Famous Flavors

The Golden Triangle Trap The Golden Triangle Trap (image credits: unsplash) Your eyes aren’t just wandering randomly when you look at a restaurant menu. They follow a predictable pattern that menu engineers have studied extensively. Psychologists fittingly call these three areas “The Golden Triangle,” and it refers to the way our eyes tend to move when first looking at a menu. When we look at a restaurant’s menu, our eyes typically move to the middle first before traveling to the top right corner and then, finally, to the top left. This has been dubbed the ‘Golden Triangle’ by menu engineers, … Read more

Automatic Gratuity on Large Parties – The Bill That Gets Bigger Before You Know It Automatic Gratuity on Large Parties – The Bill That Gets Bigger Before You Know It (image credits: unsplash) That moment when you’re celebrating with friends and the bill arrives with an unexpected shock can ruin any good time. Automatic gratuity is typically between 15% and 20% of the check and is only applied to parties of six or more to ensure servers receive proper compensation. Many restaurants that implement automatic gratuity report facing customer refusals and pushback from diners. Restaurant staff consistently point out that … Read more

The Milk and Eggs Journey Is All About Psychology The Milk and Eggs Journey Is All About Psychology (image credits: unsplash) You’ve probably never questioned why milk and eggs are located at the very back of your grocery store, but there’s a calculated reason behind this placement. These tactics include placing essentials like milk and eggs at the back of the store, forcing you to walk past a lot of other products to get to the staple goods. Stores rely on a standard physical layout, along with psychology and marketing tactics, to entice you to buy things you hadn’t planned … Read more

Gluten-Free Pizza with Cauliflower Crust Gluten-Free Pizza with Cauliflower Crust (image credits: wikimedia) Cauliflower crust pizza has taken kitchens by storm, and for good reason—many say it’s even tastier than classic wheat-based pizza. The crust bakes up with a crisp edge and a satisfying chew, offering a mild flavor that lets toppings shine. In a 2023 consumer survey, 62% of respondents said they preferred the lighter taste of cauliflower crust over regular pizza dough. Home cooks also love that it’s naturally lower in calories and carbohydrates. When topped with vibrant tomato sauce, colorful veggies, and gooey dairy-free cheese, the pizza … Read more

Spicy Chili Crunch: Turning Up the Heat Without Breaking the Bank Spicy Chili Crunch: Turning Up the Heat Without Breaking the Bank (image credits: unsplash) The craze for spicy chili crunch toppings is not slowing down, even with new tariffs on imported peppers. According to recent food industry data, sales of chili oil condiments grew by 35% in 2023 alone. Domestic producers are filling the gap, sourcing chilis from California and the Southwest, making it possible for home cooks and restaurants to keep these spicy toppings on the menu. Grocery chains have responded by increasing their own-label offerings, keeping prices … Read more

Crystal Pepsi’s Clear Revival Crystal Pepsi’s Clear Revival (image credits: wikimedia) Remember when Pepsi decided to make their cola transparent? The mystique of Crystal Pepsi from the early nineties captured teenage imaginations everywhere, promising the same cola taste without the signature brown color. The clear cola from the ’90s is back on select shelves in its original formula, triggering big-time nostalgia. What made this drink so fascinating was the psychological trickery – your brain expected a different flavor based on appearance alone. The drink disappeared quickly from mainstream markets but has maintained cult status among Gen X and millennials who … Read more

The Golden Triangle Eye Trap The Golden Triangle Eye Trap (image credits: unsplash) You’ve probably never noticed it before, but your eyes follow a predictable pattern when you scan a restaurant menu. Research has shown that items placed within this golden triangle receive significantly more attention from diners. Menu engineering studies indicate that customers are most likely to order items from these specific areas, making them prime real estate for dishes with the highest profit margins. When you open a menu, your eyes naturally move to the center first, then drift upward to the top right corner, and finally sweep … Read more

West Tennessee Whole-Hog BBQ – The Vanishing Art West Tennessee Whole-Hog BBQ – The Vanishing Art (image credits: flickr) West Tennessee’s rich tradition of whole-hog barbecue should be on every food lover’s radar. Renowned pitmaster Pat Martin is at the helm of this dying art, and his new cookbook, “Life of Fire,” offers insight into what he refers to as an “endangered species of regional barbecue”. According to some estimates, there are very few traditional joints left, so this style of BBQ really is in danger of extinction. West Tennessee’s style of whole-hog BBQ used to be part of daily … Read more

Sriracha: The Fiery Kick from Thailand Sriracha: The Fiery Kick from Thailand (image credits: unsplash) Sriracha sauce has taken the world by storm, adding a fiery punch to everything from scrambled eggs to pizza. Originally from Thailand, this chili-garlic sauce is loved for its perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and tang. Research from the market analysis firm Mintel revealed that sriracha sales in the US increased by over 20% between 2015 and 2023, proving its global appeal. Many chefs now use sriracha as a secret ingredient in marinades and salad dressings. Adding just a drizzle can wake up bland chicken … Read more

Ignoring the Server’s Recommendations Ignoring the Server’s Recommendations (image credits: unsplash) Walking into a restaurant and immediately defaulting to your comfort zone is one of the biggest blunders you can make. When asked about the most typical blunders he sees from customers, Lange answered, “ordering without asking questions,” explaining how vital communication is during the dining experience. “We love being there to help and guide guests, and to ensure a great meal, we ask questions about what they like and always make sure we’re communicating clearly.” Your server isn’t just there to take your order – they’re your personal guide … Read more