A trend that took root during the pandemic as it tapped a vein of comfort-seeking behavior has no intention of going away or even slowing down.
In this Flavor Focus we’ll attempt to catch your mind’s eye, trigger a memory, and tug on a heartstring or two as we explore how food and memory play on the plate. And how chefs are bringing some fun experimental twists to the classics.
And the evocative and delicious cycle continues…
An elegantly plated dish of simple ratatouille is placed in front of Ego and upon tasting the first bite a flood of memory, emotion, realization, and comfort have him joyfully digging in for more.
Meet the “Proustian moment.”
In writer Marcel Proust’s novel, In Search Of Lost Time, he recounted how eating a madeleine cake as an adult instantly evoked memories from his childhood of seeing his aunt dip her madeleine cake in tea. Now any involuntary memory that evokes your past has been known as a “Proustian moment”.
So next time you take a bite and it transports you - embrace the catalyst and try to enjoy the moment - Proust and Ego will be cheersing you.
The Data Made Me Do It
Newstalgia on the menu is becoming less of a trend and more of a standard, but that doesn’t mean the appetite is waning - in fact, it’s only growing, especially among that insatiable Gen Z crowd. But don’t just take it from us - the data doesn’t lie:
SPOTTED: Newstalgia
Dish Sightings In The Wild
Newstalgia dishes and flavors are taking over menus - check out a few of our favorites from Spiceology chef customers.
Smoked Chipotle Herbs de Provence Shrimp & Pimento Mac & Cheese
by Chef Ryan Kirby
Shop Smoked Chipotle Herbs de Provence
The Stats:
There are few things better in life (or more nostalgic) than a good grilled cheese sandwich someone else made for you. Buttery, crispy, cheesy, melty, salty - it’s comfort incarnate.
Take Me Back:
Holiday Dishes to Remember
The holidays serve up concentrated nostalgia on a platter. It’s packed with potent memory and emotional triggers because tis the season rooted in tradition. Check out some of our favorite (and most popular) classic, traditional and retro holiday dishes over the decades, including our Newstalgia spins on a few:
Nut Mix
With Tandoori Glory
Green Bean Casserole
With Black & Bleu
Cornbread Sticks
With Cowboy Candy
Sweet Potato Casserole
With Pumpkin Spice
Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes
With Greek Freak
Honey Roasted Carrots
With Korean BBQ
Smoked Turkey
With Black Magic
Dr. Pepper Glazed Ham
With Jamaican Jerk
Roasted Chicken
With Turkey Rub
Roast Beef
With Nashville Hot
Prime Rib
With Prime Rib Rub
Espresso Mint Martini
With Cowboy Crust
White Cocoa
With Curry Madras
Hot Buttered Rum
With Jamaican Jerk
Bring on the Newstalgia
Bleu Cheese Buffalo Blend
Cayenne Pepper, Paprika, Garlic Granules, White Vinegar Powder, Bleu Cheese Powder
Candied Bacon Sriracha Blend
Chipotle Powder, Paprika, Sriracha Salt, Brownulated Sugar, Mesquite Powder
Derek Wolf | Nashville Hot Chicken | BBQ Rub
Cayenne Pepper, Onion Granules, Paprika, Paprika, Light Chili Powder
Pizza Seasoning
Oregano, Red Pepper Chili Flake, Parsley, Garlic, Red Bell Pepper
- Spicy
- Salty
- Herbaceous
- +1
Pizza Pie Salt-Free Seasoning
Oregano, Red Pepper Chili Flake, Parsley, Garlic, Red Bell Pepper
Really Ranch Salt-Free Seasoning
Garlic, Dill Weed, Citric Acid, Parsley, Dried Chives
Smoked Chipotle Herbs de Provence Seasoning
Chipotle Powder, Garlic Granules, Lavender Flower, Paprika, Lemon Peel Powder
- Spicy
- Salty
- Herbaceous
- +1