Charles Strite, The Inventor Who Made Toasters Pop
Today was the birthday in 1878 of a guy who changed breakfast forever: Charles Strite, the inventor of the pop-up toaster. Here's how the idea popped up.
During Prohibition, Grape Growers Sold “Wine Bricks” To Thirsty Customers
This week in 1920, a federal law enforcing the Constitution's Prohibition Amendment took effect. But there were loopholes, and one of the most clever way to use those loopholes was through something known as the "grape brick" or "wine brick."
The Delicious History Of Hanukkah Latkes
One of the most popular Hanukkah traditions these days is latkes, though this delicious part of the Festival of Lights has definitely seen a few changes over the years.
Movie Fans In Texas Enjoy Pickles When They Go To The Theater
It's National Pickle Day. Maybe you put these briny cucumbers on sandwiches, or burgers, or just snack on them as they are. Or, if you’re a Texan, you might order a few up when you go to the movies.
How Joyce Chen Helped The US Fall In Love With Chinese Food
This week in 1917, the birthday of Joyce Chen, restaurateur, cookbook author, TV host and one of the biggest reasons why Chinese food became a big hit in the United States.
The Egg Cream Is A Refreshing New York City Classic
Today in 1664, the city previously known as New Amsterdam came under English control and was promptly renamed New York. So we're celebrating an NYC classic, the egg cream.
Momofuku Ando, The Guy Who Invented Instant Ramen
Today in 1958, eaters looking for a quick, inexpensive and tasty option got what they were looking for: it was the birthday of instant noodles. And the man known as the Father of Instant Noodles was Momofuku Ando.
Before There Were Chicken McNuggets, McDonald’s Tried Selling Onion Nuggets
Today is National Onion Day. For a very brief time in the 1970s, the preeminent fast food chain on Earth thought the onion might be its pathway to bigger sales. Here's the story of the McDonald's Onion Nugget.
Raise A Glass Of Red Drink On Juneteenth
There are lots of traditions that come with Juneteenth, like the foods and drinks that end up on the table at Juneteenth parties. A lot of these refreshments include the color red, and that’s on purpose.
When World War II Meant No Bananas For The UK, People Made “Mock Bananas” Out Of Parsnips
It's National Banana Day, so we've got the story of people in the UK who went to great lengths to simulate having bananas when the real deal was off limits during World War II.