Menu Trends
And Big Dairy's confusing comeback
Hellooooooooo. It’s Tuesday. I know this is so cliche to say at the end of January, but the first of the year truly feels like it was months ago. I’m excited for February in the way I was excited for the new year. I’m eager to approach another marker of time signifying the definitive end of a month that wasn’t as representative of new beginnings as I’d hoped. But what’s new, this happens every year right? Thanks to my addiction to the small hits of dopamine my iPhone dispenses me in exchange for scrolling through videos of Italians bursting into song in public places (anyone else’s algo serve them this or just me), my prefrontal cortex is toast. As a result, this simple little mind of mine tends to forget the yearly cycle of starting January with a twinkle in my eye, but ending the month reaching for the same pair of sweats each morning to “conquer my to-do list” which largely remains unticked. As if this doesn’t happen EVERY. SINGLE. YEAR. But you guys!! February is our month! Maybe this time, I’ll emerge from the cocoon of my procrastination a changed woman ready to save the day with a little help from my Happy Light. Okay some quick news.
🍽️The NYT Published a Fun Story on Menu Trends
The New York Times does interactive stories so well. This one explores current trends in menus via thorough investigative journalism representing restaurants all over the country. To the surprise of no one, caviar is a popular menu item at fine dining establishments and laid-back eateries alike. Back in December, I talked about the growing accessibility of caviar in a letter referencing the Eater article that received some online attention. Yuzu is another item gracing many a menu. Last fall, Vice published the piece “Yuzumania is Upon Us” which mentions products from Yuzuco’s Yuzu Juice to Omsom’s Yuzu Miso Glaze to Sanzo’s Yuzu with Ginger Sparkling Water to Trader Joe’s Yuzu Kosho Hot Sauce. Yuzu, so hot right now.
🥛The Cut’s New Sports Section is Sponsored by Team Milk
What is Team Milk you ask? It’s Big Dairy’s attempt to recreate the Got Milk campaign of our childhood, but this time they’re targeting young women via a few vague campaigns. Just me or do we think this is an important detail that should have been considered more thoroughly when naming the movement “Team Milk”?
🥤Our Place Launched a Blender
Continuing their product expansion beyond cookware, the kitchen essentials brand Our Place launched the Splendor Blender. The brand become popularized after their Always Pan took off, but unlike other cookware brands they’ve set out to offer aesthetically pleasing tableware and appliances.
📿Daiya Made Charm Bracelets
The vegan cheese brand partnered with Ian Charms to create charm bracelets in celebration of their new oat-based cheese slices. Something tells me these won’t be added to the stacks collected from a Taylor Swift concert.
💊Stella McCartney Enters the Supplement Market
The luxury designer’s latest launch did not include clothing. Two and a half years in the making, Stella McCartney introduced the Alter-Care Supplement an anti-aging supplement featuring collagen and hyaluronic acid. As the skincare industry continues to grow, and with gen z showing a high interest in the anti-aging category than previous generations at their age, I would expect more of these.
Short and sweet today, enjoy the day!