. Sweet Tomatoes, its sister brand, has already reopened in Arizona and Florida. The company confirmed the California return via social media and corporate communications, promising to preserve original recipes. While only one location is announced, the company is evaluating other markets for future expansion.
National Taco Day 2026 falls on October 6, coinciding with Taco Tuesday, a scheduling change implemented in 2024. This alignment has prompted widespread promotions across major chains. Taco Bell partnered with Duolingo for a 'Global Taco Day' event, offering free limited-edition sauce and app subscriptions. Laredo Taco Company at 7-Eleven locations launched buy-one-get-one-free deals, while Margaritas Mexican Restaurant revived its 2-pound eating challenge. Other chains like Del Taco, Chuy's, and Moe's Southwest Grill offered discounted prices or free items to app users and rewards members.
A Business Insider taste test ranks Burger King's updated Whopper as the best among major chain signature burgers, edging out Wendy's Dave's Single and McDonald's Big Mac. The Whopper's new packaging, bun, and mayonnaise improved its texture and flavor, contributing to recent sales growth for Burger King.
A comparative taste test by Tasting Table concludes that McDonald's breakfast sandwiches offer superior flavor consistency and variety compared to Burger King. While Burger King relies heavily on its Croissan'wich line, McDonald's provides distinct options like the Egg McMuffin and McGriddle. The McDonald's bacon, egg, and cheese McGriddle was highlighted by Mashed as the best overall item due to its sweet-savory balance, whereas Burger King's biscuit sandwich was criticized for being dry and bland.
The Iowa Pork Producers Association has named five finalists for its annual Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin Contest, narrowing the field from 40 contenders. The winner, to be announced in mid-October, will receive $500, a plaque, and statewide publicity, while the runner-up gets $250. Past winners have seen significant sales boosts, with Hometown Heroes in Grinnell winning in 2025.
Dave & Buster's Times Square marks America’s 250th birthday with a limited-time Pretzel Dog Tower as a shareable centerpiece for Fourth of July celebrations, complemented by unlimited gameplay, a live DJ and an all-American barbecue buffet, drawing curious guests and praise from staff.
Pat’s King of Steaks in South Philadelphia is updating its 96-year cheesesteak with two changes: seeded rolls from Aversa Italian Bakery and cheese melted on the grill into the meat (with optional onions) before mixing and stuffing into the roll, a shift from the traditional layered method. The seeded-roll option may become permanent, while traditional preparation remains available on request. The shop is also moving toward Cooper Sharp cheese (phasing out American) and has earlier added chicken cheesesteaks and toppings like mushrooms and peppers.
311 Omakase in Boston’s South End earned the city’s first Michelin star, officially awarded to chef Wei Chen and co-owner Carrie Ko in a ceremony that highlighted their evolving 18-course menu and the couple’s nearly 12-year partnership; Chen trained under Masa Takayama in New York, and Ko hopes the recognition signals more Michelin stars for Boston after 26 local restaurants were recognized in 2025.
Milan's renowned trattoria Trippa, led by Chef Diego Rossi, is hosting a one-night pop-up at Roscioli in New York, featuring iconic dishes and exclusive new creations, with reservations available via DoorDash. The event highlights Rossi's Michelin-starred approach to traditional Milanese cuisine in a casual setting.
A new steakhouse called Franko's Prime is opening in north Raleigh's Lafayette Village, expected to open by the end of January, along with other restaurant updates and closures in the Triangle area.
Kansas City Restaurant Week, running from Jan. 9-18 with over 250 participating restaurants, offers a chance to explore diverse cuisines and support local businesses and nonprofits. Patrons are encouraged to make reservations, stick to fixed menus, be patient and respectful, and tip generously to ensure a positive experience for staff and fellow diners.
New York City Restaurant Week is running from January 20 to February 12, featuring 31 Upper West Side eateries offering discounted two- and three-course meals at prices ranging from $30 to $60, with nearly 600 restaurants across NYC participating.