The hottest Food & Drink Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Food & Drink Topics
Mister Branzino's Newsletter β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 08 Dec 22
  1. The recipe for Green Rice includes ingredients like olive oil, onion, cilantro, garlic, tomatillos, and spices like salt or bouillon cube.
  2. The cooking process involves steps like sautΓ©ing the vegetables, blending a green mixture, simmering the rice, and serving with scallions and cilantro.
  3. This recipe serves 4-6 people and provides a flavorful dish that can be a great addition to any meal.
let them eat cake β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 29 Sep 21
  1. Traditional dishes like kiam chye arh reflect a certain perspective on food that needs to be shared by both the cook and the diner.
  2. In the context of ethnic cuisines, the voices of the cooks are crucial for the true understanding and appreciation of the food.
  3. Certain dishes, like kiam chye arh, have an internal logic and history that can only be fully appreciated when both the cook and the diner understand and value its traditions.
The Rotten Apple β€’ 21 implied HN points β€’ 16 Dec 24
  1. Ultra-processed foods are becoming a food safety issue, not just a nutrition problem. More research shows they can lead to overeating and health issues.
  2. Food allergy awareness has improved, but there are still too many labeling mistakes that can have serious consequences. Professionals are now being held accountable for allergic reactions.
  3. Regulations in food safety are changing, especially around allergens and how we measure food safety culture. This could lead to stricter rules in the future.
let them eat cake β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 10 Mar 23
  1. The post discusses the preparation of a rich, deep stock with varying textures based on ingredients used, like pork knuckles, and how it's used to enhance flavor in cooking.
  2. The author offers a 7-day free trial for readers to subscribe and access more content on the site.
  3. There is a section for existing paid subscribers to sign in and access exclusive content.
let them eat cake β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 22 Sep 20
  1. The author shares their experience living in a hotel during the pandemic, receiving interesting meals that range from nasi lemak to tofu dishes.
  2. The transition to a vegetarian meal plan at the hotel results in various Chinese Vegetarian meals, some with unique combinations like steamed rice, broccoli, and peppers.
  3. The culinary journey continues with detailed descriptions of each meal, including noodle consistency, sauce flavors, and the overall dining experience.
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let them eat cake β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 16 Sep 20
  1. The experience of dining out during the pandemic has shifted, revealing transparency in the power dynamics between diners and restaurant staff.
  2. Questions about the cultural appropriation of food, the meaning of restaurant work, and equitable wages are being raised more prominently as a result of current circumstances.
  3. The value assigned to restaurant work and the dining experience extends beyond just the monetary compensation, spurring reflection on the significance of meals, meaning, and societal perceptions.
let them eat cake β€’ 159 implied HN points β€’ 14 May 20
  1. In the age of the internet, some argue that restaurants should transform into content creators to stay afloat, shifting focus away from creating food.
  2. Becoming successful independent restaurants used to involve creating a strong online presence as a marketing strategy, shifting focus from food and hospitality to internet competitiveness.
  3. For many restaurants, adapting to the challenges of the current landscape, like offering takeout, may not be enough to ensure profitability, and finding new ways to make food at a profit is crucial.
The Rotten Apple β€’ 21 implied HN points β€’ 02 Dec 24
  1. Seafood fraud is a big problem around the world, involving practices like mislabeling fish and using harmful drugs in aquaculture. There are even cases where cheap seafood is sold as more expensive types.
  2. Recent studies found that popular alternatives to plastic, like paper and bamboo straws, contain unhealthy chemicals called PFAS. This is surprising since these products are often marketed as eco-friendly.
  3. A recent food safety news story highlighted a rare situation where a recall was canceled due to a lab error. It reminds us that food safety investigations can sometimes lead to unexpected outcomes.
Vittles β€’ 23 implied HN points β€’ 28 Oct 24
  1. Food is deeply tied to Palestinian identity and history, but war and occupation have drastically changed their relationship with it. People remember the flavors of their homeland, but many now face starvation and struggle to find sustenance.
  2. Many Palestinians have had to adapt their food experiences to survive in extreme conditions, forced to eat whatever is available, even if it means consuming inedible or harmful things. Their memories of food are filled with pain but also resilience.
  3. Food symbolizes the struggle for freedom and identity, serving as a way to connect with the land and each other. Despite the hardships, Palestinians continue to find meaning and community through their culinary heritage.
let them eat cake β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 27 Feb 23
  1. The author often writes about food and how things are made, like fried rice and farm equipment.
  2. The post mentions a piece in Scope of Work regarding industrial aspects.
  3. Readers can access more content by subscribing and getting a 7-day free trial on the website.
Who is Robert Malone β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 18 Dec 24
  1. Regenerative farming focuses on improving soil health and biodiversity. This means farming in a way that restores and enriches the land instead of depleting it.
  2. Historically, farming practices have prioritized sustainability and self-sufficiency. Learning from past generations can guide modern farming efforts toward eco-friendliness.
  3. Homesteading encourages individuals to take responsibility for their food production. It's about being productive and connected to the land, which can also bring satisfaction and peace.
Who is Robert Malone β€’ 21 implied HN points β€’ 20 Nov 24
  1. Fall is a busy time on the farm as preparations for winter begin, including moving plants into the greenhouse and protecting them from cold weather.
  2. Citrus plants are thriving, but they require regular care and can attract pests. Simple solutions like soap and water sprays help keep them healthy.
  3. New plants like wasabi and dragon fruit are being experimented with. Wasabi leaves are edible and will be tested for flavor once they grow larger.
Perspectives β€’ 1 implied HN point β€’ 18 Dec 25
  1. Leaving an expected stable career to follow a passion can stop burnout, free creativity, and open unexpected opportunities.
  2. Centering cultural food and representation validates Asian flavors, challenges Eurocentric standards, and helps people reconnect with heritage and identity.
  3. Transferable skills like teaching and writing can turn a creative side project into real impact, building community, raising money for causes, and honoring family memory.
let them eat cake β€’ 119 implied HN points β€’ 29 Oct 20
  1. The recipe for Pandan Chiffon Cake involves unique techniques like making fresh pandan extract and coconut milk for a refined flavor and texture.
  2. Fiona's Pandan Chiffon Cake recipe uses less flour and substitutes oil with coconut milk for richness, setting it apart from traditional chiffon cake recipes.
  3. The 'Brandy Chicken' recipe showcases a simple yet flavorful way of cooking with minimal ingredients, emphasizing the importance of quality ingredients like good brandy for marinades.
The Rotten Apple β€’ 21 implied HN points β€’ 11 Nov 24
  1. Food fraud prevention needs dedicated teams. These teams should include members from various departments to effectively address fraud risks.
  2. Underweight ingredients can be a form of food fraud if there's intent to deceive. If companies consistently deliver less than what was ordered, it could be seen as cheating customers.
  3. Staying informed about food safety and fraud trends is crucial. Changes in supply chains and economic conditions can create new opportunities for fraud.
Harnessing the Power of Nutrients β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 08 Jul 22
  1. The post discusses dietary patterns and special considerations for different diets like junk food, grain-based, keto, low-carb, high-fat, and carnivore diets.
  2. It covers managing salt and potassium levels in food and utilizing supplements effectively.
  3. The content emphasizes the importance of understanding the role of salt and potassium in our diet for maintaining proper health.
let them eat cake β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 07 Feb 21
  1. Culinary traditions are being preserved through detailed cookbooks for various cuisines around the world, even those not typically documented in America.
  2. There is a debate about the best way to record recipes - detailed gram measurements can sometimes overshadow the intuitive 'feel' that experienced cooks rely on.
  3. Recipes serve as static records of dynamic dishes, capturing a moment in time but unable to fully encapsulate the evolving nature of traditional cooking styles.
let them eat cake β€’ 199 implied HN points β€’ 05 Jul 19
  1. Biddeford, Maine transformed from mill town to a vibrant community with new economy ventures like art studios, microbrewery, and funky eateries.
  2. Kim and Alec, the founders of Rover Bagel, moved to Biddeford for affordable space and opportunity to start their business, customizing bagels that stand out for their unique crust and flavor.
  3. Despite success, challenges lie in the growth of Rover Bagel due to limitations in space and resources, reflecting the reality of entrepreneurship requiring more than hard work and creativity.
let them eat cake β€’ 199 implied HN points β€’ 28 Jun 19
  1. Minetta Tavern in New York offers a burger and beer for $37-45, a modern price for traditional items.
  2. The pricing of the burgers reflects the high cost of ingredients and the challenging work in the food industry.
  3. There is a movement towards collectively run restaurants like the one in Oakland, offering a different approach to food service.
Polymathic Being β€’ 53 implied HN points β€’ 08 Nov 23
  1. Serendipity can lead to unexpected and delicious outcomes, like a unique cake recipe.
  2. Being open to unusual ideas and chance encounters can result in fun and memorable experiences.
  3. Sharing experiences and recipes with friends can create long-lasting connections and traditions.
Who is Robert Malone β€’ 13 implied HN points β€’ 19 Feb 25
  1. Start your seeds indoors to get a jump on the growing season. Using tools like indoor gardens can help you grow food like lettuce and herbs easily.
  2. Raised beds are great for gardening, especially if your soil isn't good or if you have pests. They make it easier to cover plants and protect them.
  3. Invest in good gardening tools that can last. Taking care of your tools is important, so they work when you need them most.
let them eat cake β€’ 179 implied HN points β€’ 13 Sep 19
  1. Every cuisine in Singapore has its version of chicken curry, but they shouldn't all be cooked the same way. Each household adds their own touches.
  2. Cookbooks like 'South East Asian Food' by Rosemary Brissenden focus on intentions and histories of recipes, not just measurements, preserving culinary traditions.
  3. Beyond recipes, these books offer insight into cultural contexts and differences in cooking styles across countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore.
let them eat cake β€’ 179 implied HN points β€’ 06 Sep 19
  1. We follow our nose to find hidden artisanal treasures, like a soy sauce brewery in an industrial park in Singapore.
  2. Family loyalty and modernization collide in traditional trades, with younger generations re-imagining how to market age-old products.
  3. The intricate process of brewing soy sauce involves unique techniques passed down through generations, resulting in distinct flavors and characteristics.
let them eat cake β€’ 179 implied HN points β€’ 30 Aug 19
  1. Repeal of the gainful employment rule impacted for-profit culinary schools, leading to closures, including the American franchise of Cordon Bleu.
  2. Professional cooking skills taught in real kitchens may differ from what culinary schools typically teach, emphasizing practical knowledge and efficiency.
  3. Using a mandoline safely requires technique and caution to avoid injury, as demonstrated by a story of a job applicant who cut himself in a kitchen.
The Counterfactual β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 27 Mar 23
  1. Disgust sensitivity and gender are important factors in whether people want to try cultured meat. Generally, men are more willing than women, and those who feel more disgusted are less likely to try it.
  2. How people feel about cultured meat really matters. If they express positive feelings, they're more likely to want to try it and even pay extra for it.
  3. Even with different factors considered, only about 25% of what makes people willing to try cultured meat can be explained. This shows there's still a lot to discover about what influences these decisions.
The Analog Family β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 05 May 23
  1. Planning meals ahead of time helps to manage busy weeks better. It made it easier to cook for guests and make tasty dishes.
  2. Using marked-down items from the grocery store can lead to delicious meals at a lower cost. It's a clever way to save money while trying out new recipes.
  3. Baking and trying new recipes can be fun, especially when you have company. The cookies and muffins were a hit, and adding unique ingredients can enhance the flavor.
let them eat cake β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 04 May 22
  1. The pandemic has accelerated the growth of 15-minute grocery delivery and farm-taxi companies serving urban areas.
  2. These services vary in pricing and structure, with one being venture-funded and the other more community-oriented.
  3. Differences in pricing are influenced by labor value, externalities, and capital intensity, affecting the potential for automation and resilience in the long run.
let them eat cake β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 01 May 22
  1. Venture-tech has negatively impacted the US restaurant scene by funding delivery services, ghost kitchens, and virtual brands.
  2. The internet has a way of separating content from its physical origins and redirecting the financial flows that content generates.
  3. Technology has been changing the restaurant landscape significantly, impacting how restaurants operate and how they interact with customers.
let them eat cake β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 25 Apr 21
  1. The traditional hawker food industry in Singapore is facing challenges due to low prices and competition, leading to the emergence of 'hawkerpreneurs' who offer non-traditional dishes at higher prices.
  2. The government's efforts to incentivize young people to become hawkers may inadvertently promote a shift towards more commercialized and market-driven approaches in the hawker trade.
  3. There is a tension between the public's willingness to pay higher prices for 'modernized' hawker food from 'hawkerpreneurs' and their resistance to more traditional hawkers raising prices, highlighting societal perceptions and economic complexities within the hawker culture.
let them eat cake β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 13 Apr 22
  1. Restaurateurs and critics use the term 'challenging' to describe dishes or restaurants that go against the dining public's preferences, like bitterness or gelatinous textures.
  2. Diners hold power over restaurants, as the food they order can challenge the norm and influence the restaurant scene.
  3. The concept of 'challenging' in food can be revealing and shed light on how diners and critics interact with different culinary experiences.
I Might Be Wrong β€’ 11 implied HN points β€’ 27 Feb 25
  1. Substack writers are humorously required to send five easy pasta recipes by a certain deadline. If they don’t, there's a funny threat of being shot out of a cannon.
  2. The writer presents a comical and exaggerated tone, implying that gathering recipes is straightforward and shouldn't take long.
  3. There's a playful mention of using AI to evaluate the recipes submitted, showing how technology can add a twist to a lighthearted demand.
let them eat cake β€’ 159 implied HN points β€’ 26 Aug 19
  1. Calculations for restaurant staff wages need to consider various factors like turnover and check averages to ensure fair payment.
  2. The idea of a sustainable wage for restaurant workers raises questions about pay disparities within the industry and the need for all service workers to receive fair compensation.
  3. The existence of table service in restaurants is supported by the tip credit system, with some states eliminating this system to ensure equal wages for all staff.
The Works in Progress Newsletter β€’ 15 implied HN points β€’ 09 Dec 24
  1. Pour-over coffee has become popular for its quality but takes time to make, causing challenges for coffee shops. Many shops are now finding ways to offer pour-over without long wait times.
  2. Several new coffee brewing technologies have emerged to help cafes offer a variety of brews, improving both speed and taste. Machines like the Clover and newer automation systems are making it easier to serve great coffee quickly.
  3. The history of coffee brewing shows a shift from quick, machine-made coffee to more careful, artisanal methods like pour-over, reflecting a growing appreciation for the distinct flavors of different coffee origins.
The Rotten Apple β€’ 10 implied HN points β€’ 03 Mar 25
  1. Food fraud incidents have remained stable over recent years, with no significant changes in the types of fraud reported. This means the same food items are often targeted year after year.
  2. Honey has become a bigger focus in food fraud discussions, with new regulations in place for imported honey to ensure its quality and authenticity in Europe.
  3. More reporting and attention from regulatory bodies may lead to an increase in reported incidents, but this doesn't necessarily mean there's more fraud happening; it might just reflect better tracking.