All articles tagged with #food and drink
Seven Arizona breweries won eight medals at the 2026 Great American Beer Festival, marking the state's best showing since 2019. Phoenix's Wren House Brewing Co. earned two golds, while Colorado dominated with 30 medal-winning breweries and multiple 'Brewery of the Year' titles. The competition featured new categories and 7,267 entries.
The 2026 50 Top Pizza rankings place Una Pizza Napoletana in New York City at number one for the fifth consecutive year. The list, released on Columbus Day, features a tie for second place between Pizzeria Sei in Los Angeles and Tony’s Pizza Napoletana in San Francisco. While the rankings highlight Italian-influenced styles, food historian Colin Caplan questions the universality of such lists, noting that 'best' is subjective and that the organization may favor Neapolitan traditions due to its Italian chef-led structure.
Fox News highlights five ice cream flavors from the 1970s that have largely disappeared from grocery shelves, including Butter Brickle, rum raisin, pink bubblegum, heavenly hash, and maple walnut. While modern freezers feature staples like salted caramel and cookies and cream, these nostalgic options have faded due to shifting tastes. The article notes that Butter Brickle, inspired by a 1920s Nebraska candy, and rum raisin, which surged in popularity during the 1970s, are now difficult to find. Pink bubblegum, introduced by Baskin-Robbins, occasionally returns for limited runs, while heavenly hash, launched by Sealtest in 1969, vanished when the brand discontinued its line. Maple walnut, a New England staple, also remains scarce. Social media users express strong nostalgia for these flavors, with some recalling specific memories of eating the ice cream and saving the bubblegum pieces. The piece emphasizes that while some flavors like rum raisin still exist, they are less widely available than in the past.
On September 29, 2026, major US coffee chains launched promotions for National Coffee Day, though many prioritized new product launches over traditional discounts. Starbucks introduced the Aerocano and mini pies, while Dunkin’ offered free coffee with a purchase. WIRED noted that significant savings are now found in home brewing equipment rather than chain discounts. The National Coffee Association reported that 66% of US adults drink coffee daily, with out-of-home consumption nearing pre-pandemic levels.
Tamale entrées have declined by 7.8% on US restaurant menus since 2021, according to Technomic data. The drop stems from high labor requirements for a low-margin item, with chefs noting that the three-day preparation process makes the dish economically unviable for many establishments despite modest ingredient costs.
Hormel Foods has released SPAM Hot Honey, the first permanent addition to the brand's lineup in two years. The new variety, which blends sweet and spicy flavors, is now available at select grocery retailers nationwide. To promote the launch, Hormel partnered with New York City's Win Son Bakery for a limited-time collaboration featuring a breakfast sandwich and a fan tuan. While the product taps into the popular 'swicy' food trend, consumer reactions are mixed, with some fans expressing enthusiasm and others rejecting the flavor change.
The iconic Carnegie Deli has reopened in Midtown Manhattan after a 10-year absence, marking a significant return for the historic Jewish deli. The establishment now occupies the former Stage Deli location at 834 Seventh Avenue, near 54th Street. Owner Sarri Harper, the third-generation CEO, confirmed that the new site was chosen to honor the area's deli history. The menu features classic items like pastrami and corned beef on rye, matzo ball soup, and cheesecake, alongside new additions such as the 'Carnegie Deli Colossus' sandwich and babka French toast. Opening day drew long lines and a contest for fans, with winners added to the 'Wall of Fame.' The deli operates daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
A Tasting Table roundup highlights Benchmark Single Barrel from Buffalo Trace as a $25 alternative to Blanton's, with a similar sweet, honeyed palate, oak and warm spices, and a smoother, easier finish. While not exactly Blanton's, it provides solid flavor at a fraction of the price and is recommended as a great intro bourbon for those on a budget.
Milwaukee's Lowcountry seafood restaurant at 1114 N. Water St. abruptly closed its Milwaukee location after five years; the Chicago-based chain’s other locations remain open, even as Water Street’s entertainment district sees multiple closures and ongoing safety concerns.
Elijah Craig Small Batch offers a Blanton’s-adjacent bourbon around $26–27 for a 750 ml bottle, matching a 47% ABV and 8–12 years of aging, with a robust vanilla, caramel, oak profile and a round mouthfeel. Blanton’s Single-Barrel remains more expensive and single-cask with slightly more pronounced fruit and char and a crisper finish. The piece emphasizes Elijah Craig as a strong value for sipping or cocktails and explains the difference between small-batch and single-barrel bourbons.
In Oulu, Finland, pine tar—a smoky byproduct once used to waterproof boats and treat wounds—has become a culinary signature, appearing in chocolates, syrups, breads, and ice cream as chefs and locals celebrate a heritage flavor that’s both nostalgic and addictive.
Harry Styles is kicking off a 30-show residency at Madison Square Garden, with an extensive NYC dining guide for before, during, and after the shows. The piece outlines MSG’s Styles-themed eats and drinks (including Cafe 30 and other stands with special menus and cocktails), pop-up merch shops, and a slew of nearby neighborhood spots—from R Slice and Papa San to East Village favorites—for fans and guests to enjoy around the arena during the residency.
Bon Appétit names two San Francisco spots—Jules and Maria Isabel—in its 2026 Best New Restaurants list, signaling SF’s national dining comeback; Jules earns praise for daring, free‑wheeling pizza (notably the Fun Guy with black garlic‑tamarind), while Maria Isabel is lauded for its coastal Mexican cuisine and inventive cocktail program; the feature highlights chefs with clear perspectives taking risks, and the SF scene continues to attract national attention even as it faces staffing and cost pressures.
Bayley’s Seafood Restaurant in Scarborough has closed after 30 years in operation, with its last day of service on Aug. 20; the eatery, which opened in 1995, was a longtime staple for fried seafood enjoyed by locals and summer visitors.
Tea is the world's second most popular beverage after water and has been repeatedly linked to longer life, healthier blood vessels, reduced inflammation, improved gut health, and cognitive benefits; black and green teas are rich in polyphenols that support cardiovascular and metabolic health.