The Umami Reader: Anthony Bourdain Loves Popeye's Mac and Cheese
- This week, Anthony Bourdain appeared on Reddit for an AMA (Ask Me Anything), where he revealed his deep love of Popeye's mac and cheese. "I have an unholy and guilty attraction to fast-food macaroni and cheese. During the morning I get these horrendous cravings for Popeye's mac and cheese, and, uh, I will often disguise myself to try to slip into Popeyes. Or in a pinch, I will even go to the Colonel. There, I admit it. And I'm always recognized." (Grubstreet)
- A new book called Ten Restaurants That Changed America by Paul Freedman tells our nation's history of dining out through 10 restaurants. Included on Freedman's list of what he considers the country's most influential restaurants are Delmonico's (America's "first true restaurant"), Howard Johnson's (franchise fast food pioneer), The Four Seasons (established fine dining in America), Antoine's (legendary New Orleans restaurant), Schrafft's (a restaurant where women and the middle class felt welcome to eat), Le Pavillon ("influenced an entire generation of French chefs"), Sylvia's (a neighborhood restaurant as a social center), Mamma Leone's (brought Italian cuisine to mainstream America), The Mandarin (introduced America to Chinese food and culture beyond chop suey and chow mein), and Chez Panisse (first to champion local and seasonal cuisine). Freedman tells the NYT that there are a few young contenders that are on par with his 10: Benu, Husk,and Shake Shack. (New York Times)
- On the restaurant list tip, don't miss Condé Nast Traveler's "Where in the World to Eat," featuring the 207 best restaurants in the world. Congrats to our friends at Camino for making the list!! Other Bay Area accolades go to Bar Tartine, Zuni Cafe, Swan Oyster Depot, Saison, Benu, and Chez Panisse. (Condé Nast Traveler)
- Should In-N-Out add a real-deal veggie burger to its menu (an actual meat alternative burger, that is, and not just the "grilled cheese" that vegetarians usually opt for)? Several thousand people, who have signed a Change.org petition created by The Good Food Institute, think so. But of course, there are also a bunch of people who think a vegetarian option is sacrilege. (SFist)
- And finally: Do NOT get between this kid and his popsicle. (via Jae Chong)
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