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- The Slice #19
The Slice #19
from your friendly, neighborhood pizza joint
What's up pizza people?!? This is The Slice, the newsletter that's at the top of everyone's wish list. We're switching things up this week to bring you our 2022 year in review! We're covering the foods and trends that helped to define the culinary world over the past year - most of which we hope stick around in 2023!
ESPRESSO MARTINIS
It kinda seems like this is all anyone drank this year. When you can't choose between coffee and booze - don't! This drink was literally invented when a model asked for something that would "wake me up, and f-ck me up", and, well... that's pretty accurate. People are always going to want a little pick me up when they're out on the town, and this is basically a classier version of some of the alternatives.
SHAKSHUKA
Although eggs-baked-in-sauce is popular template around the world, the North African/Middle Eastern version grabbed everyone's attention this year. Eggs cooked in a spicy tomato-based sauce - what's not to love? It doesn't hurt that it's pretty darn easy to make. Pop it in the oven, hit it with a little feta, and sop it up with some crusty bread. Let's keep Shakshuka around in 2023, while also exploring a few variations:
COMMUNAL FOOD IS BACK
Things were definitely weird for a while there as we emerged from the pandemic. Many diners (rightfully) wanted to keep things separated, but it seems like the tides are turning. The communal aspect of dining with friends was one of the things we missed most when we were all cooped up. From whole fish, to hot pot, to Korean barbecue, to punch bowls, sharing is cool again!
Excess is back, baby! Diners want the highest quality products and experiences, and no single item exemplifies that more than the caviar bump. It's impossibly simple: a little hit of high-quality caviar, best served with a good martini.
Just to be clear, you take this bump with your mouth...
GHOST KITCHENS
We're not sure how we feel about this one. Sure, the basic concept makes sense - low overhead for delivery-focused food. But too much of a good thing can definitely be a bad thing. Sure, the prices might be a little lower, but there's a level of anonymity and lack of accountability that we don't love. Also, there is absolutely nothing in the world that can replace the experience of dining in a restaurant, and no amount of clever marketing will ever change that.
NEGRONI SBAGLIATO... WITH PROSECCO
Leave this one in 2022. Sbagliato literally means accident, because this drink was invented when a bartender mistakenly made a Negroni with prosecco instead of gin. That makes sense, because the original (equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth) is roughly ten times better. The sbagliato was obviously ubiquitous for a few months, but we're thrilled that its popularity is dying off.
PRIVATE DINING
Sure, it's nice to book a primo table with a view of the entire restaurant. But you know what's even cooler? Having an entire space to yourselves! Many restaurants (and their patrons) have leaned into these custom-curated experiences, whether for holiday parties, rehearsal dinners, or anything else worth celebrating! Check out a couple of our favorites below ;)
REFERRAL
Tell your friends about The Slice! We're dishing out sick rewards for different referral milestones - spread the word to earn some sweet swag!
THAT 2022 MEME
We forgot to mention "food influencers" - we're not fans.
That's a wrap for today - see ya next week!
Keep it cheesy,
Andrew "Hot Sauce" Miller | Joe "Doughboy" Lowery | Kelsey "Slice Slice Baby" Herrera
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